© Stellantis North America
Best-Selling SUVs in America
Total vehicle sales for the first quarter of 2022 are estimated to be down about 16 percent compared to the first quarter of 2021. Even the most popular SUVs are not immune, recording double-digit sales declines for many models as the ongoing chip shortage continues to impact new vehicle inventories. For the first quarter of 2022, sales of the top 10 SUVs were down 11.5 percent compared to the same period for 2021, with the top 25 down 6.6 percent. Although most SUVS struggled to maintain sales, a few models posted significant increases and moved up in sales ranking for the first quarter of the year. Here are the best-selling SUVs in America during the first quarter of 2022, according to numbers compiled from automaker sales reports.
© General Motors
25. Chevrolet Traverse
2022 Sales: 23,464
Vs. 2021: -38.3%
Originally planned as a 2021 model, the refreshed Traverse rollout was pushed back to the 2022 model year amid the ongoing pandemic. Despite the calculated delay, the SUV finally arrived and unfortunately first quarter sales are still down, dropping Traverse from 18th on the list of best-selling SUVs at the end of 2021. The 2022 Traverse has a plethora of new features including the front fascia, grille, LED headlights and turn signals integrated into the daytime running lights, as well as new LED taillights, roof rails and wheel designs. Inside, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offers new seating options: an available Dual SkyScape 2-panel power sunroof with a new rear power sunshade; an available 8-inch driver information center; a wireless charging pad; USB ports in all rows; as well as available wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto capability.
© Ford Motor Company
24. Ford Bronco
2022 Sales: 23,573
Vs. 2021: N/A
Returning after a nearly 25-year absence from the market, the new Ford Bronco has been one of the most highly anticipated models in many years, paying tribute in both design and capability to the original Bronco of the 1960s. As deliveries of the new Bronco ramp up, it moved into the top 25 best-selling SUVs for the first quarter of 2022. Although Bronco had no first quarter 2021 sales for comparison, first quarter 2022 sales were about equal to the last quarter of 2021 — up 2 percent. Bronco ended 2021 with total sales of 35,023 and is on pace to easily surpass that number after a full year of sales. As an off-road-oriented vehicle, the new Bronco is available in a classic short-wheelbase 2-door as well as a 4-door version for the first time. The SUV features body-on-frame construction, a fully boxed high-strength steel chassis, quick-release stowable roof panels and removable doors.
© General Motors
23. Chevrolet Tahoe
2022 Sales: 23,979
Vs. 2021: +4.1%%
The all-new 2021 Tahoe arrived in fall 2020, and a sales increase moved Chevy’s stalwart SUV back into the top 25 best-selling SUVs for 2021 with sales up 20 percent over 2020. That momentum continues into 2022 with Tahoe posting a 4 percent increase over the first quarter of 2021. The best-selling full-size SUV in America gets built on a chassis with independent rear suspension, available Magnetic Ride Control and available Four-Corner Air Ride Adaptive suspension. The design adds 10 inches of third-row legroom and 60 percent more cargo room. The standard engine is a 5.3-liter V8 producing 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. Also available are a 6.2-liter V8 producing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel producing 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque.
© American Honda Motors
22. Honda Pilot
2022 Sales: 23,989
Vs. 2021: -23.7%
Honda Pilot sales rebounded in 2021 to finish with a 15 percent increase over the previous year, but that rally has been lost. First-quarter 2022 sales are down nearly 24 percent compared to 2021, dropping Pilot from 15th position at year end. Refreshed for 2019, Pilot features aggressive exterior styling, an available hands-free power tailgate, powertrain refinements, and an available Display Audio touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Pilot is powered by a 3.5-liter 280-horsepower V6 engine combined with available all-wheel drive. For 2022 Honda adds the entry-level Pilot Sport with standard 2WD, as well as the off-road-ready Pilot TrailSport with raised ground clearance and bolder exterior styling.
