SUVs vs Sedans: The Data Behind America's New Favorite Car
Let's put it into drive: In 2005, sedans outsold SUVs by more than 2 to 1. In 2025, the inverse is true. The station wagon died in the '90s. The sedan? That funeral's happening now-in slow motion, with a premium sound system and 360° cameras.
Looking at the data, if you are a geek like me, have you ever seen such a perfect crossover line chart?
So what happened? Why did the sedan, once a symbol of mid-size American reason, lose its spot in the driveway?
Let's break it down.
Americans like seeing over traffic. Period. We're a nation of drive-thru pragmatists-if you can't see the menu board from the driver's seat, forget it. SUVs give you elevation, posture, and that tall-boy sense of control. Sedans? You're crouching. Behind a Sprinter van. In the rain.
Sure, center of gravity matters on a twisty backroad. But for most people, the "canyon" is a Costco parking lot, not the Pacific Coast Highway. SUVs ride higher and feel safer-even if crash data tells a more complex story.
You ever tried stuffing a teenage hockey player, their gear, and a golden retriever into a Corolla? SUVs redefined what American families expect from their haulers. Fold-flat seats. Liftgates you can open with your foot. Room for a week's worth of road trip junk food and regret.
Sedans had trunks. SUVs have zones. And automakers know it-look at the Ford Edge, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V. These aren't niche vehicles. They're the Big Macs of the road.
Back in 2008, SUVs were still suburban-school-run boxes. Now they're sculpted, turbocharged, and optionally electrified. Meanwhile, sedans either went fleet-rental basic or luxury-snob awkward. That weird moment when your neighbor buys a $72,000 electric Lucid Air while you're still making payments on a '22 Civic? That's what killed the sedan.
Crossovers like the Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 offer premium-feel without premium price tags. They look good next to your grill, your gym bag, and your life. Sedans now feel like the "business casual" of transportation: polite, functional, uninspired.
You want a Tesla Model 3? Cool. But what everyone else is ordering is a Tesla Model Y. Or a Mustang Mach-E. Or a Rivian R1S. The EV future is skipping the sedan-straight into crossover shape.
It's packaging efficiency. Battery layout works better in taller frames. And again: cargo, clearance, command seating. Most automakers are leaning hard into this-because that's what sells.
Toyota's still making Camrys. Honda's still moving Accords. But it's getting lonely. Even performance sedans are pivoting-see the Dodge Charger Daytona EV or BMW's slope-roofed M variants. The sedan isn't dead. It's just being slowly pushed into "enthusiast only" territory. Like stick shifts. Or compact discs.
So here we are: a nation where the driveway kings wear hiking boots, not loafers. Sedans still have their devotees-folks who want refinement over road height, balance over bulk. But they're losing the numbers game. Fast.
The real question? What happens when the SUV gets too big, too bloated, too… everything? Do we cycle back to the sedan? Or are we just one cupholder away from a full minivan revival?
Don't laugh. We've seen that before.
Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Bloomberg
29 minutes ago
- Bloomberg
Toyota's Internal Inertia Stifles Digital Transformation Effort
Inside Toyota Motor Corp., a group of employees are worried about the company's future in an era when a car's software matters just as much as its sheet metal. The world's biggest automaker is known for churning out reliable cars like clockwork, but it's been struggling to keep up with Elon Musk's Tesla Inc., China's BYD Co. and other frontrunners in the industry's shift toward electric vehicles with sophisticated software.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Your Guide to Buying a Hybrid Car or Truck in 2025
Hybrid vehicles—those combining an internal-combustion engine with one or more electric motors to power the wheels—come in all shapes and sizes. Folks seeking a fuel-efficient option are no longer limited to the Toyota Priuses and gas-sipping Hondas of the world, and even those models have come a long way from their humble beginnings a couple decades back. Regardless of whether or not you're specifically on the hunt for a gas-electric vehicle, chances are one or more will end up on your radar given the proliferation of this type of powertrain throughout the auto industry. We've created this guide to help shoppers of new and used hybrids understand their advantages, the differences between standard gas-electrics and plug-in models, new and used options, and any tax incentives that may be applicable. Why Consider a Hybrid? More and more models on the market today either offer a hybrid version or come only in gas-electric form. In the latter case, if that's the car you want, the decision to go hybrid is an easy one. If, however, you're deciding between gas-only and hybrid models, the choice may be more nuanced. Thanks to fuel-saving features such as regenerative braking and generally smaller, more-efficient engines that can call up an electric assist when needed, most hybrid vehicles use less fuel than comparable models, particularly when driving at lower speeds. On the other hand, at higher speeds, such as in