Q1 2025 Auto Sales: Top Winners and Biggest Losers

As the first quarter of 2025 wraps up, early sales results reveal which automakers are surging ahead — and which are struggling to keep pace. From booming SUV lineups to fading EV models, here’s a breakdown of the major winners and losers in the U.S. auto market so far.

Winners

General Motors’ SUV Lineup

General Motors had a strong start, with Buick, Chevrolet, and GMC SUVs posting significant gains. Buick’s sales rose 39%, with notable increases across Encore GX (+53%), Envista (+54%), and Enclave (+37%). Chevrolet’s revamped Equinox (+31%) and Traverse (+62%) performed well, as did the affordable Trax (+57%). GMC saw the new Acadia surge by 73%, while Cadillac's Escalade grew 39%, and its electric sibling, the Escalade IQ, nearly tripled in sales.

Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra

After slow launches, Toyota’s bZ4X and Subaru’s Solterra showed major improvements. The bZ4X jumped 196% to 5610 units, while the Solterra rose 173% to 3131 units. Toyota’s overall electrified sales grew 44%.

Hyundai and Kia Sedans

Sedans aren’t dead yet—at least not for Hyundai and Kia. The Kia K4 and refreshed K5 surged, with the K5 up 133%. Hyundai’s Elantra grew 25% and Sonata rose 20%, showing renewed consumer interest in affordable cars.

Nissan Sedans

Nissan’s Versa and Sentra both posted major gains. Versa sales leapt 156% to 19,130 units, while Sentra rose 36% to 54,536 units. Even the aging Altima gained 25%.

Japanese Sports Cars

Affordable performance cars from Japan saw a boost. The Nissan Z spiked 221%, while the Toyota GR86 (+36%), Subaru BRZ (+4.7%), and Mazda MX-5 Miata (+73%) also climbed. Only the Toyota Supra saw a decline, down 13%.

Losers

Dodge

Dodge suffered a sharp 49% drop following the discontinuation of its gasoline-powered Charger and Challenger. The new electric Charger Daytona managed only 1947 units in Q1, and even existing gas models outsold it.

American Sports Cars

The Corvette and Mustang both struggled despite minimal competition. Corvette sales fell 21%, and Mustang sales slid 32% compared to last year.

Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer

Jeep’s largest SUVs dropped dramatically. Wagoneer sales plummeted 59%, while Grand Wagoneer sales slid 48%, losing ground to the Cadillac Escalade.

Toyota Crown and Highlander

Toyota’s Crown sedan and Highlander SUV both saw steep declines due to internal competition from newer models. Highlander sales dropped 63%, while the Crown fell 71%.

Audi EVs

Audi's electric models faltered across the board. The e-tron GT dropped 68%, Q4 e-tron fell 29%, and Q8 e-tron plunged 75%. Even with the new Q6 e-tron helping offset losses, Audi’s EV momentum has clearly cooled.