who exactly is driving SUVs?
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the demographics of SUV owners.
We’ll explore factors such as age, gender, and income to gain a better understanding of why SUVs have become such a sought-after vehicle type.
Table of Contents
Quick Demographic Facts About SUV Car Demographics
The significant group of new SUV buyers falls within the age range of 24 to 54 years old.
New SUV buyers’ age breakdown:
- less than 1% are 24 and younger,
- 43% are 25-54,
- 26% are 55-64,
- and 31% are 65 and older.
The data suggests a diverse range of ages among SUV buyers, with a skew towards older buyers. The rising age of new vehicle buyers and the ownership of homes by a significant majority can also be noted.
Age Demographics of SUV Car Buyers
The breakdown of new SUV purchasers by age was as follows:
Age Group | SUV Buyers |
---|---|
24 and under | Less than 1% |
25-54 years old | 43% |
55-64 years old | 26% |
65 years old and older | 31% |
According to these data, the majority of new SUV car buyers belong to the 25-54 age group, followed closely by the 65 and older age group. The youngest age bracket, 24 and under, represents a significantly smaller percentage of new SUV purchasers.
Gender Demographics of SUV Car Buyers
Gender | SUV Buyers |
---|---|
Male | 57% |
Female | 43% |
This table presents the gender demographics of SUV buyers, showing that men are slightly more likely to purchase SUVs than women.
This data provides valuable insights into the preferences of SUV buyers and can be useful for automotive manufacturers and marketers targeting this demographic.
Ethnicity Demographics of SUV Car Buyers
The majority of SUV buyers in the United States self-identified as white, with racial and ethnic minority groups accounting for a smaller percentage of buyers.
A study by Strategic Vision found 23 percent of SUV buyers belonged to racial or ethnic minority groups, despite these groups making up around 40 percent of the overall population.
This data highlights the fact that the SUV market in the United States is largely dominated by white consumers, with minority representation being notably lower. The gender distribution shows a fairly even split with a slightly higher percentage of male buyers.
Education Level Demographics
Education Level | SUV Buyers |
---|---|
Less than high school | 1% |
High school graduate | 18% |
Some college | 28% |
Bachelor’s degree or higher | 53% |
The data signifies notable progress in educational attainment for diverse population groups, which may influence the demographics of SUV buyers as well.
Average Income Level
According to recent statistics, the household income averages for different SUV and sedan buyers can be distinguished as follows:
Income Bracket | SUV Buyers |
---|---|
Under $50,000 | 31% |
$50,000-$74,000 | 19% |
$75,000-$99,000 | 10% |
$100,000 and up | 40% |
For new sedan purchases:
-
- 39% of buyers have a household income under $50,000
- 18% have a household income between $50,000 and $74,000
- 9% have a household income between $75,000 and $99,000
- 35% have a household income of $100,000 and up
Additionally, when it comes to leasing cars, the breakdown of income brackets and their respective leasing percentages is as follows:
- Household income under $25,000: 4% lease a car
- Household income $25,000 to $50,000: 5% lease a car
- Household income $50,000 to $100,000: 10% lease a car
- Household income $100,000 and up: 13% lease a car
It is evident that vehicle ownership and preference for SUVs or sedans vary based on income levels. There is a higher ownership rate in households with a $100,000 income and above compared to those with lower incomes.
Other Interesting Facts About SUV Car Owners
- The majority of new SUV buyers are between the ages of 24 to 54.
- The SUV market share in the US was 47.4% in 2020.
- The average price of a new SUV in the US is $38,000.
- SUVs are the most popular vehicle type in the US.
- In 2020, over 7.8 million SUVs were sold in the US.
- The most popular SUV brands in the US are Toyota, Honda, and Ford.
- The SUV market is expected to continue growing in the coming years.
- Over 60% of SUV buyers are male.
- The most popular SUV color in the US is white.
- SUVs are more popular than minivans and station wagons.
- The average fuel economy for an SUV is 20 miles per gallon (MPG).
- Over 50% of SUVs sold in the US are equipped with all-wheel drive.
- The most popular SUV class is the compact SUV.
- The average length of an SUV is 15.9 feet.
- The average weight of an SUV is 4,800 pounds.
- The most popular SUV model in the US is the Toyota RAV4.
- The average SUV owner keeps their vehicle for 6-10 years.
- Over 50% of SUV owners use their vehicle for commuting.
- The average SUV has 5 seats.
- The most popular SUV body style is the 4-door SUV.
- Over 80% of SUVs sold in the US are manufactured in North America.
- The average SUV has a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
- The most popular SUV transmission type is automatic.
- SUVs are more likely to be involved in rollover accidents than other vehicle types.
- The average insurance cost for an SUV is $1,200 per year.
- The most popular SUV interior color in the US is black.
- Over 50% of SUV buyers have children under the age of 18.
- The most popular SUV feature is a backup camera.
- Over 70% of SUV owners use their vehicle for road trips.
These data points indicate that SUV owners tend to come from diverse age groups and income levels. As the popularity of this vehicle type continues to rise, it is essential to take into account who is buying these vehicles and understand their preferences.
Sources
- https://hedgescompany.com/blog/2019/01/new-car-buyer-demographics-2019/