Sedan sales surge in May 2025 as fuel prices reshape buyer demand

Sedan sales in the US climbed sharply in May 2025, reversing a long decline. Higher fuel prices pushed buyers toward more efficient cars, boosting demand for models from Toyota, Honda, Subaru and Hyundai. The shift marks a rare upturn for passenger cars, which now make up just 18% of new vehicle sales compared to nearly 50% in 2010. Toyota’s Camry led the rebound, outselling even the popular RAV4 SUV in May. Honda’s Accord also overtook its own CR-V, a sign of changing buyer preferences. Hyundai’s Sonata saw a 39% sales jump compared to the same month last year.

Subaru’s sporty WRX outsold its Forester SUV for the first time in months. The trend comes as many automakers had abandoned sedans entirely. GM stopped making the Chevy Malibu in 2024 and now sells only seven gas-powered SUVs. Ford phased out its passenger cars by mid-2020, keeping only the Mustang. Yet some manufacturers are reconsidering. GM is developing a sub-$30,000 compact car, while Ford may use its new electric assembly line to produce a sedan. The moves suggest automakers are responding to renewed interest in smaller, more efficient vehicles.

The May sales figures show sedans gaining ground after years of decline. With fuel costs rising, buyers are turning back to cars for their efficiency and affordability. The shift could prompt more automakers to reintroduce passenger models in the coming years.