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.

Latest Stories

View all

2025 GMC Acadia

GM Surpasses Tesla in China’s EV Market: A Wake-Up Call for the American EV Pioneer

In a development few would have predicted a year ago, General Motors (GM) has overtaken Tesla in electric vehicle (EV) sales in China, the world's largest EV market. According to data from the China Passenger Car Association, GM's joint ventures,...

Read more

Governor Phil Scott Pauses Electric Vehicle Sales Requirements in Vermont

Governor Phil Scott Pauses Electric Vehicle Sales Requirements in Vermont

Montpelier, VT (WRGB) — In a significant policy shift, Governor Phil Scott has signed Executive Order 04-25, directing the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources to suspend enforcement of regional electric vehicle (EV) sales mandates. These mandates were part of a...

Read more

Has Mazda Just Filed a Patent That Will End the MX-5? It Sure Has

Has Mazda Just Filed a Patent That Will End the MX-5? It Sure Has

Opinion In a move that may signal the twilight of one of the world’s most beloved driver’s cars, Mazda has filed a new U.S. patent that appears to show plans for an electric two-seat sports car with unmistakable MX-5 proportions....

Read more