The automotive industry witnessed a significant rebound in 2023, marking a year of recovery and growth after several years of supply chain disruptions and pandemic-related challenges. Despite rising vehicle costs, almost every automaker reported increased sales figures, with some experiencing double-digit improvements compared to the previous year. As we delve into the data and analyze the annual sales reports from both major and emerging automakers, it becomes clear which vehicles resonated most strongly with American consumers. Unsurprisingly, pickup trucks and SUVs continue to dominate the American automotive landscape, but the list of the 20 best-selling vehicles of 2023 reveals some interesting shifts and enduring favorites. So, what is America’s best selling car? Let’s break down the top performers and explore the trends that shaped the market.
1. Ford F-Series
750,789 Units
It should come as no surprise that the Ford F-Series reigns supreme as the best-selling vehicle in America. This iconic truck has held the top spot for years and is also recognized as the best-selling truck for nearly half a century. This long-standing dominance is unlikely to change anytime soon. While General Motors enthusiasts might point to the combined sales of the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra exceeding the F-Series numbers, it’s crucial to remember that these are separate models within the GM lineup. In 2023, the Ford F-Series demonstrated its continued appeal with a robust 14.8 percent sales increase, further solidifying its position as America’s favorite vehicle.
2. Chevrolet Silverado
555,148 Units
After several years of close competition with Ram, the Chevrolet Silverado firmly secured the second-place position in 2023, trailing only the Ford F-Series. The Silverado outperformed Ram by a significant margin of over 110,000 units, concluding the year with a solid 6.1 percent increase in sales compared to 2022. This performance highlights the enduring popularity of the Silverado as a strong contender in the full-size pickup truck segment and one of America’s best selling cars overall.
3. Ram Pickup
444,926 Units
While its Detroit-based rivals, Ford and Chevrolet, experienced positive year-over-year growth, Ram Pickup sales saw a slight contraction in 2023, with a marginal 1 percent decrease. Looking ahead, Ram is set to introduce a facelifted model as a 2025 model year, which could potentially revitalize sales figures. However, this upcoming model will mark a significant shift as the first Ram truck in over two decades to be offered without a Hemi V8 engine option. It remains to be seen how this change will impact sales performance in the coming year for this popular pickup.
4. Toyota RAV4
434,943 Units
Prepare to see Toyota frequently on this list, starting with the RAV4, America’s best-selling SUV. In 2023, the RAV4’s popularity grew even further, with an 8.4 percent increase in sales compared to the previous year. This is particularly impressive considering that the current generation model is approaching the end of its production cycle. Rumors suggest that we might see a new generation or a refreshed RAV4 model as early as this year, which could further solidify its position as a top-selling vehicle and the leading SUV in the American market. The Toyota RAV4 exemplifies the strong demand for versatile and fuel-efficient SUVs in the US.
5. Tesla Model Y
403,897 Units (est.)
The Tesla Model Y achieved global recognition as the best-selling vehicle worldwide in 2022, and its popularity in the US remains undeniable. While Tesla does not release sales data broken down by region, estimates place the Model Y as the fifth best-selling vehicle in America in 2023, with an estimated 16 percent increase in sales. These figures, sourced from Tesla sales trackers at EVadoption.com, are considered reasonably accurate given the Model Y’s widespread global appeal. The Model Y’s strong performance underscores the growing adoption of electric vehicles and Tesla’s dominant position in the EV market.
6. Honda CR-V
361,457 Units
Honda, another automaker with multiple entries on this list, starts its top performers with the consistently popular CR-V. The CR-V experienced remarkable popularity in 2023, registering a substantial 51.8 percent year-over-year sales jump. This impressive growth was largely fueled by the introduction of the sixth-generation model, which debuted in September 2022 for the 2023 model year. The redesigned CR-V clearly resonated with buyers, driving significant sales growth and reinforcing its status as a leading compact SUV.
