As of: February 11, 2024, 1:00 p.m
By: Marco Blanco Ucles
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SUVs and off-road vehicles are often mentioned in the same breath.
But the two types of cars definitely have differences.
SUVs, like electric cars, are becoming increasingly popular - no wonder: the cars are characterized by increased ground clearance and often an impressive look.
In addition, with their large interior space, they are also ideal as a family vehicle.
The driver also sits comfortably high up, which usually provides better visibility and therefore a greater feeling of safety.
Many characteristics that also apply to off-road vehicles.
And yet it is a mistake to call an SUV – a “sports utility vehicle” – a pure off-road vehicle.
According to the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA), these have been listed separately since 2013.
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SUV not always equipped with all-wheel drive
Unlike off-road vehicles, SUVs, which will in future be subject to significantly higher parking fees in Paris, are not always equipped with all-wheel drive.
Fundamentally, the two car types differ in the course of the type approval process.
While at first glance there are many similarities, according to the ADAC, an off-road vehicle must meet very precise criteria in order to actually be called an off-road vehicle:
Off-road vehicles must meet several requirements in order to be called such.
© Westend61/IMAGO
Approach angle at front more than 25 degrees
Approach angle at rear more than 20 degrees
Climbing ability on mountains of at least 30 percent
Ground clearance between the axles more than 200 millimeters
Ground clearance directly under the axles more than 180 millimeters
Ramp angle more than 20 degrees
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These are by no means recommendations, but rather recognized regulations.
Strict rules apply to the official designation as an off-road vehicle.
The vehicle must meet at least five of the six criteria mentioned.
Otherwise it is not considered an off-road vehicle (type M1G).
In general, a new purchase needs to be carefully considered - customers always have to dig deeper into their pockets.
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The truth is also: Most SUVs largely meet the requirements of an off-road vehicle.
The utility of an SUV is undisputed.
This is underlined by the online portal
Flotte.de
: “The rear compartment of an SUV should be able to hold 1,600 liters - the trunk of larger SUVs can swallow up to 2,000 liters of luggage or more.
Anyone who buys a “real” off-road vehicle may find such features to be of secondary importance – these customers are concerned with being able to cover the most impassable routes possible.”