© Toyota Motor Sales, USA
Best-Selling Auto Brands
The U.S. auto industry continues to struggle, with sales still affected by the ongoing chip shortage. However, overall numbers improved in 2021 versus a year earlier — a ray of light. For some brands, sales during the last 12 months have increased. High-end marques such as Bentley and Rolls-Royce reported record numbers, while others such as Jaguar and Infiniti experienced considerable sales dips. Here we look at how 2021 stacked up for each automotive brand sold in America, including the best-selling model of each maker. Please note that a few outliers have not yet released sales data from last year, and most sales figures listed here are for the U.S.; however, some companies only report global sales, so this gets noted where appropriate.
© Bugatti
41. Bugatti
Total Sales: 80 (GLOBAL)
Vs. 2020: +3.9%
Best-Selling Model: Chiron
One of the most exclusive automotive brands in the world, Bugatti doesn’t sell a lot of vehicles. Since every vehicle gets hand built to customer specifications, the company cannot build many more than the 80 delivered last year. During 2021 the company delivered the last of the Bugatti Divos, the first Chiron Super Sport 300+ as well as the one-off La Voiture Noire. The future at Bugatti looks bright — the company took 150 new orders last year, with 60 percent of those customers buying their first Bugatti. The amazing Chiron is now sold out, as is the Bolide — the most extreme Bugatti ever.
© Lotus
40. Lotus
Total Sales: 1,710 (GLOBAL)
Vs. 2020: +24.1 %
Best-Selling Model: Elise
During a year when Lotus ended production of the Elise, Exige and Evora, it’s notable that the brand experienced its best sales in more than 10 years. North America — the top market worldwide for Lotus — had impressive results with sales more than doubling since the previous year. Much of this success can be attributed to Lotus fans wanting one of the final copies of the Elise — the Sport 240 and Cup 250 Final Editions. Geoff Dowding, executive director of sales and aftersales at Lotus, said that “Our global retailers have risen to the challenge of giving the Elise, Exige and Evora the send-off they deserved. It means we’re in great shape for 2022 to focus on the all-new Lotus Emira, our last petrol-powered sports car and the best of breed.”
© FCA US
39. Fiat
Total Sales: 2,374
Vs. 2020: -44.8%
Best-Selling Model: 500X
Fiat is down to a single model sold in America, and with sales dropping considerably from a year earlier the future is once again not looking promising for the Italian brand in America. The 500X is an all-wheel-drive crossover riding on the same platform as the Jeep Renegade. Fiat hasn’t given up though — for 2022 the 500X is available with an al-fresco folding fabric roof, as well as a special Yacht Club Capri special edition that will feature Venezia blue paint and special 18-inch sport wheels.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
38. Lamborghini
Total Sales: 2,472
Vs. 2020: +9.4%
Best-Selling Model: Urus
There has been a clear, positive sales trend among high-end car companies, and Lamborghini is no exception. Not only did this Italian automaker have impressive sales in America, worldwide Lamborghini sold 8,405 vehicles — the most in the company’s history. Lamborghini introduced three new models last year: the Huracan STO, Aventador Ultimae and the exciting Countach LP1 800-4, although the sales leader turned out to be Urus, the brand’s super SUV that boasts extreme styling and a powerful twin-turbo V8 engine generating 650 horsepower. With full-time all-wheel drive, the Urus has the ability to reach 62 mph in 3.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 190 mph.
© Bentley Motors
37. Bentley
Total Sales: 4,212
Vs. 2020: +38.8%
Best-Selling Model: Bentayga
In 2021 Bentley reported record sales in the Americas region — the brand’s best-selling market in the world. In addition to this important region’s success, globally the company sold 14,659 vehicles — a 31 percent increase over 2020, which was also a record year. This success is due in part to the introduction of the new Flying Spur, Continental GT Speed and the new Bentayga SUV — now available as a hybrid. Bentayga remains Bentley’s top-selling model, and the plug-in hybrid now accounts for 20 percent of the SUV’s sales. This year Bentley continues on its path toward electrification with the introduction of a Flying Spur plug-in hybrid.
© Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
36. Rolls-Royce
Total Sales: 5,586 (GLOBAL)
Vs. 2020: +48.7%
Best-Selling Model: Cullinan
The previous 12 months have been good for Rolls-Royce — the legendary marque sold more vehicles in 2021 than ever in its 117-year history. The company achieved record sales in almost all global regions, including China, the Americas and Asia-Pacific. Personalization also remains important to Rolls-Royce customers, with bespoke commissions also at record levels. The Cullinan SUV is the company’s best-selling model worldwide; however, the new Ghost also experienced impressive growth, especially since the introduction of the Ghost Black Badge at the end of last year. The near future looks promising for Rolls-Royce; the company reports that fulfillment of current orders will take most of 2022, and the marque is on plan to produce only electric vehicles by 2030.
© Aston Martin
35. Aston Martin
Total Sales: 6,182 (GLOBAL)
Vs. 2020: +49.0%
Best-Selling Model: DBX
Sport-utility vehicles tend to be the best-sellers of practically every car company on this list, Aston Martin included. With a strong showing in its first full year on the market, the DBX helped this famed British marque achieve record sales with an impressive increase over the previous year. The DBX is the first SUV to wear an Aston Martin badge in the company’s 108-year history, and its high level of luxury and performance mean it fully deserves that badge. In keeping with other members of the Aston Martin portfolio, the DBX has power to match its high-performance profile. Motivation comes from a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine sourced from Mercedes-AMG; the unit generates 542 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. According to Aston Martin, the DBX sprints to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds and reaches a top speed of 181 mph.
© Jaguar Land Rover
34. Jaguar
Total Sales: 17,149
Vs. 2020: -21.3%
Best-Selling Model: F-PACE
Jaguar sales peaked in 2017 and have been on a downward trend ever since to the present day. The company introduced an updated F-PACE and high-performance F-PACE SVR for the 2021 model year with enhanced performance, updated styling and a significantly improved interior. Despite the F-PACE being Jaguar’s best-selling model, sales of this sport SUV were down 15 percent versus a year earlier.
The updated F-TYPE sports car had the highest percentage improvement year over year, but the actual number of vehicles sold (a bit more than 2,000 units) is fairly small and unfortunately isn’t enough to turn the brand’s overall sales positive.
© FCA US
33. Alfa Romeo
Total Sales: 18,250
Vs. 2020: -1.8%
Best-Selling Model: Stelvio
Alfa Romeo returned to the U.S. in 2016 after an almost 40 year hiatus with the high-performance Giulia sedan, later joined by the Stelvio SUV. Sales peaked around 24,000 units in 2018, dropping the following year to around 18,000 where it has stayed steady ever since. When the Stelvio arrived for the 2018 model year it quickly became the brand’s bestseller and has remained so ever since. The front-end appearance of the Alfa Romeo Stelvio takes design cues from the Giulia sport sedan, and the overall shape of this 5-passenger SUV looks incredibly sporty. With standard full-time all-wheel drive, Stelvio is available with two powerful engines including a 2.9-liter V6 producing 505 horsepower in the top-level Quadrifoglio.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
32. Polestar
Total Sales: 29,000 (GLOBAL)
Vs. 2020: +190%
Best-Selling Model: Polestar2
One of the newest brands on the American market, Polestar is a standalone electric performance brand from Volvo. The Polestar brand launched in 2018 with the limited-edition high-performance hybrid Polestar 1; for 2021 the more mainstream Polestar 2 electric sport sedan came to market, which has helped the company get properly established. In 2021 the company expanded from 10 to 19 global markets with 30 more expected by the end of next year. Later this year, Polestar will introduce its first SUV — Polestar 3 — with two more models on the way. The company expects to increase annual global sales to 290,000 units by 2025.
