SUV supremacy revealed: CarGurus study shows 430% increase in new model choice since 2000

• Analysis shows there are 159 new SUV models to choose from today - four times the amount available in 2000
• The trend toward SUVs also extends to the electric vehicle (EV) market where 54% of new EV models offered today are SUVs
• In contrast, the number of new MPV, convertible, coupé, saloons, hatchback, estate, and pick-up models has declined significantly since the availability of these body styles peaked in 2015
• Mainstream manufacturers, on average, offer a choice of five SUV models, with BMW and Audi offering as many as 15
• For drivers considering an SUV purchase, CarGurus provides a guide to the best used SUV models here

The rapid rise of the SUV has been revealed, as a new CarGurus study reveals that the number of new models on sale today sporting the body style has increased by 430% since 2000.

The Car Body Type Study by CarGurus - the fastest-growing automotive marketplace in the U.K. (i) to shop, buy, and sell used vehicles - analysed 35 of the U.K.’s most popular car brands (ii) to track the rise and fall of body styles offered to British drivers since 2000.

The study finds that there are currently 159 new SUV models on sale in the U.K., compared to just 30 in 2000, offering those in the market for an SUV a record level of choice.

U.K. consumers also have a choice of 41 fully-electric SUVs, representing more than half (54%) of all new EV models available today.

Further analysis from CarGurus found that all 35 of the U.K.’s most popular brands now offer at least one SUV in their range, with an average of five models per brand. Two brands - BMW and Audi - feature 15 SUV models within each of their ranges. By comparison, less than half of the manufacturers reviewed offered an SUV model in 2000.

This expanded range of SUV options reflects consumer demand for the body style. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (iii), seven of the U.K.’s top 10 best selling cars in 2023 were SUVs, with the Ford Puma and Nissan Qashqai topping the list.

The growing demand for SUVs, coupled with the need for manufacturers to invest heavily in electrification, has resulted in a decrease of other body styles. The CarGurus analysis found that the number of new convertibles offered in the U.K. today has halved since 2005 (-56%). Further, the number of new MPVs and hatchbacks peaked in 2015 before declining to 29 models (-70%) and 67 models (-43%), respectively, available today.

The selection of new coupés, saloons, estates, and pick-ups were at their highest between 2016 and 2022. Consumers could choose between 55 coupé models in the period analysed between 2016 and 2022, but now have a choice of 30 models (-45%). Likewise, the range of new saloon models has fallen from 71 during the 2016 to 2022 timeframe, to 42 (-41%); estates from 67 during the same period, to 45 (-33%); and pick-ups from 10 available between 2016 and 2022, to 4 (-60%) today.

Chris Knapman, CarGurus U.K. Editorial Director, said: “The growth of the SUV market over the past two decades has been exponential. Consumers are now spoilt for choice as they increasingly turn away from other car body types that once dominated the roads. In parallel, in the used market, buyers are also able to choose from a wider selection of second-hand SUVs than ever before.

“There is almost certain to be a model to suit individual needs and budgets, yet there are a number of things to consider when purchasing this car body type. Key considerations include vehicle dimensions, boot space, towing capacity, powertrain type, and the option of two- or four-wheel-drive.

“To help consumers find an SUV that meets their requirements, at CarGurus we have compiled a series of buying guides covering everything from small petrol SUVs to fully electric offerings, across both the new and used markets.”

About CarGurus, Inc.
CarGurus (Nasdaq: CARG) is a multinational online automotive platform for buying and selling vehicles. The CarGurus platform gives consumers the confidence to purchase and/or sell a vehicle, and it gives dealerships the power to accurately price, effectively market, and quickly sell vehicles, all with a nationwide reach. The company uses proprietary technology, search algorithms, and data analytics to bring trust, transparency, and competitive pricing to the automotive shopping experience.

CarGurus operates online marketplaces under the CarGurus brand in the U.K., Canada, and U.S., where it is the most visited automotive shopping site (iv). The CarGurus network of brands also includes PistonHeads, the largest online motoring community in the U.K. (i); Autolist, a U.S.-based online marketplace; and CarOffer, a digital wholesale marketplace serving the U.S.

To learn more about CarGurus in the U.K., visit CarGurus.co.uk, and for more information about PistonHeads, visit PistonHeads.com.

CarGurus® is a registered trademark of CarGurus, Inc., and CarOffer® is a registered trademark of CarOffer, LLC. All other product names, trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

i. Similarweb: Traffic Insights, Q3 2023, U.K.
ii. Based on 2023 year-to-date data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders
iii. Source: https://www.smmt.co.uk/vehicle-data/car-registrations/
iv. Similarweb: Traffic Insights, Q3 2023, U.S.