Over-all, I think you are right. I chuckle at urban SUV's drivers...I'd love to see them drive their SUV up a ten percent grade of washed out dirt "road", one side a rocky cliff, the other a drop into a ravine, with turns so sharp they have to be done in stages. Some of these SUV's are soooo big they'd be useless on roads I know. Or perhaps it is a good thing they don't try. I've seen some very new SUVs very stuck in impossible situations. Novices think they can go Anywhere*.

However, here in the mountains, a reliable, high clearance 4WD, can come in handy. Lots of ranches here and those who like hauling a horse trailer. Then there are those that just live in the mountains, and I can tell you that some of their driveways are pretty steep. In the winter, you'd be crazy to live in the mountains without an SUV. Lots of outdoor enthusiasts 'round here and hundreds of miles of old logging or mining roads. I have driven many 2WD vehicles (cars, vans, buses) on some white-knuckle roads but shortened their lifespan by doing so - and almost mine as well! And then there are still a couple of geologists out there doing work in the field.

As a city vehicle, SUVs are just stupid.

*Disclaimer: I have twice stuck a jeep that required a few hours of winching and or digging to free it. It happens. I wasn't looking for trouble, though, just working.