© BMW USA
31. MINI
Total Sales: 29,930
Vs. 2020: +6.4%
Best-Selling Model: Cooper
MINI sales in the U.S. have been on a steady decline since 2015, although in 2021 the brand reported a healthy sales increase despite chip shortages and the ongoing pandemic. MINI also had increased global sales with 17 percent of all vehicles sold featuring an electrified powertrain, headlined by the new all-electric Cooper SE. Like its distant cousin Rolls-Royce (MINI and Rolls-Royce are part of the BMW Group), MINI anticipates offering nothing but electric vehicles by the 2030s. For 2022 MINI introduced a refreshed lineup that retains the car’s engaging face, in addition to updated taillights and a revised interior.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
30. Genesis
Total Sales: 49,630
Vs. 2020: +202.9%
Best-Selling Model: GV80
Five years ago, Genesis launched as the luxury vehicle division of Hyundai, and the brand has experienced great success since that time. The large increase in sales for 2021 over the previous year can be attributed to the launch of two new SUVs — the GV70 and GV80 — as well as a recent refresh for the rest of the model lineup. The GV80 quickly became the brand’s best-seller, offering significant levels of luxury and performance at prices considerably less than the competition. The smaller GV70 also had a strong start, and the G80 and G70 sport sedans also exhibited positive growth for 2021.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
29. Infiniti
Total Sales: 58,553
Vs. 2020: -26.4%
Best-Selling Model: QX50
As the luxury arm of Nissan, Infiniti had been experiencing steady growth in the U.S. until 2017. Since then sales have been trending downward and 2021 recorded the lowest numbers since the brand launched. However, hope remains for Infiniti — the brand introduced a number of new and refreshed vehicles in the last 12 months, including a redesigned QX60 3-row premium SUV, an updated full-size QX80, and the all-new sporty-looking QX55. Clearly SUVs are the future of the Infiniti brand, since they outsell the brand’s passenger car offerings by a 3 to 1 margin.
© Porsche Cars North America
28. Porsche
Total Sales: 69,175
Vs. 2020: +20.8%
Best-Selling Model: Macan
This German sports car maker has had great success with its current lineup, achieving record annual sales in 2021 — eclipsing its own sales bar set in 2019. Every model in the Porsche lineup had positive growth, with the Panamera being the only exception. The Macan SUV continues as the brand’s best-seller, coming in slightly ahead of the larger Cayenne. The all-electric Taycan came close to surpassing sales of the iconic 911, and last year nearly 14 percent of Porsches sold in America were electric. “Our sales were driven by the strongest and most exciting lineup of cars we’ve ever had, combined with a shared commitment with our dealers to raising the bar for customer experience,” said Kjell Gruner, president and CEO of Porsche Cars North America.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
27. Lincoln
Total Sales: 86,929
Vs. 2020: -17.5%
Best-Selling Model: Nautilus
Since the sunset of the MKZ and Continental passenger cars, Lincoln only offers SUVs in its lineup. And even though overall sales were down for last year, the full-size Navigator and new Nautilus both had positive gains in 2021 vs. the previous year. A five-passenger midsize crossover, the Nautilus takes its place between the smaller Corsair and three-row Aviator. “Nautilus plays a critical role in bringing new clients to the brand, especially those who are looking for the flexibility of a larger midsize SUV and appreciate the luxurious features and design that set Lincoln apart,” said Lincoln North America Director Michael Sprague.
© Jaguar Land Rover
26. Land Rover
Total Sales: 89,778
Vs. 2020: +12.2%
Best-Selling Model: Range Rover Sport
Unlike its Jaguar sibling, Land Rover experienced respectable U.S. sales gains in 2021 when compared with 2020, largely driven by the brand’s flagship Range Rover and Range Rover Sport. Also making a large contribution: the new Land Rover Defender, which returned to the U.S. market in 2020 with styling and off-road capability reminiscent of the original model. The Range Rover Sport, which combines Land Rover luxury and capability in a sporty SUV, continues to be the top seller for the brand, followed closely by the standard Range Rover. Given the introduction of an all-new 2022 Range Rover, expect this trend to continue going forward.
