CUV

noun

ˌsē-(ˌ)yü-ˈvē 

plural CUVs

: an automotive vehicle that is similar to a sport utility vehicle but built on a car chassis

Because CUVs tend to be lighter, and aren't designed to tow or haul as much, they can use smaller engines and provide better fuel economy than truck-based SUVs do.

—James R. Healey

called also crossover, crossover SUV

Word History

Etymology

probably originally Compact Utility Vehicle, later also construed as Crossover Utility Vehicle

First Known Use

2000, in the meaning defined above