Paul Gage of Shoeburyness, Essex, has expressed reservations about the growing popularity of Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs), questioning their practicality and overall appeal. He argues that despite their name, SUVs are neither sporty nor particularly utilitarian in their modern form.

Originating in the United States several decades ago, SUVs were initially designed with specific uses in mind but have since evolved into a common sight globally, including in markets such as China. Gage notes that many models have become visually indistinct once their brand logos are removed, reflecting a homogenization of design.

He also highlights concerns about the suitability of newer electric SUVs for narrower roads, citing features like increased height, heavy batteries, and altered driving positions as factors that may not align well with typical road conditions in some areas. Gage further suggests that the added weight of these vehicles could contribute to the deterioration of road surfaces, as illustrated by what he perceives as a rise in potholes.

The term "Chelsea tractor," traditionally used to describe SUVs favored in affluent urban areas, no longer applies solely to specific locations, according to Gage. For his part, he prefers more conventional vehicle styles such as coupes, sedans, or estate cars that offer practicality including larger cargo space.