YIKES! Automakers Now Selling TWICE As Many Trucks And Crossovers As Sedans

Just going for a drive around just about any block in America makes it clear that crossovers are taking over as our favorite kind of vehicle to drive. With sedan sales plummeting and some major manufacturers pulling out of the sedan game entirely, it’s starting to look like what began as a trend is turning into a permanent market shift. According to Automotive News, trucks outsold cars by a ratio of more than 2-to-1 this year through May.

When we say “trucks,” we’re using it as a catch-all term to cover SUVs, crossovers, and pickups. All of the above are technically classified as “light trucks” and fall under the same broad category putting a Kia Soul in the same boat as a Ford F-150. Despite the variation, these stats still speak strongly to the rapid decline of the traditional car.

ilovecar2015 - 7/3/2018 12:01:59 PM

+3 Boost

Trucks (1 segment), crossovers (1 segment) = 2 segments sold twice sedans (1 segment). So basically 2 segments sold twice as 1 segment, what's the yikes and why is it shocking?

MDarringer - 7/3/2018 6:57:54 PM

-1 Boost

Indeed the apples-to-oranges comparison is a bit flimsy. Are people leaving sedans for other vehicle segments? Yes. is their a shared, causal relationship between pickups and crossovers motivating the loss of sedan sales? No. Pickups and crossovers are not operating in accord (pun intended).

atc98092 - 7/3/2018 1:42:29 PM

+2 Boost

As I age, I find the higher seating position of the crossover more comfortable for ingress and egress.

Although I consider my Outback a slightly jacked up station wagon, not a crossover.

dumpsty - 7/8/2018 2:18:29 PM

+1 Boost

Higher seating position. Easier to get in/out of vehicle. Two reasons small & midsize SUV/CUV sales have exploded. While a lot of updated cars have gotten more sportier & have lower seating positions.

TomM - 7/3/2018 4:04:34 PM

+2 Boost

My CHrysler Mini-van is classified a "Truck" too. When you extend the definition to include all of these various vehicles - it should be bigger than other segments.

WHat is does establish though is that creature comforts and cargo capacity have left PURE performance in the dust - and people are actually buying vehicles as appliances for transportation - rather than for enjoyment.

qwertyfla1 - 7/3/2018 4:30:34 PM

-1 Boost

Gas is still cheap for the most part. Once prices spike people will flock to more economical options. However with Ford and many other manufacturers exiting the car market or reducing product lines -it could be slim pickings indeed especially in the used car inventory.

ricks0me - 7/3/2018 5:25:55 PM

-1 Boost

I drive a Ford F150 because I need a truck for my business. If I did not need a truck, I would be driving a 4 cyl. economy car.

People say that you are safer in a bigger vehicle in case you get in an accident. I say I am safer in a small car because I can better avoid an accident due to maneuverability. I do not expect too many of you will agree with this.

Even with cheaper gas prices , I wonder >>>> Why would anyone pay more than necessary to transport themselves? I would always go the less expensive economy car route.

dumpsty - 7/8/2018 2:53:38 PM

+1 Boost

Consumers have shown that they are willing to pay top premiums for taller larger vehicles with additional interior features & accessories. And then, for upscale & luxury brands, consumers will pay even more to have the "badge" they most desire.

See Escalade, MDX, QX, Cayenne, Navigator, etc.

You're a reasonable consumer. Why get more than you need. Millions of other consumers with (without) cash to burn just want what they want, regardless of necessity.