Last month’s leader in the segment SUV was tied with a new high indicator of 2,898 cars, marking a drop of 52 percent from March last year. The second place went to Hyundai Crete with 1,563 units sold, a steep 77 percent decline from the prior year, which had held the top spot from January through February. According to industry metrics, the SUV category faced a soft market in March as buyers hesitated and inventories remained tight.
Following these top performers, the lineup continued with:
- Renault Duster – 1,457 units sold, down 35 percent
- Nissan Qashqai – 1,270 units sold, down 37 percent
- Toyota RAV4 – 1,216 units sold, down 76 percent
- Mazda CX-5 – 1,214 units sold, down 35 percent
- Nissan X-Trail – 996 units sold, down 46 percent
- Kia Sportage – 812 units sold, down 76 percent
- UAZ Patriot – 767 units sold, down 22 percent
- Hyundai Tucson – 734 units sold, up 4.5 times compared with the prior period
Official figures for March 2022 reported that Russia sold 55,129 new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles in total, reflecting a 62.9 percent decrease from the same month a year earlier. Market analysts note that a persistent supply constraint has kept the showroom sparse and consumers eager for a wider choice remains unfulfilled. Based on broad industry estimates, the supply gap is unlikely to close soon, with a meaningful improvement forecast only after the spring season, as the range of brands could shift substantially in the interim. The broader context shows the market adjusting to ongoing production challenges, with buyers recalibrating expectations and dealers managing inventory risk as demand patterns evolve across regions. This environment continues to influence pricing, financing options, and availability across the most popular SUV models. The situation is monitored by automotive associations and market researchers, who emphasize that the upcoming quarters will be pivotal for renewals and for rebuilding confidence among buyers and retailers alike. In the meantime, consumers should expect persistent variability in model availability and demonstrated strength in certain brands that maintain steady production footprints. Data from the national automotive federation and industry observers underscores that the current dynamic is shaping the competitive landscape for the SUV segment into the next season. The shifts are likely to redefine which models dominate showroom floors and how quickly current stock can be replenished for eager buyers. Reporting highlights among analysts point to a cautious outlook, with brand mix and model refresh cycles playing crucial roles in any anticipated recovery. As the market absorbs these pressures, more precise guidance for buyers will emerge from dealer networks and official statistics. This ongoing trend remains a focal point for stakeholders who rely on market intelligence to navigate the evolving automotive marketplace.