© Audi AG, © Hyundai Motor America, © Automotive Content Experience
Popular, Not Always Prolific
For the last few years, automobile sales in America have been robust and consistent, with more than 17 million new vehicles sold each year. The surprising fact is that more than 25 percent of total sales can be accounted for by 10 top-selling models. But not every automaker has a high-volume model such as the Ford F-150 (more than 900,000 sold last year) or the Toyota RAV4 (more than 400,000 sold last year). So which vehicles are popular with consumers but sell in lesser numbers? The following vehicles represent the best-selling models from nearly every car company offering vehicles in America. Figures are compiled from auto manufacturer sales reports and are based on total volume in 2018. Note: Many exotic or exclusive car companies do not report individual model sales figures.
© American Honda Motor Co.
Acura RDX
Total Sales: 63,580
Honda’s luxury brand introduced an all new RDX last year that quickly became the best-selling model in the Acura lineup. The RDX features a prominent Acura Diamond Pentagon Grille flanked by new Jewel Eye headlights that now include seven LED lighting elements, making them among the brightest on the road. Power for the 2019 Acura RDX comes from a new VTEC Turbo 2.0-liter direct-injection engine that produces 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, teamed with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive system also receives updates. The system delivers up to 70 percent of available torque to the rear axle, and it employs dynamic torque vectoring to sharpen performance and handling in all weather and road conditions.
© FCA US
Alfa Romeo Stelvio
Total Sales: 12,043
Named after Stelvio Pass in the Italian Alps — considered by many to be one of the greatest driving roads in the world — the Stelvio arrived in the U.S. for the 2018 model year. The third vehicle in the Alfa Romeo lineup, Stelvio puts the “sport” in sport-utility vehicle. The front-end appearance of the Alfa Romeo Stelvio takes design cues from the Giulia sport sedan, and the overall shape of this new 5-passenger SUV is very sleek. 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.
© Audi AG
Audi Q5
Total Sales: 69,978
Small crossovers continue to gain popularity in America, and nearly every car company has hopped on that bandwagon. The Audi Q5 is an excellent example as the best-selling vehicle offered by a company that until 10 years ago didn’t even offer an SUV. The Q5 was all new for the 2018 model year, designed with styling cues taken from its larger Q7 sibling, including the Singleframe grille flanked by stylish LED headlights. In addition to the updated styling, the Q5 is larger in nearly every dimension, while at the same time weighs about 200 pounds less. With improved aerodynamics, an updated quattro all-wheel-drive system and a stronger chassis, the Q5 delivers even better driving dynamics than its predecessor.
© Bentley Motors
Bentley Bentayga
Total Sales: 950 (est.)
It may not sell in large numbers, but Bentley’s SUV became the marque’s best-seller after barely a year on the market. Not unexpectedly, the Bentayga offers the ultimate in luxury with full leather seating in a choice of 15 different hides, air suspension, LED active headlights, a panoramic sunroof, soft-close doors, Wi-Fi connectivity and an 8-inch touchscreen display with navigation, voice control and a 60-gigabyte hard drive. The big SUV is quick as well, thanks to its full-time all-wheel drive and choice of powerful V8 or twin-turbo W12 engines under the hood.
© BMW USA
BMW X3
Total Sales: 61,351
The most popular model in BMW’s lineup, the X3 was all new for 2018. The updated model stands out with more aerodynamic styling, a “three-dimensional” kidney grille, available full LED headlights and a roof spoiler at the rear. The interior also received a complete refresh, centered around a large 10.25-inch touchscreen display. BMW also added a new M Performance version of the X3 for the first time — the X3 M40i has a 355-horsepower turbocharged engine that can push the small crossover to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The X3 is produced alongside the rest of the BMW X lineup in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
© General Motors
Buick Encore
Total Sales: 93,073
Encore is the smallest vehicle in the Buick lineup, and with a starting price below $25,000 it’s a great entry into the luxury crossover segment. Encore comes well equipped with features such as a power driver’s seat, a 7-inch color display with backup camera and built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi connection. Encore is available in four trims ranging from the base level to the well-equipped top-of-the-line Essence, all powered by a fuel-efficient 1.4-liter turbocharged engine. Decent fuel economy and a low starting price contribute to making this small Buick the most popular model in the lineup by far.
