The Great American Shift: How SUVs Dethroned the Sedan

Once a symbol of American automotive prowess, the Chevrolet Malibu has now become a relic of a bygone era. With its roots stretching back half a century, the Malibu has seen the ebb and flow of consumer preferences, technological advancements, and the relentless march of progress. The Malibu’s journey is a microcosm of the broader narrative of the American sedan — a story of rise, dominance, and eventual decline in the face of a new automotive love affair: the SUV.

The Malibu’s first run with Chevrolet was a testament to the brand’s ability to capture the essence of the American road. It was a time when the open highway symbolized freedom, and the sedan was the chariot of choice for families and individuals alike. Over the years, GM sold an impressive 10 million Malibus, a figure that speaks volumes about its popularity. However, the winds of change have been blowing, and they’ve brought with them a shift in consumer preferences. The sedan, once the king of the road, has become a rarity, overshadowed by the growing demand for crossovers, SUVs, and electric vehicles (EVs).

“ Chevrolet Malibu (facelift) ” by Kevauto is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

The decision by GM to repurpose the Malibu factory space for the production of more crossovers, SUVs, and EVs is a clear indicator of where the market is headed. The Kansas City factory, which once rolled out Malibus, will now be home to the next-generation Chevy Bolt EV and the Cadillac XT4 SUV. As Greg Migliore, Autoblog editor in chief, explained to Yahoo Finance, “The Chevy Malibu fell victim to consumers’ shifts from traditional sedans to crossovers of all shapes and sizes.” This shift is not just a trend but a new hierarchy in consumer choice, with midsize sedans like the Malibu relegated to the bottom rung.

The evidence of this shift is not hard to find. A casual glance at any mall parking lot or airport pickup zone reveals a landscape dominated by SUVs and sporty crossovers. These vehicles have become the go-to choice for many consumers, offering a blend of functionality and agreeable driving dynamics that appeal to a broad market segment. Migliore aptly describes the crossover segment as the “appliance section of the car business: a safe choice you don’t need to think about too much.” This sentiment captures the essence of the modern consumer’s approach to vehicle purchasing — seeking convenience, versatility, and reliability.

Despite the Malibu’s decline, other automakers like Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai continue to find success with their midsize sedans, such as the Camry, Accord, and Sonata. These companies have managed to maintain profitability through cost efficiencies and scale. However, the overall pie for sedan sales is shrinking, as evidenced by sales data from Edmunds.com. From 2019 to 2023, the market share of new “cars” — predominantly sedans — in the US fell from 27.1% to 20.5%. Midsize and compact cars have seen their market shares dwindle, while SUV sales have surged, now accounting for more than half of the market.

The decline in sedan popularity is a direct result of automakers expanding and enhancing their SUV offerings across various segments and price points. Joseph Yoon, Edmunds’ consumer insights analyst, told Yahoo Finance that customers have made it clear with their wallets that they value the elevated seating position and perceived utility that SUVs provide, regardless of whether they truly need it. This preference has led to a steady decline in sedan sales as SUVs continue to capture the imagination and dollars of the American public.

It’s not all doom and gloom for the sedan.

These vehicles still have much to offer, including comfortable seating for adults and ample trunk space, comparable to that of midsize SUVs. Sedans boast a smaller footprint, better aerodynamics, and lighter weight, making them more fuel-efficient and less polluting than their SUV counterparts. The latest EPA automotive trends report highlights this advantage, with cars producing significantly less CO₂ emissions than truck-based SUVs. Furthermore, sedans often provide better on-road performance due to their aerodynamics, reduced weight, and lower center of gravity. High-performance sedans like the BMW M5 and Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing can outperform even the sportiest of SUVs.

“BMW M5” by michael*choi is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

In the luxury market, some sedans continue to thrive thanks to their performance, size, and aesthetics. The BMW M5 and Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing are examples of sedans that have found a loyal following. Additionally, sedans are generally more affordable than SUVs, with midsize cars averaging a transaction price significantly lower than that of midsize SUVs.

