Interesting what is defined as an SUV. In the US these are huge vehicles whereas in Europe they are much more modest. In general, I think cars have migrated a lot more to towards sitting upright with legs at a sensible angle, simply to provide interior room, rather than the more reclined designs of the 70s-00s. My first experience was driving a Renault 5 after selling my Triumph Spitfire. And the Jazz itself follows a similar design philosophy.
I don't need a 4x4. Most people don't. But I do like and appreciate the more upright stance and slightly raised ride height of an SUV. It is also a much easier proposition for me with my bad back. Driving in to Leeds today in my RAV4 with the heated seat on full all the way has been a great aid for me as I am having yet another 'bad back day'.
I am rambling a bit, but what I am coming round to is that the SUV layout may lend itself more to Electric, and certainly to hybrid designs. It allows more room all around the car and under the cabin for batteries and motors. No longer does the motive machinery need to sit in a box at the front (or the back). It can be placed where it is best located for balance - in the middle of the vehicle.
Having said all of this, my RAV4 has the battery pack under the rear seats, which means there is around a four inch step in the middle of the loading area when the seats are folded flat. And this is the reason for my bad back, maneuvering an awkward shaped not flat packed Ikea chair into the car yesterday.
Ironically, the chair is for my bad back, and it would have fitted easily into my Mk.1 Jazz, if only I had chosen to use that yesterday!