For decades, the Ford F-150 has reigned supreme as the best-selling vehicle in the United States. However, recent data reveals a shift in the automotive landscape, painting a different picture for 2024. While the F-150 remains a powerhouse, the Toyota RAV4 has emerged as the top seller when considering individual models, sparking debate about what truly defines America’s favorite vehicle.
The compact SUV segment is fiercely competitive, yet the Toyota RAV4 has consistently outperformed its rivals, dominating sales charts year after year. While the Ford F-150 has long held the title of best-selling vehicle, data from JATO Dynamics for 2024 indicates a change at the top. The Toyota RAV4 has not only maintained its position as America’s best-selling car but has also claimed the overall best-selling vehicle title based on registrations.
In 2024, amidst a total of 16.09 million vehicles sold in the U.S., a 3% increase from the previous year, the Toyota RAV4 achieved a remarkable 475,193 sales. This figure represents the model’s best year on record, surpassing its consistent performance of around 400,000 annual sales since 2017. The RAV4’s enduring popularity is undeniable, even as the current generation approaches its seventh year on the market, with a redesigned model anticipated for 2026. The model experienced a significant year-over-year sales increase of over 9%, propelling it past the Ford F-150, which recorded 460,915 registrations.
2025 Toyota RAV4 PHEV in Red, showcasing its modern design and popularity as a top-selling vehicle in the USA.
Ford F-Series vs. F-150: Understanding the Sales Numbers
It’s crucial to understand the distinction between Ford’s reporting and JATO Dynamics’ data. JATO’s figures specifically pertain to the Ford F-150 model. Ford, however, traditionally reports sales under the umbrella of the F-Series, which encompasses a range of trucks from the F-150 to the heavy-duty F-600. When considering the entire Ford F-Series lineup, sales reach an impressive 765,649 units, maintaining its position as America’s best-selling nameplate.
Ford clarified this distinction, stating, “All Ford F-Series trucks, from F-150 to F-600, share a common cab architecture from the A-pillar to the C-pillar. We offer multiple ICE, EV and hybrid powertrains, frames and exterior style choices depending on trim series and work needs. Other vehicles, like Toyota RAV4 or Porsche 911, also offer multiple powertrains, driveline options, engines, chassis and styling choices for their customers, depending on customer needs and use.” This highlights the diverse configurations within both the F-Series and models like the RAV4, catering to varied customer needs.
Ford F-150 Tremor 2024, a popular pickup truck model, though ranked second in best-selling vehicles in the USA for 2024.
Beyond the Top Two: Other Best Selling Vehicles of 2024
The Honda CR-V secured the third position with 402,791 sales in 2024. Notably, the CR-V experienced an even greater sales surge than the RAV4, demonstrating the continued strength of the compact SUV segment. Tesla’s Model Y emerged as the best-selling electric vehicle, claiming the fourth spot with 372,613 deliveries, despite a slight 3% decrease in sales.
Traditional sedans also held their ground. The Toyota Camry, in its new generation, saw a 7% sales increase, reaching 309,875 units. The smaller Toyota Corolla experienced a significant 22% jump in sales, totaling 283,098, indicating a resurgence in the popularity of compact and affordable cars. The Honda Civic also showed strong growth with a 21% increase, achieving 242,005 sales, slightly behind the Corolla. The Nissan Rogue remained a strong contender in the crossover segment, ranking as America’s third best-selling crossover with 245,724 sales, although experiencing a 7% decrease compared to 2023.
When considering light-duty pickup trucks separately, similar to JATO’s approach with the F-150, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 followed the F-150 in the rankings, securing fifth place overall with 344,022 sales, a 2% decrease. The GMC Sierra 1500 rounded out the top 10, experiencing an 11% increase with 216,248 sales. Interestingly, the Ram 1500 fell outside the top 10, ranking thirteenth with 200,006 sales, and a significant 26% year-over-year decrease.
Automotive analyst Felipe Munoz shared a comprehensive list of the top 50 best-selling vehicles in the U.S. on Instagram, providing a broader view of the market trends.
Top 10 Best-Selling Vehicles in the USA (2024) – Data by JATO Dynamics
| Rank | Vehicle | 2024 Full-Year Sales | Change from 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toyota RAV4 | 475,193 | +9% |
| 2 | Ford F-150 | 460,915 | -5% |
| 3 | Honda CR-V | 402,791 | +11% |
| 4 | Tesla Model Y | 372,613 | -3% |
| 5 | Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | 344,022 | -2% |
| 6 | Toyota Camry | 309,875 | +7% |
| 7 | Toyota Corolla | 283,098 | +22% |
| 8 | Nissan Rogue | 245,724 | -7% |
| 9 | Honda Civic | 242,005 | +21% |
| 10 | GMC Sierra 1500 | 216,248 | +11% |
This data highlights the dynamic nature of the US automotive market. While the Ford F-Series remains a dominant force, the Toyota RAV4’s ascent to the top of the Best Selling Vehicles In Usa list, when considering individual models, signals the enduring popularity of compact SUVs and shifting consumer preferences.
