Auto sales posted strong numbers in the first half of 2023 thanks to increasing inventory as supply chain issues lessen and many automakers are better able to keep up with demand, according to Car and Driver. Markedly, Ford, GM and Honda each saw double-digit percentage sales increases from 2022. SUVs account for over half of the new vehicle sales in the U.S., and those who purchase these vehicles tend to stick with them long-term, according to a survey from Volkswagen. They found nine out of every ten SUV owners plan to keep their vehicle for life, and 94% stated they feel more confident on the road while driving an SUV. The majority of SUV drivers (68%) cited safety and comfort as the most appealing features of these larger vehicles. Volkswagen's survey of SUV drivers did find variations in vehicle priorities across demographics, however. For example:

• Men and Baby Boomers rank comfortable seating above overall safety.
• Women are more likely to prioritize safety and passenger space.
• Gen Z and young Millennials list vehicle safety as their top priority.
• Younger SUV drivers are more likely to value their SUVs handling on rough roads than older drivers.

According to Kelley Blue Book, the best-selling SUVs in the first half of 2023 were the Tesla Model Y, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Tucson, Chevrolet Equinox, Subaru Outback and Jeep Wrangler. The cost of insurance is also something to consider when purchasing a new vehicle, and in the slideshow above we'll look at the ten most affordable SUVs to insure in 2023, according to Mercury Insurance.

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