Top 15 Best-Selling Cars, SUVs and Trucks In America for 2021
 |
| Top 20 Best-Selling Cars and Number of New Cars Sold In America |
Number of autos sold in the United States for 2021 (updated)
The total number of autos sold in the United States seems to have reached a plateau in 2018. The recent decline in the number of new cars sold in the United States can be seen indicative of shifting consumer interests towards light trucks. Some 3.4 million autos and 11 million light trucks were sold in the United States in 2020.
There were some notable changes in the first half of 2021 versus the first half of 2020, thanks to some wild cards, like lower inventories due to the ongoing computer-chip shortage.
Notably among the top ranks, the Ram brand Ram Pickup shrank the lead of the perennial No. 1, the Ford F-Series pickup, and overtook the Chevy Silverado as the No. 2 overall. The Ram Pickup is popular, but its gain also reflects the effect of the chip shortage on Ford and GM.
Between January and March 2021, the best-selling car in the United States was the Toyota Camry with almost 80,000 unit sales. This model accounted for one in seven vehicles sold under the Toyota brand in the United States in 2019: Toyota's annual U.S. sales tally came to around two million units that year. Toyota's RAV4 sport utility vehicle topped the list of most popular SUVs in the first quarter of 2021.
The Ford F-Series controls the market with a wide gap over all its competitors and is leading the industry for the 46th consecutive year. Up to May 2021 316.359 units (+9%) were sold, holding 4.7% market share.
In second place -up 1 spot- we have the Ram Pick-up with 245.675 sales (3.6% market share) rising 37.1% ahead of the Chevrolet Silverado -down 1 spot-, which reported the worst performance with 208.352 (3.1% share) units sold by rising only 4%.
In fourth place the best SUV, the Toyota RAV4, with 185.168 sales (+23.9%) followed by the Honda CR-V -up 1 spot-, with 176.635 units (64.1%), the Toyota Camry -up 4 spots- with 145.766 sales (+65.6%) and the Nissan Rogue rising 2 spots with 142.978 (+56.8%).
Top 15 Best-Selling Cars, SUVs and Trucks In The US
1. Ford F-Series - 362,032 units sold, down 1.5%
Starting at 30.900 USD
 |
| The 2021 Ford F-150 Hybrid |
A year ago, the Ford F-Series was ahead of the Chevy Silverado by 102,945, and ahead of the Ram Truck by 121,134. This year, the Ford F-Series outsold the Ram Pickup by fewer than 50,000, and the Ram Pickup overtook the Chevy Silverado by a relative eyelash of just over 25,000 units.
Ford offers the 2021 F-150 with no fewer than six powertrains—including a hybrid for the first time—plus three cab configurations and both long and short bed lengths. Need something to impress the in-laws? Upscale models offer more than just a touch of luxury.
Though its styling may suggest otherwise, Ford's best-selling vehicle is new from grille to tailgate for 2021. Rumor has it that an electric F-150 is also on the way, but we expect that one won't debut for another year or two.
The F-150 is available with multiple body styles and bed lengths. While the XLT model is a step up from the basic XL work truck, we prefer the additional luxuries on the Lariat. It costs over $10,000 more than the XLT, which may put it out of reach for some buyers, but it has the best mix of features and affordability.
