Only two midsize SUVs sold more than double their sales from September 2021 to September 2022. For some reason, the last month was very good for these models. Did something change with the lineup of these SUVs? Did people only now find out how great they actually are? Only the Ford Bronco and Chevrolet Traverse managed to double their sales during September 2022 since last year. Why is everyone suddenly buying these midsize SUVs?

Why did the Ford Bronco’s sales double?

In September 2021, the Ford Bronco managed to sell 3,396 units. According to GoodCarBadCar, the following year, that number jumped to 10,892. Moreover, it’s completely unheard of for any vehicle to see a 220.73% sales increase year-over-year. Within the list of midsize SUVs, the most significant change for a model that didn’t double its sales is the Kia Sorento at 78.75%. What happened with the Ford Bronco for such a drastic change in sales?

For the 2022 and 2023 Ford Bronco, the explanation is straightforward. During the pandemic, vehicles became very challenging to manufacture. None more prominent than the Bronco, which was newly introduced during the production issues every automaker was having. Unfortunately, production issues are still ongoing; however, they’ve improved. As a result, every Bronco that’s been available is reserved or immediately purchased from dealers.

Furthermore, this drastic change in sales shows how much better Ford production is going today than one year ago. During September 2021 and 2022, customers are instantly buying every Bronco available. However, in 2021, that was only 3,396 units. Alternatively, in September 2022, that number grew to 10,892 units, making it a 220.73% sales increase. We’d go as far as to say if production was even better, the number would be higher. Dealers continue to struggle to keep a Bronco on their lot for more than a few days if it isn’t already reserved.

Chevrolet Traverse sales doubled since September 2021

Next, the second most prominent change in sales from September 2021 to September 2022 is the Chevrolet Traverse. Another midsize SUV, this model isn’t nearly as popular as the Ford Bronco. Additionally, we’ve never heard of backorders or production issues like the Broncos. There’s certainly no problem with sell-outs at dealers with the Chevy SUV.

However, it still grew its sales by 129.94% in September 2022. That’s a remarkable number, considering in 2021, Chevy sold just 3,634 Traverse models during the same month. Last month, however, it managed to get 8,356 units out the door. There is no simple answer to the massive sales growth of this model. However, it might be due to the light refresh that came with the 2022 model year.

In 2021, the Traverse was outdated and still waiting for its big update. Its current iteration, however, received a host of new items. For example, a revised exterior styling, new standard driver-assistance features, and more. Why buy the 2021 model year when the new one comes with automated emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams?

Midsize SUVs that doubled their sales

In conclusion, only two midsize SUVs doubled their sales from September 2021 to September 2022. The Ford Bronco did so because it overcame many of its production issues. We expect sales for this model to increase even more as the automaker continues its road to recovery from the pandemic. Alternatively, the Chevy Traverse saw more than double its sales numbers in September. We suspect it’s because the 2022 model year received a refresh, so buyers found it much more enticing.