You might think examples of high-profile vehicles would include the pope-mobile and the presidential limousine because they are definitely more noticeable on roadways than regular cars. In actuality, high-profile vehicles are more mundane than that, and you see them on highways every day. In fact, you may even drive one yourself.

I used to own a 1960s-era Volkswagen Beetle, and while it definitely wasn’t a high-profile vehicle, it acted like one at times. It was very light and difficult to control in the wind, and it sometimes jumped lanes all by itself when crossing long bridges. High-profile vehicles can do that, too, but it’s because of their size, not their weight. It’s even possible to own a vehicle that wouldn’t normally be considered high-profile and turn it into one by carrying a load.

If all this has got you wondering what high-profile vehicles are and why you should care, we’ll tell you all about it ahead.

What Is a High-Profile Vehicle?

For some people, a high-profile vehicle may be one that’s flashy or more noticeable than a regular vehicle, but a better term for that would be “high-end.” As far as highway officials, such as the Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA), are concerned, a high-profile vehicle is one that’s taller, wider or longer than other vehicles.

Because they have a large cross-sectional area, high-profile vehicles can get blown off course in high winds, causing accidents and road closures. Tall ones are more likely to topple over when making sharp turns at speed. Highway officials use the term “high profile” to provide guidelines for controlling traffic and preventing accidents in severe weather conditions.

Needless to say, high-profile vehicles can be more challenging to drive than regular ones, but design improvements are changing that.

Types Of High-Profile Vehicles

A list of high-profile vehicles would include the following:

  • Commercial trucks: These include semi-tractor trailers, trucks that haul automobiles or boats, and cube vehicles, including box trucks. The U.S. Department of Transportation, along with the individual states, establish width and length requirements for these vehicles. There is no federal height requirement; the states establish that.
  • Self-propelled and tow-along RVs
  • Buses
  • Panel trucks and Vans
  • SUVs: SUVs tend to have high driving positions, which makes them high-profile, but few contemporary ones are as prone to tipping as earlier models, such as the ’90s-era Geo Tracker or Ford Explorer. In particular, EVs and hybrids have batteries that add extra weight near the wheelbase and lower their center of gravity.
  • Pickup trucks carrying loads. A pickup truck with a topper or with anything strapped to the top or inside the bed, such as ladders or tools.
  • Any vehicle towing something, such as a camping, boat or utility trailer.

Popular High-Profile Vehicle Models

The high-profile vehicles of most interest to an individual consumer who doesn’t have a commercial driver’s license would be RVs and SUVs.

RVs

There are three classes of self-propelled motor homes: Class A RVs resemble buses, while Class C ones have a profile that more resembles a pickup with a topper. Class B RVs, also known as camper vans, are arguably more popular because they tend to be smaller, easier on gas and more maneuverable.

Vans

MotorTrend magazine lists three top minivans for 2024/2025:

  • Honda Odyssey
  • Kia Carnival
  • Toyota Sienna

Their picks for large vans are:

  • Chevrolet Express
  • Ford E-Transit
  • Ford Transit

SUVs

SUVs differ from passenger cars by being bigger and roomier, but the choice of model is highly dependent on personal preference. According to U.S. News, the five most popular models in 2024 were:

  • Kia Sportage
  • Subaru Forester
  • Ford Explorer
  • Hyundai Tuscon
  • Nissan Rogue
  • Jeep Grand Cherokee
  • Chevrolet Equinox
  • Tesla Model Y
  • Honda CR-V
  • Toyota RAV4

Pros and Cons of High-Profile Vehicles

High-profile vehicles, such as SUVs and vans, are great for families, but historically, they have tended to use more gas and cost more to operate than passenger cars. But that was before the introduction of EV technology. Even so, it pays to check the MPGs before buying or leasing a vehicle. Here are some of the pluses and minuses of high-profile vehicles:

Pros

  • Roominess: SUVs and vans have more passenger and luggage room than passenger vehicles. RVs are even roomier.
  • Robustness: With their high wheelbases, which allow for navigation on rough terrain, SUVs are built for those who travel for adventure. This benefit does not necessarily apply to RVs.
  • Towing power: SUVs and RVs generally have bigger, more powerful engines than smaller vehicles and can tow heavier loads.
  • Safety: SUVs and RVs are solidly built, making injuries less likely in the event of an accident.

Cons

  • Height restrictions: Because they are bigger than passenger cars, high-profile vehicles like SUVs and RVs don’t fit in every garage. If you own an RV, you need to be aware of exactly how tall it is, because it might not fit under some highway overpasses. You may need a special GPS function that warns you when there is a low overpass on your route.
  • Susceptibility to wind: One of the main problems with a high-profile vehicle is that its large body can act like a sail on a windy day, creating a potential hazard for you and the cars around you.
  • Driveability: When you’re driving a high-profile vehicle, you’re higher off the roadway than you are in a passenger car, and you have a larger vehicle to control. Both create challenges when you have to park.
  • Fuel efficiency: Because they are larger and heavier than passenger cars, gas-powered SUVs and RVs (not hybrids or EVs) consume more fuel.

Is a High-Profile Vehicle Right for Me?

That depends on your needs. You may be compelled to purchase a high-profile vehicle to accommodate a large family, to transport tools and supplies for your job or simply to take a vacation. When it comes to an everyday vehicle for getting around town, my preference is a small car that’s economical to drive and easy to park, but some folks just like larger vehicles, and they have the budget to maintain one.

If you’re worried about not being able to handle a large vehicle, don’t be. Most contemporary trucks, vans and SUVs come equipped with driving aids, such as flashing side mirrors to detect cars in your blind spots, backup cameras, and detectors to help prevent collisions. You still need to have an intuitive feel for the size of your vehicle, though, or you could end up sideswiping another car while parking. One more thing: Before purchasing a large vehicle, make sure your garage has enough room to accommodate it.

Sources

Author
Chris Deziel
Chris Deziel is a freelance service journalist who worked in landscaping and home improvement for more than thirty years. He has published over 10,000 how-to and expository pieces on home improvement and nature topics since he began writing in 2010. Deziel lives and works in an off-grid home in California where he enjoys recording original music an...
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Chris Deziel