our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test, hybrids tend to underperform their window-sticker value. Depending on how you drive, owning a hybrid has the potential to save you money at the pump and has benefits for the environment. But because of their more complex powertrains, hybrids tend to cost a little more upfront. That means it may take a few years to pay back the price premium. If you're not into math, the EPA's website offers a helpful comparison tool that will let you compare a hybrid vehicle with its nonhybrid counterpart, taking into account the prices of the two models, how many miles you drive annually, what portion of your driving is in the city, and the price of fuel. It will then spit out a personalized payback period that you can use to help decide. For instance, comparing a 2025 Kia Sportage EX AWD hybrid with the nonhybrid version and leaving the default values alone—15,000 miles per year, with 55 percent of them in the city, at $3.21 per gallon—shows that the $1300 price premium of the hybrid model would take two years to repay. Drive more miles per year, and the payback will happen sooner. Using less fuel and the accompanying monetary savings aren't the only reasons to opt for a hybrid, however. Hybridized sporty cars prioritize increased output over saving fuel. Examples include monster-power options from Mercedes-AMG and Bentley, as well as the plug-in Ferrari SF90. If you're looking for a hybrid pickup truck or SUV, it's a similar story with some models, such as many from Toyota, that get gas mileage that's equivalent compared to those of the nonhybrid powertrains they replace but yield more output. So a hybridized four-cylinder can make more power and torque than an unassisted V-6 engine without burning more fuel. Standard Hybrids vs. Plug-Ins Assuming you're open to a gas-electric powertrain, you may have one more decision to make. Within the hybrid category are two major sub-types: standard hybrids, which get their power solely from liquid fuel, and plug-in hybrids, which have larger onboard batteries that can be juiced by an external source, much like an EV. Plug-ins, or PHEVs, can also drive substantially further on electric-only power (typically between 15 and 40 miles) than can regular hybrids. Again, some models come only one way or the other, while popular vehicles such as the Toyota RAV4 can be had with either type of hybrid powertrain. Plug-ins tend to cost more due to their larger battery packs and more powerful electric motors, but they usually also outdo their standard-hybrid counterparts' fuel-economy ratings. You'll have to do the math to determine which makes more sense for you financially. Regarding charging, whether or not to go for a plug-in has more to do with where you park than how you drive. That high-capacity battery and charging port don't do you any good if you never make use of them. So if you street park or live in an apartment or condo that won't accommodate the installation of charging equipment, a plug-in probably doesn't make sense for you. But if you can plug in overnight at home or during your 9-to-5—preferably both—most if not all of your commute and daily errand-running may be covered by a plug-in's electric-only range. As long as you're not charging at pricey public stations, the cost per mile is much lower when running on electricity than gasoline. And unlike with an EV, a plug-in still has a fuel tank and gas engine to let you extend its comfortable range without having to worry about where to stop or how long it will take to refuel. New vs. Used Choosing between a brand-new or a pre-owned hybrid or plug-in often comes down to budget. Like any used vehicle, a hybrid depreciates—loses some of its value—over time, making the pre-owned route more affordable when comparing similar models. That said, hybrids sometimes hold their value better than nonhybrids. This brings us back to the payback calculation discussed earlier. You mileage and results may vary. We have separate guides on buying pre-owned and shopping for new vehicles that can help you decide, as well. There's also the option of a certified pre-owned vehicle for those who want the extra peace of mind that a longer warranty provides. Available Incentives Should you settle on a new or used plug-in hybrid, there may be some extra savings in your future. PHEVs with a battery capacity above 7 kWh and meeting some other requirements are eligible for a tax break. For new plug-ins, the price cap is an MSRP of $80,000 for trucks and SUVs, or $55,000 for cars; used PHEVs must sell for less than $25,000 to qualify. There are also household income limits for who can take advantage of these credits. The IRS spells everything out clearly in documents for new and used vehicles. Note that these tax breaks are set to expire on September 30, 2025. If you want to take advantage, you must purchase the vehicle by that date. Your state may offer additional incentives, so be sure to read up on those before making your selection. Whether your goal is to save fuel, save money, or maximize power, there's a new or used hybrid that's right for you. Follow our advice, and you'll get a good deal on the right gas-electric vehicle to suit your needs and wants. You Might Also Like Car and Driver's 10 Best Cars through the Decades How to Buy or Lease a New Car Lightning Lap Legends: Chevrolet Camaro vs. Ford Mustang!
