Are SUV sales overtaking the sale of Sedan cars? Do you own one aleady?

[Rimmer]

In recent years, SUVs have experienced significant growth in both Europe and the United States, often surpassing traditional sedan sales.

Europe:

• In 2023, SUVs accounted for 51% of all new car sales in Europe, marking a 19% increase from the previous year.

  Motor1.com

   

• This shift means that SUVs outsold all other vehicle categories combined in Europe during that year.

United States:

• While specific comparative figures between SUVs and sedans for the entire U.S. market in 2023 are not detailed in the provided sources, there is a notable trend:

  • The Tesla Model Y, an electric SUV, was the best-selling vehicle globally in 2023, reflecting strong consumer preference.
  • Motor1.com
  •  

  • SUVs have been dominating sales over saloon (sedan) cars in Europe and America for several reasons:

  • Consumer Preference for Space & Comfort – SUVs offer more interior room, higher seating positions, and better cargo capacity, making them more practical for families and road trips.

  • Perceived Safety – Many buyers believe SUVs are safer due to their size, higher ground clearance, and commanding driving position.

  • All-Weather & Off-Road Capability – With AWD/4WD options, SUVs handle rough terrain and bad weather better than most saloons.

  • Declining Sedan Popularity – Automakers have shifted focus, discontinuing many sedan models (e.g., Ford stopped making sedans in North America) in favor of SUVs, reducing consumer options.

  • Status Symbol & Lifestyle Appeal – SUVs are marketed as more rugged, adventurous, and premium, making them desirable even for city driving.

  • Better Fuel Efficiency than Before – Modern SUVs have improved fuel economy, making the trade-off between size and efficiency less of a dealbreaker.

 

Do you own and SUV already, if so why did you choose it over a sedan which are often cheaper

 

 

[pgrahmm]

I have one here & one in the US.....Thinking back, that's just about all I've driven since the 80's/90's....

I've had other complimentary vehicles - trucks, sports cars, sedans - my primary vehicles have been SUV's......

[BritManToo]

Real men drive pickup trucks ,......... Yee haaaaaa

[mfd101]

I plan to move to our first-ever SUV next year. Looking at the new (2026) Toyota RAV4 when it arrives, and Mazda possibilities. Limited to those 2 brands because of ease of access for servicing here in south Surin at the end of the world at the edge of the jungle ...

 

And all for the perfectly sensible reasons as set out in the OP. Our beautiful little 2016 Mazda 3 was not built for Thai rural roads and farms nor for my b/f's rugged driving skills.

[Peterphuket]

I have been driving an SUV here for over 15 years, and the most important reason for that is that when you are getting older you want to have a higher entry level.

[PaoloR]

43 minutes ago, mfd101 said:

I plan to move to our first-ever SUV next year. Looking at the new (2026) Toyota RAV4 when it arrives, and Mazda possibilities. Limited to those 2 brands because of ease of access for servicing here in south Surin at the end of the world at the edge of the jungle ...

 

And all for the perfectly sensible reasons as set out in the OP. Our beautiful little 2016 Mazda 3 was not built for Thai rural roads and farms nor for my b/f's rugged driving skills.

Toyota have not sold the RAV4 officially in Thailand to date. There are grey imports from Malaysia and other countries. Check with them whether this will change

[mfd101]

40 minutes ago, PaoloR said:

Toyota have not sold the RAV4 officially in Thailand to date. There are grey imports from Malaysia and other countries. Check with them whether this will change

Yes, I had noticed that the Rav4 doesn't show up on the Toyota Thailand website. I hope this might change by this time next year. Will keep an eye on it meantime.

[ujayujay]

On 3/18/2025 at 6:09 PM, BritManToo said:

Real men drive pickup trucks ,......... Yee haaaaaa

Yee haaaaaa.....You always see them, the wannabe pickup drivers, as soon as it rains a little, they lie in the ditch