Sulu

But as these crossover (car-based) SUVs become more and more car-like, they come closer to resembling the station wagons that Americans once loved, especially for their roominess and ability to road-trip.

The differences are larger wheels and lower-profile tires, and a higher ride height with the higher suspension and availability of AWD.

spwolf

yes, but you know why though? Because when they were desgined 4-5-6-7 years ago, gas was expensive and they all tried to make them look more like cars to sell more.

Now gas is cheap and everyone wants suv's and trucks again... whoever designed more SUV-like version, profited in the NA... like Rav4.

I wonder how will Q7 do in a year or two, since it is clearly designed to look like slightly raised station wagon, while old one was intimidating. I think if they were designing it today, they would do it differently.