© Mitsubishi Motors
25. Mitsubishi
Total Sales: 102,037
Vs. 2020: +16.8%
Best-Selling Model: Outlander Sport
Mitsubishi introduced an all-new Outlander for the 2022 model year, which helped the company finish 2021 with strong sales — in fact, December was the best month ever for Outlander. The new Outlander showcases next-generation design language for the brand, featuring more interior room and an available Super All-Wheel Control all-wheel-drive system. Built on a new platform, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander gets reengineered to provide a higher quality interior, more capability and innovative technology. However, the smaller Outlander Sport ended up as the top seller for the brand in 2021, with about 400 more units sold then the new Outlander. The Outlander Sport received styling updates last year, including a new grille and front bumper, an updated hood, reshaped fenders, new LED headlights and taillights, LED daytime running lights and a new rear bumper.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
24. Chrysler
Total Sales: 115,004
Vs. 2020: +4.1%
Best-Selling Model: Pacifica
At one point it seemed like Chrysler was to be written off, but this iconic brand reported a nice uptick in overall sales for 2021. Chrysler Pacifica sales were down for the year; however, this innovative van finished the year with confidence thanks to record fourth-quarter sales. In addition, the Pacifica hybrid — the only plug-in minivan available in America — had its best full-year results since its introduction. At the 2022 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in early January, the company showcased a futuristic Chrysler Airflow concept and also announced that Chrysler will become an all-electric vehicle brand by 2028, with the first battery-electric vehicle planned for 2025.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
23. Cadillac
Total Sales: 118,310
Vs. 2020: -8.6%
Best-Selling Model: Escalade
Overall Cadillac sales were down for 2021, although there were a few bright spots in the sales-year portfolio. The company introduced a new Escalade, and the updated model has been well received — this commanding SUV had a stellar year with its best sales since 2007 — a 65 percent increase versus 2020. While the Escalade resides near the top of Cadillac’s lineup in terms of price, the only other Cadillac model with positive sales for the year is the least expensive model: the CT4 sedan. Escalade has been among the best-selling luxury SUVs in America since its introduction 20 years ago. For 2021 GM’s luxury brand ushered in the fifth generation of this iconic vehicle with fresh styling, new powertrains and a range of innovative, high-tech features.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
22. Volvo
Total Sales: 122,173
Vs. 2020: +12.1%
Best-Selling Model: XC60
All three of Volvo’s SUVs — XC40, XC60 and XC90 — had year-over-year sales increases in 2021, helping the brand to a healthy bump in overall sales. Perhaps more telling about the future of this Swedish car company: the popularity of its Recharge (EV and PHEV) models that tripled sales from one year ago, representing almost 20 percent of total Volvo sales in the U.S. The XC60 crossover remained the brand’s most popular model, and for 2022 the model gets styling tweaks and new powertrains. Inside, a new 12.3 inch digital driver display gets paired with a large 9-inch vertical display at the center of the dash. The XC60 also features a completely new Android operating system.
© American Honda Motors
21. Acura
Total Sales: 157,408
Vs. 2020: +14.9%
Best-Selling Model: MDX
On the strength of its SUV lineup, Acura had its highest annual sales in three years during 2021. All new for 2022, the Acura MDX had second-best-sales ever for the year, while the refreshed RDX also posted a notable year-over-year increase. Also contributing to the sales mix has been the updated TLX, and the new high-performance Type S variant made up 40 percent of TLX sales. In addition, Acura added new Type S versions to the MDX and NSX for 2021. Acura plans to bolster its lineup later in 2022 with the highly anticipated return of the Integra.
© General Motors
20. Buick
Total Sales: 179,799
Vs. 2020: +10.5%
Best-Selling Model: Encore GX
With an increase last year of more than 10 percent in sales compared with 2020, Buick was the only General Motors division reporting positive sales growth in 2021 versus the previous year. Buick’s crossover SUVs primarily drove sales, led by the Encore GX which had a 71 percent sales increase year over year. The Encore GX features premium styling both inside and out, as well as a more spacious cabin and improved cargo-carrying capacity versus the standard Encore. In addition to its long list of standard equipment — which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto — the Encore GX gets the latest advanced safety and driver-assist technologies.
© Audi of America
19. Audi
Total Sales: 196.038
Vs. 2020: +5.0%
Best-Selling Model: Q5
As is the case with many of the manufacturers on this list, Audi’s SUVs were the driving factor behind its year-over-year sales increase. The Q3, Q5 and Q8 all had sales bumps compared with 2020 — in fact, Audi SUVs combined to increase sales by 17 percent, making up 73 percent of Audi’s annual sales. Audi also experienced success with its electrified e-tron family of vehicles, with 2021 sales up by more than 50 percent. Outselling every other Audi by a large margin, the Q5 received an updated look for the 2021 model year, featuring a slimmer and wider octagonal Singleframe grille with taller side air intakes that have sporty trapezoidal inserts. Last year Audi added its first plug-in hybrid Q5 SUV, making further contributions to this small crossover’s success.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
18. Dodge
Total Sales: 215,724
Vs. 2020: -19.3%
Best-Selling Model: Charger
The Dodge lineup is down to three vehicles — Charger, Challenger and Durango — and all three posted year-over-year sales increases. However, overall sales are down for the brand since these three couldn’t make up for the losses of Grand Caravan and Journey — both have been discontinued. Dodge engineers refreshed Durango for the 2021 model year with updated styling and a range of new features. Charger remains the most popular Dodge model. In keeping with tradition, Charger has powerful engine choices including the R/T Scat Pack with a 485-horsepower 6.4-liter HEMI V8 powerplant, or the latest entry: the SRT Hellcat Redeye with a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 producing a mind-blowing 797 horsepower. With a top speed of more than 200 mph, the Hellcat Redeye is one of the most powerful mass-produced sedans in the world.
