Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a few moments.
There's a very specific point when American drivers start shunning small, fuel-efficient cars and return to their big-SUV buying habits.
According to research from TrueCar.com, the magic number when SUV sales begin to rise is $3.00 gas. And the magic number when hybrid sales begin to fall is $2.77.
With fuel prices steadily dropping, SUV and crossover sales climbed 11.8% higher last year. Now, with gas is below $2 a gallon at most U.S. gas stations, that trend is expected to continue.
Since gas dipped below $2 about a month ago at a station in Oklahoma City, about 70,000 stations have followed suit, according to the Oil Price Information Service, which tracks prices for AAA.
Steve Barna, president of Hawthorne Chevrolet in New Jersey, said mid-size SUVs are flying off his lot. What's not selling? Little fuel sippers.
"The heat is off the hybrids. The heat is off the smaller cars," said Barna.
So will cheap gas doom fuel efficient car sales? Only time will tell.
To be sure, gas prices are not the only determining factor for shoppers. It also helps that there's a broader array of SUV options available.
"I think when you purchase a vehicle you do it responsibly," said Tom Kloza, the global head of energy analysis at OPIS. "And it is irresponsible just to sort of drive in this big huge thing."
Kloza, says he expects prices to stay low this year, but a longer forecast is difficult to predict.
-Laurie Frankel and Richa Naik contributed reporting.
The Hartford Business Journal 2025 Charity Event Guide is the annual resource publication highlighting the top charity events in 2025.
Learn moreHartford Business Journal provides the top coverage of news, trends, data, politics and personalities of the area’s business community. Get the news and information you need from the award-winning writers at HBJ. Don’t miss out - subscribe today.
SubscribeDelivering vital marketplace content and context to senior decision-makers throughout Connecticut ...
All Year Long!
The Hartford Business Journal 2025 Charity Event Guide is the annual resource publication highlighting the top charity events in 2025.
Hartford Business Journal provides the top coverage of news, trends, data, politics and personalities of the area’s business community. Get the news and information you need from the award-winning writers at HBJ. Don’t miss out - subscribe today.
Delivering vital marketplace content and context to senior decision-makers throughout Connecticut ...
All Year Long!
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Our privacy policy
To ensure the best experience on our website, articles cannot be read without allowing cookies. Please allow cookies to continue reading. Our privacy policy
0 Comments