For the first time since government records began in 1975, compact SUVs have overtaken sedans as the most environmentally friendly car type in the United States. According to recent data from the Environmental Protection Agency, in 2023, compact SUVs emitted less carbon pollution per mile than the average sedan, a shift attributed to the rapid electrification of this vehicle category.
Over one-third of new compact SUVs sold in the U.S. are now electric vehicles (EVs). That’s compared to just 15% of sedans. This surge in electric SUV production has been faster than in any other vehicle category in the nation.
Automakers have prioritized producing electric SUVs to meet the growing consumer demand for this popular vehicle type. These SUVs accounted for over 56% of all new U.S. car sales in 2023. A 2024 report from automotive consumer information provider iSeeCars found that SUVs are the top vehicle choice in 48 out of 50 states.
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Compact SUVs are now the least polluting cars on the road. However, their larger counterparts, “truck SUVs,” such as the Cadillac Escalade and Chevrolet Suburban, remain among the highest-emitting vehicles.
These models have seen far less emphasis on electrification. That leaves them as a leading source of automotive pollution across all vehicle types.
