Question from the forum “Behind the wheel” is answered here from time to time.
— You mentioned that large SUVs like the Land Cruiser are not popular in Germany, not even in TÜV reliability ratings, yet they have a following here. Why does that happen?
The share of crossovers in European sales is a bit lower than in the United States, around 45% versus 51%. Compact models are highly valued. European cities faced traffic congestion and parking shortages earlier due to higher motorization levels. Authorities and policymakers responded with measures that make large cars and powerful engines less attractive economically. This shaped a mindset where fuel efficiency and smaller footprints are prioritized. Frame chassis sport utilities and all-wheel drive are often viewed as unnecessary for many urban drivers.
TÜV, a German inspection and testing organization, evaluates vehicles by considering how often owners seek service and for what reasons. It shows that Japanese brands can still perform well on maintenance and reliability metrics. European market cars may use different head units and configurations, but overall the German rating reflects a bias toward small, efficient designs. Large crossovers appear in Germany only in small numbers, and some models simply do not meet local economic expectations. Among the larger Japanese offerings, the Honda CR-V is noted for reliability, while the Mitsubishi Outlander is seen as average. In the national context, the large crossovers remain aspirational for many buyers, with a distinct fondness for Japanese models among enthusiasts and families alike.
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