© General Motors
Cadillac XT5
Total Sales: 60,565
As the replacement for the SRX crossover, the XT5 was an all-new model for Cadillac in 2017, and it quickly became the brand’s best-seller. In fact, the XT5 makes up more than one third of Cadillac’s annual sales. With a unique chassis and structure, the XT5 is lighter and stiffer than the model it replaced while offering a roomier interior. Featuring fresh styling inside and out, the XT5 is well equipped with the latest high-tech features including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and the latest version of Cadillac’s CUE interface. Available with front- or all-wheel drive, the XT5 is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine that generates 310 horsepower.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Chevrolet Silverado
Total Sales: 585,581
The perennial runner-up to the Ford F-Series in overall U.S. sales, the Silverado remains a strong contender with the introduction of the all-new 2019 Silverado 1500. The new Silverado is longer and wider than its predecessor, which means more passenger space as well as more cargo room. Through an extensive use of mixed materials, engineers were able to lighten Silverado by an impressive 450 pounds, with 88 pounds of that shed from the body. Silverado gets updated styling inside and out, as well as a variety of powertrains ranging from a new turbocharged 4-cylinder powerplant to V8 options with dynamic fuel management.
© FCA US LLC
Chrysler Pacifica
Total Sales: 118,322
An all-new minivan for the 2017 model year, Pacifica replaced the Town & Country in the Chrysler lineup. After just a year on the market, this modern-day minivan has moved up the sales chart to be the second-best-selling minivan in America — second only to the Dodge Grand Caravan. With contemporary styling and a slew of innovations, Pacifica is arguably the best minivan Chrysler has built since it created the category more than 30 years ago. Pacifica can be equipped with seating for up to eight occupants, which still leaves plenty of cargo space in the rear. Passengers enjoy an available Uconnect Theater featuring a 10-inch high-res touchscreen display with a variety of inputs and integrated games. A plug-in hybrid version of the Pacifica is also available, making this the first hybrid minivan ever sold in America.
© FCA US LLC
Dodge Grand Caravan
Total Sales: 151,927
The original minivan, the Dodge Grand Caravan offers more style, versatility and technological innovation than any other time in its 30-year history. The lineup has been simplified down to four trim levels: SE, SE Plus, SXT and GT. The standard engine for all trims is a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 producing 283 horsepower, combined with a 6-speed automatic transmission to deliver EPA fuel economy ratings of 17 mpg city / 25 mpg highway / 20 mpg combined. The future of the Grand Caravan is unclear with the new Chrysler Pacifica now on the market.
© FCA US LLC
Fiat 500
Total Sales: 5,370
The modern version of the 500 was launched in 2007, and 2017 marked the 60th anniversary of the original 500. Fiat’s subcompact 500, which combines Italian styling with efficiency and technology, is offered in both coupe and convertible versions, as well as the all-electric 500e, 5-passenger 500L and all-wheel-drive 500X crossover. The Fiat 500 is powered by a 135-horsepower turbocharged 1.4-liter MultiAir engine with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic. Fiat also offers the high-performance fun-to-drive Abarth variant, which bumps the 500’s grunt to 160 horsepower.
© Ford Motor Company
Ford F-Series
Total Sales: 909,330
After another year of impressive sales, the Ford F-Series extends its streak as not only the top-selling model in the Ford lineup, but as the best-selling vehicle in America for 37 years — 42 years as best-selling truck. With more than 900,000 sales for the year, Ford’s full-size truck sold about as many as the top three passenger cars combined. The F-150 is driving strong sales thanks to updated styling, added safety and convenience features, and a new 3.3-liter V6 engine that generates 290 horsepower joining Ford’s lineup of powerful turbocharged EcoBoost powerplants.
© Hyundai Motor Company
Genesis G80
Total Sales: 7,663
Genesis was an all-new brand for the 2017 model year, launched by parent company Hyundai to move its clientele upscale. Once Genesis spun off as its own brand, the model formerly known as the Hyundai Genesis was renamed the G80, and in its first year on the market it was already one of the top-selling luxury sedans in America. The G80’s 3.8-liter V6 engine produces 311 horsepower, combined with a smooth 8-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is optional. For more performance Genesis added the G80 Sport with unique front and rear fascias, copper accents, 19-inch dark-alloy wheels and a new 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 powerplant producing 365 horsepower. With the introduction of the sportier and less-expensive G70, look for the new model to be the top seller for Genesis by this time next year.
