Vehicle Sales: The Biggest Winners and the Worst Losers in 2017

What an interesting year 2017 was for vehicle sales. Predictions about the increase in SUV and truck sales proved to be true. Luxury cars were trending, not just trendy. Electric cars strolled into the mainstream and drew everyone’s attention.Of course, vehicles like the Ford F-Series, Chevy Silverado and Ram Trucks stayed at the top of the sales charts based on units sold. The Nissan Rogue climbed its way into fifth spot in the US on an impressive 22.3 percent gain. It’s a winner for 2017 for sure.There were other models that made even more significant year-over-year sales increases in 2017. And there were those who didn’t fare so well. These are the five biggest winners and losers of 2017 in vehicle sales with full sales years in both 2016 and 2017.Who’s Hot: Greatest Percentage Increase in Vehicle SalesMazda CX-9: 61 percent increase in salesThe old, tired first-gen Mazda CX-9 left after the 2015 model year, and a svelte, competitive new vehicle took its place in 2016. The CX-9 ditched the faux-minivan appearance for a hot midsize SUV look that turns heads, not stomachs. A 2.5-liter SkyActiv-G gas engine with up to 250 horsepower is standard, and driver-assistive tech is available in the CX-9 for the first time.The Mazda CX-9 rose 60.9 percent in U.S. sales overall from 2016 to 2017. It tallied 16,051 units in ’16, then climbed to 25,828 in ’17.Tesla Model X: 67 percent increaseWith electric car sales booming, you’d expect at least one on the list, but probably not the high-priced Tesla Model X. Yet here it is, boasting a phenomenal jump in sales. The Model X is what you’d consider modern luxury, it has Autopilot capabilities, fantastic leather seating, technological integration for audio, connectivity, HVAC and much more.The Tesla Model X was an outlier that sold just 14,400 units in 2016. That number went up to 24,000 in 2017, an increase of 66.7 percent year over year.Nissan Titan: 142 percent increaseCertainly, no one is buying a Frontier, so Titan sales should be higher. The new design for the Nissan Titan is a winner and the numbers are showing it. Its new athletic look, available Cummins diesel engine, and hardy durability make it more desirable than ever before, but still nowhere close to the Big 3 mainstream trucks where sales are concerned.In 2016, Nissan rolled 21,880 new units out of U.S. showrooms. In 2017, that number increased by 141.9 percent to 52,924. Let’s see if Nissan can close the gap even further in 2018.Nissan Armada: 154 percent increaseThe Nissan Armada was a very dated, bulky full-sized SUV with 2015 models selling until midway through 2016. Then, sales took off when the redesigned Armada was released. It went from hulking behemoth to a muscular, gorgeous athlete, and shoppers took notice.It’s still built with a 390-horsepower 5.6-liter V8, but everything else is more refined. Chrome air vents, available perforated leather seats, LED headlights and taillights all point to an upward tick in sales.The Nissan Armada sold 14,035 units in 2016 and 35,667 units in 2017. That represents a 154.1 percent sales increase year over year.Audi A5: 155 percent increaseWhether it was the 2016 Audi A5 pre-facelift or the redesigned 2017 model year, sales were strong in 2016 for Audi’s mid-range midsize luxury car. The model includes a sportback sedan, a cabriolet and a coupe. A 252-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and your choice of manual or automatic transmission makes the Audi A5 thoroughly enjoyable. The high degree of base-trim tech helps too.In 2016, the Audi A5 sold just 8,354 units. That number more than doubled for 2017, climbing up to 21,301. It’s a year-over-year increase of 155 percent.Who’s Not: Greatest Percentage Decrease in Vehicle SalesChevrolet Sonic: 45 percent decreaseBuyers took a pass on the Chevrolet Sonic in 2017. The subcompact hatchback no longer has its sedan sibling by its side, and that could be the reason sales took a turn for the worse. It’s not actually a bad car, and it’s priced nicely. A turbocharged 1.4-liter EcoTec 4-cylinder and a 1.8-liter naturally aspirated I4 both make 138 horsepower, so there’s opportunity for a sporty version to turn sales around. The Sonic’s funky colors work for it, unlike some other cars.With better positioning, the Sonic could make a resurgence. For 2017, the Chevrolet Sonic dropped 45.2 percent, selling just 30,290 units in 2017 compared with 55,255 in 2016.Kia Sedona: 46 percent decreaseFor Kia, minivans are on the outs. Aside from a few manufacturers like Dodge and Chrysler, Toyota, and Honda, the whole minivan thing has lost its touch.The Kia Sedona experienced it this past year, even though the product itself has good merits. A powerful 276-horsepower V6, configurations from basic to posh, and good tech weren’t enough to buoy its sales and kick the stigma.Vehicle sales dropped for the Kia Sedona by 46.2 percent in 2017, from 44,264 in 2016 to just 23,815 units. You can imagine someone at Kia HQ is asking when to pull the plug.Nissan Juke: 48 percent decreaseThe time for funk has passed, and the Nissan Juke is feeling the effects. It was a love-it-or-hate-it model to start with, and it began with solid numbers that carried through 2016. A spunky turbocharged four-banger and a unique, playful exterior with very individual-looking front lighting were its selling points. Unfortunately, something more than a NISMO edition is necessary to revive Nissan Juke sales.The Juke’s vehicle sales in 2016 were 19,577. Compared with 2017’s sales in the United States of just 10,157, it’s a decrease of 48.1 percent year over year.Smart Fortwo: 50 percent decreaseWhile the rest of the microcar and electric car field is booming, the Smart Fortwo has lost its appeal in North America. The gas-powered version was discontinued halfway through 2017, but fully electric models are still available. However, it doesn't look like the American public were buying.The Smart Fortwo plummeted in vehicle sales for 2017, from 6,211 to 3,071 units all year. That’s a drop of 50.6 percent.Hyundai Veloster: 58 percent drecreaseThe replacement for the Hyundai Tiburon, the Veloster, was never a good idea. This oddity takes on the Saturn-like third door along with an ugly-duckling hatchback. Sure, it might have been fun to drive with up to 201 horsepower in a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-banger, but you wouldn’t want to brag that you owned one. “It’s my cousin’s car. I’m just borrowing it.”Vehicle sales for the Hyundai Veloster dropped 57.9 percent year over year, from 30,053 sales in 2016 to 12,658. This model is taking a hiatus for the 2018 model year, but you can expect to see the all-new 2019 Veloster at the Detroit Auto Show.

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