What Will Replace the SUV?

America’s current infatuation with SUVs was either a perfect storm of circumstance or a return to a familiar form.

To some, it was a savvy marketing construct to embrace our disused frontier spirit, play off our post-9/11 survivalist crisis, and excuse our migration from unhip minivans and dowdy sedans into something cooler to haul our children to Montessori.

Or, in a longer view of history of transportation, the postwar love affair with sedans and coupes was the exception. As a transportation device, the SUV was what we were supposed to drive all along.

Crossover mania has been a demographic acid trip. What other vehicle could make both boomers and Gen Xers feel young again—with the bonus of a taller seating height for their aging hips and aching backs?

Sure, we all wanted to be that kayaker