Rise of SUVs and the Pioneering Models That Started It All

Hyundai, Aston Martin, and More: A Look at the First
SUV Models from Various Auto Manufacturers

Outdoor activities have recently become a significant part of many people’s lifestyles, leading to a preference for larger SUVs over sedans. There are various reasons why SUVs have gained popularity. For one, their height provides a better view than other types of cars. Their spacious interiors and ample storage space make them ideal for trips or long-distance travel.

The SUV concept was born in the United States. It is said that the history of the SUV began when the Jeep CJ2 series, used by the U.S. military for transportation after World War II, was modified and released to the public. Let’s walk down memory lane and look at the first SUVs made by famous car brands.

The first SUV in the world was a
military vehicle

The original Jeep CJ-2A can be considered the world’s first SUV. It was reportedly produced for the U.S. Army during World War II. Following this, a civilian version of the CJ-2A was released, and over 200,000 units were manufactured before the release of the CJ-3A model in 1949.

Alfa Romeo produced the Matta in the early 1950s, similar to Jeep’s CJ2 series. However, only a few were made, most used for military purposes. Alfa Romeo didn’t start producing SUVs until recently. The first SUV from Alfa Romeo, the Stelvio, has been produced since 2016. Its Quadrifoglio version boasts a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that delivers over 500 horsepower, making it one of the fastest SUVs in the world.

Aston Martin’s First SUV: The
DBX Released in Late 2019

It took Aston Martin over a century to enter the SUV market. Their first SUV, the DBX, launched at the end of 2019. This model is equipped with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine supplied by Mercedes-Benz, capable of producing a maximum of 542 horsepower. Moreover, the DBX was selected as the official safety and medical car for F1 in 2021.

Audi’s first SUV, the Q7, shares a platform with the Lamborghini Urus, Bentley Bentayga, Volkswagen Touareg, and Porsche Cayenne. Based on the Pikes Peak Quattro concept revealed in 2003, the Q7 was launched at the end of 2005. At its release, it offered a 3.6-liter VR6 engine, a 4.2-liter V8 gasoline engine, and 3.0-liter and 4.2-liter TDI diesel engines. A 6.0-liter V12 TDI turbo diesel engine, producing just under 500 horsepower, was added in 2008.

Hyundai’s First SUV: The Santa Fe, with Consistent Sales Since Its Launch

Cadillac made waves in the SUV market in 1998 with the release of the original Escalade. The Escalade, Cadillac’s flagship model, was based on the platform of the Chevrolet Silverado, a large pickup truck. The Escalade currently dominates the U.S. full-size luxury SUV market. In the second quarter of 2021, its sales surpassed the combined sales of all its competitors, including the Lincoln Navigator, Infiniti QX80, and Lexus LX.

Since June 2000, Hyundai has produced Santa Fe, a midsize SUV with a monocoque body type and front-wheel drive. It’s been based on the platform of their midsize sedan, the Sonata, from the first generation to the current fifth generation. The Santa Fe has consistently shown strong sales figures since its launch. In February, it ranked third in sales among domestic midsize SUVs and twelfth in total domestic vehicle sales.