English 
Spanish 
4 min read
36 comments
Jeep Compass out of the SUV list? While Fiat Argo and Renault Kwid are classified as sports utility vehicles, Inmetro criteria surprise and confuse consumers. The technical rules challenge popular perceptions about what a true SUV is.
The classification automobile official in Brazil has undergone a surprising transformation that promises to change the perception of many consumers.
Who would have thought that compact cars like the Fiat Argo and Renault Kwid could be considered SUVs, while robust models like Jeep Compass e Toyota corolla cross would be left out of this list?
This change is the result of strict criteria established by Inmetro, and the results are surprising.
- China is dominating the motorcycle MARKET and leaving traditional manufacturers in panic
- China's electric car graveyard grows 'grey import' scheme to allow used and potentially dangerous electric cars into automotive market
- China's KIT promises to transform any old Beetle model into an electric car
- Suzuki V-Strom 250 SX arrives even more powerful in 2025, doing up to 30 km per liter to challenge Lander and Tornado!
Inmetro classification and its criteria
According to the body responsible for the Brazilian Vehicle Labeling Program (PBVE), the classification of SUVs in Brazil follows well-defined technical parameters, in addition to considering energy efficiency and consumption.
Among the requirements for a model to be considered an SUV are:
- Entry angle of at least 23° (1° tolerance);
- Minimum departure angle of 20° (1° tolerance);
- Ramp crossing angle of at least 10° (with a margin of error of 1°);
- Ground clearance of at least 20 cm (with a tolerance of 2 cm);
- Clearance under front and rear axles of at least 18 cm (2 cm tolerance).
With these rules, many models that would traditionally be classified as SUVs due to their aesthetics and size do not meet Inmetro's criteria.
Examples include the Jeep Compass and Toyota Corolla Cross, which are now placed in other categories.
Compact cars that surprise like SUVs
Among the biggest highlights of this review is the Fiat Argo.
Despite being widely known as a compact hatchback, it meets the technical requirements established by Inmetro and, therefore, officially appears as a compact SUV.
The same goes for the Renault Kwid, which is another example of a model that defies market expectations.
Other models that fall into this category, even though they are traditionally perceived as hatchbacks, include:
- Citroën C3;
- Renault Sandero.
Models that “look” like SUVs but aren’t
Meanwhile, several cars that boast the imposing look of sports utility vehicles do not meet the required technical requirements.
According to Inmetro's analysis, these models are classified into other categories, such as “medium”, “large” or “extra-large”. Examples include:
Medium:
- Volvo EX30.
Big ones:
- BMW iX1;
- BMW iX2;
- Honda ZR-V;
- Kia Niro;
- Lexus UX250h;
- Mercedes-Benz GLA200;
- Toyota Corolla Cross;
- Volvo C40.
Extra-large:
- Audi Q5;
- Audi Q8;
- BMW iX5;
- BYD Tan;
- BYD Song Pro;
- Chevrolet Equinox;
- Chevrolet Blazer EV;
- Ford Territory;
- Jaguar i-Pace;
- Lexus RX500h;
- Mercedes-Benz GLB;
- Porsche Macan;
- Toyota RAV4;
- Volkswagen Tiguan.
These results show that appearances can be deceiving. Even cars widely promoted as SUVs by automakers can fail to meet the official requirements for this classification.
Impact on consumers and automakers
Inmetro's new guidelines represent a challenge for both automakers and consumers.
For companies, it may be necessary to review marketing strategies and nomenclatures used in model launches.
On the other hand, consumers need to pay attention to objective criteria, especially when choosing a car that meets their specific needs, such as off-road conditions.
Furthermore, this new classification can even influence the taxes and tariffs associated with vehicles, which reinforces the importance of understanding the standards established by Inmetro.
What to expect for the future?
With the increasing adoption of innovative technologies and designs in the automotive industry, it is possible that more models traditionally classified in categories such as hatchback or sedan may eventually meet the requirements to be considered SUVs.
The impact of these changes on the automotive market is uncertain, but it will certainly be a topic of discussion in the coming years.
And you, what do you think about this change in the classification of cars in Brazil? Does the Fiat Argo as an SUV make sense to you? Share your opinion in the comments!
Quan
As for the compass, nothing was mentioned about TV, so in which category was it placed?