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Houston-area dealers sold 382,535 new cars, trucks, and SUVs in the 12 months ending September ‘26, according to TexAuto Facts published by InfoNation Inc. Sales declined modestly by 2.3 percent from 391,514 in the same period last year. Passenger car sales declined 4.1 percent over the past 12 months, while truck and SUV sales declined 1.9 percent. Trucks and SUVs continued to dominate the market, accounting for 80.8 percent of all Houston-area vehicle sales during this period.

Year-to-date sales through September ‘26 totaled 291,585 vehicles, down 1.2 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. September sales rebounded sharply, totaling 39,508 vehicles, up 3.2 percent from 38,287 in September ’25 and 29.0 percent from August ’26.

Overall vehicle prices decreased year-over-year in September, with truck and SUV prices increasing marginally while new vehicle and passenger car prices declining:
• The average retail price for all new vehicles was $50,588 down from $50,865 in September ’25.
• The average retail price for a new truck/SUV was $53,722, up from $53,558 in September ’25.
• The average retail price for a new car was $38,887, down from $39,845 in September ’25.

Prepared by Greater Houston Partnership Research

Colin Baker
Director of Economic Research
bakerc@houston.org

Tia Hufstetler
Research Analyst
thufstetler@houston.org