One in three drivers want SUVs despite increased risk to pedestrians

One in three Britons would choose an SUV over any other type of vehicle if money were no object, despite almost half believing they are more likely to cause serious injuries to pedestrians and other vulnerable road users in a collision.New car sales figures show that seven of the UK's ten best-selling models are SUVs.A decade ago, only two SUVs featured in the nation's best-sellers list. Twenty years ago, there were none.National Accident Helpline says Britain is experiencing a contradiction between the growing popularity of SUVs and concerns about public safety.While drivers increasingly view these larger vehicles as desirable, research suggests many are also worried about the impact their growing dominance could have on pedestrians, cyclists and children.It is the latest in a series of reports raising concerns about the increasing demand for SUVs, which now account for more than half of all new-car model options available in UK showrooms. A third of drivers would choose an SUV over any other vehicle. money no object. But half of the motorists polled said they think these larger motors are a greater risk to vulnerable road users A poll of 1,000 UK motorists found that a third would choose an SUV over any other type of vehicle if cost was not a consideration, making it the nation's most desirable car category ahead of traditional status symbols such as convertibles and coupes.In some parts of the country, SUVs are already the dominant vehicle type.National Accident Helpline claims SUVs have overtaken hatchbacks as the most common vehicle category in Greater London, where 31 per cent of respondents own an SUV compared with 21 per cent who drive a traditional hatchback.Women appeared particularly attracted to SUVs.More than a third (36 per cent) of female drivers surveyed said they would choose an SUV if money were no object, compared with 30 per cent of men.Join the discussionShould SUV owners be held responsible for the increased risks to pedestrians and children on our roads?What's your view?When asked why SUVs have become so popular, respondents overwhelmingly pointed to practicality and family-friendly features.The most common reason cited was their suitability for family life (43 per cent), followed by a higher driving position (38 per cent), comfort (37 per cent) and greater interior space (34 per cent).Three in ten respondents also highlighted the vehicles' status-symbol appeal as a major factor behind their popularity.A recent study by vehicle sales platform CarGurus found there are now 193 SUV and crossover variants, conventional hatchbacks with raised ride heights, available across the UK's 35 most popular car brands.That represents 52 per cent of all new-car model options currently on sale.The figure is up 543 per cent compared with 2000, when just 35 SUV variants were available.Official registration data also shows SUVs have become the UK's most popular vehicle segment, overtaking superminis and accounting for more than a third of all new-car sales. SMMT data shows that seven of the ten best-selling models in 2026 are SUV or crossover vehicles with higher front ends that do more damage to pedestrians in crashes