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Houston-area dealers sold 378,832 new cars, trucks, and SUVs in the 12 months ending July ‘26, according to TexAuto Facts published by InfoNation Inc. Sales declined by 1.4 percent from the same period last year, falling from 384,051 in July ’25. This decline was driven by passenger car sales that fell 7.2 percent over the past 12 months, while truck and SUV sales increased by 3.3 percent. Trucks and SUVs accounted for 81.1 percent of all Houston-area vehicle sales during this period.

Year-to-date sales through July ‘26 totaled 221,458 vehicles, down 3.2 percent compared with the same period in ’25. Comparisons with ’25 remain challenging, since vehicle sales were particularly strong during the first half of last year when many consumers accelerated purchases ahead of anticipated tariff-related price increases. Even with the decline, sales remain relatively close to last year’s unusually strong pace. Trucks and SUVs continued to dominate the market, accounting for 80.4 percent of the total sales through July.

Overall vehicle prices increased year-over-year in July, with truck, SUV, and car prices all increasing:
• The average retail price for all new vehicles was $51,181, up from $50,910 in July ’25.
• The average retail price for a new truck/SUV was $54,025, up from $53,784 in July ’25.
• The average retail price for a new car was $40,454, up from $38,525 in July ’25.

Prepared by Greater Houston Partnership Research

Colin Baker
Director of Economic Research
bakerc@houston.org

Tia Hufstetler
Research Analyst
thufstetler@houston.org