Research unveils soft-road SUV truth

CONTINENTAL TYRES has released the findings from a survey of 1000 Australian drivers, revealing that only four per cent of SUV owners use their vehicle off-road, coinciding with the release of its SUV-specific UltraContact UX7 tyre model.

Australians have an affinity for adventure-ready SUVs, making them the most popular vehicle segment with more than 700,000 purchased last year alone – accounting for more than half of the total 1,237,287 new vehicles sold – but it seems most buyers aren’t using their ‘sport utility vehicles’ as intended.

The survey discovered that while 46 per cent of SUV owners use their vehicle for daily transport, only 12 per cent purchased a high-riding model with the intention of using it recreationally.

Reasons for purchasing an SUV, according to the report, include space and an elevated driving position with 67 per cent citing in-cabin space as a motivator, and 62 per cent claiming improved visibility steered them into an SUV.

While many Australian drivers, particularly those buying ute-based 4x4 wagons – a category of vehicle that dominates the sub-$80k large SUV segment – reach for off-road biased tyres, which come with noise and on-road performance compromises, Continental’s research suggests a more rounded SUV-specific tyre might be the better choice.

In confirming this, the research found that 57 per cent of drivers said they’d be more likely to purchase tyres specifically made for SUVs, based on increased confidence around performance and safety.

Continental Tyres’ answer is the UltraContact UX7 which the manufacturer says focuses on three key performance metrics: safety, durability and noise comfort.

The tyre model is geared towards on-road safety, while still being capable of taking on a dirt road, aimed at offering performance suitable for the typical SUV use case, and it’s also a fit for smaller crossovers like the Toyota Yaris Cross – which now outsells its hatchback counterpart. 

“The SUV market has seen exponential growth in recent years, and we anticipate this trend will continue,” said Continental Tyres Australia managing director Mitchell Golledge.

“Australians aren’t just buying SUVs – they’re buying into a lifestyle.

“(The) UltraContact UX7 is not only optimised for SUV vehicles but also meets the demands of drivers for both urban commutes and casual off-road trips.”

While the Continental Tyres UltraContact UX7 is a new product, other manufacturers do offer similar SUV-specific tyre options like the Bridgestone Alenza line, Michelin Primacy SUV Plus models, and Hankook iON SUV options.