SUVs reached a record market share of 59% in Europe in 2025
The SUV Phenomenon in 2025: How the "Giant" Conquered Over Half of the European Auto Market
The European automotive landscape has undergone a radical transformation in the last five years. If in 2020 SUVs were still seen as a spacious alternative to traditional sedans, the final figures for 2025 confirm an undeniable reality: the SUV is the new norm. According to the latest sales figures, SUVs and crossovers have reached a record market share of 59% in Europe, marking an impressive jump from the 41% recorded in 2020. This growth has come directly at the expense of hatchbacks, sedans and estate cars, which seem to be losing the battle for relevance to the modern public.
Why do Europeans choose SUVs?
It's not just about size. The segment's success is based on a "recipe" that combines several psychological and practical factors:
- Driving position: The feeling of safety and increased visibility remain the main arguments.
- Urban versatility: The evolution towards B-SUVs (small SUVs, like the VW T-Roc or Toyota Yaris Cross) has made these cars as easy to park as a hatchback, but much more spacious.
- Status image: The SUV has stopped being just a utility vehicle, becoming a personal style accessory.
Top Preferences in Europe (2025)
The European ranking reflects a clear dominance of the Volkswagen Group, but also the success of hybrid technologies:
| Rank | Model | Units Sold (Estimated) | Segment |
| 1 | Volkswagen T-Roc | 196,246 | B-SUV (Compact Crossover) |
| 2 | Volkswagen Tiguan | 180,683 | C-SUV (Compact SUV) |
| 3 | Toyota Yaris Cross | 174,567 | B-SUV (Hybrid) |
| 4 | Peugeot 2008 | ~160,000 | B-SUV |
| 5 | Dacia Duster | 157,004 | B-SUV / Low-cost C-SUV |
The Situation in Romania: Patriotism and Practical Preferences
In Romania, the appetite for SUVs is even more nuanced. Although the SUV market share hovered around 50-55% throughout 2025 (slightly below the European average, but growing rapidly), the local market is dominated by a unique phenomenon: the success of "home-made" models.
1. Dacia Duster – The Uncrowned King
Duster remains the favorite SUV of Romanians. In 2025, the model produced in Mioveni benefited from major interest with the launch of new engines and more technologically advanced versions. However, Duster began to feel the "breath in the back" of its bigger brother, Dacia Bigster, which entered the market with force, capturing customers who wanted a C-segment (compact) SUV at the right price.
2. Ford Puma – The Star from Craiova
Made in Romania, the Ford Puma continues to be one of the best-selling small SUVs. The Puma Gen-E (electric) version has helped the model remain relevant in a market where subsidies for electric vehicles have become more selective.
3. Decline of traditional segments
Like the rest of Europe, Romanians are abandoning sedans (D-Class, such as the VW Passat or Skoda Superb) in favor of SUVs. In 2025, sedan registrations fell by double-digit percentages, while the SUV segment recorded increases of over 38% in certain months of the year.
Interesting note: Although SUVs dominate volumes, the Dacia Sandero (a crossover-looking hatchback in the Stepway version) has every chance of remaining the best-selling individual car in Europe in 2025, demonstrating that price remains the strongest deciding factor.
Conclusion
The 2025 car market shows us a Europe that wants tall, versatile and, preferably, electrified cars. Romania follows this trend with enthusiasm, supported by the fact that it is an important production hub for top models in this segment.