Because the market has shifted toward vehicle types and shared platforms where rear-wheel drive is less common—not because automakers have universally abandoned it. In U.S. new-vehicle production, RWD fell from more than 91% in model year 1975 to about 10% in model year 2024. That shift reflects the rise of front-wheel-drive cars and, later, SUVs and trucks, where four-wheel drive has grown substantially.
How much has rear-wheel drive declined?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s production data show a steep long-term change. RWD accounted for more than 91% of U.S. new-vehicle production in model year 1975, but about 10% in model year 2024. The figures describe production in the United States, not global sales or the number of models available to shoppers. The EPA’s 2025 Automotive Trends Report, published in February 2026, reports drivetrain shares through model year 2024.
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| Drivetrain | Model year 1975 | Model year 1990 | Model year 2009 | Model year 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rear-wheel drive | More than 91% | not stated (EPA, 2026) | not stated (EPA, 2026) | About 10% |
| Front-wheel drive | 5% | 64% | 63% | 29% |
| Four-wheel drive | 3% | not stated (EPA, 2026) | not stated (EPA, 2026) | 63% |
These shares make clear why “RWD versus FWD” is an incomplete explanation: four-wheel drive, not just front-wheel drive, now accounts for a large share of production.
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Front-wheel drive became common in mass-market cars
Many mainstream cars moved to front-wheel drive. With the engine and driven wheels at the front, this layout can package well in compact cars. The trend is visible in the production data: FWD rose from 5% in model year 1975 to 64% in 1990, then stood at 29% in 2024. The cited figures establish the change in mix; they do not quantify a specific cost, weight, or efficiency advantage over RWD.
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SUVs and trucks expanded, bringing more four-wheel drive
Vehicle body styles shifted as well. In model year 2024, truck SUVs made up almost 50% of U.S. new-vehicle production, while all SUVs together accounted for 60%. The truck regulatory class reached a record 66% of production. The EPA links the growth of truck-class vehicles, which have high four-wheel-drive penetration, to the rise in four-wheel-drive production. This means RWD’s declining share is not simply a story of automakers replacing it with FWD.
Do platform strategies make RWD less attractive to automakers?
Automakers increasingly describe platforms in terms of sharing components and supporting multiple models or powertrains. Ford’s account of its future electric-vehicle platform emphasizes cost, efficiency, and integrated design; Stellantis says its announced modular STLA One plan is intended to reduce complexity and serve more models. Those are company-stated platform goals, not a direct comparison showing that RWD itself costs more than FWD or AWD.
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Ford Chief EV, Digital and Design Officer Doug Field summarized the company’s view with “Physics is not proprietary.” Ford’s August 13, 2025 article discusses its future platform strategy. Stellantis’s May 21, 2026 announcement describes its plans for STLA One. Neither statement isolates drivetrain choice as the source of the savings or simplicity.
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No single driven axle is inherent to an electric vehicle. Depending on design, an EV can drive the front axle, the rear axle, or both. Nissan’s 2019 IMs concept, for example, used front and rear motors for all-wheel drive. Nissan said electric-vehicle technology gave designers more freedom from traditional packaging rules; the IMs was a concept, not evidence of a current production trend. Nissan’s January 14, 2019 announcement describes the concept and its design rationale.
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Does this mean RWD is disappearing?
No. The EPA says current RWD production is concentrated in performance-oriented sedans and wagons and pickups, though it is found in other vehicle types too. The production share has fallen sharply, but RWD remains a deliberate choice in parts of the market.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How should you compare drivetrain options on a specific car?
Drivetrain labels alone do not tell you which version is best. Check the exact model year and trim, since availability changes, and compare the factors that matter for how you use the vehicle:
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- Purpose and body style: A sports sedan, family car, crossover, SUV, and pickup have different design priorities.
- Traction conditions: Consider typical weather, tires, and whether power at the front, rear, or both axles suits your driving.
- Powertrain and packaging: Combustion, hybrid, and electric vehicles can place power sources differently, affecting cabin and cargo layouts.
- Cost and trim availability: Verify which drivetrain comes with the trim you want and compare its purchase and ownership costs.
- Driving behavior: Assess steering, acceleration, towing, and handling for the specific vehicle rather than assuming the drivetrain label predicts them.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
