‘You have unmet needs’: the psychology behind Australia’s love affair with big cars

In 2024 , Ford ’s enormous Ranger was, again, the most popular car sold in Australia .

Most of the new cars sold were sports utility vehicles (SUVs), followed by light commercial vehicles including utes.

Personality traits including narcissism and psychological needs drive certain people towards certain cars, including those that promise adventure, attention and muscle.

The perceived safety of a bigger car also plays a role though they make the world less safe for those around them.

Charles thinks more people are buying utes because of the ads that suggest “you can change your lifestyle” Mia , 22 , lives in Sydney ’s inner west and drives a ute.

Charles says it is great for picking up people with luggage from the airport or moving furniture.

Mia drives a company ute a single cab with a long tray.

The consumer psychologist says emotions may have led to Australians ’ love affair with monster cars.

He says to shift people towards lower-emissions cars, there should be a focus on climate change and the personal impact of emissions, which can cause respiratory distress.

Highlighting the danger and congestion bigger cars cause, he says.