How are new cars selling so far this year? Full-size SUVs are experiencing a surprising surge so far this year. Even in a challenging economy with inflation, automakers like Ford, GM, and Chevrolet are watching their full-size SUVs fly off dealership lots. The overall growth in the full-size SUV segment shows a strong consumer demand for these spacious and capable vehicles.

Who is at the top of the class? Who’s struggling? What’s behind this jump? Let’s find out.

Full-size SUVS sales are surging in 2023

The demand for full-size SUVs has seen a big surge this year. According to data from Ford Authority, Ford Expedition sales in the U.S. jumped an impressive 99.21% in Q1 2023 compared to the same period last year.

In Mexico,  Ford Expedition sales increased by 71% during the same timeframe. But, even with these eye-catching gains, the Expedition trailed behind GM’s popular models the Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon, and GMC Yukon XL in terms of sales volume.

While the Ford Expedition’s numbers nearly doubled in Q1 2023, it still has some ground to cover to pass GM and emerge as the top-selling vehicle in the full-size SUV segment. To pull that off, Ford may need to make adjustments to equipment, option packaging, and marketing strategies to better compete with GM offerings. The growth does show an improvement in production and availability, a good sign for Ford’s positioning in the market.

The total number of full-size SUVs sold in Q1 2023 is up 27.37% from the same time in 2022. That combined with the sales numbers the Ford Expedition scored in the first quarter of 2023 shows a strong consumer demand for full-size SUVs in general.

All the full-size SUVs have rising sales except for one

The entire full-size SUV class, except for the Jeep Wagoneer, is witnessing a notable jump in sales. The increased demand for SUVs and full-size vehicles, in general, is one of the drivers behind the surge in sales.

Shoppers are increasingly drawn to the space, flexibility, and capabilities big SUVs have to offer and they’re choosing them over other vehicles.  Even Toyota Sequoia, which underwent a generational makeover and is at the bottom of the class, saw a massive boost in popularity.

Competitive pricing and appealing incentives may be playing a role in rising sales. Automakers may have advertising pricing strategies or financing options to draw potential buyers. Lower prices or attractive financing terms can sometimes tempt shoppers towards a particular model over its competitors.

Adding improved features and tech could also be a contributing factor, catching the interest of those who want more convenience, safety, and connectivity features.

Which are the most and least popular full-size SUVs so far in 2023?

Even with the current state of the economy, the full-size SUV class is seeing notable growth. Based on the U.S. sales numbers of the full-size SUVs class so far in 2023, the most popular model is the Chevy Tahoe with Ford Expedition and Chevy Suburban in second and third place.

The Tahoe leads with 27,257 units sold, up 13.67% in sales compared to Q1 2022. The Ford Expedition follows closely behind with 19,359 units sold and a 99.21% jump in sales. Finally, the Chevy Suburban is in third place with 13,932 units sold and sales up 12.14%. These three SUVs collectively hold a notable market share and a strong appeal among consumers.

Despite being the least popular model among full-size SUVs in Q1 of 2023, the Toyota Sequoia’s sales numbers are stunning. With an increase of 938.86% compared to the same period in 2022, the Sequoia sold a total of 4,384 units in Q1 2023.

It didn’t sell as many units as its peers, but the jump in sales is impressive. This type of growth shows promise in its ability to capture market attention and gain traction within its segment.