American drivers may have reached peak big-vehicle love. Car buyers have gravitated toward larger, roomier vehicles over recent years. However, that trend is beginning to shift.
Economic pressures, including stubbornly high car prices and sticky interest rates, are forcing buyers to rethink their priorities. For a growing number of Americans, the question is no longer about how big a vehicle can be but how well it can fit their budget. That shift has created an unexpected renaissance for smaller cars and compact SUVs. After years of declining sales, these vehicles are making a comeback, offering an affordable alternative for cost-conscious buyers.