They're big. They're sturdy. And, they're made to fit the whole family, and then some. But why are SUVs one of the top-selling cars in the United States today?
From the Toyota RAV4 to the Tesla Model Y, SUVs continue to top the charts as more Americans — and Europeans — favor sizable cars rather than compact and efficient sedans. Whether it's the all-American mindset, a status and wealth symbol, or policy incentives that lead car buyers to prioritize big houses with big garages to house big cars, Americans are driving SUVs at record numbers. Despite the vehicle type's reputation for being gaz-guzzling monstrosities, the trend of switching to more efficient fuel sources and auto models isn't slowing down that SUV trend. In fact, more electric vehicle producers are introducing 100 percent electric SUV models to their lineup of sustainable speedsters. As a result, the SUV is growing and changing to reflect the times while still holding onto its first-place spot among rivals.
Information used in this article has been sourced from Tesla, Lucid, Fisker, the Federal Highway Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, and reputed publications like Car and Driver, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Consumer Reports.
80-percent Of New Vehicles Sold In 2022 Were SUVs And Trucks
Americans like — no, love — cars. Six-lane highways are the norm rather than the extensive rail networks typical of European countries and the amount of space for cars is only sprawling further. For example, Houston, Texas is home to the largest highway. All 26 lanes create a wide path for Americans' ever-growing need for bigger cars and more space. In 2022, 80 percent of all new cars sold were trucks or SUVs, reported the Federal Highway Administration. Compiling that data in a graphic form, The Washington Post found that some states love large cars more than others, like Alaska and Wyoming with 78.4 percent and 77.8 percent of all registered vehicles in the state categorized as trucks. The truck category includes pickup trucks, SUVs, vans, and crossovers. Even states on the lowest end of the spectrum still had SUVs and trucks dominating the market. California came in last but trucks, including SUVs, still made up 53.1 percent of the sunshine state's registered vehicle fleet.
Of all the vehicles in the truck category, SUV trucks have steadily climbed the mountain of popularity more than any other vehicle, like pickups, SUV cars, and minivans. In 2021, the Environmental Protection Agency reported that SUVs made up 44.67 percent of all light-duty vehicles produced that year. Sedans or wagons made up just 25.69 percent. In the truck category, the closest second to the SUV was the pickup, trailing far behind with a mere 16.11 percent market production share.
SUVs | |
2021 | 44.67 percent |
2020 | 38.72 percent |
2019 | 36.51 percent |
2018 | 35.01 percent |
2017 | 31.68 percent |
2016 | 29.12 percent |
2015 | 28.06 percent |
2014 | 23.89 percent |
2013 | 21.78 percent |
While the numbers are staggering, it is not a new phenomenon. In 2020, The New York Times published an article titled "Rise of S.U.V.s: Leaving Cars in Their Dust, With No Signs of Slowing." The media outlet reported that the mega auto giants outsold small compact vehicles, like sedans, at a ratio of two to one the previous year. Additionally, as far back as 2014, Americans continued to show hesitance at the prospect of giving up their cars despite staggeringly high fuel prices and congested roads, revealed a global study conducted by TIME. In 2022, the Toyota RAV4 became the best-selling SUV in the U.S. with 399,941 vehicles sold. For context, the Ford F-Series — another monster-sized vehicle — was the bestselling car in the states, with over 640,000 trucks to customers. The RAV4 is set to become a bestseller yet again with 302,831 cars sold in 2023 as of early October.
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The Popularity Of SUVs Is Deep-rooted And Dates Back Over 50 Years
Americans love SUVs for a plethora of reasons. First, the monstrous vehicles are large and offer mega horsepower in order to lug around the hefty cars. Second, a higher sitting position offers increased visibility. Third, the cars are spacious and can hold up to eight passengers. The size also can mean that the vehicles are a safer option and, therefore a more popular choice for families. According to Consumer Reports, SUVs ranked among the top vehicle types for car safety. The SUV category, including small SUVs, small luxury SUVs, midsize SUVs, midsize luxury SUVs, and large SUVs had the largest number of Top Safety Pick+ and Top Safety Pick award winners, with 54 SUV models chosen.
While it is no secret bigger is better to Americans — from McDonald's to McMansions — it isn't just the mega mindset that leads people to buy larger-than-life trucks, vans, and whatnot. It is also a political decision deep-seated in the halls of Congress. The oil tax policies and auto market incentives that plagued the minds of politicians nearly 60 years ago have trickled down to U.S. car buyers shopping around a dealership today.
In 1964, the Johnson administration pumped up the profit margins on U.S.-made trucks by ramping up the importation taxes for those same vehicles coming from overseas, according to the Washington Post. Not only did this fuel the American-made and homegrown mindset, as well as stem from the trade disputes with Europe, but it also led to a string of incentives prioritizing the sale of SUVs and trucks. One of those benefits includes the outcome of the 1975 Corporate Average Fuel Economy Agreement. As fuel prices skyrocketed in the fallout of the oil embargo, everyday cars were hit with limits on gas consumption and high taxes. Trucks and SUVs, however, fell into the category of work vehicles and were, therefore, not affected by the same steep fees. From the gas-guzzler tax in the late 1970s to the preference for utility vehicles engrained in American policy, there is a reason why car-makers stealthily recategorize cars that certainly do not look like trucks or SUVs as one of the two. It also makes it clear why Americans love SUVs, it is simply more bang for their buck.
How Electric Vehicle Manufacturers Are Jumping On The SUV Trend
Despite not receiving incentives linked to fuel consumption, electric vehicle manufacturers understand that SUVs have become intrinsic to the American aesthetic. For multiple brands, the first dip into the electric vehicle market begins with an SUV EV. Lexus, for example, came out with its first electric car recently. The 2023 Lexus RZ features power and a luxe image with a crossover label.
Companies that only produce electric vehicles have also recognized the trend. Fisker introduced its first all-electric SUV in 2023. Lucid is set to deliver a 100 percent electric SUV in 2024 that promises record-breaking aerodynamic and range features. The Tesla Model X debuted in 2017 as the brand's first all-electric SUV. The sales numbers reflect not only a rising demand for EVs — the Tesla Model Y broke records becoming the first electric vehicle to become a bestselling vehicle — but also a surge in SUV popularity globally. The American mindset of living large seems to be catching on, just in a more sustainable format.
While the popularity and dominance of the SUV may be rooted in American society and the patriotic way of living, it is more of a long-held policy preference disguised as a "bigger is better" aesthetic. As more electric SUVs hit the U.S. market, it will become clearer just how much of a stronghold the SUV name has on Americans.
