Cars

Toyota's Enduring Sedan Success in an SUV-Dominated Market

In a North American automotive landscape increasingly dominated by SUVs and trucks, Toyota's traditional sedans, the Corolla and Camry, are proving their enduring appeal with impressive sales figures in 2025. This robust performance, alongside the unexpected comeback of the Prius, underscores a vital segment of the market that values dependability and efficiency over utility vehicles.

Detailed Report on Toyota's 2025 Sales Performance

The year 2025 marked a significant period for Toyota in North America, with the automaker reporting an overall sales increase of 8.1 percent, culminating in 2,147,811 vehicles delivered. While SUVs and trucks predictably formed a large portion of these sales, the passenger car division showcased remarkable resilience and growth.

The Toyota Corolla, a compact sedan, saw its sales climb by 6.5 percent, reaching a substantial 248,088 units. This figure includes both the hatchback variant and the high-performance GR Corolla, but excludes the Corolla Cross, which recorded nearly 100,000 units independently. This growth is particularly noteworthy given the model's mature lifecycle.

Equally impressive was the performance of the Toyota Camry, which experienced a 2 percent increase in demand, selling 316,185 vehicles. This made the Camry the second-highest selling Toyota model in the United States, surpassed only by the omnipresent RAV4 SUV. The RAV4 itself continued its market dominance, with a 0.9 percent sales rise to 479,288 units, even as its current generation made way for a new model introduced in December.

The year 2025 also celebrated record-breaking sales for several hybrid models, including the Corolla Hybrid, GR Corolla, and Camry Hybrid. The Toyota Prius, despite not holding the same commanding market position it did a decade ago, demonstrated a significant resurgence with a 26.3 percent increase, totaling 56,488 vehicles sold. Even Lexus's long-standing IS model witnessed modest growth of 4.1 percent, selling 19,714 units, while the outgoing ES model saw a 7.5 percent decline to 39,926 units, anticipating the arrival of its next-generation counterpart later in the year. The flagship Lexus LS, however, experienced a substantial sales reduction, with figures halved to just 1,082 examples in 2025. Nevertheless, the robust sales of its SUV lineup propelled Lexus's luxury division to record sales, achieving 370,260 vehicles, an increase of 7.1 percent over 2024.

Toyota's sustained success with its sedan offerings serves as a compelling reminder that, even in an era fixated on SUVs, a significant consumer base remains loyal to well-executed, dependable sedans. This commitment to traditional car segments, while many competitors shift focus entirely to SUVs, is clearly yielding positive returns for the Japanese automaker. Looking ahead, the forthcoming Corolla, hinted at by a striking concept vehicle last year, is expected to receive a major aesthetic and technological overhaul, including an electric variant, further solidifying its broad market appeal.

Ram Extends Its Powertrain Warranty to 10 Years/100,000 Miles

Ram has announced the continuation of its impressive 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty for the 2026 model year, a decision that reverses previous plans to end the offering. This extended protection plan encompasses a broad range of vehicles including the 2026 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, and chassis cab models, alongside the ProMaster vans. Notably, it also covers the high-performance 1500 RHO and the robust Power Wagon, although the electric ProMaster EV is excluded from this specific warranty.

This extended warranty provides comprehensive coverage for vital components such as the engine, transmission, transfer case, driveshafts, differentials, and axles, ensuring peace of mind for owners for a decade or up to 100,000 miles, whichever benchmark is reached first. The warranty remains exclusive to the vehicle's initial owner. Significantly, this extended coverage is not only sustained in the United States but is also being introduced to the Canadian market for the very first time, marking a substantial expansion of customer assurance.

Ram's strategic decision to extend its powertrain warranty comes at a time when vehicle ownership terms are lengthening, with a majority of new truck loans surpassing five years. This extended coverage positions Ram favorably against key rivals like Ford, Chevrolet, and Toyota, who typically offer five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranties. The manufacturer aims to demonstrate a deeper, more enduring commitment to its clientele, fostering goodwill and distinguishing its brand in a competitive automotive landscape, especially as it reintroduces features like the Hemi V8 to the 1500 and confirms the return of the TRX.

In an automotive market where vehicles are kept for nearly 13 years on average, Ram's commitment to a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty is a powerful statement. It reflects a brand that stands behind the longevity and quality of its products, fostering a greater sense of security and trust among its customers. This move not only enhances customer confidence but also highlights Ram's dedication to robust engineering and customer satisfaction, paving the way for a positive future in the automotive industry.

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Sony and Honda Collaborate on Afeela SUV, Targeting 2028 US Market Entry

A new entrant in the automotive world, Afeela, a collaborative effort between technology giant Sony and automotive powerhouse Honda, recently unveiled its electric SUV prototype. This vehicle, developed under their joint venture Sony Honda Mobility, made its debut at CES in Las Vegas, setting the stage for a potential market launch in the United States by 2028. This move signifies Afeela's second major vehicle concept, following the introduction of its Afeela 1 sedan, as the company pushes forward with its aspirations in the high-end electric vehicle sector.

The Afeela SUV prototype distinguishes itself with a sleek, minimalist aesthetic, prioritizing smooth contours and understated design elements. Its profile leans more towards a lifted sedan than a conventional SUV, reminiscent of certain luxury crossover concepts but with a more refined appearance. This design philosophy aligns with the earlier Vision-S 02 concept showcased by Sony in 2022, maintaining a consistent brand identity across its burgeoning EV lineup. The vehicle eschews visible door handles and sharp creases, contributing to its streamlined and contemporary look.

While specific technical details remain largely under wraps, insights into the preceding Vision-S 02 concept provide a glimpse into the potential dimensions and weight of the production SUV. That concept measured approximately 192.7 inches in length, 76 inches in width, and 65 inches in height, featuring a substantial 119.3-inch wheelbase and a weight of around 5,467 pounds, riding on 20-inch wheels. Such specifications suggest a spacious and substantial vehicle, fitting its positioning within the premium segment.

Pricing information for the Afeela SUV is yet to be announced, given its projected launch several years in the future. However, the Afeela sedan provides a benchmark, with its base model starting at $89,900 and the top-tier variant reaching $102,900. This pricing strategy underscores Afeela's intent to compete in the luxury electric vehicle market. The sedan is also slated for a Japanese market release in early 2027, indicating a broader global strategy for the brand.

The joint venture between Sony and Honda brings a unique blend of technological innovation and automotive expertise to the electric vehicle landscape. Despite a recent slight downturn in US EV sales, Afeela is poised to navigate a competitive and evolving market. The partnership aims to capitalize on the strengths of both companies, offering vehicles that integrate advanced technology with reliable automotive engineering. The success of the Afeela SUV will largely depend on its ability to attract discerning buyers in a market that, while growing, is experiencing new challenges and shifts in consumer preferences.

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