What is it That Makes the F-series Stand out Among Trucks?Almost since the beginning, the F-Series has been the leader in the truck market. With dependability and reliability under its hood, vintage models still work alongside today’s cutting-edge trucks. There’s no need for nostalgic self-reflection on Ford’s part; the F-Series is just as it always was, and just as it will always be. Unique Body Before the F-Series, the vast majority of pickups on America’s roads were car-based, but in 1949 Ford debuted a new pickup line with a unique platform. The new trucks were simple, modern, and forward-thinking with utilitarian styling. From the half-ton F-1 to the three-ton F-8, these trucks were unlike anything else on the road. Add in the fact that Ford offered V8 power under the hood long before its competitors could and Ford was nicely placed to take over the market. In 1952 the venerable Flathead V8 was replaced with the more modern Y-Block and the simple F-1, F-2, F-3, etc. designation was dropped for the names we largely know today. The F-1 became the F-100, the F-2 and F-3 were merged into the F-250 and the F-4 became the F-350. Steel Construction Through various styling and generational feature updates, including a few years that saw an unfavorable unibody construction the F-series powered on. Then, as it entered its sixth generation in 1973 it reached what was arguably the most important generation in the truck’s history. Ford began a new emphasis on rustproofing and the use of galvanized steel. Thus giving their trucks the ability to work harder longer. In 1975, the F-150 was introduced to replace the F-100, and a year later, it overtook the marketplace as America’s best-selling truck. Then, in 1982 the F-Series became America’s best-selling vehicle. Since then, no other vehicle has outsold it in America. Motor Trend Truck of The Year In 1997, the F-Series entered its 10th generation and won Motor Trend’s Truck of the Year. Then, in 2004 and 2005 the 11th generation of F-Series picked up back-to-back wins of Motor Trend’s Truck of the Year. In 2015, entering its lucky 13th generation, the F-Series transformed again. Switching its iconic truck to an aluminum body, a first in the pickup segment. The change resulted in the current truck weighing in at 700 pounds lighter than its predecessor, which in turn, dramatically increased the truck’s fuel economy and hauling capacity. Time Tested Today, there are more F-Series trucks on the road with odometer readings above 250,000 miles than any other brand. Reliability and innovation are key attributes in this truck’s longevity at the top. But to millions of Ford ow |
2. Ram Pickup 2022 - 313,068 units sold, up 27.1%
Starting at 35.085 USD
 |
| The Ram 1500's unmatched luxury transcends traditional pickups without compromising its capability |
A year ago, the Chevy Silverado outsold the Ram Truck by a thin margin of 18,189 units. Ram's truck lineup continues its ascent with a strong first half that saw sales rise 27 percent.
Pickups have a variety of talents, but the 2022 Ram 1500 is more talented than most half-ton trucks because it's significantly nicer. Sure, the entry-level models aren't lined with the luscious materials and upscale features of the priciest trims, but they still ride better than the fanciest alternatives thanks to its more sophisticated suspension, which can be made cushier with the available air springs. Ram also offers the 1500 with a massive 12.0-inch touchscreen, compartments built into the cargo bed, and a split-folding tailgate. Obviously, the Ram 1500's capabilities ensure it won't be confused for anything but a truck, but the fact that it can pass for a luxury vehicle is what makes it special.
For 2022, Ram expands the variety of ways shoppers can get its half-ton pickup. The lineup's new additions include a sporty G/T package for the Laramie and Rebel, a rugged BackCountry Edition, and an even more luxurious version of the top-flight Limited known as the 10th Anniversary Edition.
| Ram, formerly known as Dodge Ram, has stuck to the former Chrysler Group’s marketing playbook, rolling out frequent special editions such as “Built to Serve Edition” Ram 1500 pickups for the 2021 model year honoring the branches of the U.S. armed forces, plus high-performance variants, plus attractive incentive offers. |
3. Chevrolet Silverado - 286,410 units sold, up 8.3%
Starting at 28,995 USD
 |
| Chevy Silverado 1500 |
Results for the Silverado were a mixed bag in the first half of 2021. It was outsold by the Ram truck lineup, and sales of the light-duty model were up by 8.3 percent, but the HD version gained ground compared with last year.
General Motors prefers to count the Chevy Silverado and its upscale sibling, the GMC Sierra together, since they’re based on the same platform under the skin, code-named C/K. That would make the combined Silverado/Sierra the sales champ instead of the Ford F-Series.
For 2021, Chevy adds a host of new features to the half-ton Silverado. There's a newly available Multi-Flex tailgate that opens and folds six different ways. Models with the diesel six-cylinder or turbocharged four-cylinder receive improved max-tow ratings, with the former up by as much as 1900 pounds (to 9500 total) and the latter increased by up to 2600 pounds (to 9600 total). Likewise, towing with the 2021 Silverado 1500 gets easier with a slew of trailer-assistance technologies that include a jackknife alert that does what its name suggests; a trailer-length indicator that helps the driver change lanes safely when towing; and a cargo-bed viewer that makes it easier to hook up a fifth-wheel trailer.
