It comes from inference and remembered statistics, but: While critics of SUVs often expect they’re mostly purchased by fragile men looking to overcompensate, I’ve heard it said that a BIG demographic for their sales is to women - possibly more than men.

When they can convincingly make sales that occupants of their cars are safer, it kind of makes sense as a purchase, both for women themselves (looking not to get assaulted at random in their way to work, get crushed in a car accident by men with road rage) as well as mothers with children and a protective instinct.

It’s perhaps a more psychological expectation, but I can imagine that constant media that makes the world seem unsafe, and many SUV ads with women drivers add a lot to it. After many occasions of feeling exposed, they want some part of their life where they feel powerful, protected, and in control; something they don’t get from taking buses or trains, nor from smaller cars.