Virginia’s car market tells an interesting story about what people want from their daily drivers. Some shoppers choose compact SUVs for family trips, others prefer pickups for work, and plenty still appreciate a sedan that is easy to park and comfortable on long commutes. The state’s best-selling models reflect those priorities, with familiar names from Honda, Toyota, Ford, Chevrolet, and Tesla competing for buyers.
This ranking uses the 2024 Virginia new-vehicle sales list published by 24/7 Wall St. and the Virginia Automobile Dealers Association’s market data. The list covers ten popular models, with a focus on what makes each one appealing to shoppers. Sales rankings are not a guarantee of reliability or value, but they offer a useful starting point for anyone considering a new car.
1. Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V takes the top spot in Virginia’s 2024 new-vehicle sales ranking. According to 24/7 Wall St., it was the state’s best-selling vehicle, ahead of the Toyota RAV4 and Tesla Model Y. Its success makes sense for shoppers who want an SUV without moving into a large, expensive vehicle.
The 2026 Honda CR-V claimed the number one spot in Virginia with 1,634 units sold, moving through dealer inventory in just 17 days, making it the undisputed favorite among Virginia car buyers this reporting period.
What makes the CR-V so consistently popular? Start with practicality. Cargo space rivals vehicles a class above it, rear seat room accommodates growing families comfortably, and fuel economy stays competitive against nearly every rival in the compact SUV field.
Reliability data backs up Honda’s reputation too. Long-term ownership costs tend to run lower than average, largely because the CR-V rarely requires major repairs before hitting six figures on the odometer. That kind of track record builds trust across generations of buyers, many of whom replace one CR-V with another when the time comes.
Resale value ranks among the strongest in its class as well, giving buyers confidence that their investment won’t depreciate as sharply as some competitors.
Between space, efficiency, dependability, and strong demand reflected in that tight 17-day supply window, it’s easy to understand exactly why Virginia drivers chose the CR-V more than any other vehicle on dealer lots this year.
Virginia’s roads reflect a buyer base that values practicality above almost everything else, favoring compact SUVs, dependable trucks, and a handful of sedans that refuse to fade away.
Whether these rankings hold steady through the rest of the year remains to be seen, but for now, this list captures exactly what’s rolling out of dealerships from Richmond to Roanoke.
2. Toyota RAV4
Virginia drivers have continued to show interest in the Toyota RAV4, which secured second place in the state’s 2024 vehicle ranking published by 24/7 Wall St.
The compact SUV has earned a strong reputation among American car buyers by offering a comfortable cabin, practical storage space, and several engine options to suit different driving needs.
For people who prefer sitting higher off the ground without purchasing a bulky SUV, the RAV4 offers a suitable choice. There is enough room for passengers to travel comfortably, while the boot provides useful space for groceries, luggage, and other items needed during daily activities.
Fuel efficiency is another reason the vehicle appeals to many motorists. Toyota provides a hybrid version that combines petrol power with electric assistance, giving commuters an option to reduce fuel consumption during regular journeys.
This can be particularly helpful for drivers who cover long distances each week. The available all-wheel-drive system adds another advantage for motorists who frequently travel through wet or snowy conditions.
It provides extra grip when road surfaces become slippery, making the vehicle suitable for different weather conditions. The RAV4’s strong position among Virginia’s preferred vehicles reflects its ability to meet everyday transportation needs.
While it may not offer the most exciting driving experience in its category, its dependable design, comfortable interior, and useful features continue to attract buyers.
3. Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y ranked third among Virginia’s best-selling vehicles in 2024. Its position is interesting because it places an electric SUV alongside two long-established gasoline and hybrid models. The result shows that some Virginia shoppers are willing to choose an EV for everyday transportation.
The Model Y offers a spacious cabin, a large rear cargo area, and a minimalist interior. Its electric powertrain provides quick acceleration, while the absence of a traditional gasoline engine changes the driving experience.
Charging is a major part of owning the Model Y. Buyers need access to suitable charging equipment at home, work, or public locations. That consideration can make the vehicle more convenient for some households than others.
The Model Y also attracts people who enjoy technology. Its large central display, software-based features, and electric driving experience give it a different character from the Honda and Toyota SUVs.
