Are sedans falling out of favor?

It seems to me that as a vehicle, the sedan has fallen out of favor, eclipsed by SUVs, or at the very least higher up vehicles. I’ve been wondering what were the reasons for that? At least in America, it would seem that consumer preferences have shifted dramatically in recent years as buyers find SUV and crossovers more versatile, capable, and aligned with modern lifestyles. 

Among other considerations they see them as being of greater utility by offering more cargo space as well as better able to handle varied weather and road conditions, while giving them an added sense of safety and confidence. 

Then, there’s the fact that SUVs ride high and are much easier to enter and exit. Their higher seating positions are consistently cited as a major reason people prefer SUVs. They make entering and exiting much easier and provide a better visibility, making drivers feel more “in command” of the road. 

In my view, this preference must be exacerbated due to the fact that drivers as well as passengers are taller and more "voluminous" (read heavier) than in past decades, and have a harder time entering, and much more difficulties extracting themselves from a low riding vehicle, particularly the driver, hindered by the steering wheel. 

It’s obvious that SUVs’ higher hip‑point seating reduces the need to “fall into” a low sedan or “climb out” of it. Larger door openings, more headroom, legroom and sense of extra volume add to the ergonomic considerations and absolutely play a role in real‑world preference. Automakers have also been accelerating the shift by pushing SUV and moving sedans out of their showrooms. 

The reason is that SUVs and trucks have higher profit margins, and as consumer demand is stronger this has become a self‑reinforcing cycle. These evolving consumer expectations and technological advancements (extra room needed for batteries) have made SUVs the default platform for new features and designs. 

Finally, SUVs have become cultural symbols representing adventure, capability, and modern family life. One source even calls it a “complete cultural and lifestyle shift”. Since 2012, I’ve fully fallen into SUV mode. And you, what are you driving today?