Volkswagen ID. Buzz stands alone with empty sedans and long shadows at dusk on a car dealership lot

Automakers Cut 2025 Models, SUV & Hybrid Surge

At a Glance

  • 2025 will see a wave of model cancellations across the U.S. auto market.
  • Automakers are trimming sedans, wagons, and even electric vehicles to focus on SUVs and hybrids.
  • Iconic models like Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz will skip the 2026 year but return in 2027 on a new platform.
  • Why it matters: The shift signals a strategic move toward higher-margin, lower-complexity vehicles that will reshape consumer choices.
Workers unloading cars in a cluttered dealership showroom with clearance stickers and a faded advertisement in the background

The U.S. auto landscape is shifting as manufacturers announce a sweeping retirement of several models after 2025. This move reflects a strategic pivot toward SUVs and hybrids, leaving traditional sedans and even some electric cars on the sidelines.

The 2025 Model Cut-Backs

Automakers are quietly dropping a broad range of vehicles-sedans, wagons, affordable cars, performance coupes, and even some EVs-to streamline lineups and focus on higher-margin offerings.

The decision is driven by spreadsheets that favor simpler, more profitable portfolios.

  • Sedans: Subaru Legacy, Acura TLX, Genesis Electrified G80
  • Wagons: Volvo V60 Cross Country
  • Electric Vehicles: Nissan Ariya, Volkswagen ID. Buzz (skipping 2026)
  • Affordable Cars: Nissan Versa, Kia Soul
  • Large Vehicles: Jeep Wagoneer, Acura ZDX EV

What This Means for Buyers

Consumers who prioritize variety may find fewer options, while those seeking mainstream SUVs and hybrids face little disruption.

Category Models Leaving Notes
Sedans Subaru Legacy, Acura TLX, Genesis Electrified G80 Low margins, niche appeal
Wagons Volvo V60 Cross Country SUVs dominate the segment
Electric Vehicles Nissan Ariya, Volkswagen ID. Buzz (2026) Cost structure challenges
Affordable Cars Nissan Versa, Kia Soul Thin profit margins
Large Vehicles Jeep Wagoneer, Acura ZDX EV Reassessment of shared EV platforms

These exits are part of a broader industry consolidation, not a sign of failure for any single brand.

Key Takeaways

  • Automakers are simplifying portfolios after 2025.
  • SUVs and hybrids become the new mainstream.
  • Iconic models may return later or on new platforms.

As the market trims its lineup, buyers should watch which models survive and how the shift reshapes vehicle availability in the coming years.

Author

  • I’m Julia N. Fairmont, a journalist specializing in Lifestyle & Human Interest stories at News of Austin.

    I’m Julia N. Fairmont, a journalist specializing in Lifestyle & Human Interest stories at News of Austin. My work focuses on people—their experiences, challenges, achievements, and everyday moments that reflect the heart of the community. I aim to tell stories that inspire, inform, and create genuine emotional connection with readers.

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