It’s well-known that UK English can be very different from US English. For instance, if you ask for a bathroom in the UK, they’re going to hand you a bar of soap and towel and send you on your way! People have long joked about the silly differences in language between these two English speaking countries, but when you’re an Expat, deciphering the differences becomes a way of life – and car shopping is no exception.
Whether you’re a US Expat in the UK, or a UK Expat relocating to the USA, if you’re going to need a car, you better know what you’re shopping for.
Understanding UK Car Terminology vs the U.S.
In the US, we call a sport utility vehicle an SUV, while in the UK it goes by the name 4X4 (four by four). If you’re shopping for a 4×4 in the USA, the car salesman is going to assume you’re looking for any vehicle that offers Four-Wheel Drive – an option that comes on all sorts of models.
So, before you start your car shopping, make sure you know What Cars are Called in the USA vs. UK
In The USA We Call It A: Station Wagon | In The UK We Call It An: Estate Car
In The USA We Call It A: Minivan | In The UK We Call It A: People Carrier or People Mover
In The USA We Call It A: Sedan | In The UK We Call It A: Saloon
In The USA We Call It A: Convertible | In The UK We Call It A: Roadster
In The USA We Call It A: SUV | In The UK We Call It A: 4X4
In The USA We Call It A: Car Rental | In The UK We Call It A: Car Hire
There’s one thing we can all agree upon…this is a limousine!
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