Move Over Land Yachts, Compact S.U.V.s Are in Demand

Terry Hoisington, general manager of Henderson Chevrolet, outside Las Vegas, said the first Trax that showed up at his lot this month wound up selling before the end of the day. “It’s just a great option for people that we’ve needed for a while but never had, and the price is very attractive for our customers,” Mr. Hoisington said.

He said the boost in fuel economy was also attractive, despite the recent plunge in gasoline prices.

“You’re talking about budget-conscious folks where fuel is always on people’s mind,” Mr. Hoisington said. “If you’re on a tight budget each month, you’re not going to buy a big truck just because gas is cheap. You want something that saves you money for the long run.”

The Trax gets a combined 29 miles a gallon. Ms. Mahoney’s Buick Encore gets nearly the same, at 28 miles a gallon.

Even automakers that have long been purely focused on capability have gotten into the downsizing act. Chrysler’s Jeep brand began selling its new Cherokee compact S.U.V. last October, and so far this year it has sold nearly as well as its bigger brother, the Grand Cherokee — helping to power Jeep to record sales.

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