Related: Top 9 Most Popular Cars In The United States
4. Toyota RAV4 - 221,195 units sold, up 20.6%
Starting at 27,565 USD
 |
| Toyota RAV4 |
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 has been a big seller all year, with first-quarter sales up almost 20% vs. a year ago.
Toyota has made only one change to the RAV4 for the 2021 model year: Blizzard Pearl replaces Super White on the color palette. A plug-in hybrid RAV4 Prime joins the lineup, and the hybrid model gets a new XLE Premium trim.
 Top 10 Best Cars For Women In UK It’s clear that men and women have different tastes in choosing cars. In this article, we rounded up the top 10 best cars for ... |
5. Honda CR-V - 213,199 units sold, up 53.5%
Starting at 26,575 USD
 |
| Honda CR-V |
The CR-V is Honda's bread and butter, and its sales are up 54 percent over this time last year. A hybrid model joined the lineup recently, and we added one to our long-term test fleet.
If you're seeking a compact SUV with impressive versatility, know that the 2021 Honda CR-V does just about everything well. The two-row Honda provides an attractive and spacious cabin bolstered by bountiful storage solutions that are perfect for pack rats and road trips. Compared with the Mazda CX-5 and Volkswagen Tiguan, the CR-V is less entertaining from behind the wheel, but it has a pleasant ride and never feels uncoordinated. It also comes equipped with myriad active-safety features and offers all manner of popular technology. These qualities and a sophisticated appearance make the 2021 CR-V one of the best compact SUVs for small families.
Honda transitions the CR-V into 2021 without making any significant changes.
| Analysts expect a redesign for the Honda CR-V next year. It got a facelift for the 2020 model year, which included new front-end styling, with bigger openings for fog lights. A big drop in sales last year also exaggerated the percent increase in 2021 sales. |
6. Nissan Rogue - 182,289 units sold, up 70.4%
Starting at 27,000 USD
 |
| Nissan Rogue |
The redesigned 2021 Rogue is far better than its predecessor, and the numbers are reflecting a similar improvement so far this year. Sales were up 70 percent during the first half.
Nissan's Rogue compact SUV receives a much-needed redesign for the 2021 model year and offers more attractive styling, modernized interior tech, improved performance, and more adept ride-and-handling. Historically, the Rogue has sold well against segment leaders such as the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, and Volkswagen Tiguan, but wasn't as good overall, languishing far down in our rankings. With this redesign, Nissan's money maker turns up the charm in an attempt to shake off its history of mediocrity–something we think has been relatively successful.
The 2021 model year will mark the start of a new generation for the Nissan Rogue. The compact SUV receives a ground-up redesign, and its new, boxier styling gives it a more handsome and truck-like appearance.
7. Toyota Camry - 77,671 units sold, up 41.1%
Starting at 26,070
 |
| Toyora Camry 2021 |
The Toyota Camry is the nation’s best-selling sedan, a category that has come under pressure as buyers rush to trucks and the domestic brands have just about quit making passengers cars altogether.
If there's one thing that's certain in the auto sales hierarchy, it's the Camry's place on top of the passenger-car ranks. The mid-size sedan experienced a 41 percent increase over this time last year, enough to beat out all of the entries on this list that are neither trucks nor SUVs.
The Toyota Camry has gone from a fantastic family sedan to anonymous four-door and now back to its former glory. That's right. The Toyota is once again a truly desirable option in a segment that's slumping but still highly competitive.
Toyota only makes small changes to the 2021 Camry lineup. The base L model is now gone, making the LE the cheapest Camry. The sedan's front end also gets revised styling and there's new paint colors as well as wheel designs. Inside, there's new tablet-like touchscreens that measure either 7.0 or 9.0 inches.
