As the automotive industry shifts gears towards SUVs and electric vehicles, several well-known car models are facing the chopping block. This transition reflects changing consumer preferences and stricter environmental regulations, resulting in the discontinuation of numerous sedans and gas-powered vehicles.
The decline in sedan availability has become more noticeable, with models such as the Chevrolet Malibu and Subaru Legacy not returning for the 2026 model year. This trend is driven by the growing popularity of SUVs among U.S. drivers. Justin Fischer from CarEdge remarked, “The downfall of sedans continues,” highlighting how this shift is likely to increase the average selling price of new cars in America.
Audi A4
The Audi A4 sedan will no longer be available, as reported by USA TODAY. Audi plans to replace it with the A5 Sportback, aligning its strategy to designate odd-numbered model names for combustion-engine cars and even-numbered ones for electric models, according to spokesperson Mark Dahncke.
Cadillac XT6, XT4
Cadillac has ceased production of the XT6 SUV, targeting affluent households, as reported by the Detroit Free Press. The production facility will now focus on the Vistiq, an all-electric SUV.
Similarly, production of the XT4 concluded at GM’s Fairfax plant in Kansas City.
BMW XM base
BMW announced the discontinuation of its XM base design, leaving only the XM Label in its SUV lineup. The XM Label is the most potent road vehicle ever produced by BMW M, offering 738 horsepower. The XM base offered up to 644 horsepower, according to BMW of Mountain View.
Chevrolet Malibu
The production of the Chevrolet Malibu has ended, with GM reallocating resources to produce the Chevrolet Bolt EV and the gas-powered Equinox at its Fairfax assembly plant. The Bolt is expected to start production by the end of 2025, as stated by GM.
Infiniti QX50, QX55
Infiniti has discontinued the QX50 and QX55 models in the Americas, focusing instead on new offerings like the QX60 and QX80 Sport, as well as the QX65 and Vision QXe electric SUV, according to spokesperson Ashli Bobo.
Lexus LC Hybrid Coupe, RC and RC F
Lexus will no longer offer the RC and RC F sports cars after 2025, a decision made after selling over 90,000 units in a decade. The LC Hybrid Coupe will also be discontinued in the U.S., with sales reports showing a significant preference for the gas model, according to Toyota’s June 2025 sales report.
Mercedes-Benz EQB
The EQB, an all-electric compact SUV, will no longer be available in the U.S. or Canada after 2025. Mercedes remains committed to electrification, with the all-electric CLA sedan expected in U.S. dealerships, as stated by spokesperson Andrew Brudnicki.
Porsche 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman
Porsche confirmed the end of production for the 718 Boxster and Cayman sports cars in 2025. The gas-powered Macan is also scheduled to cease production in 2026, as detailed by Porsche.
Subaru Legacy
Subaru halted production of the Legacy last spring, with over 1.3 million units sold since its debut in 1989. The decision aligns with market shifts towards SUVs and Subaru’s electrification plans, including eight new electric models by 2028, according to a Subaru news release.
Volvo S60, S90, EC40
Volvo has ended U.S. sales of the S60 and S90 sedans, with spokesperson Thomas Schultz attributing the decision to waning sedan demand and tariffs. Production of the S60 ended in 2024 to make way for the EX90 and XC60 SUVs. The EC40 electric SUV importation has also ceased.
Original Story at www.usatoday.com