Looking at the SUV Trends in the First Half of the Year... "Still the Top Trim"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] An analysis of pre-order data for new sports utility vehicles (SUVs) that have led the domestic car market in the first half of the year reveals that Korean consumers preferred the 'top-tier trim' regardless of price or vehicle class. Industry experts believe this trend will continue as SUVs are often used by families and groups.

According to the automotive industry on the 14th, for Renault Samsung Motors' compact SUV XM3, whose pre-orders recently ended, the selection rate for the top-tier trim 'TCe 260 RE Signature' was 76%.

Based on data analyzed up to the 3rd, when pre-order analysis was completed, the top-tier trim 'TCe 260 RE Signature' accounted for 71.4%, followed by the next trim 'TCe 260 RE' at 10.2%. In total, 81.6% of pre-order customers chose 'higher trims.' Considering that the lowest trim '1.6 GTe SE' is priced at 17.19 million KRW and the 'TCe 260 RE Signature' trim is priced at 25.32 million KRW (based on a 1.5% individual consumption tax), it is clear that despite a price difference of nearly 8 million KRW, the top-tier trim remains highly popular.

This trend is also seen in other vehicles. For Korean GM's compact SUV Trailblazer, 64% of pre-order customers chose the top-tier trim 'RS.' Notably, 28% of customers opted for the all-wheel drive (AWD) option, which increases the price. For Kia Motors' new Sorento, currently accepting pre-orders, 49% of customers have selected the top-tier 'Signature' trim, while the next lower grade 'Noblesse' accounts for 33%.

Especially, the tendency to choose higher trims is more pronounced at lower price points. An automotive industry official explained, "When the price is lower, the entry barrier to vehicle selection decreases, allowing customers more capacity to upgrade to higher trims. Also, since many SUV buyers consider family and passengers, higher trims that satisfy comfort for the front passenger and rear seats are more popular."

Age groups showed distinct differences by vehicle class. For the new Sorento, those in their 40s made up the largest share at 31%. For the XM3, people in their 20s and 30s accounted for 45.8%, the highest proportion, while for the Trailblazer, those in their 20s and 30s made up 37%.

Specifically, for the XM3, people in their 30s were the largest group at 27.4%, followed closely by those in their 40s at 27.3%. An automotive industry official said, "Like the case of the market pioneer Tivoli, the popularity of compact SUVs as 'pickup second cars' for children's school runs or grocery shopping is increasing."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.