The Difference Between an MPV and an SUV
SUVs have been embraced by the driving public. Once regarded as the sole territory of off-roaders and farmers, SUVs are now seen on every city street, outside the coolest hotels and restaurants, and even regarded as ‘luxury’ vehicles.
Before the SUV became the car of choice for families, the MPV reigned supreme, with roomy interiors and, most importantly for a growing family, multiple seats. The problem was that many early MPVs were a little utilitarian, and were often nothing more than a van with an extra couple of rows of seats in the back.
However, things have moved on. SUVs have evolved and developed into high-tech, go-anywhere-do-anything multi-purpose vehicles. MPVs have also refined what they offer the discerning driver and passengers, with better quality finishing, more features, and a less ‘rugged’ feel. At Al-Futtaim Automall, we believe that both MPVs and SUVs provide different packages for different drivers. Here’s what we think defines the two, and what audience they appeal to most.
The MPV – A multi-person vehicle for urban families
MPVs are specifically designed to provide plenty of cabin space for passengers. As such, many have up to seven seats and, while passenger space is plentiful, room for cargo or luggage is limited. To expand this space, the rear row of seats are often multi-functional, and can be re-orientated to expand the luggage space in the back. This does mean, however, that at least one seat is not useable as it has to be dropped down to make room for cargo.
MPVs like the Toyota Avanza 1.5Ltr SE are also designed to be road-focused vehicles, and not all-terrain capable. So you’ll notice that an MPV has a lower ground clearance and has no specific off-road features. MPVs are most at home in the urban environment or on the open highway, where they perform exceptionally well. They have the additional advantage of extensive safety features, making them a family-friendly choice.
The SUV – opening up possibilities
The SUV is so popular that it’s spawned a whole new subsection of vehicle, the crossover. But if you want versatility, the option to tackle the occasional dusty track and have a vehicle that combines both on and off-road capabilities, an SUV is the right choice.
Designed to provide both plenty of passenger space and a larger cargo area, it comes in a variety of sizes and layouts. The majority of SUVs have five seats, so they may not be able to take as many passengers as an MPV. But where they do score is on the ability to pack in plenty of cargo without sacrificing seats.
The much higher level of ground clearance means that bumpy roads, tracks and even the occasional dried-out wadi can be overcome without any issues. SUVs are more of an all-round choice for families who want to take on the urban commute during the week and head into the Great Outdoors at weekends. An SUV like the Renault Duster is a typical example of a modern SUV. Not only is it economical and nippy enough to cope with city traffic, but it has some off-road capabilities too.
Which one will you choose?
If you want to buy an SUV in the UAE, or are looking for apre-owned MPV for sale in Dubai, Al-Futtaim Automall have plenty of vehicles to choose from. Our top tip: try before you buy. With Al-Futtaim Automall, it’s super easy to book a test drive online so you can get a feel for the differences between an SUV and an MPV. Every pre-owned car for sale in our showrooms has undergone a meticulous 99-point safety check, and for added peace of mind you’ll get a full one-year warranty too. Find out more by talking to the team at Al-Futtaim Automall today.