Exploring the match between desired vehicle capability and actual use in different vehicle types

505 vehicle owners responded to a structured questionnaire to examine the mechanisms that lead consumers to want larger vehicles and resist downsizing. An experimental within-subjects manipulation hypothetically replaced a driver's current vehicle with a vehicle that was either higher or lower in design capability, and measured perceived lifestyle consequences. In baseline conditions drivers consistently regard their main vehicle as ideal for their lifestyle across all vehicle types, except in multiple-vehicle households where capability deficits of a main vehicle are offset by retaining an alternative vehicle. Participants considered the influence of a replacement vehicle on 12 trip types that require higher demands on vehicle capability but make minor contributions to annual vehicle travel, influencing only 2.5% of annual trips. Participants were found to adjust their perceived lifestyle expectations to match any increase in their vehicle resource by increasing the likelihood of undertaking rare trip events (such as going off-road). Conversely, participants were found to be loss-averse to a decrease in design capability, albeit for trips that they report they rarely undertake. These two key mechanisms operate together to promote an increase in average vehicle size and produce a resistance for consumers downsizing vehicles.