© Stellantis North America
21. Jeep Compass
2022 Sales: 24,408
Vs. 2021: +22.3%
Jeep Compass dropped out of the top 25 for 2021 when sales fell by 30 percent. At the 2021 Chicago Auto Show, Jeep revealed the 2022 Compass with a refined exterior design, a modern interior, new technology and semi-autonomous driving. The arrival of the 2022 Compass gave the compact Jeep a healthy increase for the first quarter, moving it back to 21st position on this list of best-selling SUVs. The interior design features a high center console, a wrapped middle pad on the dash, double the storage, a new 10.1-inch Uconnect 5 center-stack display, an available 10.25-inch frameless full-color thin-film transistor digital cluster, and available heated rear seats. Two Jeep 4WD systems and the Select-Terrain traction management system offer traditional Jeep off-road capability. The 2022 Jeep Compass is offered in five trim levels: Sport, Latitude, Latitude LUX, Limited and Trailhawk.
© General Motors
20. GMC Terrain
2022 Sales: 24,944
Vs. 2021: +47.4%
GMC Terrain sales were down by percent for 2021, but that trend has been reversed thanks to a refreshed 2022 model helping it post a 47 percent increase for the first quarter of 2022, earning Terrain a top- 20 position on this list of best-selling SUVs. For 2022 Terrain receives a new front-end design with new front fascia, new grille designs, redesigned LED headlights and LED taillights for all trim levels. The all-new Terrain AT4 has standard all-wheel drive and unique off-road trim including a steel front skidplate. Terrain also has new interior fabrics and trim, and an available Tech Package includes HD Surround Vision, an all-new head-up display and front and rear park assist.
© Hyundai Motor America
19. Hyundai Santa Fe
2022 Sales: 25,582
Vs. 2021: -10.5%
With the arrival of an all-new 2021 model, Santa Fe sales took off in the first half of 2021 — up 45 percent before cooling off to a commendable 11 percent increase for the year. Like many models, sales cooled off in the first quarter of 2022, although sales were strong enough to move Santa Fe up one position in this list of best-selling SUVs. The current Santa Fe features a new exterior design, advanced lighting technology, new engines, an available hybrid with all-wheel drive, and a new Calligraphy trim level. The standard 2.5-liter engine produces 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid drivetrain pairs a turbocharged 1.6-liter gasoline engine producing 178 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque with a 44.2 kW electric motor and 1.49 kWh battery pack for an estimated total system output of 225 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
© Ford Motor Company
18. Ford Edge
2022 Sales: 26,412
Vs. 2021: +19.2%
Ford Edge sales were off nearly 22 percent for 2021, dropping Ford’s midsize crossover out of the top 25, but Edge sales came back in the first quarter of 2022 with a 19 percent increase, moving Edge up to r 18th position. Edge is offered in SE, SEL, ST-Line, Titanium and ST trim levels, with all-wheel-drive standard for all trims. Edge ST was the first utility vehicle from Ford Performance, powered by a 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost engine producing 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque that gets mated with a 7-speed automatic transmission. Edge ST also features selectable traction control, ST-tuned suspension and an available performance brake package. The standard Edge engine is a 2.0-liter EcoBoost producing 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque (with premium fuel), combined with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
© Ford Motor Company
17. Ford Bronco Sport
2022 Sales: 29,089
Vs. 2021: +24.5%
A brand-new model for 2021, the Ford Bronco Sport went on sale in the fourth quarter of 2020 and momentum moved it into the top 25 best-selling SUVs for the first half of 2021. Although the Ford Escape still tops Bronco Sport, the new compact SUV outsold Escape in September and has maintained its position in the top 25 with strong first quarter sales moving it up five positions. The Bronco Sport shares styling cues and off-road capability with the new Bronco now rolling into showrooms. A stepped-up roofline and upright body panels give the vehicle a bolder look compared with many of today’s compact SUVs. The 2022 Bronco Sport is offered in five trim levels at launch: Base, Big Bend, Outer Banks and Badlands. The standard engine for Bronco Sport Base, Big Bend and Outer Banks is a 1.5-liter EcoBoost producing 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque at 3000 rpm. The Badlands has a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine producing 245 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque at 3000 rpm.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
16. Subaru Forester
2022 Sales: 31,358
Vs. 2021: -34.3%