Despite Malibu’s end, Dodge Charger still sells well. Migliore points out that distinctive products can still draw consumers towards American sedans, as evidenced by the Charger’s two-decade-long success story. The Malibu’s name may yet see a revival in a new form, perhaps as an electrified sedan for the modern era, following the trend of repurposing classic names for new electric models, as seen with the Mustang name being used for an electric crossover.

As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, there may yet be a place for this once-dominant body style. The question remains: will automakers find a way to reinvent the sedan to meet the changing tastes and environmental concerns of the 21st century? Only time will tell, but for now, the SUV reigns supreme in America’s automotive love affair.

The SUV has not only captured the hearts of American drivers but has also redefined the very fabric of the car industry. The SUV takeover is a tale of preferences, performance, and possibilities that have reshaped the landscape of American roads and the future of transportation.

The allure of the SUV is multifaceted, with its elevated seating position offering drivers a commanding view of the road, a feature that has become synonymous with safety and control. This perceived advantage has been a significant factor in the SUV’s ascent to the top of the automotive food chain. Joseph Yoon, Edmunds’ consumer insights analyst, succinctly captured this sentiment, stating that customers have ‘signaled loud and clear with their wallets that they crave an elevated seating position and the perceived added utility in every segment, whether they need it or not.’

According to sales data from Edmunds.com, the market share for SUVs has seen a meteoric rise, with overall sales ballooning to 56.3% in 2023, up from 48.5% in 2019. This surge has come at the expense of sedans, whose market share has dwindled significantly. Midsize cars, for instance, have seen their market share shrink from 8.2% to 5.8%, while compact cars have dropped from 8.8% to 6.1%. The shift is undeniable, with SUVs now claiming more than half of the market, a testament to their unwavering popularity.

The evolution of the SUV is also noteworthy.

No longer are they the bulky, gas-guzzling behemoths of the past. Today’s SUVs have adapted to become more fuel-efficient, environmentally conscious, and technologically advanced. They have expanded across multiple segments and budgets, catering to a wide array of consumer needs and preferences. This expansion has been a strategic move by carmakers to capture a larger share of the market, and it has paid off handsomely.

Performance has become a key selling point for SUVs, with many models now offering a driving experience that rivals that of sedans. High-performance SUVs have entered the market, blurring the lines between utility and sportiness. Vehicles like the Porsche Cayenne and the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio have demonstrated that SUVs can deliver exhilarating performance without sacrificing the practicality that consumers desire.

Despite the dominance of SUVs, it’s important to recognize that sedans still have a role to play in the automotive ecosystem. They offer a unique combination of efficiency, performance, and affordability that can appeal to a certain segment of the market. For example, the BMW M5 and Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing are shining examples of sedans that deliver exceptional performance and have carved out a niche for themselves in the luxury market.

Sedans tend to be more affordable than their SUV counterparts.

The average transaction price for midsize cars is significantly lower than that of midsize SUVs, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers. This price differential is a crucial consideration for many buyers and could play a role in the sedan’s survival in the market.

by YouTube channel: CNBC

The future of the sedan may be uncertain, but it’s not without hope. As automakers continue to innovate and adapt to changing consumer preferences, there is potential for a resurgence of the sedan in new and exciting forms. The possibility of an electrified Malibu sedan, as hinted by Greg Migliore, suggests that the classic sedan could make a comeback, reimagined for the modern era. The success of the Dodge Charger, which has maintained its appeal for two decades, is proof that distinctive and well-executed products can still find a place in the hearts of American drivers.

While the SUV reigns supreme in today’s automotive market, the story of the sedan is far from finished. The changing landscape presents both challenges and opportunities for automakers to redefine what a sedan can be in the 21st century. As we look to the future, it’s clear that innovation, adaptability, and a keen understanding of consumer desires will be the keys to success in an industry that is constantly in motion. The trusty sedan may have taken a backseat to the SUV, but its journey is far from over. With the right vision and execution, it could once again find its place on the open road, cruising towards a new horizon of possibilities.