The national automotive market recorded strong performance in the medium and large sports utility vehicle category during the first month of the year. Dados recent reports indicate that the sector registered 30,704 registrations, a volume that represents a significant increase of 20.2% compared to the same period in the previous calendar. Esse amount assured the category a share of almost 19% of all light vehicle sales in the country.
The fight for the top of the table brought important changes among the models most sought after by consumers. The Jeep Compass regained its position as the best-selling medium SUV, registering 4,503 units and surpassing direct competitors that had stood out at the end of the last cycle.
The performance of the North American brand’s model was boosted by the diversification of its portfolio, including the recent Blackhawk version with flex engine. The Essa strategy allowed for growth of 1.5% compared to the previous year, ensuring momentum to surpass BYD Song, which led in December, and once again consolidate its reference position in the segment.
Brands of Asian origin continue to put pressure on traditional manufacturers, occupying prominent places on the podium and in the top 10. The current scenario demonstrates fierce competition, where hybrid technology and design renewal have been decisive factors in the Brazilian consumer’s choice.
Movement among market leaders
The BYD Song, adding its Pro and Plus variants, secured second place with 3,802 vehicles sold. Mesmo losing its momentary leadership, the plug-in hybrid model maintains a robust sales volume, confirming the high acceptance of electrification among drivers seeking efficiency and onboard technology.
Close behind, the GWM Haval H6 closed the podium with 2,628 units, completing a sequence of nine consecutive months with sales exceeding two thousand copies. The commercial consistency of the hybrid SUV reinforces the automaker’s strategy of offering complete equipment packages to attract customers from established brands.
Toyota Corolla Cross appears in fourth position, registering 2,176 registrations and growth of more than 19% in the annual comparison. The Japanese model remains one of the main options for those looking for a conventional hybrid engine, maintaining a loyal base of buyers and expanding its presence on the streets.
Rise of new competitors and veterans
Models recently arriving on the market are beginning to show impressive results, challenging the hegemony of old names. The Omoda 5, for example, broke the thousand registration barrier for the first time, reaching 1,067 units in its third full month of sales, which signals the product’s rapid adaptation to local tastes.
Another highlight was Ford Territory, which showed the highest percentage increase among the top ten. With 851 units sold, the SUV registered an increase of 39.5%, reflecting the brand’s repositioning and the good acceptance of its cost-benefit package compared to direct rivals.
The recovery was also noticed in veteran models that have undergone recent updates. The Volkswagen Taos, after its restyling, saw its sales grow by more than 80%, totaling 1,225 units and indicating a revival of momentum for the German automaker in this specific niche.
- Omoda 5: 1,067 units (first time over a thousand).
- Ford Territory: 851 units (highest percentage growth in the top 10).
- Renault Boreal: 641 units (third month in store).
- GAC GS4: 488 units (monthly record for the model).
Scenario in seven-seater models
The large SUV segment continues to be dominated by Jeep Commander, which led the category for the fourth month in a row. With 1,330 registrations, the seven-seater vehicle confirms its family vocation and the public’s preference for versatile models that offer greater internal space and load capacity.
The runner-up was Caoa Chery Tiggo 8, which registered 1,271 sales, dangerously close to the leader. The difference of just 40 units between first and second place highlights a technical dispute, where the cost-benefit of the model assembled in Anápolis has weighed heavily on the purchase decision.
The Toyota SW4 closed the main trio with 1,231 units, maintaining its loyal customer base. Entre the new products in this category, the GWM Haval H9 appeared with 882 sales, while the Leapmotor C10 had 442 registrations, showing that there is room for new proposals in higher price ranges.
Luxury sector overview
In the premium categories, the Volvo continues to set the pace, especially among entry-level and mid-range models. The Volvo EX30 took the lead among affordable luxury utility vehicles with 285 units, surpassing the BMW X1 in a tight race and retaking the lead it hadn’t seen since September last year.
The Volvo XC60 maintained its hegemony among mid-size luxury vehicles, leading for the eighth consecutive month with 258 cars sold. The preference for the Swedish model reflects consumer confidence in the safety and efficiency of the brand’s hybrid sets, which placed three models in the top 5 in the entry-level category.
At the top of the automotive pyramid, the Porsche Cayenne remains unbeatable, leading among the most sophisticated SUVs for the ninth month in a row with 99 units. The ultra-luxury segment also saw the BMW X5 and the Volvo XC90 complete the podium, while the exclusive Rolls-Royce Cullinan registered just one unit registered in the period.