Forester set a sales record in 2019 and finished 2020 close to another record before sales dropped in 2021. Despite new exterior styling for the 2022 model year and the addition of Forester Wilderness, first quarter sales are off 34 percent, dropping Forester from 10th position at the end of 2021. The new look includes a redesigned grille, a new front bumper, LED headlights, a revised lower rear bumper and new exterior trim details. Easily identified by its distinctive copper exterior accents, the Forester Wilderness receives upgraded suspension, all-terrain tires, a revised drivetrain, standard X-MODE and 9.2 inches of ground clearance to become the most off-road-capable Forester ever.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
15. Subaru Outback
2022 Sales: 32,972
Vs. 2021: -20.6%
One of the original crossovers, Outback combines SUV utility with the comfort and convenience of a wagon. Outback sales were strong in early 2021 but finished the year at the same pace as the year previous before dropping off in the first quarter of 2022. Built on Subaru’s new global platform, Outback received updated exterior styling for 2020, as well as many new features, a greatly improved interior, updated powertrains and the latest version of EyeSight — Subaru’s suite of advanced safety technology. EyeSight includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist. All Outbacks feature Subaru’s Symmetrical all-wheel drive with active torque vectoring, vehicle dynamics control and a generous 8.7-inches of ground clearance. For 2021 Subaru added the Outback Wilderness to the lineup — the most rugged, capable Outback the company has ever built, easily identified by its rugged appearance and Anodized Copper trim.
© Toyota Motor Sales USA
14. Toyota 4Runner
2022 Sales: 34,907
Vs. 2021: -6.3%
After 35 years, 4Runner remains one of the few truck-based SUVs left on the market. This highly capable contender has a loyal following. Sales for 2021 were up 12 percent before dropping off in the first quarter of 2022. The 4Runner continues to be powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque delivered through a 5-speed automatic transmission. For 2021 Toyota added the 4Runner Trail Edition based on the SR5, with either 2WD or 4WD and exterior color choices of Army Green, Cement, Midnight Black and Super White. Toyota adds a 4Runner TRD Sport to the lineup for the 2022 model year. Designed to complement the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro versions, the TRD Sport gets unique color-keyed accents on the grille, rocker panels and body moldings.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
13. Subaru Crosstrek
2022 Sales: 37,463
Vs. 2021: +6.5%
Subaru introduced a new Crosstrek for 2021, and last year sales were up more than 30 percent for the first nine months and finished at a 6.5 percent increase. Continuing that momentum, Crosstrek has moved up to 13th position for the first quarter of 2022. For 2021 Crosstrek added a new Sport trim with more aggressive styling; unique wheel arch moldings; 17-inch alloy wheels with a dark gray finish; and a gunmetal gray treatment for the grille, side mirrors and badges. Starting with the 2021 model year, the Limited and Sport trims are now powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. All Crosstreks have redesigned wheels as well as a new front fascia, bumper and grille.
© Mike Meredith, Automotive Content Experience
12. Hyundai Tucson
2022 Sales: 39,655
Vs. 2021: +19.6%
Tucson sales in the U.S. were up in 2021 with the arrival of a redesigned 2022 model and that momentum has continued into 2022. The new model includes the addition of a Tucson Hybrid, Tucson N Line and the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid. Longer, wider and taller than the previous model, the new Tucson has lower, wider headlights and daytime running lights that seem to be an extension of the grille. The profile reveals a chrome accent that begins at the mirror and follows the shape of the roof. Tucson’s standard powertrain is a 161-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid drivetrain pairs a turbocharged 1.6-liter gasoline engine with a 44.2-kW electric motor and 1.49-kWh battery pack for an estimated total system output of 226 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
© Ford Motor Company
11. Ford Escape
2022 Sales: 39,962
Vs. 2021: -2.5%
Ford’s original compact 5-seat crossover, Escape was the best-selling American-brand SUV for many years. Although redesigned for the 2020 model year, Escape sales were down in 2020 and 2021, due in part to the arrival of the all-new Bronco Sport which is of similar size and accounted for 108,169 sales in 2021. The redesigned Ford Escape is lower, wider and longer than its predecessor, with a look markedly different from the previous generation. Escape is available with a choice of four engines; the standard unit is a 3-cylinder 1.5-liter EcoBoost producing 180 horsepower. With the latest generation Escape, Ford also brought back the Escape Hybrid — available as a standard hybrid or as a plug-in.
