A new study from Experian breaks down America’s leaders in utility vehicle sales in the first quarter of 2025. The leaderboard was pretty predictable, with Toyota taking the number-one spot, Honda in second place, and Chevy very close behind. Ford and Subaru rounded out the top five.
Before we get into it, we should note that this study uses “SUV” as a catch-all term for utility vehicles, which we at GM Authority normally separate into unibody crossovers like the Chevy Trax and body-on-frame SUVs like the Chevy Tahoe.
The study measures these rankings by registration market share percentage. 10.1 percent of new utility vehicle registrations in Q1 2025 were Toyotas, 9.57 percent were Hondas, and 9.5 percent were Chevrolets. Chevy’s most popular SUV/crossover is the Chevy Trax, claiming 1.5 percent of the market across all new vehicles, 2.39 percent of utility vehicles, and 3.07 percent of non-luxury utility vehicles. Meanwhile, the dominant Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V both claim more than double the new car market share of the Trax.
The data also reveals that America’s second most popular GM utility vehicle in Q1 2025 was the Chevy Equinox, which claimed 2.62 percent of the non-luxury utility vehicle market, slotted between the Subaru Crosstrek and Subaru Forester. The Equinox is also a popular used vehicle, grabbing 3.5 percent of the used utility vehicle market share in third place behind the Honda CR-V and Ford Escape.
It’s worth noting that this study only examines individual brands, not automakers. We’re curious what the ranking would be if utility vehicle sales were combined for all four GM retail brands and for Toyota/Lexus and Honda/Acura.
The Chevy Trax has been a hot seller ever since its significant redesign when it entered its second generation for the 2024 model year. It sold over 200,000 units in the U.S. alone in the 2024 calendar year, an 83.5 percent increase over 2023. It’s also America’s best-selling imported vehicle and has enjoyed class-leading sales numbers in the subcompact crossover segment since the second quarter of 2024.
Comments
But they have turbo charged four cylinder engines and no hybrid tech, how is that possible?
@TMI
Real car people are finally figuring out that with newer technology a V6 or V8 engine isn’t needed anymore and are soon becoming obsolete! About time!!
What’s the utility of a car that scrapes over every pothole and holds less weight than a bicycle.
Let’s just call these “Fat cars”
Really utility doesn’t start till the Ford explorer size/traverse size.
I think that’s why they’re called cross-overs. I agree, “utility” isn’t truly found until you get to larger vehicles. Perhaps wagons could get a pass (?).
On the title for my 2024 Trax, it’s listed as a station wagon. Heh.
Trax and Trailblazer in fact have turbo 3 cylinder engines. Most buyers in this segment probably don’t know or care.
@Davy
Wouldn’t hesitate for a moment to get a turbo three cylinder engine. Think about the fuel savings you’ll see, especially when $7.00 a gallon could easily become a reality.
The Trax has class leading legroom in back, with a completely flat footwell across the car. Plus good storage room out back, to boot. It’s essentially a compact wagon, raised slightly which helps with ingress/ egress, while also offering a competent suspension and ride. The value, to me, is unmatched. That’s why I bought my red 2RS.
I bought a 2024 Trax Activ and have had no problem with it as an around-town vehicle. Plenty of room, nicely equipped and good looking. The engine is indeed a light-weight, but fine for getting groceries, etc. Two complaints: 1. The engine is a bit herky-jerky when the A/C is on. Some retuning of the transmission is called for. 2. I would appreciate a motorized tailgate, lazy soul that I am.
Yes I had motorized tail gate on my encore.( 2021). Great if you are older or with a disability. Could not get it as in the after market( for trax) . I checked. Great idea. Cost $630 Canadian ( for encore). . Well worth it. It was an option on Encore 2021) . Trax best car ever 2025. Gold Star to every one involved in design + all.
They can be number one if they put the 3800 back in them.