Kirsten Von Busch, Director of Product Marketing at Experian Automotive brings the receipts from Experian's Automotive Consumer Trends Report (Q1 2026) on what’s really happening in the SUV market. Spoiler alert: your gut and the data are not on the same page. We reveal why electrified SUVs now command 27.68% of new retail share, how the Tesla Model Y is absolutely steamrolling the BEV SUV competition with a 43% share, and why hybrids are still having their moment while everyone argues about that “10% BEV market share” headline. Then we jump to used: Jeep emerges as the market share leader in pre-owned SUVs, families over-index on used instead of new despite all the shiny “family SUV” ads, and Kirsten guides us through a case study that proves how lazy demographic assumptions will cost you real money. If you care about inventory mix, marketing strategy, or not getting blindsided by the next wave of retailing trends, this is the episode you actually need to hear before you greenlight your next campaign.
_______________________________
🔗 Want the full story in data form? We pulled the highlights, but you’ll want the details:
Experian's Automotive Consumer Trends Report for Q1 2026.
SUVs Continue to Dominate the U.S. Auto Market in 2026
Key Market Highlights:
- 117 million SUVs are currently in operation across the U.S., representing 42.2% of all vehicles on the road.
- SUVs captured 63.45% of new retail registrations over the last 12 months, strengthening their position as the largest vehicle segment.
- More than 7.8 million new SUVs and 14.4 million used SUVs were registered during the period.
Download it here
________________________________
Learn more about Experian's AutoCheck Vehicle History Reports. Unlock exclusive vehicle insights, attract qualified buyers, and accelerate sales with the only VHR trusted across top shopping sites.
________________________________
Check out Experian's EV Resource Page for all things electric vehicle data
_______________________________
This episode is sponsored by Experian. Experian is a global data and technology company, powering opportunities for people and businesses around the world. Experian helps to redefine lending practices, uncover and prevent fraud, simplify healthcare, deliver digital marketing solutions, and gain deeper insights into the automotive market, all using their unique combination of data, analytics and software. Learn more here
https://www.experian.com/automotive/ev-resource-center?cmpid=EVS_for_Everyone
_______________________________
Connect with Kirsten on LinkedIn
_______________________________
Connect with Elena:
https://evs4everyone.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/
Let's talk on X:
https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryone
Are you connected with the show on LinkedIn?
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/
________________________
