To this day they are still at the foot of the canyon.
In the middle of 2023 everything is SUV, however, it is not necessary to go far back to find a time when things were not like that. Two decades ago SUVs were, as they say, in their infancy, and among them there were pioneers who marked what would be the future years of the automotive world: 7 SUVs that led the way in the 2000s.
The origins of each one were different, since some already emerged as SUVs, others were transformed from an origin that was more of an SUV, some were generalists, others established a chair in the premium and luxury segment. However, they all have something in common: they have reached our days.
nissan qashqai
There are several brands that dispute the title of having been the first to have launched an SUV on the market, but in many cases they were models that mixed the DNA of pure SUVs in their genetics. This was not the case with the Nissan Qashqai, which can be considered the first general SUV, a real sales bomb from its launch to the present day.
Toyota RAV-4
Another of those who are in contention for the title and which, in fact, was launched on the market before the Nissan, but the case of the RAV4 was different, since its first generation was more off-road in style and it was not until later evolutions when It has been leaving aside that country style to become a full-fledged SUV.
Porsche Cayenne
Each car brand has a specific model of capital importance in its history. In the case of Porsche, it was the Cayenne, a vehicle considered sacrilege by many, but which saved the German brand, served to boost sales considerably and also demonstrated that luxury, performance and off-road capability could go hand in hand. .
honda crv
Although it is hard to believe due to its current approach, the Honda was born as an SUV, not as an SUV, although it was ahead of its time by adding to its qualities the ability to offer pleasant and comfortable driving on asphalt. Seeing the paths of the industry in the following years, the Japanese brand opted for that aspect.
Audi Q7
The original Audi Q7 was a real mole. A large SUV, with rounded shapes, an elongated body and muscular wheel arches. Seeing one on the road was simply impressive. It came to the market at a time of pre-crisis economic boom, which helped it in sales. Over time it has evolved towards a more rational model.
Range Rover Sports
Another early example of a luxury SUV, but in this case it had the added merit that Land Rover is traditionally a brand of SUVs, but that it had enough vision to see that a gap was beginning to open up in the market for models with a Similar aesthetic but more civilized. The rest is history.
Volvo XC90
One look at the original XC90 shows that while it had a premium approach, it had a more rugged, camper character than now, as it has undergone a considerable evolution of refinement, with unmistakable styling and a muscular look, but more elegant.
