<P> A sport utility vehicle or suburban utility vehicle (SUV) is a vehicle classified as a light truck, but operated as a family vehicle . SUVs are similar to a large station wagon or estate car, though typically featuring tall interior packaging, high H - point seating, high center of gravity, high ground - clearance and especially four - or all - wheel - drive capability for on - or off - road ability . Some SUVs include the towing capacity of a pickup truck with the passenger - carrying space of a minivan or large sedan . </P> <P> Popular in the late - 1990s and early--mid-2000s, SUVs sales temporarily declined due to high oil prices and a declining economy . The traditional truck - based SUV is gradually being supplanted by the crossover SUV, which uses an automobile platform for lighter weight and better fuel efficiency . By 2010, SUV sales around the world were growing, in spite of high gasoline prices . </P>

What does s u v mean in cars