Cars

The rise of big trucks and SUVs in the American auto market is due to changing consumer preferences favoring larger vehicles for their space, performance, and comfort. SUVs evolved from off-road vehicles to family transportation alternatives, with models like the 1984 Jeep Cherokee and Toyota RAV4 making them accessible to middle-class families. Additionally, regulatory classifications and tax provisions favoring light trucks, which include SUVs and pickups, have incentivized manufacturers to prioritize these vehicles. This shift began overtaking sedans and wagons in production share by the early 2000s and now accounts for about 75% of new vehicle sales in the U.S.

Under U.S. regulations, many SUVs and pickups are classified as 'light-duty trucks,' a category that includes vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating up to 8,500 pounds. This classification matters because light trucks are subject to more lenient fuel economy and emissions standards compared to passenger cars. This regulatory environment has encouraged automakers to produce more SUVs and trucks, as they face fewer restrictions and can benefit from tax incentives. However, this has also led to increased pollution, pedestrian fatalities, and urban congestion, highlighting the need for regulatory reform to hold light trucks to the same standards as other vehicles.

Pickup trucks and SUVs are often targeted by thieves because they tend to be relatively expensive, powerful, and in high demand for resale or parts. Muscle cars and high-horsepower vehicles like the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 are also frequently stolen for similar reasons. In contrast, electric vehicles (EVs) are stolen less often, possibly due to their newer technology, lower prevalence, and more complex electronic security systems that deter theft.

The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is the most stolen vehicle because it is a high-performance muscle car with high horsepower, making it attractive to thieves. Its relative rarity and high value also increase its desirability. The theft rate for the Camaro ZL1 is 39 times higher than the average vehicle, reflecting its status as a prime target for auto theft.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are safety technologies designed to help drivers avoid accidents and reduce fatigue. Key features include Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Blind Spot Monitoring. These systems are becoming standard in many vehicles and are highly prioritized by buyers for enhancing safety and driving comfort.

Car buyers in 2025 are increasingly prioritizing electrification and fuel efficiency due to environmental concerns and fluctuating gas prices. This includes interest in plug-in hybrid vehicles, fully electric vehicles, and highly efficient internal combustion engines. Improvements in battery technology and expanded charging infrastructure are making electric vehicles more accessible and desirable.

CAR Inc's autonomous car rental service uses Baidu Apollo's Level 4 autonomous driving platform, which allows the vehicle to drive autonomously in most conditions without human intervention.

Users aged 18 and above can book, unlock, and return the autonomous vehicles entirely through the CAR Inc mobile app without human assistance. The process includes booking the vehicle, the car autonomously arriving at the pickup location and unlocking after ID verification, and the vehicle navigating itself to a user-specified drop-off point.

In 2025, 'mom car' typically refers to compact to mid-sized SUVs that combine practicality, safety, and comfort, making them popular among family-oriented buyers. These vehicles offer features like spacious interiors, advanced safety systems, and manageable size for urban driving, aligning with the needs of parents and small families.

Compact SUVs are gaining popularity because they offer the versatility and safety features of larger SUVs but in a more manageable and economical package. Their unibody construction provides better handling and safety, while features like all-wheel drive enhance performance in various weather conditions. These attributes make them ideal for urban families seeking practicality without sacrificing comfort or style.

A car is considered 'most American' based on factors such as the percentage of domestic parts, where the vehicle is assembled, and the origin of its labor force. In 2025, rankings like the Cars.com American-Made Index and other industry analyses use these criteria to determine which models offer the highest domestic content, helping consumers make informed choices amid changing import tariffs and market conditions.

Import tariffs increase the cost of vehicles with lower domestic content, making cars with higher American-made parts and assembly more financially attractive. This encourages buyers to choose models ranked as 'most American,' as these vehicles often offer better value and lower risk of price increases due to tariffs, aligning with both financial and patriotic considerations.

Cars.com's American-Made Index considers five primary factors: the location of final assembly, the percentage of U.S. and Canadian parts, the country of origin for available engines, the country of origin for available transmissions, and the U.S. manufacturing workforce relative to the automaker's footprint.

Vehicles are ranked on a 100-point scale based on the five factors. In cases of a tied index score, heavier curb weights function as a tiebreaker.

Sedans and hatchbacks remain popular due to their efficiency, affordability, and appeal to consumers who prefer smaller vehicles. While SUVs and large trucks dominate the market, sedans continue to hold a significant presence, with several models ranking among the top ten in sales.

Current market trends show that while SUVs and large trucks are popular, economic factors such as tariffs and consumer resistance to high prices can impact sales. Automakers are offering incentives to boost sales, which might favor sedans if they are more competitively priced or offer better value.