Adapt or die: Future of big SUVs

Large trucks and SUV will be still be needed in 5 to 10 years. But they’ll need to change.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) — Until recently, big SUVs had resisted the sales declines hitting their smaller, mid-size brethren. That was because large SUV drivers were hard-core – they really needed interior room and pulling power, and they weren’t about to switch to car-like crossovers.

But with skyrocketing gasoline prices, many big SUV drivers are rethinking those needs. Last month, non-luxury full-size SUV sales plunged 41% compared with last year, according to the Power Information Network, which tracks the auto industry.


Big SUVs aren’t going to go away. Car companies still need to cater to their customers’ needs while satisfying stricter government requirements and consumers’ need for better fuel economy.

Here are the steps they’ll be taking to make these big vehicles a little easier to swallow.

CNN