© General Motors
GMC Sierra
Total Sales: 291,554
The best-seller in the GMC lineup, the Sierra is completely new for the 2019 model year. Larger in practically every dimension, the new Sierra 1500 boasts a roomier cabin as well as a range of new comfort, convenience and safety features. One Sierra standout is its MultiPro Tailgate, which offers six positions for easier loading, as well as use as a standing workstation. A range of engine / transmission options are available, including a new 2.7-liter turbo as well as a new turbodiesel powertrain.
© American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Honda CR-V
Total Sales: 379,013
Completely redesigned for the 2017 model year, the Honda CR-V has been quite successful. While sales started slowly for 2018, a strong 14 percent increase in December versus 2017 helped CR-V end the year on a positive note, retaining its sizable lead over the rest of the Honda lineup. The CR-V’s success lies in its ability to offer consumers a comfortable, small crossover with great utility and excellent fuel economy. In fact, CR-V’s 1.5-liter 190-horsepower I-4 engine teamed with a new continuously variable transmission has EPA fuel economy ratings as high as 28 mpg city / 34 mpg highway / 30 mpg combined, making it one of the most fuel-efficient crossovers on the market.
© Hyundai Motor America
Hyundai Elantra
Total Sales: 200,415
Since its redesign in 2017, Elantra has gained enough momentum to become the best-selling model in the Hyundai lineup — surprising, given the general popularity of crossovers over passenger cars. Elantra had a strong start in 2018, and even with December sales down almost 30 percent versus one year earlier, overall sales ended up slightly higher than 2017. Available as a sedan or sportier GT, the Elantra features a signature hexagonal grille that closely ties it to the current Hyundai lineup. With a starting price around $17,000, Elantra is well equipped with entertainment and convenience features, and is available with the latest high-tech safety equipment.
© Nissan North America
Infiniti QX60
Total Sales: 47,370
The QX60 is Infiniti’s family-friendly 3-row crossover that debuted for 2013 as the JX35 and was renamed QX60 for the 2014 model year. The QX60 received revised exterior styling for the 2018 model year that reflects Infiniti’s contemporary design language, including a new signature grille, headlights, turn signals and new wheel designs. The QX60 also received a power boost for 2017 with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that now produces 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, mated to a continuously-variable transmission. Available with front- or all-wheel drive, the QX60 can be equipped with the latest high-tech safety features including forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
© Jaguar Land Rover
Jaguar F-PACE
Total Sales: 14,752
When Jaguar introduced the all-new F-PACE there was clear demand for such a vehicle — the sporty crossover is not only Jaguar’s best-selling model, it made up almost half the brand’s sales in 2017 and outsold all of Jaguar’s passenger cars combined. With styling that keeps with the rest of the Jaguar lineup — certainly a good thing — the F-PACE puts the “sport” in sport-utility vehicle. Power options range from a 247-horsepower turbocharged 4-cyliner engine to the 550-horsepower supercharged V8 powering the new high-performance F-Pace SVR. With Jaguar’s Lightweight Aluminum Architecture and an advanced torque-on-demand all-wheel drive system, the F-PACE offers the performance expected from a Jaguar SUV.
© FCA US LLC
Jeep Wrangler
Total Sales: 240,032
An all-new Jeep Wrangler was introduced last year, and sales of this iconic off-roader have never been better. With record sales for 2018, Wrangler became the best-selling model in the Jeep lineup, helping the Jeep brand to record annual sales. The 2018 Wrangler retains its 7-slot grille and round headlights but is more aerodynamic than the previous generation. Two hardtops, a new Sunrider soft-top and a new Sky One-Touch power top are offered. Both 2- and 4-door versions are available in Sport, Sport S, Rubicon and Sahara trim levels. The new Wrangler is much improved, offering a more comfortable ride on-road while retaining its legendary off-road capability.
© Kia Motors America
Kia Sorento
Total Sales: 107,846
Kia’s largest crossover — the 7-passenger, 3-row Sorento — gets a refresh for 2019 with subtle design changes, a revised interior and innovative technology. This update seems to have helped Sorento move into Kia’s top position in terms of U.S. sales. The Sorento now has a front-end design that includes a more detailed grille, a new bumper design and new headlights with full LED lighting for SX and SXL trims. The redesigned fog lights use projection bulbs for EX and SX trims and LEDs for SXL. At the rear, the Sorento receives a new bumper, new exhaust tip and new taillight design with LEDs for the EX trim and higher. Inside, the Sorento updates include a revised instrument cluster with new graphics, a new steering wheel, a new shift knob, revised air vents and center stack design. A third-row seat is now standard for all trim levels.
