Driftless
Donor
I disagree.
The SUV is an evolutionary dead-end in 99.99% of cases.
There is nothing a standard SUV can do better than a MPV (minivan for those of a NA persuasion). The vast majority of SUVs are FWD and for a larger carbon and physical footprint provide less space and economy.
The best looking SUV is still an ugly bit of kit whereas a well-designed MPV can be a thing of exquisite beauty.
I speak as someone who has owned many examples of both types of car. My favourite car to drive of all time was a proper SUV (Subaru Forester) but it was a pig to look at and had a small cargo capacity and shocking fuel economy.
Until more recently*, it depends on where you live and how you use the vehicle. I live in the US Midwest where we get varying combinations of freezing rain and snow for five months of the year. An SUV, IF it has AWD/4WD with a bit more ground clearance is a very useful thing, especially where the roads aren't immaculately cleared with frequency. Also, if you need to pull a trailer, then a vechile with some more juice and an appropriate suspension is better. I've had both SUV's, Mini-vans, big vans, trucks, and sedans over time and I'll take the SUV and truck anyday.
* Until recently, it was more difficult to find an AWD sedan/van, unless it was a Subaru or an Audi. Not impossible, just more uncommon.