Here are the June and annual sales #s from the automotive press.

You can see the mainstream brands sell the most vehicles. I added the MDX, RX, Grand Cherokee, X5, and Q5 since they show a greater picture for SUV sales from those companies.

Analysis:
While the RDX is doing well on annual sales just behind the RX, MDX, and X5 it didn't do as well n June. In June the RX, MDX, X5, Q5, and GLK all sold more vehicles. Also to note the Escape, Cherokee, and Forrester all offer models with a similar powertrain as the RDX and sold more vehicles. With those 3 there is no indication how many of the stronger powertrain were sold. The Sante Fe numbers were high but it combined the Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport which are 2 different sized vehicles which is why I didn't include it.

In my opinion, if the RAV 4 or Rogue add in a stronger powertran option (a 215 + hp with a 220+ torque engine) it would steal sales from the RDX. Yes the engine would still be weaker but to some it would be strong enough if those vehicles offered the newest safety features along with LED DRLs. The CRV with a stronger engine would definitely steal sales since it is part of the Honda / Acura family which is why they are holding off on that.

Honda CRV - 26129 / 154692
Ford Escape - 25110 / 152890
Toyota Rav 4 - 21589 / 116952
Nissan Rogue - 15066 / 99302
Jeep Grand Cherokee - 16626 / 80796
Jeep Cherokee - 13337 / 80432
Subaru Forrester - 13317 / 74400
Lexus Rx - 8426 / 47264
Acura MDX - 4890 / 30664
BMW X5 - 3972 / 22438
Acura RDX - 3485 / 22349
BMW X3 - 2105 / 21802
Audi Q5 - 4025 / 19928
Mercedes - GLK - 3760 / 18638
Infiniti Fx - 2158 / 15599
Audi Q7 - 1429 / 8435

 

One of the reasons why RAV4/Rogue/CRV don't get a stronger engine is fuel economy. They target the value conscious buyers that don't want to spend too much on a car.

 

YTD CRV sales - wow! See them everywhere in New England, now I know why.

 

Interesting numbers, thanks for posting.

 

I can see the Rogue trying to improve the engine because Infiniti sales have been weak. They would be looking to gain market share by stealing from the competition and not from within.

It won't be next year because the Murano is going through a redesign but can see it the year after. They can do what they do for the Altima and offer a 2.5 and a 3.5L engine to steal sales from the Escape, Cherokee, Forester, RDX, MKC, NX, and RDX. I don't think they will steal much from Audi, Mercedes, or BMW since many people who buy those vehicles are more concerned about the badge then the performance. This may hold true a bit for Lexus too. The Altima 3.5L is 270 hp and 251 torque which would be inline with the RDX and Escape numbers.

 

There will be a power upgrade offered for the Rogue, but unfortunately it won't be the corporate V6. The Rogue is slated to get the 250 HP/243 lb-ft hybrid powertrain already offered in the Pathfinder and QX60. City fuel economy and acceleration should improve dramatically, but I'm not sure how much fun it will be to drive. Personally I would rather see the hybrid's supercharged 2.5L 4-cylinder without the costly hybrid bits. But then Nissan doesn't care what I think, or they would have dropped the droning CVT years ago.