Death of Sedans
SUVs and crossovers surged from 50% US market share (2012) to 80%+ (2023), killing sedans. #SUVBoom tracked: Honda CR-V/Toyota RAV4 dominance, Ford abandoning cars (Focus, Fusion, Taurus discontinued 2018-2019), Chevy killing Cruze/Impala, and consumer preference for higher seating, perceived safety, and cargo space over sedan efficiency.
Cultural Shift
Gas prices mattered less than SUV practicality. Manufacturers chased profits: SUVs $5K-10K higher margins than sedans. Critics lamented: pedestrian safety concerns, worse fuel economy, parking lot tank arms race, and enthusiast sedans like Accord/Camry withering. By 2020-2023, only trucks and SUVs mattered; even performance moved SUV (Trackhawk, Urus, Cayenne Turbo).
Sources:
- SUV Market Share (2021)
- Ford Kills Cars (2018)