New York Post
3 hours ago
- New York Post
Trump, European Union Commission prez give ‘50-50′ chance of striking trade deal after Scotland meeting: ‘Rebalancing'
President Trump and European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen both put the odds of reaching a trade deal at 50% ahead of their negotiations Sunday, but remained hopeful an agreement could be finalized. 'I think the President is right, we have a 50 to 50% chance to strike a deal. And indeed it is about rebalancing,' she told reporters in the DJT Ballroom at Trump Turnberry off the west coast of Scotland. Trump has given the EU an Aug. 1 deadline to ink a new trade deal with him or else face 30% tariffs. The EU is a block of 27 trade countries, which, taken together, traded about $1.68 trillion worth of goods with the US last year. Advertisement 3 President Donald Trump meets European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the Trump Turnberry golf course in Turnberry, Scotland. AP 'This is the biggest deal. People don't realize this is bigger than any other deal,' Trump stressed ahead of his talks with the EU president. The president also noted that while a deal with the EU will address most outstanding trade-related issues, 'pharmaceuticals won't be part of it, because we have to have them made in the United States.' Advertisement Trump teased that he would know after about an hour whether or not a deal with the EU is possible before the Aug. 1 deadline and revealed that there are about 3 to 4 sticking points, but didn't detail specifics of what those issues are. He also aired his general grievances with European trade practices, particularly with automobiles and agriculture, though it wasn't clear if those were among the sticking points. 'We don't sell cars into Europe. We don't sell, essentially, agriculture of any great degree. They want to have their farmers do it, and they want to have their car companies do it,' he said. 'I'm not saying anything that nobody knows. We have a rough situation. If we want to sell cars in Europe, we're not allowed to. And as you know, they sell millions and millions of cars [into the US],' he added. 'What we want to do is make everybody happy.' Advertisement 3 The president also noted that while a deal with the EU will address most outstanding trade-related issues, 'pharmaceuticals won't be part of it, because we have to have them made in the United States.' Davide Bonaldo/SOPA Images/Shutterstock Von der Leyen, who flew to Scotland during Trump's four-day trip to the United Kingdom to meet with the American president, buttered him up 'as a tough negotiator and dealmaker.' 'And fair,' Trump interjected. Trump emphasized during his gaggle with reporters that he has no intention of delaying the Aug. 1 deadline before his customized 'Liberation Day' tariffs take effect. The president previously moved that deadline twice. Advertisement Rumors have swirled that Trump is eyeing a 15% baseline tariff on the EU, which would effectively cut his 'Liberation Day' proposal in half. Many Europeans have hoped he would drop that to the 10% baseline he has imposed on virtually all US imports — which is also the same rate he gave the United Kingdom during the tariff deal announced in May. 3 Trump emphasized during his gaggle with reporters that he has no intention of delaying the Aug. 1 deadline before his customized 'Liberation Day' tariffs take effect. Getty Images 'Better meaning lower?' Trump replied when a reporter asked him if he could do better than 15%. 'No.' So far, Trump has cut tariff deals with the UK, Vietnam, Japan, Indonesia and the Philippines. The president teased that his team recently locked down another deal, but didn't specify which country. He also has a variety of tariffs in place now, such as a 25% rate on automobiles, aluminum, and steel, as well as 25% on imports from Canada and Mexico that don't comply with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. He's also recently mused about jacking up tariffs on Canada and Mexico. Trump has also reached a tariff truce with China and given Beijing an Aug. 12 deadline to cut a broader deal. Earlier this month, he gave Moscow an ultimatum to cut a peace deal with neighboring Ukraine within 50 days or else face 100% secondary tariffs on Russian energy — meaning levies imposed on countries that import from Russia.
