SUVs: A Deeper Dive Into New Retail Registrations

While many view Experian as a credit bureau, we have a rich history in identifying and analyzing emerging market shifts and consumer behaviors across industries, particularly automotive. In fact, Experian’s Automotive Consumer Trends Report: Q1 2025 is one of our many reports that provide essential intel for automotive professionals navigating today’s competitive landscape. And this quarter’s report sheds light on SUVs (including SUVs and CUVs)—a segment that continues to pique consumers’ interest. Data in the first quarter of this year found 62.8% of new retail registrations were SUVs, accounting for the largest portion of market share over the last 12 months—compared to sedans (18.4%), pickup trucks (16.6%), and vans (2.2%). While overall SUV registrations highlight the growing dominance in this sector, a closer look at the data revealed that electric SUVs are emerging as a contributor to this momentum. In Q1 2025, electric SUVs accounted for 10.5% of new retail SUV registrations—and within that group, 30.7% were registered in the state of California. It’s crucial for automotive professionals to monitor these trends and prepare accordingly as the fuel type continues to grow. Which electric SUV models are catching buyers’ attention? Knowing which types of electric SUVs are attracting consumer interest can enable professionals to align their offerings with market demand. The Tesla Model Y made up nearly half of the new retail SUV registrations for exotic and luxury in the last 12 months, coming in at 40.5%. Interestingly, the next closest model, Ford Mustang Mach-E, trailed behind at 5.8%. Rounding out the top five were the Hyundai IONIQ 5 (5.5%), Honda Prologue (4.9%), and Chevrolet Equinox EV (4.3%). Understanding SUV registrations goes beyond data—it’s about spotting the shift in consumer behavior as this segment as well as the EV fuel type continues to break ground in the automotive landscape. This insight gives professionals the leverage they need to adapt and refine their strategies in the next era of mobility. To learn more about SUV insights, view the full Automotive Consumer Trends Report: Q1 2025 presentation.

Understanding generational trends and preferences is more crucial than ever, especially for the financial services industry.

Electric vehicles (EVs) continue to gain traction in certain markets. In fact, at the end of 2024, 9.2% of all new retail registrations were electric, up from 8%+ in 2023 and 6%+ in 2022. Clearly, more and more in-market shoppers are leaning towards EVs, but what is actually a determining factor in their decision? A recent Experian survey [1] found 65% of respondents said they prioritize battery life, while 62% consider price, 58% are concerned with range on a full battery and 53% are focused on infrastructure and maintenance. It’s not just EVs, hybrids are getting into the mix While EVs certainly are the buzzword in the industry, it’s not the only alternative fuel type consumers are opting for. For instance, 55% of respondents said they’d consider a new hybrid and 50% said they’d consider a new EV for their next vehicle purchase. On the used side, 38% of respondents said they’d consider an EV and 42% would consider a hybrid. More granularly, the survey revealed 67% of Gen Z and 61% of Millennials are likely to buy a new EV, while 62% and 63% of these groups, respectively, expressed similar intentions for purchasing new hybrid. Gen Z and Millennials also showed a stronger-than-average interest on the used side, with 57% and 49% opting for EVs, and 57% and 52% choosing hybrids. With the younger generations gravitating towards these fuel types, it’s likely going to influence adoption rates down the road, a trend that should be watched closely as manufacturers roll out more models to meet the growing demand. However, when assessing the viewpoints of other generations, some are less likely to purchase an alternative fuel type. Two-in-five, albeit still a healthy percentage, of Gen X respondents said they’re likely to purchase a new EV and only 25% of Baby Boomers shared a similar sentiment. Meanwhile, 27% of Gen X and 12% of Baby Boomers say they’re likely to purchase a used EV. Furthermore, 46% of Gen X and 43% of Baby Boomers indicated they are likely to buy a new hybrid, while 33% and 21% of these groups, respectively, conveyed similar thoughts towards purchasing used hybrids. It’s crucial for professionals to stay attuned to shifting trends and concerns among consumers, as these factors play a role in consumer decision-making. By addressing potential setbacks and knowing where their target audience is, they can better align their strategies with consumer needs as these fuel types continue to move up on the list for everyday commuters. To learn more about EV insights, visit Experian Automotive’s EV Resource Center. [1] Experian commissioned Atomik Research to conduct an online survey of 2,005 adults throughout the United States. The sample consists of adults who estimate they will purchase or lease their next vehicle within the next 24 months or sooner. The margin of error is +/- 2 percentage points with a confidence level of 95 percent. Fieldwork took place between March 24 and March 27, 2025.