 Top 9 Best-Selling Cars of 2020 Although Covid pandemic has serious impact on economy, the desire for owing a car still remains. Based on of numbers compiled from individual auto manufacturers’ ... |
8. Toyota Corolla - 155,531 units sold, up 42%
Starting at 21,050 USD
 |
| Toyota Corolla 2021 |
Toyota's compact sedan and hatchback continue to cash in on their strong reputation for reliability. Sales were up 42 percent, just ahead of its rival the Honda Civic.
The current version of the Honda Civic is the 10th generation of the ubiquitous little car, with a reputation for safety and reliability. Its replacement started reaching U.S. showrooms in June.
The 2021 Toyota Corolla continues its tradition of being an inexpensive, safety-minded, and well-equipped compact car. Both body styles feature a pair of dutiful four-cylinder engines, and they're also offered with an extremely frugal hybrid powertrain. For folks who appreciate driving engagement, the Corolla can be had with a manual transmission and a sport-tuned suspension. However, it's still less exciting than most of its competitors, such as the Honda Civic and Mazda 3.
The 2021 Corolla isn't the most exciting small car, but it's still an efficient and stylish choice.
Toyota adds a limited-production Special Edition to the 2021 Corolla hatchback lineup. The 1500 copies that'll be produced feature an exclusive body kit and Supersonic Red paint.
9. Honda Civic - 152,956 units sold, up 19.6%
Starting at 22,265 USD
 |
| Honda Civic 2021 |
The Civic was languishing in the first quarter of the year, but sales have risen since the redesigned 2022 Civic went on sale. Numbers were up 20 percent over this time last year.
Honda loads up its smallest car with plenty of standard driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.
The Civic's coupe body style is dead after the 2020 model year. The sedan and hatchback models live on, but Honda is planning an all-new Civic for the 2022 model year. We expect to see that debut in spring 2021.
10. Toyota Highlander - 144,380 units sold, up 82.6%
Starting at 37,000 USD
 |
| Toyota Highlander 2022 |
The Highlander three-row SUV continues its ascent through the sales ranks in 2021 with a strong first half. Sales were up 83 percent over this time last year.
Practical, comfortable, and stylish, the 2022 Toyota Highlander is a family SUV with its eye on the mid-size prize.
A new Hybrid Bronze Edition model joins the lineup and wears Cement or Wind Chill Pearl exterior paint with a set of cool 18-inch bronze-colored wheels. The cabin also receives some unique design elements in the form of geometric-patterned upholstery with bronze-colored detailing and illuminated bronze-colored doorsill protectors. Elsewhere, XLE and higher trims now come with a height-adjustable power-seat feature for the front passenger. The Highlander otherwise carries over to 2022 with no other changes.
| Toyota introduced an all-new Highlander for the 2020 model year, starting in December 2020, so it’s still pretty new. The exterior styling got a completely new look, and the Highlander got an all-new assortment of driver-assistance features, such as Lane Tracing Assist, Toyota’s proprietary term for automatic lane centering. Combine that with adaptive cruise control and the Highlander provides rudimentary highway self-driving. |
11. Toyota Tacoma - 139,296 units sold, up 33%
Starting at 28,000 USD
 |
| Toyota Tacoma |
Mid-size trucks are in these days, and the Tacoma outsells all its competitors by a wide margin. Its sales rose 33 percent compared with the first half of 2020.
Toyota has promoted the Toyota Tacoma in the highly competitive midsize pickup segment with aggressive lease deals and a series of “special editions,” like a blacked-out “Nightshade” package of trim and equipment, and an off-road oriented “Trail Special Edition.”
The 2022 Toyota Tacoma is terrific for work duties and fantastic for off-roading, but its small interior and driving manners are less refined than most other mid-size pickups.
12. GMC Sierra - 138,412 units sold, up 29.6%
Starting at 29,795 USD
 |
| GMC Sierra 1500 |
For the 2021 model year, GMC added a lot of trailering technology and capability, some of which is optional, or available only on more expensive variants. GMC offers a very wide array of engines and light, medium, and heavy-duty models within a model. GMC notes the upscale Sierra Denali sub-brand accounts for a big chunk of Sierra sales.