© Toyota Motor Sales, USA
17. Lexus
Total Sales: 304,476
Vs. 2020: +10.7%
Best-Selling Model: RX
Lexus had a very good year in 2021. Not only did the brand post a 10 percent increase overall in sales, almost every single model in the lineup exhibited a year-over-year sales increase (the RC being the only exception). The RX, UX, LC and NX Hybrid also had their best sales years ever. The popular RX tops Lexus charts once again, boasting sales considerably higher than all other models in the luxury brand’s lineup. One of the first luxury crossovers when it debuted as a 1998 model, the RX combines the utility of an SUV with the ride and comfort of a luxury sedan. A few years ago, Lexus upped the utility of the RX with the addition of the RX L, which is slightly larger and offers seating for up to seven via a third row. Both the original and L versions are available as the RX 350 or the RX 450h — the latter featuring a powerful, fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain.
© Mazda North America
16. Mazda
Total Sales: 332,756
Vs. 2020: +19.2%
Best-Selling Model: CX-5
Mazda delivered its best sales year since 1994, with every model achieving double-digit year-over-year sales increases. Standout performances came from the CX-30, CX-5 and CX-9, all of which had best-ever sales years. The future looks bright for the Japanese brand thanks to the recent launch of the MX-30 — the company’s first battery-electric vehicle — and the upcoming CX-50, which will be the first vehicle built at Mazda’s new Alabama manufacturing plant. Making up almost half of Mazda’s annual sales, the CX-5 continues its run as the brand’s most popular model. This stylish crossover added a new Carbon Edition for 2021, which includes Polymetal Gray paint, gloss black door mirrors, 19-inch black metallic aluminum alloy wheels and red leather seats.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
15. Mercedes-Benz
Total Sales: 329,574
Vs. 2020: +1.1%
Best-Selling Model: GLE
Although sales have remained relatively flat for Mercedes-Benz, the company introduced a number of new vehicles that should boost future sales. Updates for 2021 included an all-new S-Class and refreshed E-Class. The German automaker has already introduced new 2022 models in the forms of the all-new AMG SL and all-electric EQS. “Results for 2021 demonstrated the incredible demand for the Mercedes-Benz brand in the U.S. and worldwide despite ongoing supply challenges,” said Dimitris Psillakis, head of marketing and sales in North American and CEO of MBUSA. “Together with our Mercedes-Benz dealer partners, we will advance our position with the electric EQS sedan, all new SL, new C-Class, EQE, EQS SUV and EQB in 2022 and further accelerate our long term ambitions for an electric future,” asserted Psillakis.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
14. BMW
Total Sales: 336,644
Vs. 2020: +20.8%
Best-Selling Model: X3
With strong sales results led by the X3, X5 and 3 Series, BMW had a significant year-over-year sales increase for 2021. In fact, both passenger cars and crossovers posted improved sales figures. In the next few months BMW will deliver the first of its new range of electric vehicles — the iX Sports Activity Vehicle and the i4 Gran coupe. The German marque will also premiere the M3 Competition XDrive (the first M3 with all-wheel drive) as well as a high-performance variant of the iX, the 2023 BMW iX M60. With more than 600 horsepower on tap, the iX M60 fittingly showcases the future of BMW M performance.
© Volkswagen of America, Inc.
13. Volkswagen
Total Sales: 375,030
Vs. 2020: +15.1%
Best-Selling Model: Tiguan
Many of Volkswagen’s current models had flat or declining sales in 2021; however, a new Atlas Sport and Taos helped bring the overall sales numbers into positive territory. VW’s new ID.4 electric crossover also added to the strong sales results. Not only has ID.4 bolstered the automaker’s the bottom line, more than two thirds of ID.4 buyers are new to the VW brand. “The additions of the ID.4 — our first long-range EV — and our Taos were huge steps forward for the Volkswagen brand in 2021,” said President and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America Scott Keogh. “The transformation of our portfolio is bringing new customers to Volkswagen and validating a strategic shift that has been years in the making,” Keogh noted.
