SUV or MPV: Which one to buy?

Long back was a time when there were no SUVs. Yes, there were only pick-ups and all those manufacturers claiming about a long lineage were referring to those workhorses. The question of whether the egg came first or was it the chicken is similar to the SUV or MPV conundrum. From ages, probable customers have always been confused which one to buy. Both have a tall stance, can seat few more people than your regular cars and still take in luggage. However, there is a different appeal to each. While the SUVs will usually be purchased by someone who is looking at a flair more than a pure breadbox for transport, the MPV customers look for just the utility aspect of things, and looks will not matter much to them. Here is how you can end up choosing which one will be ideal for you.

Folks buying MPVs

These are the customers who have an extended family and don’t want two cars parked in their driveway or just don’t like travelling without their kith and kin. The customers will definitely have lots of highway trips planned literally every weekend or two a month. They also like the driving dynamics to be a tad better than a van. If for some godforsaken reason, the customers intend to travel alone but want to carry lots of goodies back to the folks at home, he can easily trip the seats and make more luggage space. This customer as we established earlier will also value practicality rather than sheer good looks. They will also keep a keen eye on the fuel efficiency rather than outright horsepower number.

Folks buying SUVs

SUV buyers usually want to show others that they do a lot of outstation travelling or perhaps they even do. For them, it's more about the road presence and badge than the practicality and comfort aspect. These buyers prefer vehicles with bigger wheels and rough road package to take on the bad roads. For exploring off-road locations, they will also like all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive for their cars. If its a compact SUV, five seats are usually offered, and these customers will not have extended family to take in the car. Sitting higher up in the car is a must for them, and that's how they want others to see them as well. For them, whats under the hood matters a lot. Whether it be a guzzling petrol or a really noisy diesel engine doesn’t matter as long as they can quote those 200+ horsepower figures.

Both are nowadays based on modified car platforms

Except for specialists, most of the car manufacturers have now bridged the gap between MPVs and SUVs. Not only are both based on regular best selling cars but also offer similar seating space. Take the case of the Honda Mobilio or the BR-V. Both look similar, are based on the Brio platform and have seven seats. That the BR-V manages to look more macho while the Mobilio is more of a utilitarian design is something which turns the booking decision in either vehicle’s favour. Customers who fit the MPV criteria will look at the Mobilio while those who want to do a bit of off-roading will be happy with the BR-V. It may be noted here that the BR-V doesn’t come with 4WD or AWD but has bigger wheels and broader tyres. The Mobilio is a tad stingy at the pumps while the BR-V consumes a bit more of fuel to travel one kilometre.

While its easier said than done, one thing is for sure. Those who want an MPV don’t really care about the image. Try as much, an MPV stays the same staid washing machine that you drive around while the SUV is the Savile suit donning vehicle that will announce your status before you even get out of the car. It is very rare for a Mobilio customer to go in for the BR-V or vice versa. Unless the sales executive tricks them with more discounts or offers and knowing Honda, it is a rarity. Tell us which one will you buy in the comments section below.