With high interest in fuel economy, it is no surprise that more than one-fifth of respondents said their next vehicle is most likely going to be a small car, followed by a family sedan, midsized SUV, pickup, and small SUV. Only two percent of owners surveyed are likely to buy a wagon, even though wagons typically provide a better balance of fuel economy and passenger/cargo versatility than SUVs.



In analyzing movement among the car types, we find significant growth in small-car and midsized-SUV purchase intent, and modest gains for small SUVs. The losing segments are larger sedans and minivans, each dropping several percentage points compared with current ownership. Clearly, the American fleet shows signs of shifting as consumers replace their current rides.

Car type Currently own (%) Plan to buy (%) Small car 17 22 Midsized SUV 11 15 Small SUV 9 11 Pickup truck 13 14 Convertible 1 1 Sporty car 5 5 Wagon 2 2 Large SUV 5 3 Minivan 10 5 Sedan 24 18

Further, the survey shows that many consumers are open to considering alternatives to a traditional gasoline-fueled engine. Almost three-quarters (73 percent) of participants said they’re thinking about buying a vehicle powered by an alternative drivetrain, such as a hybrid, flex-fuel (which can use E85 ethanol), natural gas, or electric vehicle. Interest in flex-fuel and hybrids was almost tied, at about 40 percent. Younger buyers were more likely to consider an alternatively fueled or purely electric vehicle than drivers over 55 years old.



Only one in five are considering a diesel car, which we’ve found to be among the most fuel-efficient vehicle types we’ve tested and little different than driving a gasoline-powered car. A lack of reasonably priced diesel models may be a deterrent. That is supported by the finding that affluent consumers are more likely to consider diesel, probably because they can afford more of the limited and pricier diesel options available, such as models from BMW and Mercedes-Benz.