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Houston-area dealers sold 375,323 new cars, trucks, and SUVs in the 12 months ending March ‘26, according to TexAuto Facts published by InfoNation Inc. Sales fell 1.4 percent from the same period last year, with a 12.6 percent decline in cars counteracting the 1.5 percent increase in truck and SUV sales.

 

Year-to-date, sales through March ’26 are down 10.3 percent compared to the same period in ’25. March of ’25 marked the strongest month on record as consumers accelerated purchases ahead of anticipated tariff-related price increases. Sales in March ’26 reflect a moderation from that peak, returning to levels more in line with those seen in ’23 and ’24. Trucks and SUVs continued to dominate the market, accounting for 81.5 percent of total sales in the first three months of the year.

 

Overall vehicle prices increased year-over-year in March, with truck and SUV prices increasing while car prices fell:

• The average retail price for all new vehicles was $51,618, up from $51,271 in March ’25.
• The average retail price for a new truck/SUV was $54,771, up from $53,888 in March ’25.
• The average retail price for a new car was $39,143, down from $40,489 in March ’25.

Prepared by Greater Houston Partnership Research

Clara Richardson
Research Analyst
[email protected]