The Partnership sends updates for the most important economic indicators each month. If you would like to opt-in to receive these updates, please click here.

Houston-area dealers sold 389,084 new cars, trucks, and SUVs in the 12 months ending January ‘26, according to TexAuto Facts published by InfoNation Inc. Sales climbed 9.2 percent from the same period last year, driven by a 12.3 percent jump in trucks and SUVs that tempered the 2.8 percent decline in car sales, as consumer preferences continue to shift toward larger vehicles.

On a monthly basis, January started out the year with 29,851 vehicles sold, up 10.7 percent over January ’25. Trucks and SUVs continued to dominate across the board, posting a 13.9 percent year-over-year increase compared to the slight decrease in car sales.

Overall vehicle prices dropped year-over-year in January, alongside declines in both segments of the market:

• The average retail price for all new vehicles was $51,407, down from $52,374 in January ’25.
• The average retail price for a new truck/SUV was $53,516, down from $54,799 in January ‘25.
• The average retail price for a new car was $41,155, down from $41,688 in January ’25.

Prepared by Greater Houston Partnership Research

Clara Richardson
Research Analyst
[email protected]