Hybrids Preferred By EV Shoppers
Q1 results virtually unchanged. Toyota dominates top 10 list.
Eight of the 10 most-shopped-for electrified vehicles were hybrids, half of which were Toyota.
IMAGE: Toyota
New-vehicle shoppers considering an electrified model gravitated toward hybrids rather than fully electric models in the first quarter, virtually unchanged from the fourth, Kelley Blue Book reported.
The trend continued despite a federal tax credit for electric vehicle purchases and leases, it pointed out.
Consideration of electrified vehicles in general is down just slightly year-over-year, according to the report. About a quarter of new-vehicle shoppers considered electric in the quarter. Eighteen percent shopped for a hybrid or plug-in hybrid, while 9% considered a fully electric model.
Eight of the 10 most-shopped-for electrified vehicles were hybrids, half of which were Toyota, Kelley Blue Book reported.
Toyota’s RAV4 Hybrid was the most sought. Just two fully electric models made the top 10: the Tesla Model Y, which was first among fully electric models and eighth among all electrified vehicles.
DIG DEEPER: Consumer Reports Names Top 10 of Year
Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today
More Showroom
California Hybrids Reach State Record
The Golden State still leads the country in electric-vehicle registrations, but much like the rest of the U.S. its hybrid market share is up while full electrics stabilize after a dramatic first-quarter dip.
Read More →
My Mercedes in the U.S.
The German brand debuted its studio dealership concept for the first time in the states in Los Angeles, tapping Americans’ penchant for creative distinctions.
Read More →
Used Sales Hit Summer Drag
The vacation season, combined with high prices, has dented deliveries and added to inventories, though supply is still slim enough to keep listings elevated.
Read More →
California Launches EV Rebate Program
Participating automakers are matching the state's $13.5 million investment in new electric-vehicle rebates scheduled to take effect later this summer.
Read More →
OEM Poll Sees Industry Evolution
Kerrigan Advisors’ survey of automakers finds that tariffs, technology, network tightening and other factors are poised to reshape auto retail.
Read More →
The Trade-In Paradox
Retailing older cars with confidence in today’s market is a matter of establishing and following a clear process that can turn greater profit for auto dealers as they aim to meet used-unit hunger.
Read More →
Focus on Vehicle Cabins
The market for interior materials will grow in coming years as automakers look to meet consumer demand while staying competitive with changeups to sourcing and included features.
Read More →
State Follows Federal Warning on Auto Ads
The Massachusetts attorney general cautioned the state’s automotive dealers to be upfront with the consuming public about their vehicle prices or risk punishment.
Read More →
European EV Market Hits Record
Seven out of the top 10 electric vehicles sold so far in 2026 in Europe are by European brands, and automakers are seeing the power train fill up their order books.
Read More →
Used EVs Outpace New
While North American electric-vehicle sales remain down year-over-year, May sales saw a 3% increase from April’s numbers as used EVs led the market.
Read More →