In recent years, the automotive industry has faced significant challenges due to a combination of global crises such as the pandemic, supply chain disruptions, and political instability. These factors led to a decrease in car sales, but the situation started to improve in 2024. As the year progresses, data from automakers indicates that the industry’s recovery is well underway, with sales figures showing positive growth in several segments. This is reflected in the list of best-selling cars for the year, where both familiar models and surprising newcomers are making waves.
The following list showcases the best-selling vehicles of 2024, illustrating how consumer preferences are shifting in response to changing market conditions. From reliable sedans to versatile SUVs and powerful trucks, each of these models has earned its place among the top sellers due to a combination of performance, value, and brand loyalty. Let’s take a closer look at the cars that are dominating the market.
Ford F-Series: 528,028 Units
The Ford F-Series continues its reign as America’s best-selling vehicle for the 48th consecutive year. Now in its 14th generation, the F-Series is equipped with modern updates, including a refreshed exterior, the addition of a Pro Access Tailgate, and enhanced digital technology like 12-inch infotainment displays and digital instrument clusters as standard features. Despite a slight dip in sales compared to the previous year, the F-Series remains firmly in the top spot. Its ability to offer a variety of configurations, from work trucks to luxury models, ensures it meets the needs of a wide array of consumers.
While the F-Series has faced a small decline in sales (down 3.9% for the first nine months of the year), it has shown resilience, particularly in the third quarter where sales were up by 4.2%. Ford’s continued focus on innovation, including introducing the electric F-150 Lightning and updated powertrains, has helped maintain its dominant position in the competitive pickup market.
Chevrolet Silverado: 399,604 Units
The Chevrolet Silverado remains the second-best-selling vehicle of 2024, with sales just slightly behind the Ford F-Series. This pickup has proven to be a favorite due to its rugged performance and diverse range of configurations. Although sales have dropped by around 1% for the year, the Silverado’s solid reputation and range of available trims keep it at the forefront of the full-size truck market.
The Silverado lineup includes both light-duty and heavy-duty models, with the heavy-duty versions experiencing the most significant sales declines. Despite this, the Silverado remains a key player in the competitive truck market, offering everything from the base WT model to the luxurious High Country trim. Chevrolet’s focus on offering high-tech features and improving fuel efficiency through hybrid and electric variants, such as the Silverado EV, ensures the model’s future success in a rapidly changing market.
Toyota RAV4: 350,331 Units
The Toyota RAV4, a perennial favorite in the compact SUV segment, has made a strong comeback in 2024, securing the third spot among the best-sellers. Its sales have increased by 15.7% compared to the previous year, reflecting the ongoing demand for reliable, fuel-efficient SUVs. The RAV4 continues to be an affordable, family-friendly vehicle that offers a range of trims, including a popular hybrid variant.
Although the fifth-generation model is starting to show its age, Toyota has managed to maintain the RAV4’s appeal with minor updates and a higher starting price. The model’s popularity is further bolstered by its excellent safety ratings and advanced tech features, including standard Toyota Safety Sense. As consumers increasingly prioritize fuel efficiency and eco-friendliness, the RAV4 Hybrid offers an attractive alternative, making it a top choice for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
Tesla Model Y: 312,000 Units (est.)
In 2024, the Tesla Model Y continues to perform exceptionally well, with estimates placing its sales around 312,000 units. As one of the best-selling electric vehicles in the world, the Model Y’s success is a testament to Tesla’s ability to lead the EV market. The electric SUV combines cutting-edge technology, long-range capabilities, and sleek design, making it an attractive option for consumers seeking sustainability without sacrificing performance.
The Model Y is available in a variety of configurations, including a base model with a 260-mile range and a more powerful performance variant with dual motors. Its relatively affordable starting price of $44,990 and impressive range for the price make it an appealing choice for those looking to transition to electric vehicles. As more consumers embrace electric cars, the Model Y’s continued success seems assured.
Honda CR-V: 298,164 Units
Honda’s CR-V remains a strong contender in the compact SUV segment, with sales reaching nearly 300,000 units in 2024. The sixth-generation CR-V, introduced last year, features a fresh design, an updated interior, and the latest tech, ensuring that it meets the demands of today’s consumers. Despite a slight dip in sales for the third quarter, the CR-V’s overall sales are up by 13.7% compared to the previous year.
