© American Honda Motor Company
Strong Sales
During the first six months of 2015, new-vehicle sales were up 4.4 percent, and SUV sales outpaced the industry with 12.4 percent growth through June. The best-sellers of the period were familiar vehicles that continually refine the traits consumer seek in an SUV, including a higher ride height for better road visibility, versatility, all-wheel-drive capability, as well as fuel-efficiency and safety. The very first SUVs were harsh-riding, truck-based utility vehicles that have given way to car-based crossovers, since they are more efficient and compliant for everyday driving. Let’s look at the hottest SUVs this year, according to numbers compiled from automaker sales reports and goodcarbadcar.net.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
20. Dodge Journey
Overall rank: #52
YTD Sales: 51,283
Vs. 2014: 8.8%
The Journey is an affordable, versatile crossover with optional seating for seven, in-seat storage, in-floor storage bins, multiple engine choices and available all-wheel drive. The Journey Crossroad is new for 2015, positioned between the SXT and Limited trims. It includes leather seats with sport mesh inserts, 19-inch Hyper Black aluminum wheels, platinum chrome exterior accents, dark tinted headlights and dark tinted taillights. The available 3.6-liter Pentastar engine produces 283 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, and can deliver up to at 25 mpg on the highway. The optional UConnect touchscreen 8.4-inch touchscreen includes five years of service for SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link.
© Mazda North America
19. Mazda CX-5
Overall rank: #51
YTD Sales: 53,343
Vs. 2014: 6.1%
The CX-5 is Mazda’s compact SUV that debuted as a 2012 model, and was the first Mazda to feature the KODO—Soul of Motion design language, which incorporates SKYACTIV technology for driving enjoyment and environmental balance. Sales are up 6 percent for the year compared to 2014 and 18 percent for June year over year. The 2016 Mazda CX-5 is updated with a revised grille, new headlights, new taillights, improved interior materials, retuned suspension, an improved infotainment interface and optional LED headlights.
© General Motors
18. GMC Terrain
Overall rank: #50
YTD Sales: 54,410
Vs. 2014: 7.3%
Refreshed for the 2016 model year, Terrain is the second-best-selling model for GMC after the full-size Sierra pickup. Updates include a new front fascia and rear-end treatment; C-shaped lower chrome trim; new chrome-accented grille designs for SLE, SLT and Denali; a new hood design; LED daytime running lights on upper trim levels; new wheel designs; and a revised center stack with a storage shelf and updated control graphics. Terrain seats five and is available with either front- or all-wheel drive. The standard engine is an EcoTec 2.4-liter that has an EPA rating of 32 mpg highway with front-wheel drive, and an optional 3.6-liter V6 produces 301 horsepower and 272 lb-ft of torque.
© Hyundai Motor America
17. Hyundai Santa Fe
Overall rank: #49
YTD Sales: 54,738
Vs. 2014: 5.3%
Santa Fe sales for the first six months show a 5 percent increase, with a 17 percent increase for the month of June compared to last year. The midsize Santa Fe comes in 7-passenger and 5-passenger Sante Fe Sport configurations, with front- or all-wheel drive. Additions for 2015 model year include a power Hands-Free Smart Liftgate with Auto Open, and the electric power steering has been redone for better steering feel. The Santa Fe Sport gets its grunt from a 190-horsepower 2.4-liter engine or a 264-horsepower turbocharged 2.0 liter, and Santa Fe has a 290-horsepower 3.3-liter V6 engine.
© Kia Motors America
16. Kia Sorento
Overall rank: #47
YTD Sales: 56,421
Vs. 2014: 8.7%
Sorento sales are up almost 9 percent for the year, thanks to a new 2016 model that offers a more upscale design, premium materials and more interior room in all three rows. Three engines are offered: a standard 185-horsepower 2.4-liter, a 240-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter or a 290-horsepower 3.3-liter V6 —all paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic shifting. Front-wheel drive is standard with all-wheel drive available with either the 2.0-liter or the V6 engine. Sorento has both 5- and 7-passenger configurations, and premium options such as Nappa leather, heated/ventilated front seats and heated rear seats.
© FCA US
15. Jeep Patriot
Overall rank: #43
YTD Sales: 59,635
Vs. 2014: 35.8%
The Patriot is Jeep’s compact SUV and the first of four Jeep models in the top 20 best-selling SUVs for 2015. The least expensive Jeep starting at just $16,895 for the 4×2 and $18,995 for the 4×4, the Patriot features distinctive Jeep styling, fuel economy up to 30 mpg highway, improved ride and handling and available Jeep Trail-Rated 4×4 capability. The Altitude package for 4×2 and 4×4 trims features a blacked-out theme with gloss black trim around the grille and headlights, black roof rails, black step pads, sport mesh and vinyl seats, heated front seats and 18-inch black aluminum wheels. The High Altitude package for the 4×4 includes a 6-speed PowerTech automatic transmission, leather seating, a power sunroof, a power 6-way driver’s seat and 17-inch Mineral Gray wheels.