7. GMC Sierra
295,737 Units
The GMC Sierra, the more upscale sibling to the Chevrolet Silverado within the General Motors family, ranks as the seventh best-selling vehicle overall for the year. While it’s the lowest-selling full-size pickup from the Detroit automakers in this top segment, the Sierra still enjoyed a strong year with a 22.4 percent increase in sales. This percentage growth actually surpasses that of the Silverado, indicating a growing preference for the Sierra’s premium features and styling within the full-size truck market.
8. Toyota Camry
290,649 Units
Sedans are far from extinct in the American automotive market, and the Toyota Camry stands as compelling evidence. The Camry maintains its title as the best-selling sedan in America, outselling numerous popular SUVs such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chevrolet Equinox, and Ford Explorer. While Camry sales remained nearly flat in 2023, experiencing a slight 1.5 percent dip, this is expected to change with the arrival of the redesigned 2025 model. The Toyota Camry’s continued success underscores the enduring appeal of reliable and fuel-efficient sedans for many American car buyers.
9. Nissan Rogue
271,458 Units
Nissan secures its place in the top 20 with the Rogue, arguably the most unexpectedly popular SUV in the market. The Rogue demonstrated impressive growth in 2023, achieving a remarkable 45.6 percent year-over-year sales increase. While sales haven’t yet returned to pre-pandemic levels, the Rogue remains a highly sought-after vehicle for American buyers. This surge in popularity highlights the Nissan Rogue’s growing appeal in the competitive compact SUV segment.
10. Jeep Grand Cherokee
244,594 Units
The current generation Jeep Grand Cherokee, only a couple of years into its model cycle, continues to exhibit strong sales performance. The introduction of the three-row Grand Cherokee variant a few years prior has further broadened its appeal. 2023 marked one of the Grand Cherokee’s best sales years in recent memory, with a 10 percent increase compared to 2022. This solid performance underscores the enduring popularity of the Jeep Grand Cherokee as a versatile and capable SUV.
11. Toyota Tacoma
234,768 Units
Outside of the dominant Detroit-based brands, the Toyota Tacoma stands out as the best-selling truck in its segment. Tacoma sales experienced a slight downturn in 2023, with a 1.1 percent decrease. However, this minor dip is not concerning considering the highly anticipated new 2024 model was on the horizon. The redesigned Tacoma debuted earlier in 2023 and began reaching dealerships later in the year, suggesting that next year’s sales figures are likely to show a significant improvement as the new model gains traction.
12. Toyota Corolla
232,370 Units
Toyota not only holds the title for the best-selling sedan but also boasts the best-selling compact car in America: the Corolla. Despite the current model being several years old and due for a refresh, Corolla sales increased by 4.6 percent in 2023. This consistent performance highlights the enduring appeal of the Toyota Corolla as a reliable, fuel-efficient, and value-oriented compact car for American consumers.
13. Tesla Model 3
213,000 Units (est.)
Similar to the Model Y, precise sales figures for the Tesla Model 3 are estimates due to Tesla’s lack of region-specific breakdowns. Nevertheless, the Model 3’s popularity is undeniable, with an estimated 213,000 units delivered in 2023. Price reductions throughout the year undoubtedly attracted buyers to showrooms, contributing to the Model 3’s strong sales performance as a leading electric sedan.
14. Chevrolet Equinox
212,701 Units
Maintaining steady sales with a modest 0.3 percent year-over-year increase, the Chevrolet Equinox remains Chevrolet’s best-selling SUV by a considerable margin. While the current Equinox model is also aging, a next-generation version is expected to debut soon. Leaked images from China hint at styling cues inspired by the all-electric Equinox EV, suggesting an exciting evolution for this popular compact SUV.
15. Hyundai Tucson
209,624 Units
The Hyundai Tucson is the sole representative from Korean automakers in the top 20, and it enjoyed a very successful year. Tucson sales surged by 20 percent, and further growth is anticipated for the current year. A facelifted model was introduced at the end of 2023, bringing subtle exterior updates and a significant refresh to the interior, enhancing the Tucson’s appeal in the competitive compact SUV segment.
