I'd rather be a lot more European, when I moved home after living in England for 10 years it was extremely difficult to find a car small enough for my needs

Everything the NA auto sector puts out is a hulking behemoth. SUVs, pickup trucks. "Small" today would be some sort of crossover.

I'm an empty nester at this point, and have no need or desire for anything like that. And giant EVs are just way beyond my budget. At least I have my e-bike.

We could also work towards doing without them entirely.

All other thoughts aside, it honestly baffles me that people look at the cost of a vehicle and decide that it's a smart financial decision in today's economy, especially with these gas prices.

I'd rather drive a decent size hatchback (not "hot hatch") or an estate/combo/touring/stationwagon/wtfyouwannacallit over any SUV.
An A5 (hatchback/sportback) and Laguna hatchback were the two most convenient cars I've driven before coming to Canada and I couldn't find a reasonably priced alternative, also they happened to be the most fuel efficient at the time despite their engines sizes, thanks to the type of fuel (it wouldn't be the case now, so you know exactly what I'm talking about).

If you drive an SUV I don't respect you.

I'd rather be a lot more Chinese.