© Automobili Lamborghini, S.p.A.
Lamborghini Huracan
Total Sales: NA
A few years ago, Lamborghini replaced the aging Gallardo with the all-new Huracan, and this sleek, exotic sports car easily became the brand’s best-selling model. However, this may be the last year that Huracan holds onto this spot — many expect the new Urus SUV to quickly become brand’s best-seller. Huracan is available as a coupe or convertible and can be configured with all-wheel drive or — for the true enthusiast — rear-wheel drive. Power comes from a 5.2-liter V10 engine that generates as much as 610 horsepower. Although the Huracan has impressive performance stats (reaching 60 mph in around 3 seconds and topping 200 mph), the powerful sports car is actually easy to drive every day. For those who feel a mere Huracan is not hot enough, consider the all-new Huracan Performante that gets bumped to 640 horsepower and is available in both coupe or convertible form.
© Jaguar Land Rover
Land Rover Range Rover Sport
Total Sales: 24,282
Land Rover has earned a reputation for building vehicles with true off-road capability; however, with the Range Rover Sport the company added excellent on-road performance to the package. Outselling the larger Range Rover as well as the smaller Evoque, the Range Rover Sport features full-time 4-wheel drive with electronic traction control, an 8-speed automatic transmission and an extensive list of safety feature acronyms. A range of engines are available, ranging from a fuel-efficient diesel to a 550-horsepower supercharged V8 in the Range Rover Sport SVR. Not only can the Range Rover Sport top 150 mph, it can also claw its way through three feet of water — just not at the same time.
© Toyota Motor Sales USA
Lexus RX
Total Sales: 111,641
The popular Lexus RX tops the Lexus charts once again, boasting sales that are considerably higher than all other models in the 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. Last year Lexus upped the utility of the RX with the addition of the RX L that is slightly larger and offers seating for up to seven with a new third seating row. Both the original and L versions of the RX are available as the RX 350 or the RX 450h, the latter of which features a powerful and fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain.
© Ford Motor Company
Lincoln MKX (Nautilus)
Total Sales: 28,573
The midsize MKX crossover has been the best-selling model in the Lincoln lineup for the last few years —the new Nautilus will most likely retain the best-selling mantle. Replacing the MKX in the Lincoln lineup, the Nautilus draws strongly on styling cues from the flagship Continental sedan and the full-size Navigator SUV, including the bold signature grille and beltline trim. Acoustic glass reduces wind noise and Ultra Comfort seats can be adjusted up to 22 ways. Standard power for this new luxury SUV comes from a 245-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, and an available 2.7-liter turbocharged V6 produces 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. Both engines get combined with an 8-speed automatic transmission and include auto stop-start. New driver assistance technologies include lane-centering and evasive steer assist.
© Maserati
Maserati Levante
Total Sales: NA
The first SUV in the 100-year history of Maserati, the Levante made its U.S. debut for the 2017 model year. This luxurious high-performance SUV is based on the same architecture as the Quattroporte and Ghibli sedans, and shares design elements with other Maserati models including the grille and its prominent trident logo, portholes in the front fenders and taillight shape. The sloped roofline creates a more coupelike profile. Full-time all-wheel drive is standard, and powerplants range from a 345-horsepower V6 to a 3.8-liter 590-horsepower V8 in the all-new Trofeo.
