Sedans and SUVs in China in Feb/2026: NEVs Dominate the Ranking While JVs Struggle for Space

Feb/2026 shows dominance of domestic NEVs in sedans, with Geely and BYD applying pressure; SUVs also reveal dominance by domestic brands and absence of JVs.

Quick Summary

The performance in February 2026 confirms a shift in the Chinese passenger vehicle market axis: domestic NEVs are the big protagonists, while internal combustion engine options from joint ventures take only a few positions at the top. The dominance is cultivated by local brands, with strong pressure on ICE models from international partnerships.

Sedans of February 2026: Who Leads?

• NO.1 Galaxy Xingyuan — 37,859 units
• NO.2 BYD Seagull — 20,190
• NO.3 Tesla Model 3 — 17,195
• NO.4 Volkswagen Lavida — 16,135
• NO.5 Geely Emgrand — 14,255
• NO.6 BYD Qin L — 13,350
• NO.7 Geely Preface — 13,152
• NO.8 BYD Qin Plus — 12,700
• NO.9 BYD Seal 06 — 12,448
• NO.10 Volkswagen Sagitar — 11,691

The reading for the month shows a very clear picture: domestic brands with NEVs maintain momentum, and only two ICE models from JVs appear in the ranking. Geely, BYD, and a strong presence of NEVs consolidate a new axis for the segment, with traditional ice-powered options under competitive pressure.

The Galaxy Xingyuan regains the lead with a margin of over 17 thousand units over BYD's Seagull, highlighting its position as a benchmark among entry-level electric sedans. The Emgrand family and the Preface also appear among the top ten, reflecting the balance between NEV and ICE within the same automotive house.

Among NEVs, BYD dominates with four models in the top 10, covering everything from entry-level to the compact family sedan segment. Tesla's Model 3 maintains a stable position in third, sustained by brand strength and intelligent driving experience.

Applying the overall view, only two ICE options from JVs appear on the list (Lavida and Sagitar). This evidences the persistent market defense by established brands, which rely on dealership networks and customer loyalty to maintain market shares in the face of the rise of domestic NEVs.

SUVs of February 2026: Who Makes Up the Pack?

• NO.1 Tesla Model Y — 31,624
• NO.2 Chery Tiggo 7/7 Plus — 20,416
• NO.3 Xiaomi YU7 — 20,196
• NO.4 Chery Explore 06 — 18,292
• NO.5 MG ZS — 16,954
• NO.6 BYD Song Pro — 16,456
• NO.7 Li Auto i6 — 16,007
• NO.8 Geely Binyue/ Binyue Pro — 15,439
• NO.9 Chery Omoda — 14,557
• NO.10 Geely Boyue L — 14,484

The February scenario for SUVs brings a vision of broader competition: domestic brands are on the rise, with purely electric models leading the way. The Model Y dominates the segment with a margin of over 30 thousand units, consolidating its role as an EV benchmark, while the Tiggo 7/7 Plus and Xiaomi YU7 appear right behind with very close distances.

Chery stands out with three models in the top 10 — Tiggo 7/7 Plus, Explore 06, and Omoda — evidencing the strength of its portfolio. Geely maintains stable production with Binyue and Boyue L, and MG ZS remains firm on the radar of consumers looking for entry-to-mid family SUVs. It is evident in the radar that JVs are gradually losing ground in the segment, while domestic brands advance with mature and competitive products.

Overall, the month signals a new phase: foreign brands lead the start of the pack, but domestic brands dominate the majority of the field. The race between NEVs and ICEs evolves into a competition centered on technology, user experience, and value proposition.

Conclusion for the sector: February 2026 reinforces the shift of power in the Chinese passenger market, with domestic NEVs at the center of the board and an increasingly challenging position for JV ICE models. What do you think could slow down this movement in the next ranking readings?

Tell us in the comments: which model surprised you the most this month and why?