What is the point of them?

personally I like them, higher seating and viewpoint, benefits are usually higher weight and 4x4 and better toys on board. Certainly more space inside and more versatile all round to carry various loads.

But I think that the idea of them might be for car manufactures to sell more cars and calling something a sport utility vehicle is more appealing that car ?

have been driving a Kia Sorento auto for 3 years now, tows like a dream, drives solo like a dream, and having had both knees replaced is just so easy to slide in and out off, and grandchildren love the 7 seat arrangement, and it is still under warranty, whats not to like

when I get a few minutes spare I will try and give it some thought

Our Kia sportage Auto is the most user friendly vehicle i have had,and as we get less mobile in ourselves it becomes more so, both solo and towing (rear camera is wonderful)

 For motorhomers the advantages are....4wd ones will pull you out of the mud.....7 seaters have more room for passengers when out and about sightseeing or shopping

same for our one year old Sorento, best towcar we've ever had, and so versatile for storage with all the various seats down/split.

even with the second row in place, can get all the awning gear in easily and lots to spare.

but I don't get stuck in the mud !! and I use my M/H for shopping and sightseeing, so no advantage for me

think your living the dream R.

I`ve been going around looking at a replacement car and when I get into a car/estate car all I get from my other half is "now get out". I`ll stick to an SUV for ease of access and visibility. 

I don't quite follow the argument about stability of 4x4's. Why should they be any more stable?

You do say that they usually come with a better noseweight figure, but my previous SUV had a 2000kg towload limit but only 80kg noseweight.