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Sedans Like Monza, Santana, and Corolla Lose Space on the Streets and in Sales Rankings. SUVs Lead Preference, Altering the Profile of the Brazilian Automotive Market.
In May 2025, the Chevrolet Onix Plus was the best-selling sedan in the country, with 3,924 units registered — only ranking 16th on the list of the most sold cars, according to data from Fenabrave and CT Auto.
The timid presence of sedans in the monthly ranking reveals the accelerated decline of this type of body style in Brazil, once dominant.
Iconic models like the Chevrolet Monza, Volkswagen Santana, Fiat Siena, and even the Toyota Corolla, which were once among the sales leaders, are now absent from the streets and sales data.
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SUV Popularity Threatens Sedans
The inflation in preference for SUVs is the main driver of this transition.
With 53% of recent registrations attributed to sports utility vehicles, SUVs have surpassed sedans, which held 32.7% in 2020.
These vehicles elevate the driving position, convey a sense of greater safety, and offer more spacious interiors — features that particularly appeal to family and urban audiences.
Features That Favor Utility Vehicles
SUVs also stand out for their versatility: larger trunks, superior load capacity, and better performance on different types of terrain.
Furthermore, they come equipped with modern onboard technologies: advanced driving assistance systems, connectivity with mobile devices, multimedia centers, and sensors — items that add value to the purchase.
Recent Data Highlights the Change
The numbers confirm the decline of the sedan segment:
From January to May 2025, the Chevrolet Onix Plus leads among sedans with 18,065 units, and the Hyundai HB20S follows in second with 12,690 — although Hyundai’s hatchback is in the overall top 15.
The Toyota Corolla, which once ranked among the best sellers, totals 15,393 registrations but has fallen beyond the overall top 20.
In April 2025, a comparison of the sedan category showed the Onix Plus in first with 4,274 units, followed by HB20S (4,172), Corolla (3,202), Virtus (2,852), and Cronos (2,116).
Although still somewhat relevant within the segment, these models cannot compete in the overall ranking dominated by SUVs, hatchbacks, and pickups.
Classic Brazilian Sedans Exit the Scene
Brands like Ford (Del Rey), Fiat (Siena), and Volkswagen (Santana), popular in the 1990s and 2000s, have been discontinued or have had no new releases for years.
This abandonment reinforces the perception that sedans are disappearing from Brazilian streets.
Market Strategies and Changes in Factories
The Brazilian automotive market remains heated.
In May 2025, there was a 16.2% increase in registrations compared to May 2024, totaling 225,685 new vehicles registered.
Still, SUVs lead by a considerable margin, followed by hatchbacks, sedans, and pickups.
Manufacturers are adjusting their portfolios: launching compact SUVs like the Hyundai Creta 2025, Volkswagen Nivus, Peugeot 2008, and Renault Duster, all tailored to Brazilian demand.
Additionally, electric and hybrid models, such as BYD Dolphin, Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, and GAC, are gaining traction, reflecting the growing interest in sustainable mobility.
Sedans Resist in Specific Niches
The Chevrolet Onix Plus, manufactured in Brazil since 2006 on a platform shared with the Onix hatch, remains at the forefront of sedans.
Nonetheless, in May 2025, it was only in 16th place overall, highlighting the marginalization of the segment.
Intermediate models such as the Volkswagen Virtus and the Fiat Cronos maintain a presence but also do not appear among the most sold in the overall monthly ranking.
Reasons for the Decline of the Sedan
Consumer Preference: lower financing rates, the democratization of compact SUVs, and large trunks have made sedans less attractive.
Onboard Technology: SUVs come with more technological items compared to similarly priced sedans.
Manufacturers’ Strategy: investment programs prioritize SUVs and electric cars, while sedan models receive less updates.
The Future of Three-Volume Cars
By the end of 2025, projections indicate that SUVs will continue to dominate the Brazilian market, possibly increasing their share, especially if interest rates drop and financing is stimulated.
Meanwhile, sedans are expected to remain true to a restricted niche, maintaining leadership within their categories, without regaining the prominence they once held in the past.
Given this scenario, do you think there is still room for a new sedan to stand out in Brazil, or are we truly witnessing the definitive end of this body style?
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