The CR-V is a direct competitor to the Toyota RAV4, and its combination of reliability, comfort, and efficiency continues to attract buyers. With both hybrid and traditional powertrain options, the CR-V caters to a wide range of consumers looking for a versatile and eco-friendly crossover. Honda’s focus on offering high-tech features, such as a larger touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a suite of safety features, ensures the CR-V remains competitive in a crowded market.
Ram Pickup: 268,666 Units
The Ram Pickup, while still a top contender in the full-size truck segment, has seen a significant drop in sales for 2024. Ram’s sales are down by 19% this year, reflecting a shift in consumer preferences and increased competition from rivals like Ford and Chevrolet. Despite this, the Ram 1500 remains a popular choice for those seeking a luxurious and comfortable truck with premium features.
Ram is betting on a new generation of the 1500 to revitalize its sales, with the introduction of new powertrains and an updated design. The brand’s focus on technology, including advanced driver-assistance systems and high-end interior features, helps keep the model competitive. Additionally, the Ram 1500’s reputation for smooth ride quality and towing capability ensures that it remains a solid option for truck buyers, even as sales slow.
GMC Sierra: 229,011 Units
The GMC Sierra has carved out a strong presence in the pickup truck market, securing its spot as one of the top sellers of 2024. Sales for the Sierra are slightly up this year, thanks in part to the introduction of the Sierra EV, which marks GMC’s foray into the electric truck market. The electric model, available in the Denali Edition 1 trim, offers impressive range and luxury features, making it a compelling option for those looking to combine performance with sustainability.
In addition to the Sierra EV, GMC continues to offer a range of traditional gas-powered models, including the off-road-oriented Sierra HD AT4X AEV Edition. With prices ranging from around $38,000 for the base model to nearly $100,000 for the Denali trim, the Sierra offers something for a wide range of truck buyers. Its combination of rugged performance, technology, and upscale features ensures that it remains a top choice for those seeking a premium pickup.
Toyota Camry: 227,576 Units
The Toyota Camry remains a staple in the sedan market, even as demand for four-door vehicles has waned in favor of SUVs. Despite being an older model, the Camry continues to perform well, with a 4.4% increase in sales for 2024. Toyota’s commitment to offering a hybrid version of the Camry has helped boost its appeal, especially as fuel efficiency becomes an increasingly important factor for buyers.
The Camry’s reputation for reliability, comfort, and strong resale value makes it a favorite among sedan shoppers. The addition of a hybrid powertrain option has further strengthened its position in the market, offering excellent fuel economy without compromising performance. As Toyota looks to ride the wave of hybrid popularity, the Camry is likely to remain a top choice for those seeking a practical and economical sedan.
Nissan Rogue: 189,156 Units
The Nissan Rogue may be considered an unassuming SUV by some, but its sales figures tell a different story. Consistently ranking among the best-selling vehicles for several years, the Rogue has proven to be a popular choice for compact SUV buyers. However, the Rogue has slipped slightly in the rankings this year, dropping from sixth place to ninth.
In 2024, the Rogue received a minor facelift, with subtle updates to its exterior design and improved technology features. Despite the dip in sales, the Rogue remains a solid option in the crowded compact SUV market, thanks to its spacious interior, user-friendly tech, and excellent fuel economy. Nissan’s ongoing efforts to refine the Rogue’s design and features will likely help it maintain a strong position in the competitive SUV market.
Honda Civic: 188,422 Units
The Honda Civic continues to be a popular choice among compact car buyers, with sales up significantly compared to last year. The current generation of the Civic has undergone subtle design changes, dialing down its exterior styling to appeal to a broader audience. The result has been an uptick in sales, with the Civic remaining a go-to option for those seeking a practical and fun-to-drive sedan or hatchback.
The Civic offers a variety of configurations, including the performance-oriented Civic Type R, which boasts a turbocharged 315-horsepower engine. With prices starting at around $24,000 for the base sedan and climbing to over $40,000 for the Type R, the Civic provides something for nearly every budget. Honda’s focus on delivering a well-rounded vehicle with great fuel efficiency, reliability, and a reputation for longevity ensures the Civic will remain a top choice for years to come.
As 2024 draws to a close, these top-selling vehicles showcase the diverse needs and preferences of American car buyers. From full-size trucks like the Ford F-Series to compact cars like the Honda Civic, consumers are gravitating toward vehicles that offer a mix of performance, technology, and value. With the automotive industry poised for further recovery in the coming years, these cars will likely continue to dominate the market in 2025.
