Well there is also the case that some use SUVs for bad weather conditions due to the 4WD. I'm in fact looking into a used Grand Cherokee or Liberty CRD to replace my Intrepid because I'm tired of dealing with the larger snows. Now that I've been at home, I've been able to use my brother's old S-10 which has 4X4 and I'm happy to use it over my Intrepid in this sleet. FWD is good, but 4WD is better. Though I am looking into some AWD cars as a possible substitute. I do understand what you are saying though. I think that Escalades and other ones that have no stock capabilities of doing anything hard core without modifications and different tires for sure are a waste of money, but some I can understand. The ones I really think are a lost cause are the ones like the Escape, Vue, CR-V, and the such. These simply do not make any sense to me. If you want FWD or AWD out of an SUV-like vehicle, just get a car. They get better fuel economy, faster, and cheaper.