What Is Considered the First SUV?

The Chevrolet Suburban Carryall, introduced for the 1935 model year, is widely regarded as the first SUV because it combined a closed, multi-passenger body with a light-truck chassis to deliver passenger, cargo, and utility capability in one vehicle. While the term “SUV” didn’t exist at the time—and other vehicles later added features like standard four-wheel drive—the Suburban’s design and purpose most closely match what the market now recognizes as a sport-utility vehicle.

Why the 1935 Chevrolet Suburban Carryall Gets the Nod

Chevrolet’s Suburban Carryall brought together traits that define the SUV template: a durable, body-on-frame platform derived from a half-ton pickup; an enclosed all-steel body with multiple rows of seating for up to eight; and flexible cargo space thanks to removable rear seats and rear doors. Initially rear-wheel drive only, the Suburban prioritized utility and everyday versatility over pure off-road prowess—much like many modern SUVs. Factory 4×4 capability arrived later in the 1950s, but the core formula was in place from 1935, and the Suburban line has continued largely uninterrupted into the present day, underscoring its foundational role.

The Term “SUV” Came Much Later

Automakers and consumers didn’t use “sport-utility vehicle” until decades after the Suburban debuted; the label gained traction in the late 1980s as compact, family-focused utility vehicles surged in popularity. Earlier models were described as “carryalls,” “station wagons,” or simply “utility” vehicles. This timing quirk is why historians often identify the “first SUV” retrospectively, based on function and layout rather than period marketing language.

Other Credible “Firsts,” Depending on Your Criteria

Because definitions vary—some emphasize four-wheel drive, others mass-market availability or modern amenities—several vehicles are frequently cited in “first SUV” debates. Here are notable contenders and why they matter.

• 1935 Chevrolet Suburban Carryall: The most commonly credited first SUV for uniting an all-steel, multi-passenger body with a truck chassis for broad utility.
• 1946 Willys-Overland Jeep Station Wagon (4WD added in 1949): A pioneering, mass-produced all-steel wagon for civilians; its post-1949 four-wheel drive version aligns closely with off-road expectations of SUVs.
• 1961 International Harvester Scout: Among the first compact American 4×4 utilities, foreshadowing the surge of smaller SUVs.
• 1963 Jeep Wagoneer (SJ): The first truly modern family/luxury SUV, offering four doors, an available automatic transmission, and comfort features while retaining 4×4 capability.
• 1984 Jeep Cherokee (XJ): A breakthrough unibody design that popularized the segment globally and helped cement the “SUV” label in mainstream consumer language.

Each of these vehicles advanced the SUV concept in a different dimension—from construction and capability to comfort and mass appeal—explaining why opinions differ on which should wear the “first” crown.

How Historians Define “First SUV”

Experts weigh criteria such as platform (truck-based vs. unibody), drivetrain (availability of 4WD or AWD), body style (enclosed, multi-row seating), intended use (passenger plus cargo/utility), and market impact (mass production and consumer influence). By those yardsticks, the 1935 Suburban fits the earliest and broadest application of the SUV idea, even though many later models refined it.

A Concise Timeline of SUV Milestones

The following timeline highlights key vehicles that shaped the SUV’s evolution and why they are frequently referenced in “first” discussions.

1. 1935 — Chevrolet Suburban Carryall: Establishes the enclosed, truck-based utility formula.
2. 1946/1949 — Willys Jeep Station Wagon (4WD from 1949): Brings 4×4 capability to a mass-market civilian wagon.
3. 1961 — International Harvester Scout: Introduces the compact 4×4 utility niche.
4. 1963 — Jeep Wagoneer: Sets the pattern for family-friendly, upscale SUVs with four doors and comfort features.
5. 1984 — Jeep Cherokee (XJ): Defines the modern SUV era with unibody construction and mainstream popularity.

Taken together, these milestones show a progression from rugged utility to everyday family transport, culminating in the diverse SUV market we know today.

Summary

Most automotive historians consider the 1935 Chevrolet Suburban Carryall to be the first SUV because it pioneered the enclosed, truck-based, multi-passenger utility formula that defines the segment. While the term “SUV” emerged decades later—and vehicles like the Willys Jeep Station Wagon, Jeep Wagoneer, and Jeep Cherokee each reshaped the category—the Suburban laid the groundwork that subsequent models refined.

What was the very first SUV?

While the definition of an SUV has evolved, the 1935 Chevrolet Carryall Suburban is widely considered the first vehicle with SUV-like qualities, featuring a full-size, all-metal wagon body on a truck chassis capable of carrying multiple passengers and cargo. Earlier, the military-designed Willys Jeep was a rugged precursor to later SUVs, paving the way for off-road capability and all-wheel drive.
 
The Chevrolet Suburban (1935)

• Origin: The Suburban was introduced in 1935 as a steel-bodied, two-door “Carryall” based on a contemporary Chevy half-ton pickup chassis. 
• Purpose: It was designed to transport passengers and cargo and was marketed for families and businesses. 
• Legacy: It is considered the first SUV for its combination of passenger-carrying capacity and truck-like capabilities, and it remains in continuous production today. 

The Willys Jeep (World War II)

• Origin: Developed for the military during World War II, the Jeep was a tough, all-wheel-drive vehicle built on a military utility vehicle platform. 
• Purpose: Its purpose was to serve as a light-wheeled, off-road military utility vehicle. 
• Legacy: Although not an SUV in the modern sense, the ruggedness, all-wheel drive, and off-road capability of the Jeep provided a foundation for later civilian vehicles that would come to define the SUV segment. 

Evolution of the “SUV” Concept

• The term “Sport Utility Vehicle” wasn’t coined until the late 1980s. 
• Early vehicles were often marketed as station wagons or utility vehicles rather than “sport utilities”. 
• Vehicles like the 1960s Jeep Wagoneer and the 1974 Jeep Cherokee are also seen as important steps in the evolution of the SUV. 

Did Land Rover or Jeep come first?

The World War II military Jeep — the forerunner of today’s Wrangler — spawned the Land Rover in 1948 and, in the early 1950s, Toyota’s BJ and FJ, which morphed into the Land Cruiser.

Was Jeep the original SUV?

The 1963 Jeep Wagoneer was the first four-wheel-drive vehicle mated with an automatic transmission, pioneering the first modern SUV.

What is the #1 selling SUV?

The number one selling SUV is the Toyota RAV4, a position it has held consistently for several years, including in 2024 and so far in 2025, with high sales figures in the United States. Its success is attributed to its combination of practicality, efficiency (including hybrid options), modern technology, ample safety features, and overall reliability. 
Here’s why the RAV4 is so popular:

• Versatility and Efficiency: The RAV4 offers a practical and efficient package, including popular hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants for drivers seeking better fuel economy. 
• Space and Features: It provides a roomy cabin with modern in-cabin technology and a significant amount of standard safety features, making it a well-rounded choice for daily driving. 
• Reliability and Value: Toyota’s reputation for reliability and excellent resale value contribute to the RAV4’s long-term appeal and low cost of ownership. 
• Broad Appeal: The RAV4’s design, versatility, and dependable performance make it an easy choice for a wide range of buyers across the U.S., ensuring its continued sales dominance.