From a purely visual point of view, there doesn't seem to be any major differences between SUVs and SUVs. However, you should not be fooled by this.
- Visually, SUVs and SUVs have many similarities.
- The terms are often used interchangeably.
- In fact, there are differences between SUVs and SUVs.
Every automaker who is self-respecting now has a "Sports Utility Vehicle", or SUV for short. The cars offer increased driving comfort and look similar to an off-road vehicle - but can an SUV really be compared to an off-road vehicle?
SUVs and SUVs: is there really a difference?
According to the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA), this is not the case. Since 2013, SUVs * and SUVs have been listed separately in the statistics. On January 1, 2018, a total of 2,622,224 SUVs and 2,210,137 off-road vehicles were counted in Germany. It makes no difference what the manufacturer says: BMW sells the X3 * as an SUV, for example, but the KBA registers it as an off-road vehicle. Find out what makes the difference here.
Also interesting : Nissan Juke - second generation of the Japan SUV is strongly networked.
These points make the difference between SUVs and SUVs
In contrast to a sedan, an SUV is characterized by increased ground clearance and a characteristic body shape. The SUV also has this in common with the off-road vehicle - but the features are not sufficient to classify the SUV as such. As the ADAC writes, in addition to all-wheel drive (which may be disengageable) and a differential lock (or a comparable device), the following minimum requirements for an off-road vehicle, which should ensure off-road capability, include:
- Gradeability (on the mountain) of at least 30 percent
- Slope angle in front over 25 degrees
- Slope angle behind 20 degrees
- Ramp angle at least 20 degrees
- Ground clearance under the axles of at least 18 centimeters
- Ground clearance between the axles of at least 200 millimeters
In order to be officially considered an off-road vehicle (type M1G), the vehicle must meet or even exceed at least five of these requirements.
Poll: What do you think are the worst drivers by brand?
Read also : Loud or quiet? The "city SUV" Skoda Kamiq with three-cylinder in the test.
With new photos: Strange speed camera pictures - The craziest radar photos
To the photo gallery
* tz.de is part of the nationwide Ippen-Digital editors network.