© General Motors
12. GMC
Total Sales: 482,437
Vs. 2020: -6.4%
Best-Selling Model: Sierra
Sales of GMC products declined in 2021; however, the notable exception was the all-new GMC Yukon. This popular, long-running, full-size SUV experienced a sales increase of almost 33 percent compared with 2020. Considerably larger than its predecessor, the stylish new Yukon delivers a spacious interior with 10 more inches of legroom in the third row, as well as increased cargo capacity. Available in a range of trim levels with the latest advanced safety equipment, the new Yukon is powered a choice of V8 engines or an efficient and powerful Duramax diesel. GM will add to the GMC lineup in 2022 with an updated Sierra LD, an electric pickup truck and the all-new Hummer EV.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
11. Subaru
Total Sales: 583,810
Vs. 2020: -4.6%
Best-Selling Model: Forester
After 10 years of record sales, Subaru finally had declines in 2020 and a further drop for 2021. “2021 is now in the record books and we know it could have been so much better had we not had to deal with the microchip shortage and the continuing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said President and CEO of Subaru of America Thomas J. Doll. With five new and refreshed models introduced in 2021 — BRZ, Forester, Forester Wilderness, Outback Wilderness and WRX — it seems like Subaru will have the new product to return to prior levels once the automaker can build enough vehicles in the U.S. to meet demand. New products will continue into 2022 with the all-new 2023 Solterra — the brand’s first electric vehicle.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
10. Ram
Total Sales: 647,331
Vs. 2020: +3.6%
Best-Selling Model: Pickup
The Ram brand continues to post strong U.S. sales results — 2021 was the brand’s second-best year — ever. In 2019 Ram introduced an all-new 1500 pickup, followed shortly thereafter with the Ram Heavy Duty. Sales continue to show strong results — the big truck has overtaken Chevrolet to become the second-best-selling vehicle in America for 2021. The pickup hasn’t been the only success story from Ram — the ProMaster commercial van had a surprising 25 percent increase in sales year over year, with the ProMaster City smaller van bumping up by an eyebrow-raising 40 percent.
© Kia Motor America
9. Kia
Total Sales: 701,416
Vs. 2020: +19.7%
Best-Selling Model: Forte
One of the strongest performing car brands in America, Kia sold more than 700,000 vehicles stateside last year — the first time in the brand’s history. Contributing to this strong showing were record annual sales of Forte, Niro, Seltos, Sportage and Telluride. Demand also increased for Kia’s hybrid and battery-electric models, which Kia says had a 97 percent increase in sales year over year. “Announcing best-ever annual sales is always a moment of pride, but for Kia to reach such heights in light of the ongoing pandemic and supply chain issues clearly illustrates the strength of our product line-up and the demand we have created for the Kia brand throughout 2021,” said Eric Watson, vice president of sales operations at Kia America. “With arrival of the all-new, all-electric EV6 and all-new Sportage in the first half of 2022, it is clear we are ‘firing on all cylinders … and battery cells,’” Watson quipped.
© Hyundai Motor America
8. Hyundai
Total Sales: 738,081
Vs. 2020: +18.6%
Best-Selling Model: Tucson
Hyundai achieved its third-best year of sales in 2021, with record numbers reported for Venue, Kona, Tucson, Palisade and the fuel-cell-powered Nexo. And while these popular models helped Hyundai to this impressive result, the company also introduced the Santa Cruz — the brand’s first pickup — as well as the all-new IONIQ 5 electric car. Hyundai has plenty more coming in 2022, including an all-new Tucson (with hybrid and PHEV variants) as well as high-performance N versions of the Kona and Elantra to join the Veloster N.
© Stellantis North America
7. Jeep
Total Sales: 778,711
Vs. 2020: -2.1%
Best-Selling Model: Grand Cherokee
Even though Jeep’s overall sales were down slightly for 2021, the brand had some clear successes last year: the return of the Wagoneer, as well as the introduction of an all-new Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L. Grand Cherokee recorded its best sales numbers in 21 years, while Wrangler and Gladiator both posted positive growth for the year. The new Grand Cherokee L is 15 inches longer than the standard Grand Cherokee and offers a third-row seat for the first time. Like the Grand Cherokee L, the updated two-row 2022 Grand Cherokee — as well as the hybrid Grand Cherokee 4xe — features slim LED headlights, a smaller forward-leaning 7-slot grille, a roof that tapers to a rear spoiler and slim wraparound taillights.