Price and charging needs remain important questions for buyers. The Model Y can be appealing for drivers who have a suitable charging routine, but it requires more planning than a conventional gasoline vehicle.
Its third-place result shows that electric vehicles have a real place in Virginia’s market. It also gives shoppers another option when comparing practical SUVs for daily use.
4. Ford F-Series
The Ford F-Series ranked fourth in Virginia’s 2024 sales list. This pickup family includes several models, with the F-150 serving as the best-known nameplate. Its presence near the top of the ranking reflects the continuing demand for trucks among American buyers.
A pickup offers something a compact SUV cannot, an open bed for carrying equipment, materials, and bulky items. That makes the F-Series useful for contractors, homeowners, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who regularly needs additional cargo space.
The F-150 also comes with several engine choices, allowing buyers to choose a setup that suits their needs. Some prioritize towing, while others want a more comfortable daily driver with a useful bed.
Interior comfort has become another reason people choose modern pickups. Many trims offer roomy cabins, advanced infotainment, and features that make long trips easier.
The F-Series is not the right choice for every driver. Its size can make parking more difficult, and fuel costs may be higher than those of smaller vehicles. Buyers who rarely use the bed may find a compact SUV more practical.
Still, its strong Virginia sales ranking shows that the pickup remains a popular choice for people who need capability and want a vehicle that can serve several purposes.
5. Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado placed fifth in Virginia’s 2024 ranking. Like the Ford F-Series, it appeals to drivers who want a pickup that can handle work and personal transportation.
The Silverado offers several configurations, from regular-cab work trucks to larger crew-cab models. That variety gives buyers the ability to choose a vehicle based on their priorities. Someone who needs a truck for job sites may want a different setup from a family that uses it for road trips.
Towing and hauling are major reasons to consider the Silverado. Depending on the engine and equipment, the truck can handle demanding jobs that would be difficult for a smaller vehicle.
The interior also matters. Modern Silverado models offer available technology, comfortable seats, and useful storage areas. These features help the truck feel less like a basic work machine and more like a vehicle that can serve many parts of daily life.
Fuel consumption is worth considering before buying. A full-size pickup can cost more to operate than a compact SUV, particularly when it is used for frequent short trips.
The Silverado’s fifth-place result shows that Virginia buyers continue to appreciate trucks that combine work capability with everyday comfort.
6. Honda Civic
The Honda Civic is a familiar name among compact-car shoppers. MotorTrend’s Virginia ranking places it fourth among the state’s five most popular new models, while the 2024 list from 24/7 Wall St. places it outside the top five. This difference illustrates why rankings depend on the source and the period being measured.
The Civic appeals to drivers who want a smaller vehicle with a comfortable cabin and manageable running costs. Its sedan and hatchback versions give buyers different ways to use the same basic model. The sedan suits traditional car shoppers, while the hatchback offers more flexible cargo space.
A compact car can also be easier to park in busy areas than a full-size SUV or pickup. For drivers who spend much of their time commuting, that can be a welcome advantage.
Honda offers gasoline and hybrid versions of the Civic, depending on model year and trim. The hybrid is aimed at buyers who want to reduce fuel use without moving to a fully electric vehicle.
The Civic is also known for its engaging driving character. It feels more responsive than some basic commuter cars, which can make ordinary trips more enjoyable.
Its place in Virginia’s popular-model lists shows that sedans still have a role in a market dominated by SUVs and trucks. The Civic remains a sensible option for people who value easy driving, useful space, and a familiar compact-car design.
7. Toyota Camry
Many car buyers in Virginia still consider the Toyota Camry when looking for a dependable family sedan. MotorTrend ranks it fifth among the five most popular new models in the state, while 24/7 Wall St. also includes it among the leading vehicles in its 2024 sales ranking.
These positions show that sedans still have a place among American motorists. The Camry is designed with daily comfort in mind. Its interior gives passengers enough room for regular journeys, while the trunk can carry groceries, school bags, luggage, and other items without much trouble.
Fuel economy is another reason some buyers choose this Toyota. The hybrid version combines a petrol engine with electric assistance, giving regular commuters an opportunity to use less fuel during their trips. This can be useful for motorists who cover long distances each week.
