Why are SUVs so popular today? Go to any parking lot in the country and there will be a good chance that the majority of the vehicles parked there are some form of an SUV. Lets take a look at what has made this type of vehicle the choice of so many new car buyers. There are many reasons that have contributed to the rising popularity of the SUV. When they were first introduced to the motoring public they were not much more then an enclosed version of a pickup truck. This meant that they drove, well, like a truck and consumed vast amounts of gasoline as well. Fuel efficient vehicles they were not. As more and more people found that this type of vehicle was far more useful than a sedan or wagon, automakers began to slowly evolve the SUV into what it is today. The current generation of SUVs continue to offer all the versality and convenience that SUVs have always been known for. They now also offer all the comfort, luxury and safety features that were once found only in high-end luxury sedans. Below are some of the top traits that have made SUVs so appealling. 7 or 8 Passenger Seating With 3rd row seating available in many of the SUVs on the market, it is no wonder why so many families buy them. Although there are other types of 7 and 8 passenger vehicles available such as station wagons and minivans, there are many more models of 3 row suvs to choose from. Two of the best third row SUVs on the market are the Acura MDX and Buick Enclave. Improved Gas Mileage Buyers needing a fuel efficient vehicle can now find it in an SUV. The best gas mileage SUV models are hybrid models such as the Toyota Highlander Hybrid or small compact SUVs like the Honda CR-V or Mazda CX-5. These vehicles are some of the SUVs with best gas mileage you can buy. Available All Wheel Drive Many new car buyers want and need the added traction and safety that all wheel drive provides. All wheel drive is an option for most of the SUV vehicles today. Many come with this feature as standard equipment. If you live in a climate where winter is a reality, having all wheel drive is probably high on your list of requirements. Just Plain Cool Ask any school kid what is cooler? A minivan, station wagon or SUV and the answer you will hear most often is definetly an SUV. Buyers are attracted to the stylish exterior looks and the sense of ruggedness that these vehicles provide. Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com S Neils is an automotive journalist and writer. SUVs are his passion and he is eagerly awaiting the new crop of SUVs to hit the market. See his blog at http://www.best-suvs.com.