Why don't SUVs have rear-wheel drive?
2 Answers
SUVs don't have rear-wheel drive because rear-wheel drive vehicles have stronger power than front-wheel drive vehicles and higher manufacturing costs. The following is an introduction to front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive vehicles: Advantages of front-wheel drive vehicles: Because the manufacturing cost of front-wheel drive vehicles is lower, the interior space is also more abundant, especially the rear seat space. Front-wheel drive vehicles have fewer and simpler mechanical components, omitting the driveshaft device, which significantly reduces the vehicle's weight. There are also some disadvantages, such as being prone to understeer, because the front wheels are not only the steering wheels but also the driving wheels of the vehicle. Advantages of rear-wheel drive vehicles: Better handling and more noticeable acceleration effects. The disadvantages include higher fuel consumption, relatively smaller interior space, and being prone to slipping in rain or snow. Rear-wheel drive vehicles are more commonly used as off-road vehicles or racing cars because they have stronger maneuverability.
You might be mistaken, as many SUVs actually have rear-wheel-drive versions, especially some large off-road vehicles or luxury models. However, most mainstream urban SUVs are front-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive, and there are several reasons behind this. First, modern SUV designs prioritize fuel efficiency and daily practicality. The front-wheel-drive layout places the engine and transmission at the front, reducing weight, saving space, and improving fuel economy—models like the Honda CR-V are typical examples. Second, SUVs often drive on challenging terrain, where rear-wheel-drive can easily slip on snow or mud, while four-wheel-drive automatically distributes power to enhance safety. From a cost perspective, rear-wheel-drive requires more drivetrain components, increasing weight and maintenance burdens, so manufacturers prefer shared front-wheel-drive platforms, which lower prices and suit urban commuting. I’ve driven older rear-wheel-drive SUVs and found their handling less stable than four-wheel-drive, especially in off-road conditions, which is why market preferences have driven this shift. In short, this isn’t an absolute rule, but unless you’re into professional off-roading, most people still opt for more affordable and safer drivetrain options.
