If the market has shifted to SUV's where are they?

[new2ford]

Originally Posted by tranquilized

Serious question - why is step-in height an issue for so many people? Past injury? Physical size? I've never had a problem with a low step-in height and every car I've owned is as low to the ground as legally and practically possible, and I hope to keep it that way!

Jacking up a wagon kinda defeats the purpose - low center of gravity is essential for enjoyable driving dynamics and active safety. And that's the one factor that cannot be overcome no matter how good the SUV is - the laws of physics are petty much impossible to beat and a car with a low centre of gravity will always be superior (all things being equal) in the handling department.

I guess it would be one or more of physical condition, age, height and ease of lifting children and objects in and out. Some also like the high driving position. You'd be debating this with about a third of the driving population so obviously a lot of people have an issue with low cars! If the demand is there, the manufacturers will meet it.

I can think of a hell of a lot of low cars that the Territory runs rings around in driving pleasure. Maybe not a Falcon but definitely e.g. Camry, Cruze, just to name two I've experienced recently. A well sorted SUV (Territory, BMW Xs) gives a lot of driving pleasure and the primary active safety is high.