Subcompact crossovers are performing well for automakers by inspiring high brand loyalty in comparison with other product segments — in some cases even higher than pickups.
That was one of the surprising industry developments pointed out in this year's Automotive Franchise Assessment, part of the J.D. Power Auto Summit on Thursday.
The segment's performance is surprising because domestic brands have largely kicked small cars to the curb in recent years, and that has made subcompact crossovers the least-expensive model in some brands' lineups, said Tyson Jominy, vice president, data and analytics at J.D. Power.