New data is suggesting that the SUV might not be as dead as many think, as the segment’s growth outpaced that of smaller cars for the first half of 2010.

According to trends analyzed by Autodata and reported by USA Today, SUV sales actually increased at a faster rate than that of more compact and fuel-efficient compact cars. The data shows that SUV sales grew at a rate of 19 percent as compared to the auto industry’s overall rate of 17 percent and compact cars’ 14 percent growth.

While compact cars still outsold SUVs by a tidy margin – 974,000 to 121,000 – the data indicates that many may be ready to get back into an SUV.

The news source pointed to several potential reasons for the possible shift, citing a recovering economy, lowered fuel prices and the addition of fuel-efficient crossovers to the SUV fleet.

SUV fans may be able to find deals on classic SUV models, like used Ford Explorers, by visiting their local auto auction, as many have opted to trade the vehicles in in favor of crossovers.