16. Honda Civic
200,381 Units
Honda buyers are showing strong interest in the Civic. Civic sales jumped by an impressive 49.6 percent in 2023, although it’s worth noting that 2022 was a comparatively weaker year for Civic sales. While not yet back to pre-pandemic levels, the current generation Civic’s refined interior design and understated exterior styling appear to be resonating well with consumers, driving significant sales growth.
17. Honda Accord
197,947 Units
Accord sales also experienced positive growth, increasing by 28 percent. However, the 197,947 units sold in 2023 are still significantly lower than the Accord’s peak sales in the 1990s, when sales often exceeded 400,000 units. Despite the shift towards SUVs, the Accord continues to be a successful sedan, maintaining its position among the top 20 best-selling vehicles in America.
18. Ford Explorer
186,799 Units
The Explorer, once a sales leader with nearly 500,000 units sold annually in the early 2000s, has seen a decline from its peak. Amidst a general trend of year-over-year sales increases across the industry, the Explorer experienced a 10 percent sales drop in 2023. A mid-cycle refresh is expected later in the year, which could potentially help revitalize sales for 2024 and regain some of its lost ground in the competitive SUV market.
19. Toyota Highlander
169,543 Units
The current generation Highlander dates back to 2020, making it due for an update. This might partially explain the 23.9 percent sales decline experienced last year. However, some of the sales dip could also be attributed to consumers shifting their preference to the larger Toyota Grand Highlander, which debuted earlier in the year, offering a more spacious alternative within the Toyota SUV lineup.
20. Subaru Outback
161,814 Units
Barely making it into the top 20 is the Subaru Outback, bringing its unique wagon-like style to the list. The current generation Outback, launched in 2020, continues to stand out amidst a sea of SUVs, particularly in the Wilderness trim, which adds off-road capabilities to this five-seater. Outback sales increased by 9.9 percent last year, demonstrating its continued appeal to a niche market seeking a blend of SUV versatility and wagon practicality.
FAQs
What Is The Top Selling Car?
The top selling vehicle in the US is the Ford F-150 with 750,789 units sold in 2023. If you are specifically asking about the best-selling traditional sedan, that title belongs to the Toyota Camry, with 290,649 units sold in 2023.
What Are The Three Most Sold Cars Of All Time?
The Toyota Corolla, Ford F-Series, and Volkswagen Golf are the top three best-selling cars of all time globally. The Corolla surpassed 50 million units in 2021, while Ford has sold 43 million F-Series trucks, and VW has sold 35.5 million Golfs.
What Is The Top Selling SUV Of 2023?
The Toyota RAV4 was the best-selling SUV in 2023, with Toyota selling 434,943 units.
Best Selling Cars 2023
- Ford F-Series: 750,789 Units
- Chevrolet Silverado: 555,148 Units
- Ram Pickup: 444,926 Units
- Toyota RAV4: 434,943 Units
- Tesla Model Y: 403,897 Units (est.)
- Honda CR-V: 361,457 Units
- GMC Sierra: 295,737 Units
- Toyota Camry: 290,649 Units
- Nissan Rogue: 271,458 Units
- Jeep Grand Cherokee: 244,594 Units
- Toyota Tacoma: 234,768 Units
- Toyota Corolla: 232,370 Units
- Tesla Model 3: 213,000 Units (est.)
- Chevrolet Equinox: 212,701 Units
- Hyundai Tucson: 209,624 Units
- Honda Civic: 200,381 Units
- Honda Accord: 197,947 Units
- Ford Explorer: 186,799 Units
- Toyota Highlander: 169,543 Units
- Subaru Outback: 161,814 Units
In conclusion, the 2023 best-selling car list in America clearly indicates the continued dominance of pickup trucks and SUVs. The Ford F-Series firmly holds its position as America’s best selling car, a title it has maintained for decades. However, the list also showcases the strength of Japanese automakers like Toyota and Honda, with multiple models achieving top sales figures across various segments. While sedans have seen a decline in overall market share, the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord prove that there is still a significant market for traditional cars. The rise of electric vehicles is also evident with the Tesla Model Y and Model 3 securing top spots. The automotive landscape is constantly evolving, but the vehicles on this list represent the current preferences and trends shaping the American car market.