Sales of both the light-duty and heavy-duty Sierra models rose during the first half of the year, with the 1500 model up 26 percent and the HD trucks up 40 percent.
13. Chevrolet Equinox - 118,666 units sold,
Starting at 26,995
 |
| Chevrolet Equinox 2022 |
The Equinox has seen better days, as it was one of the few compact SUVs to experience a sales decline during the first half of the year. A refreshed model is coming for 2022 that might start to turn that around.
Sure, the Chevy has plentiful passenger room, a feature-laden infotainment system, and athletic handling. However, it falls short in terms of interior quality and storage space compared with its competitors.
A refreshed front end highlights the changes to the 2022 Equinox. The makeover brings more distinctive headlights, a new grille design, and updated front and rear bumpers. Chevy also adds an RS model, which includes sporty styling cues such as dark 19-inch wheels and blacked-out exterior trim. Its interior boasts a unique shift knob, red stitching, and black upholstery. The top-tier Premier also has spiffier cabin details, such as French stitching and gloss-black trim on the console.
14. Jeep Wrangler - 118,666 units sold, up 23%
Starting at 30,565
 |
| Jeep Wrangler |
The Jeep Wrangler's lineup is more diverse than ever, now that it features an optional diesel, a V-8, and even a plug-in-hybrid model. Its popularity remains high, too, with sales up 23 percent.
The Jeep Wrangler had its best quarter ever for U.S. retail sales in the second quarter, not counting fleet sales, the company said. Earlier this year, Jeep launched the plug-in hybrid Jeep Wrangler 4xe. All 2021 models come with what Jeep calls “Jeep Wave” benefits, such as the first three oil changes and tire rotations at no extra charge at any Jeep dealership, up to 36 months from purchase, plus coverage for roadside assistance up to 5 years/60,000 miles.
Just hearing the name Jeep conjures images of off-road adventure, and the 2021 Wrangler is likely the vehicle most people think of in that scenario. Its retro design harkens back to the World War II-era military vehicle, but the modern-day Wrangler offers an array of creature comforts and a range of sophisticated powertrains that the American GI's of WWII would have considered science fiction.
The big news for the 2021 Wrangler is the introduction of two new powertrains: The plug-in hybrid 4xe and the fire-breathing, 470-hp V-8 in the new Rubicon 392. The electrified setup pairs a turbocharged four-cylinder with an electric motor for a stout 375-hp combined output. In addition to the extra electric power, the 4xe powertrain is also set to deliver up to 25 miles of electric-only driving and a claimed zero-to-60-mph time of 6.0 seconds.
15. Ford Explorer - 118,241 units sold, up 16.9%
Starting at 34,170 USD
 |
The Explorer and the Highlander are duking it out for the three-row-SUV sales crown. The Ford is losing so far in 2021, with sales up 17 percent; for comparison, the Highlander's sales are surging by 83 percent.
The Ford Explorer slipped a few places in the Top 20 Best Sellers, from No. 12 last year, as sales slowed in recent months. The iconic SUV was last redesigned in 2019 for the 2020 model year. For 2021, Ford added several new optional appearance packages, such as XLT Sport Appearance Package, with 20-inch Carbonized Gray-painted 10-spoke wheels.
The Explorer has not fared well against the benchmark Kia Telluride, though some buyers prefer an SUV built by a U.S. company.
Ford has made a few tweaks to its mid-size crossover for 2021, such as making heated seats standard on the XLT, offering a heated steering wheel as an optional feature on that model, and including an eight-way power-adjustable front passenger's seat on the Limited, ST, and Platinum models.
The hybrid powertrain is now available on the Platinum trim and, speaking of Platinum, buyers can now order a rear-wheel drive version of the Explorer's top trim. Ford also says an all-electric variant of the Explorer is on the way, but we don't expect to see that until at least the 2022 model year.
Honda Accord - 114,707 units soldThe 10Best-winning Accord mid-size sedan isn't the top seller it once was, as it's fallen far behind its rival the Toyota Camry and behind Honda's own compact Civic. Updates for the 2021 model year are minor, but it still saw a 29 percent increase over this time last year. |
