Where did the cars go? How heavier, costlier SUVs and utes took over Australia’s roads

If we’re upset about the price of petrol, why do we drive the vehicles we do?

SUVs (so-called sport utility vehicles) use more fuel per kilometre than standard cars – according to the International Energy Agency, up to 25% more.

They weigh more than standard cars – about 100 kilograms more.

And they emit more carbon than standard cars. In Australia, medium-size SUVs emit 14% more carbon per kilometre travelled than medium-size cars. Large SUVs emit 30% more than…