© General Motors
14. Chevrolet Traverse
Overall rank: #41
YTD Sales: 61,430
Vs. 2014: 18.0%
Chevrolet’s large crossover SUV that seats up to eight occupants, the Traverse’s exterior design was updated for 2013. This year’s sales are strong, with an 18 percent increase year-over-year in the first six months of 2015. Traverse comes in front- and all-wheel-drive versions, both powered by a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 281 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque and is rated at 24 mpg highway with front-wheel drive. OnStar 4G LTE connectivity and a Wi-Fi hotspot are new for 2016, as are new 20-inch wheel designs.
© Ford Motor Company
13. Ford Edge
Overall rank: #39
YTD Sales: 63,595
Vs. 2014: 4.1%
Edge debuted as Ford’s original crossover SUV for the 2006 model year. Redesigned for 2015, Edge sits on the same platform as the Ford Fusion, albeit with a new body structure and redesigned front and rear suspension. Power comes from a new turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine that produces 245 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. Optional engines are a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 and a normally-aspirated 3.5-liter V6. All engines are paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission; all-wheel drive is available.
© American Honda Motor Company
12. Honda Pilot
Overall rank: #33
YTD Sales: 68,956
Vs. 2014: 36.1%
Pilot sales are up 36 percent for 2015, just as the new third-generation 2016 Pilot enters the market. Honda’s large crossover has three rows of seats for up to eight occupants. The new design has a sleeker look than the previous model, with available LED projector headlights, available LED daytime running lights and LED taillights. The new version is longer, lower and slightly narrower than the previous model, with a 300-pound weight reduction on lower trims. The new 280-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine gets matched with two new automatic transmissions and an available all-new intelligent variable torque management (i-VTM4) AWD system with Intelligent Traction Management and torque vectoring capability. The new Pilot delivers improved fuel economy, a more spacious interior, family-friendly utility and advanced technology.
© Toyota Motor Sales USA
11. Toyota Highlander
Overall rank: #30
YTD Sales: 78,388
Vs. 2014: 8.7%
New in the 2014 model year, Highlander sales have jumped 8.7 percent through the first six months of 2015. The current generation has three rows of seats, a lower roofline and a much bolder look than the previous model, incorporating a new trapezoidal grille, wraparound headlights, a more aggressive fender shape, new taillights and a new rear bumper. The liftgate is height adjustable with available one-touch power operation. Highlander offers three powertrains, beginning with a 185-horsepower 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine, a 270-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and the Hybrid Synergy Drive system that pairs the 3.5-liter gasoline V6 engine with a high-torque electric motor-generator for net horsepower of 280. The 2.7-liter and the V6 are both paired with a new 6-speed automatic transmission with selectable manual sequential shifting. Dynamic Torque Control All-Wheel Drive is optional for V6 trims, and all Highlander Hybrids feature electronic on-demand all-wheel drive with intelligence (AWD-i).
© Subaru of America
10. Subaru Forester
Overall rank: #28
YTD Sales: 80,828
Vs. 2014: 8.6%
The Forester is Subaru’s top-selling model and the 10th-best-selling crossover for the first six months of 2015 — sales have increased 8.6 percent over the previous year. The fourth-gen Forester debuted as a 2014 model, and it’s powered by either a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder horizontally-opposed Boxer engine or a 250-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder Boxer. The 2.5-liter engine is offered with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission; the 2.0-liter pairs with the CVT only. All Foresters are equipped with standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.
© FCA US
9. Jeep Grand Cherokee
Overall rank: #26
YTD Sales: 93,080
Vs. 2014: 3.9%
A cornerstone of the SUV movement, the Grand Cherokee remains one of the most popular midsize SUVs in America, claiming a sales increase of almost 4 percent for 2015. The available 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 engine combines with an 8-speed transmission to deliver 30 mpg highway. Legendary Jeep off-road capability continues via three available 4-wheel-drive systems, available Quadra-lift air suspension and the Jeep Selec-Terrain traction management system with Selec-Speed Control. The top-of-the-line Grand Cherokee Summit adds additional premium features, an available Summit California Edition appearance package and available Argentina Tan leather interior.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
8. Jeep Wrangler
Overall rank: #22
YTD Sales: 102,450
Vs. 2014: 19.5%
The iconic Jeep Wrangler posted an impressive sales increase of almost 20 percent for the first half of 2015, putting it past the Jeep Grand Cherokee compared to last year’s list. The most recognizable Jeep model continues to be offered in 2-door Wrangler and 4-door Wrangler Unlimited versions — both with removable tops for open-air driving. The 2015 Jeep Wrangler includes a standard 8-speaker audio system with an improved sound bar, and an optional Premium Alpine Audio Package that includes nine speakers, a new subwoofer and a 552-watt amplifier. The new subwoofer has been relocated under the cargo floor to increase cargo capacity.