© American Honda Motors
10. Honda HR-V
2022 Sales: 42,168
Vs. 2021: +61.1%
The smallest SUV in Honda’s lineup, HR-V sales surged in 2021 to move the diminutive model into the top 25 best-selling SUVS — all the way to the 16th position by the end of the year. Strong sales in the first quarter of 2022 move HR-V even higher in the ranking. Introduced as a 2016 model, the HR-V received exterior updates for 2019 including a new grille, headlights and taillights; revised bumpers; and two new trim levels. The 2022 HR-V is offered in four trim levels: LX, Sport, EX and EX-L, all in front- or all-wheel drive. Power comes from a 1.8-liter i-VTEC engine producing 141 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque that gets combined with a continuously variable transmission.
© Ford Motor Company
9. Ford Explorer
2022 Sales: 42,736
Vs. 2021: -34.5%
If we were to compile a list of the the best-selling SUVs of all time, the Explorer would top that list. Explorer was one of the few vehicles to finish pandemic-stricken 2020 with a sales increase over 2019 thanks to the arrival of an all-new model. Sales remained steady for the first nine months of 2021, although Explorer finished the year with a slight decrease over 2020. Unfortunately sales have fallen significantly in 2022. With its first major redesign in 10 years, the new Explorer gets built on an all-new rear-wheel-drive flexible architecture designed to improve ride, handling and capability. The standard engine is a 2.3-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder unit producing 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Two new versions have been added: the 400-horsepower ST and the 318-horsepower (combined) Limited Hybrid. For 2021 Ford added the Explorer Timberline — a new trim level that offers a more rugged off-road appearance backed by engineering updates and new equipment to improve off-road performance.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
8. Nissan Rogue
2022 Sales: 45,235
Vs. 2021: -47.8%
The top-selling model in Nissan’s lineup, the arrival of an all-new 2021 Rogue boosted sales to a strong 25 percent increase for the year. With a drop of nearly 50 percent for the first quarter of 2022, Rogue has lost five positions on this top 25 list of best-selling SUVs. Built on a new platform with fresh styling, advanced safety features and a family friendly interior, the Nissan Rogue features more classic SUV design with a bold vertical V-Motion grille, strong fender flares and a squared-off tailgate. Unique multi-level LED headlights give the compact crossover a unique look. The 2022 Nissan Rogue has a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder variable-compression turbo engine that produces 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, paired with Nissan’s Xtronic continuously variable transmission.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
7. Jeep Wrangler
2022 Sales: 45,551
Vs. 2021: -8.2%
Not even Wrangler has been immune to the pandemic — sales dropped almost 12 percent during 2020 but finished 2021 with a slight increase for the year before a drop in the first quarter of 2022. The modern descendant of the original U.S. military vehicle, Wrangler upholds the Jeep name and legacy of extreme off-road capability. Both 2- and 4-door versions are available in Sport, Sport S, Sahara and Rubicon trims with numerous special editions including Willys, Freedom and the luxurious High Altitude. For 2020 Jeep added a fuel-efficient diesel powertrain to the Wrangler, as well as the new luxurious High Altitude edition. For 2021 Jeep added two special additions via the Wrangler 80th Anniversary Edition and Islander, but the big news is a Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid and a 470-horsepower Wrangler Rubicon 392. Other engine options are a turbocharged 2.0-liter, a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, a 3.6-liter mild hybrid and a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel.