© Tesla Motors
6. Tesla
Total Sales: 936,172 (GLOBAL)
Vs. 2020: +87.4%
Best-Selling Model: Model 3 / Model Y
Tesla also had impressive growth in 2021, almost doubling its sales worldwide led by the popularity of the Model 3 and Model Y. This American car company has performed many feats to make the electric car mainstream, and demand for these powerful and efficient models does not appear to be waning anytime soon. Several publications and analysts have estimated Tesla’s 2021 U.S. sales to be around 350,000 units sold (the company only releases global sales data) with the Model Y as the likely best-seller. Smaller than Model X, Model Y offers optional third-row seating that enables the vehicle to carry up to seven occupants. A dual-motor system provides torque to both the front and rear axles for full-time all-wheel-drive capability.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
5. Nissan
Total Sales: 977,639
Vs. 2020: +8.7%
Best-Selling Model: Rogue
After three years of declining sales, Nissan heralded a healthy increase in sales for 2021. Over the last year the automaker has focused on turning out updated versions of its most popular products, which has helped turn things around. Models such as Versa, Sentra, LEAF, Kicks, Rogue and Frontier all had annual sales increases of more than 25 percent. In fact, 2021 was the best year ever for the Nissan Kicks entry-level crossover. In the last year Nissan introduced an all-new Pathfinder and Frontier, both of which posted strong fourth-quarter sales results, indicating that both should do well in 2022. This year more exciting models are due from Nissan, including the battery-electric Ariya and the high-performance Nissan Z.
© American Honda Motors
4. Honda
Total Sales: 1,309,222
Vs. 2020: +8.2%
Best-Selling Model: CR-V
Despite the challenges of the chip shortage and ongoing pandemic, Honda reported 2021 sales increases for almost every model in its extensive lineup. While the CR-V remains the brand’s top seller, the HR-V and Passport achieved record sales and the Ridgeline reported its best sales since 2007. Last year Honda recorded best-ever annual sales of electrified vehicles as well — more than 100,000 units sold, driven primarily by the new CR-V Hybrid and Accord Hybrid. An all-new Civic premiered in 2021 and it should continue to see positive gains this year, since a panel of 50 journalist recently named it 2022 North American Car of the Year.
© General Motors
3. Chevrolet
Total Sales: 1,437,677
Vs. 2020: -17.4%
Best-Selling Model: Silverado
Most models in the Chevrolet lineup recently posted sales declines year over year, but there were a few bright spots in the lineup. The redesigned Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban both had double-digit increases, and the new Trailblazer had an increase of 162 percent versus 2020. Although not contributing huge numbers to the bottom line, Corvette sales were up a significant 53 percent to achieve best annual sales since 2015. Silverado remains the best-seller in the lineup by a wide margin, and this popular truck’s success should continue with the introduction of the Silverado EV, scheduled to arrive later this year.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2. Ford
Total Sales: 1,819,026
Vs. 2020: -6.2%
Best-Selling Model: F-Series
Ford’s overall sales are down slightly for the year, although the brand had plenty to cheer about in 2021. The F-Series continued its reign as the best-selling vehicle in America for the 40th year in a row. The brand’s newest models — Mustang Mach-E, Bronco, Bronco Sport and Maverick — represent more than 14 percent of all Ford sales. With slightly more than 27,000 Mustang Mach-Es sold in 2021, Ford established itself with one of the best-selling battery electric cars. This number will continue to improve as Mustang Mach-E gets up to speed in 2022, when it is joined by the highly anticipated F-150 Electric pickup truck and E-Transit electric transport van.
© Toyota Motor Sales USA
1. Toyota
Total Sales: 2,027,786
Vs. 2020: +10.3%
Best-Selling Model: RAV4
With Ford sales down slightly and Toyota showing strong growth in 2021, the Japanese brand takes over as the top-selling brand in America. Toyota boast three of the top 10 selling new vehicles in America, with the RAV4 besting all crossovers and the Camry earning the passenger car crown for the 20th year in a row. Likewise, the Sienna, 4Runner and Tacoma all had best sales years ever in 2021. The popular brand also continued its dominance among electrified vehicles thanks to an 80 percent increase in sales — the best ever for the brand.
