Cars.com predicts strong sales within small SUV category this spring

(March 24, 2013) CHICAGO — Despite the changing seasons, vehicle popularity in the United States has remained largely consistent over the past two years, dominated by light trucks and mid-sized sedans. Cars.com predicts the rapidly growing small SUV segment will shift make/model sales rankings in 2014.

"The growth of the small SUV segment is undeniable and it's extremely likely that the future lists — starting this spring — will include more small SUVs as well as higher rankings for the existing ones. Models such as the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Nissan Rogue now appeal to a much wider consumer base due to their functional nature, affordable price points and low cost of ownership," said Jesse Toprak, chief analyst for Cars.com.

In February, the small SUV segment reached a record 18 percent market share. The segment is up from 15 percent in February 2013 with no slowdown in sales on the horizon, according to Toprak.

On a regional level, spring 2012 and 2013 purchases were distributed evenly throughout the country, with the Ford F-Series and Honda Accord holding top ranks. The growing presence of the small SUV segment is most apparent in the Mid Atlantic, with the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Nissan Rogue all claiming positions in the top 10.  Strong growth is seen in the Southwest, South and West with the Honda CR-V quickly rising in the ranks in spring 2013 over 2012.

Seasonal Sales Data 2012-2013

Rank

Spring 2012

Spring 2013

Change

1

Ford F-Series

160,350

Ford F-Series

198,147

23.6%

2

Toyota Camry

118,958

Chevrolet Silverado

122,239

20.1%

3

Chevrolet Silverado

101,795

Toyota Camry

108,589

-8.7%

4

Honda Accord

91,893

Honda Accord

103,260

12.4%

5

Honda Civic

86,112

Nissan Altima

91,694

14.6%

6

Toyota Corolla

84,940

Ford Fusion

86,559

12.4%

7

Nissan Altima

79,979

Honda Civic

84,386

-2.0%

8

Honda CR-V

79,681

Ford Escape

83,883

33.7%

9

Ford Fusion

77,029

Toyota Corolla

83,693

-1.5%

10

Chevrolet Malibu

75,372

Honda CR-V

80,714

1.3%