Over the years, SUVs have gradually gravitated closer and closer to the pavement. Decades ago, they started out as capable off-road machines, and as much as modern SUVs retain much of that capability, most people don’t buy them for that reason.

Most SUV buyers are buying into a concept or a perception. The concept that SUVs are just bigger and more practical, even if you are single. Or the perception that certain SUVs announce the fact that you have entered a different class bracket, and serve as a less subtle status symbol.

Naturally, these are stereotypes, and many people go out and buy an SUVs intending to use them as an adventure vehicle, but life catches up, and they never get around to it.

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10 Land Rover Defender

The latest edition of the Defender is arguably one of the most off-road capable new vehicles. Unfortunately, it toes the line between true off-roader and status symbol.

Most people buying them opt for the high spec model, leaning more towards the status symbol side of this luxury SUV.

9 Toyota Land Cruiser VX

Although the Land Cruiser had limited appeal in the North American market, it was a smash hit in the rest of the world.

Toyota also happily gunned for the luxury SUV market with the VX model. As much as previous generation Land Cruisers became famous for the role they played in peacekeeping operations, the VX model was more infamous for being the vehicle of choice for less scrupulous individuals.

8 Range Rover Vogue

Arguably the first ever true luxury SUV. Up until this point in history, SUVs were still more rugged alternatives, with most manufacturers only flirting with a few luxurious options on the spec sheet.

The Vogue, as the name suggests, was a full-on luxury vehicle equipped with pretty much everything BMW, Range Rover’s parent company at the time, had to offer. Suffice to say the market was ready for this, and it sold well, especially considering its price tag.

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7 Jeep Wrangler

Well, the Wrangler lives a bit of a double life. It has thrived as both an enthusiast off-roader and the proverbial “bro-dozer.”

Often carrying the most expensive off-road kit on the market, but they never even get so much as a drop of mud on them, or even a light scratch from a bramble bush.

6 Land Rover Discovery II

Effectively built on the same platform as the old Range Rover Classic, the Discovery II is one of the most capable off-road vehicles money can buy.

Unfortunately, they are more commonly used as suburban exploration vehicles, ferrying kids to and from school. The rest live out their lives in the shop, perpetually waiting for the wrong parts to arrive.

5 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The latest Grand Cherokee is supposed to be one of the most off-road capable new Jeeps, well, at least that is what their marketing tells us.

We haven’t actually seen any out in the wild yet, and you can hardly blame the owners for not wanting to mess up their expensive new SUV… or get stranded somewhere.

4 Range Rover Sport

The launch of the Range Rover Sport would effectively start a trend. It became something of an icon all over the world, not for being luxurious or capable, but a pure status symbol.

Few vehicles have been bought and sold in such large numbers on a name alone, but the first generation of the Range Rover Sport is one of those marketing success stories where people really bought into the brand. Underneath, it was more or less just a Discovery 3, not a bad off-roader, but not quite a luxury brand (yet).

Related: Watch This New Range Rover Sport Commercial That Will Get Your Heart Racing

3 Lexus LX

Although most people know it is just a fancy Toyota, they still buy them. The latest LX is effectively the same vehicle as the J300 Land Cruiser, but costs a good deal more.

Admittedly, you do get a bucket load more luxury for your money, but all that does is make it even more exclusive. Most buyers prefer to sit at the back…

2 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Initially conceived as a military vehicle, the G-Class has evolved into something else entirely. It has now taken over as the established SUV status symbol.

They are very capable, but you will see a lot more “bling” on these incredibly expensive vehicles than mud.

1 Hummer H1

The original Hummer is quite literally a street legal military vehicle. Although fully combat ready, they are also huge and prove to be rather awkward off-road compared to lighter, less bullet resistant options.

In a world where image is everything, these were the first real “bro-dozers,” with most of them living out their lives in suburbia.