Despite the environmental mantra of “small is beautiful,” Americans continue to abandon small cars in favor of bulky SUVs. Fuel-sipping subcompacts such as the Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit have been dropped from the 2021 model lines. As noted in a Motorweek review, drivers want to “sit high with a commanding view,” the instinct of a general who wants the high ground in any battle. Americans seem to be preparing for civil war in their car buying decisions. You don’t want to be sitting in a small, lightweight car looking up at your enemy in a battle-ready, tank-like SUV.
Americans always have and always will drive large vehicles, because we are free to move about this country and pretty much do as we please. You can't pull a 40 ft camper trailer, boat, or cargo trailer with a Prius....
The small vehicles were never profitable. Big SUV's are. Automobile manufacturers hoarding capital for EV investments must emphasize sales of SUV's to finance their green commitments. The Law of Unintended Consequences was never better illustrated.
Even the 'best bang for the buck' car I ever owned, the Mini Cooper can't seem to stop getting bigger.