© Mazda North American Operations
6. Mazda CX-5
2022 Sales: 50,653
Vs. 2021: +24.3%
Following four consecutive years of record numbers, CX-5 sales slowed in 2020 but finished 2021 with a 12.7 percent increase for the year. Continuing that momentum into 2022, CX-5 sales are up 24 percent. When CX-5 was redesigned for 2017 it adopted the styling of the larger CX-9 and became more refined in every way. For 2022 CX-5 receives exterior design updates, vehicle dynamic improvements and drops front-wheel drive versions with i-Active all-wheel drive standard for all trim levels. Exterior updates include a new grille with three-dimensional texture, revised headlights with horizontally spaced LEDs, redesigned LED taillights and new wheel designs. The CX-5 2.5 Turbo replaces the Grand Touring Reserve alongside the 2.5 Turbo Signature, both powered by Mazda’s SKYACTIV-G 2.5T engine rated at 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel.
© General Motors
5. Chevrolet Equinox
2022 Sales: 56,036
Vs. 2021: -11.4%
Chevrolet’s second-best-selling vehicle after the full-size Silverado pickup, Equinox sales have dropped during the last two years and that slide continues. However, that trend may change now that the redesigned 2022 model is now available. Equinox sales have likely been impacted by the arrival of the all-new Trailblazer, as well as the delay of a redesigned Equinox originally planned as a 2021 model but pushed to the 2022 model year. The 2022 Equinox features refreshed styling with a new grille, slim LED headlights and new LED daytime running lights. Equinox has a long list of standard safety features including an updated infotainment system with an available 8-inch display screen, as well as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. Power comes from a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 170 horsepower.
© American Honda Motors
4. Honda CR-V
2022 Sales: 58,579
Vs. 2021: -37.5%
The Honda CR-V remains the best-selling model in the Honda lineup and finished 2021 with a modest increase in sales for the year. However, sales dropped 34 percent in the fourth quarter of last year and continued downward into the first quarter of 2022. For 2020 Honda refreshed the CR-V’s exterior styling and added the first hybrid to the lineup. Similar to the Honda Accord Hybrid, the CR-V Hybrid uses a dual-mode hybrid powertrain that teams two electric motors with a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle engine for a combined output of 212 horsepower, making it the most powerful variant in the CR-V lineup.
© Mike Meredith, Automotive Content Experience
3. Toyota Highlander
2022 Sales: 66,026
Vs. 2021: +3.4%
All new for the 2020 model year, Highlander finished 2021 with a strong 24 percent increase and posted a 3.4 percent increase for the first quarter of 2022, moving up to third position on this list of best-selling SUVs. Highlander has fresh styling with a bold black grille, available premium projector headlights and a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces a plentiful 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, combined with a Direct Shift 8-speed automatic transmission — enough power to provide a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The Highlander Hybrid draws power from a new Toyota Hybrid System that combines a high-efficiency 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with two electric motors for a total output of 243 horsepower.
© Stellantis North America
2. Jeep Grand Cherokee
2022 Sales: 75,117
Vs. 2021: +36.1%
One of the original and most popular SUVS of all time, the Grand Cherokee set a new sales record for 2021 to finish the year as the top-selling Jeep model, likely due in part to the arrival of an all-new 7-seat 2021 Grand Cherokee L. The Grand Cherokee L is 15 inches longer than the 2021 Grand Cherokee and offers a third-row seat for the first time. The updated two-row 2022 Grand Cherokee — as well as the hybrid Grand Cherokee 4xe — debuted in September. The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee features slim LED headlights, a smaller forward-leaning 7-slot grille, a roof that tapers to the rear spoiler and slim wraparound taillights. Initial engine choices are a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 and a 5.7-liter HEMI V8. The Grand Cherokee 4xe plug-in hybrid version combines two electric motors with a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine.
© Toyota Motor Sales USA
1. Toyota RAV4
2021 Sales: 101,192
Vs. 2020: -11.4%
For the fifth consecutive year, the Toyota RAV4 tops the list of best-selling SUVs in America and continues to hold that position by a wide margin despite an 11 percent decrease in sales for the first quarter of 2022. One of the original compact crossovers on the American market, the RAV4 was redesigned for 2019 with bold styling, improved capability, better performance and an array of new safety and convenience features. RAV4 now has automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection — and lane departure alert — as standard equipment. For 2022 Toyota adds the RAV4 SE Hybrid for a sporty option at a lower price than the XSE, featuring mono-tone paint, fabric seats and a 7-inch touchscreen.
