Brinley at S&P Global Mobility says the rise of SUVs is a reflection of consumers' desire to get greater utility out of their vehicles, which means the capacity to move more people and cargo.

Adams said when choosing a vehicle, most SUV buyers don't make their decision based on something that's going to satisfy "95 to 99 per cent" of their driving needs, which is commuting and running errands.

"They purchase their vehicle for the one weekend of the year when 'I tow my boat up to the lake and I want to make sure I can do that,'" he said, noting "it is ironic when they make that purchase and then complain about high gas prices."