Owning the Camry is also fairly straightforward. Its controls are familiar, the driving setup is simple to understand, and finding replacement parts or service should not be difficult in many areas.
Although an SUV offers more cargo room, a sedan can still meet the needs of a family, student, worker, or individual driver. Its smaller body can also make parking easier, especially in busy areas.
The Camry’s strong sales performance shows that shoppers still have reasons to choose a sedan. For anyone seeking comfort, fuel efficiency, and dependable transportation, this Toyota remains a familiar option for many households. It also suits drivers who prefer a smooth ride and a familiar car for family use.
8. Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma is a midsize pickup that offers a practical alternative to larger trucks. Rather than matching the size of a full-size pickup, it focuses on a smaller footprint and a more manageable driving experience.
That makes it appealing to people who want truck capability without committing to a vehicle that can feel cumbersome in everyday traffic. The Tacoma is a strong choice for people who need a truck bed but do not want a full-size vehicle.
It can handle outdoor equipment, home projects, and everyday hauling tasks while remaining easier to maneuver in tighter spaces. Its size also makes it a useful option for drivers who spend time in parking garages or crowded shopping areas.
Toyota offers several configurations, including different cab sizes and four-wheel-drive options. Buyers can choose a setup based on passenger space, cargo needs, and the type of driving they expect to do. Available off-road equipment adds appeal for people who enjoy camping, hiking, or traveling on rougher roads.
The Tacoma has a long-standing reputation among pickup shoppers, particularly those who enjoy outdoor activities. Its rugged design and available off-road features make it suitable for drivers who want to go beyond paved roads.
The trade-off is that a midsize truck generally has less interior and cargo space than a full-size pickup. Buyers who regularly carry large loads or tow heavy trailers may prefer a larger truck.
Still, the Tacoma’s presence in Virginia’s top-selling vehicle lists shows that smaller pickups have a place in the market. It offers a useful middle ground for drivers who want truck capability without moving into the biggest pickup category.
9. Chevrolet Equinox
The Chevrolet Equinox is a compact SUV that appeals to buyers who want an affordable, practical vehicle for daily use. It offers a comfortable cabin, useful cargo room, and a familiar Chevrolet badge.
The Equinox is well suited to drivers who spend most of their time on paved roads. Its size makes it easier to handle than a large SUV, while its raised seating position gives passengers a better view of traffic.
The cabin is designed around everyday convenience. Families can use the rear seats for passengers, while the cargo area handles groceries, bags, and other routine items.
The Equinox also offers available all-wheel drive, which can be useful for drivers who travel in wet or snowy conditions. That feature gives buyers another reason to consider it when comparing compact SUVs.
A major advantage of the Equinox is its straightforward purpose. It is not trying to be a luxury vehicle or a high-performance machine. Instead, it focuses on being a practical choice for commuting, shopping, and family travel.
Its inclusion in national best-selling vehicle lists and Virginia’s popular-model discussions shows that compact SUVs remain a major part of the market. For shoppers who want a familiar brand and everyday usefulness, the Equinox deserves consideration.
10. Subaru Crosstrek
The Subaru Crosstrek rounds out this list as a compact crossover with a strong focus on practicality and outdoor use. Virginia’s 2024 sales data from 24/7 Wall St. does not place it in the state’s top five, but the Virginia Automobile Dealers Association identified it as one of the leading compact SUVs during the third quarter of 2024.
The Crosstrek offers a higher driving position, useful cargo space, and available all-wheel drive. Those features make it appealing to people who want a small vehicle that can handle more than city commuting.
Its compact dimensions are useful for drivers who prefer a vehicle that is easy to park and maneuver. At the same time, the crossover body gives passengers more flexibility than a traditional small sedan.
The Crosstrek is also a popular choice among drivers who enjoy weekend trips, hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities. Its available all-wheel-drive system can provide added traction on gravel roads and in poor weather.
The model is not a heavy-duty off-road vehicle, and its smaller size means it cannot carry as much as a larger SUV or pickup. Buyers should consider their actual needs before choosing it.
Still, its presence in Virginia’s popular compact-SUV market shows that buyers have options beyond the biggest-selling Honda and Toyota models.
