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[JSH]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

Not every crossover has the ground clearance good enough as a traditional SUV often has, yet they're still often classified as a "light truck" for some random bureaucratic reasons.

Nothing random about it - the requirements are in 49 CFR Part 523.5. They are:

A) A light truck is an automobile other than a passenger automobile which is either designed for off-highway operation, as described in paragraph (b) of this section, . . .

B) An automobile capable of off-highway operation is an automobile

..a) That has 4-wheel drive; or
..b) Is rated at more than 6,000 pounds gross vehicle weight; and that has at least four of the following characteristics . . .
...1)Approach angle of not less than 28 degrees.
...2)Breakover angle of not less than 14 degrees.
...3)Departure angle of not less than 20 degrees.
...4)Running clearance of not less than 20 centimeters.
...5)Front and rear axle clearances of not less than 18 centimeters each....

[Autobahnschleicher]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

Not every crossover has the ground clearance good enough as a traditional SUV often has, yet they're still often classified as a "light truck" for some random bureaucratic reasons.

The reason behind this is that they have different requirements than cars.
The requirements are realy strict for small cars, but not at all strict for trucks.
So if you manage to classify a vehicle as a light truck, you don't have to build it as efficient as it would need to be as a car.
Also emissions regulations are easier to pass as well IIRC.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by JSH

Nothing random about it - the requirements are in 49 CFR Part 523.5.

At least in my country, even though some 2WD vehicles could actually qualify as capable of off-highway operation, only their 4WD counterparts (if available) are classified as such. If a 4WD other than an actual truck doesn't resort to a dual-range transfer case, its certification as an "utility vehicle" also depends on the availability of a crawler 1st gear.