© Mazda North American Operations
Mazda CX-5
Total Sales: 150,622
Mazda seems to have found the sweet spot with the CX-5 — the small 5-passenger crossover has experienced sales increases every year since its introduction in 2012. For 2017 Mazda introduced an all-new CX-5 that features updated styling enhanced by a specially-developed Soul Red Crystal paint that enables both brighter highlights and darker shadows to accentuate the lines and details of the design. The CX-5 features G-Vectoring Control, which is designed to achieve elevated levels of vehicle responsiveness and stability while reducing sideways sliding of the occupants for a more comfortable ride. Power comes from a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 187 horsepower yet has an EPA fuel economy rating of 31 mpg on the highway.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
McLaren Sports Series
Total Sales: NA
This contemporary yet iconic British automaker builds some of the sexiest high-performance exotic sports cars available, and most of the vehicles the company sells fall under the Sports Series. The series consists of the 570GT, 570S and the new 570S Spider. All three models are powered by a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 engine generating 562 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. Power gets directed to the rear wheels via a quick-shifting 7-speed gearbox. Performance numbers are in line with some of the fastest production cars on the road: 60 mph comes up in 3.3 seconds and 100 mph in 6.6 seconds, with a top speed in excess of 200 mph. McLaren doesn’t sell a lot of these vehicles, but sales continue to increase every year as new models get rolled out.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Mercedes-Benz GLC
Total Sales: 69,727
Mercedes-Benz introduced the GLC crossover in 2016 when it replaced the GLK. Since that time the luxury crossover has experienced impressive sales success — 2018 was the GLC’s second year of record sales. The GLC is available as a standard crossover or as the GLC Coupe, which is sleeker and sportier than its crossover sibling. For those seeking more performance, Mercedes-AMG added to the GLC lineup with the high-performance GLC63, which boasts as much as 503 horsepower. The GLC is one of the safest vehicles in America, earning a Top Safety Pick + rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
© BMW of North America
MINI Countryman
Total Sales: 17,565
MINI is not so mini anymore when it comes to the Countryman. The largest MINI on the market, the Countryman is a four door offering reasonable cargo space, ALL4 all-wheel drive and an impressive list of standard equipment. All trim levels come with a panorama sunroof, a 6.5-inch high-resolution display, Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera, leatherette upholstery and 17-inch alloy wheels. A variety of powertrains are available, ranging from an efficient and powerful plug-in hybrid system to the high-performance John Cooper Works edition with a 228-horsepower turbocharged engine.
© Mitsubishi Motors North America
Mitsubishi Outlander
Total Sales: 41,818
Outlander is Mitsubishi’s midsize 7-passenger crossover that was refreshed for the 2016 model year. Sales of the Outlander have never been stellar, but the refresh seems to have helped since sales have increased dramatically over the last three years. The Outlander starts below $25,000 and can range up to the GT with Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control all-wheel-drive system. Two engines are available, including the 3.0-liter MIVEC V6 engine that produces 224 horsepower and 215 lb-ft of torque. Mitsubishi also offers the Outlander as a plug-in hybrid that has the same 224 horsepower but gets 22 miles of electric-only range and impressive fuel economy.
© Nissan North America
Nissan Rogue
Total Sales: 412,110
Small crossovers are clearly among the most popular vehicles with American shoppers, and Nissan has capitalized on this with the versatile Rogue. Strong sales over the last several months have helped Rogue maintain its position as Nissan’s best-selling model, and positive numbers in 2018 have kept the Rogue near the top of the best-selling SUV list. Rogue has a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with an advanced Xtronic transmission with Eco mode, boasting an EPA fuel economy rating as high as 33 mpg. Rogue is also available as a hybrid and as a smaller model called Rogue Sport. All Rogues are now available with ProPILOT Assist — Nissan’s first step toward building autonomous vehicles.
© Porsche Cars North America
Porsche Macan
Total Sales: 23,504
The compact-premium SUV market is plenty crowded, but the Macan certainly stands out from said crowd. The second crossover in the current Porsche lineup, Macan was added for the 2014 model year with sales increasing every year since the introduction. Styled after the larger Cayenne, Macan still embodies all qualities expected from the iconic German sports car brand. Macan comes with full-time all-wheel drive and is available with various powertrains ranging from a 2.0-liter 252-horsepower 4-cylinder engine to a 440-horsepower V6 in the Macan Turbo with Performance Package.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Ram Pickup
Total Sales: 536,980
Ram ended 2018 in fine style, posting record sales for the third year in a row. Sales started slowly in 2018, but with the all-new Ram 1500 arriving in showrooms, December sales are up 34 percent compared to a year ago. The new Ram improves upon the current model in about every way. Styling on the 2019 Ram 1500 has been updated and the interior is one of the nicest on the market. Six trim levels are available, as well as a new lineup of powertrains that will eventually include a hybrid system. Ram also announced that the previous generation will continue to be sold as Ram 1500 Classic to fill demand as the company ramps up production of the new model.
© Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC
Rolls-Royce Dawn
Total Sales: NA
A convertible is not typically the best-seller for a brand — in fact, it is a rarity — but then again, Rolls-Royce is not a typical brand. Well known as the benchmark for ultra-luxury automobiles, this legendary British marque had its second-best sales year ever in North America during 2018 — and one-third of those vehicles delivered was the Rolls-Royce Dawn. Described by Torsten Mueller-Oetvoes, the CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, as “the sexiest Rolls-Royce ever built,” the Dawn carries elemental characteristics of a Rolls-Royce, including a long hood, short front overhang, long rear overhang and unique rear-hinged doors. Of course, this 4-seat super-luxury drop-top carries its passengers in the utmost luxury, redefining open-air motoring. The twin-turbo 6.6-liter V12 engine provides more than adequate power and the intelligent suspension delivers an impressively smooth, quiet ride. Look for the all-new Rolls-Royce Cullinan SUV to eclipse the Dawn and take the top-sales crown in 2019.