© FCA US
7. Jeep Cherokee
Overall rank: #21
YTD Sales: 105,426
Vs. 2014: 31.1%
The Cherokee is one of the original SUVs; it returned to the Jeep lineup for 2014 after a 13-year absence. The popularity of the new Cherokee shows in its 31 percent increase in sales for 2015, including a 38.5 percent increase for June that moves it ahead of both Wrangler and Grand Cherokee in first-half ranking. Cherokee offers Jeep off-road capability with three available 4-wheel-drive systems and the Jeep Selec-Terrain traction control system with up to five customized modes: Auto, Snow, Sport, Sand/Mud and Rock. Engine start/stop technology is standard with the 3.2-liter Pentastar V6 engine, and rear-axle disconnect helps improve fuel efficiency when 4×4 capability is not needed.
© Ford Motor Company
6. Ford Explorer
Overall rank: #17
YTD Sales: 122,404
Vs. 2014: 17.2%
The redesigned 2016 Explorer is now on sale at Ford dealers, and June sales reflect that with an increase of 30 percent over last year, compared to a 17 percent increase year to date. The new Explorer features a sleek design, an available 280-horsepower 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, more technology and a new top-of-the-line Platinum trim. The Explorer Platinum is powered by a 365-horsepower twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine. The new SUV has a premium interior that includes multi-contour front seats, Nirvana leather seats, as well as leather, brushed aluminum and satin-finish ash wood interior trim. The Explorer first debuted as a 1991 model; more than 7 million have been sold.
© Nissan North America, Inc.
5. Nissan Rogue
Overall rank: #14
YTD Sales: 135,397
Vs. 2014: 36.3%
The Nissan Rogue was redesigned for the 2014 model year and sales continue to rise, with a 36 percent increase for the first half of 2015 and a 54.3 percent increase year-over-year for June. The new Rogue design includes the Nissan V-grille with a bolder front end and a more refined overall look. Rogue is powered by a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, and with its advanced Xtronic transmission with Eco mode it gets EPA fuel economy ratings as high as 33 mpg. Front-wheel drive is standard with all-wheel drive optional. Three-row, 7-passenger seating is also an option. The 2016 Rogue coming this fall will add available Forward Emergency Braking, a Motion-Activated Power Liftgate, NissanConnect Services powered by SiriusXM and Siri Eyes Free.
© Toyota Motor Sales USA
4. Toyota RAV4
Overall rank: #13
YTD Sales: 143,575
Vs. 2014: 22.8%
The Toyota RAV4 was one of the first “crossovers” when it arrived on U.S. shores in 1996. The current fourth generation debuted as a 2013 model with a more aggressive but aerodynamic design. The RAV4 is powered by a 176-horsepower 2.5-liter engine combined with a 6-speed automatic transmission with Sequential Shift and Sport and Eco modes, and has front-wheel drive or Dynamic Torque Control All-Wheel Drive. A Blizzard Pearl Premium Package for the RAV4 Limited includes Blizzard Pearl paint and new 18-inch machine-finished wheels with black-painted pockets. A one-touch power liftgate with driver-selectable memory height is standard on the Limited and optional for the XLE.
© General Motors
3. Chevrolet Equinox
Overall rank: #12
YTD Sales: 145,685
Vs. 2014: 20.6%
Chevrolet’s Equinox compact crossover has 2015 sales up 20 percent through the end of June. The updated 2016 model features a new front fascia with a chrome-trimmed dual-port grille, projector beam headlights, a new rear treatment, dual-element taillights, LED daytime running lights for LT and LTZ trims, and new wheel designs. Inside, the revised center stack includes a storage shelf and updated control graphics. A 7-inch color touch radio screen with rearview camera is standard for L and LS trims. The standard powerplant is an EcoTec 2.4 liter that achieves an EPA-rated 32 mpg highway with front-wheel drive; the optional 3.6-liter V6 produces 301 horsepower and 272 lb-ft of torque.
© Ford Motor Company
2. Ford Escape
Overall rank: #11
YTD Sales: 146,416
Vs. 2014: -4.2%
Sales of the Ford Escape compact crossover continue to be strong going into the 2016 model year — the fourth year since the last Escape redesign. The standard engine is a 168-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder unit; two EcoBoost engines also are offered: a 178-horsepower 1.6 liter or a 240-horsepower 2.0 liter. A 6-speed automatic is standard with all engines, and all-wheel drive is available. Safety technology includes Curve Control to assist drivers by automatically slowing the vehicle when cornering too fast, and Torque Vectoring Control for better handling and traction. The 2016 Escape offers the new SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
1. Honda CR-V
Overall rank: #7
YTD Sales: 163,018
Vs. 2014: 5.4%
The top-selling SUV continues to be the CR-V, Honda’s popular compact crossover that received a significant mid-cycle refresh for the 2015 model year to retain its No. 1 position. The 2015 CR-V is powered by a new Earth Dreams Technology powertrain with a 2.4-liter direct-injection DOHC i-VTEC inline 4-cylinder engine that produces 185 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, combined with a new continuously variable transmission with G-design Shift for more power and better efficiency than the previous model. The new exterior design is updated with new front and rear bodywork, new mirrors and new wheels. Inside, the CR-V adds a new configurable center console, new rear console heat/air ventilation ducts and an available 7-inch touchscreen display audio/telematics interface. New available features include a power tailgate, 10-way power heated driver’s seat with memory, and LED daytime running lights.
