Autobesity: Why Cars Keep Getting Bigger
Let’s talk about autobesity — no, not a typo. It's the unofficial name for the very real trend of cars rising in size, weight, and presence with every new generation. What began as a subtle shift in the late 1990s has accelerated into a full-blown industry norm. From once-compact family hatchbacks to towering SUVs, today’s cars have bulked up — and not without consequences
Larger cars impact everything from pedestrian safety and fuel bills to city planning and environmental impact. So, why are cars ballooning — and is there any turning back?
When Did Cars Start Growing — and Why?
Cars started creeping up in size back in the early 2000s. The triggers? More safety features (think side impact bars, crumple zones), chunkier tech (big screens, hybrid batteries), and, to be blunt, consumer taste.
We wanted bigger. Higher seats, more storage, a “safe” feel on the school run. Manufacturers delivered. Between 2013 and 2023, the average car grew by about 12% in length and 17% in width. Europe’s car widths alone are growing about 1cm every two years. And let’s be real — most UK parking bays are still sized for 1996.
The SUV Effect: Big Sells
There’s no sidestepping it — the SUV boom supercharged autobesity.
In the US, over 75% of all new cars sold are now SUVs, pickups, or crossovers. Globally, they’ve overtaken hatchbacks and saloons combined. But those high-riders come with high stats: heavier, wider, longer — with profiles that push the limits of many standard garage entrances.
Even EVs aren’t immune. The Tesla Model Y might be electric, but with a battery pack pushing it past 2 tonnes, it’s no featherweight. Meanwhile, in the UK — with its narrower streets and historic city centres — the size surge is starting to bite: fewer available parking spots, more road damage, and growing pressure on pedestrian safety.
Big Cars vs Real-World Roads
You’ve seen it. The SUV half-jutting into the street. The scraped side mirror. The lorry-sized shadow in a multi-storey car park.
Parking bays in the UK haven’t changed since the 1970s. Cars absolutely have. Today, a Ford Kuga is wider than an old Range Rover. Cities like Paris have had enough — introducing triple parking charges for oversized vehicles and outright bans on SUV ads in some boroughs.
And there’s the safety concern. Research shows just a 10cm higher bonnet can increase fatality risk by 30% in low-speed pedestrian crashes. Combine that with the extra weight and taller stance, and you can see why urban planners are nervous.
The Environmental Toll of Bigger Cars
Even with better engines and electrification, bigger means more. More tyre wear. More brake dust. More material to manufacture. More energy to move.
SUVs alone were responsible for the bulk of transport-related CO₂ increases between 2010 and 2018. Electric SUVs help — but they’re still heavier, less efficient, and harder to build than smaller cars.
Is Autobesity Here to Stay?
Short answer? For now, yes. People still want space, safety, and presence. Carmakers are feeding the appetite with even larger models — many of them electric, but still weighty.
But there’s pushback. Cities are looking at tiered parking charges based on weight and width. Carmakers are exploring smarter packaging and smaller EVs. The conversation’s starting to shift from bigger is better to fit-for-purpose.
What Should You Do as a Buyer?
You’ve got a choice. A big car can feel commanding and safe. But a right-sized one might save your wallet, your nerves in tight car parks, and your kerbs.
Check dimensions carefully. Pay attention to vehicle width (with mirrors!), weight, turning radius, and boot space. Don’t assume “bigger = better.” Instead, think: what do I actually need? Take a look at our ‘How to Understand Car Dimensions: Length, Width, Wheelbase and More’ guide.
And maybe — just maybe — let’s leave some room for others on the road.
See More Detail on the Cars in This Article
- Tesla Model Y
- Ford Kuga
- Land Rover Range Rover
