What you gain:
Altitude
Weight
Space - but not much.
Compairing the actual cabin / passenger space of an Excursion with that of a V-70 you gain only a few square feet for about twice the gas
We strap our kids into the back of SUVs in the name of Safety?
Safety Check out this info - actually a link I found on Rush Limbaugh's website
Smog DailyBulletin.com - Smog
... Jonah Ramirez, 7, of San Bernardino was diagnosed with asthma and is specially sensitive to smog.
www.dailybulletin.com/Stories/ 0,1413,203~29563~1613824,00.html
USATODAY.com - Smog linked to asthma in children
Smog linked to asthma in children By Traci Watson, USA TODAY A study of kids in California who play sports provides the first substantial data ........
www.usatoday.com/news/health/ 2002-02-01-smog-asthma.htm