© Mercedes-Benz USA
Smart fortwo
Total Sales: 1,276
The fortwo is the only model currently offered by smart in the U.S., so by definition it is the brand’s best-seller. The fortwo was redesigned for the 2016 model year; however, sales are down from 2014 and are not showing any signs of recovery — in fact, sales in 2018 were down almost 60 percent compared to a year earlier. Smaller than any other production car on the road, the fortwo is rather unique in that it is only available as an electric vehicle. Also unique are the plastic body panels which mean no door dings or rust and (relatively) easy replacement. While the body panels are light and flexible, the frame of the passenger compartment is a “tridion safety cell” made up of ultra-high-strength steel.
© Subaru of America
Subaru Outback
Total Sales: 178,854
One of the vehicles that helped define the crossover segment, the Outback is Subaru’s best-selling model. In fact, the company recently celebrated the 2-millionth Outback sold in America. Sales of this wagon / SUV were down about 13 percent in December compared to a year earlier, but it was the 58th consecutive month with more than 10,000 Outbacks sold. The last extensive redesign was for the 2015 model year, and for 2018 Outback received revised exterior styling and interior updates with more premium materials. Chassis, suspension and steering updates target a smoother ride with a more direct driving experience. New multimedia features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Nuance voice recognition, and steering-responsive LED headlights are offered.
© Tesla Motors
Tesla Model 3
Total Sales: 138,000
The third model in the Tesla lineup, the Model 3 is more affordable than the higher-end Model S and Model X offered by the American car company. With a bold level of standard equipment and sleek styling that befits the rest of the Tesla lineup, the more economical Model 3 was designed for high-volume sales. Although the Model 3’s standard battery delivers a 220-mile range, the Long Range trim features a larger battery that bumps range up to 310 miles. Performance is quite impressive — the dual-motor all-wheel-drive Model 3 sprints to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Toyota RAV4
Total Sales: 427,170
Toyota’s RAV4 crossover has experienced impressive sales since the redesigned model premiered for the 2016 model year, and the sales trend has continued through 2018, keeping it at the top of the Toyota lineup. One of the original compact crossovers on the American market, the RAV4 has been completely redone for the 2019 model year. With bold new styling, improved capability, better performance and an array of new safety and convenience features, this fifth-generation RAV4 is likely to remain popular with American car shoppers. In addition to the updated styling and efficient powertrains, the RAV4 now comes standard with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection as well as lane departure alert.
© Volkswagen of America
Volkswagen Tiguan
Total Sales: 103,022
Volkswagen’s compact 2018 Tiguan crossover was redesigned last year specifically for the U.S. market, and to say it has hit the mark is an understatement. Sales are more than double in 2018 versus a year earlier, helping the small crossover to pass the Jetta and become VW’s best-selling model in America. Based on Volkswagen’s Modular Transverse Matrix architecture, the 2018 Tiguan is 10.7 inches longer than the previous model with a 4.4-inch longer wheelbase, offering more interior space and third-row seating. Adopting Volkswagen’s current design language, the exterior includes sharper, stronger lines and a lower, wider stance. Motivated by an updated version of Volkswagen’s turbocharged 2.0-liter TSI engine producing 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, the new Tiguan delivers power to the front wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission. 4Motion all-wheel drive with Active Control is optional and offers four drive modes to maximize traction in varying driving conditions.
© Volvo Cars North America
Volvo XC60
Total Sales: 32,689
The XC60 was all new for the 2018 model year, and it started out the year winning North American Utility Vehicle of the Year. The updates clearly resonated well with consumers — sales were more than 45 percent higher than 2017, putting the XC60 ahead of the XC90 in terms of units sold. Built on the brand’s new Scalable Product Architecture, the 5-passenger XC60 is longer, wider and lower than the previous generation, which not only gives the new model a roomier interior — almost 2 more inches of rear-seat legroom — but also a more aggressive stance and better driving dynamics. Styling is now in line with the rest of the newer Volvos, with the signature “Thor’s Hammer” headlights and large Volvo logo in the grille. In many ways the XC60 is a smaller version of the popular XC90.
