© Toyota Motor Sales USA
Best-Selling SUVs in America
Total vehicle sales for the 2019 calendar year were down 1.2 percent compared with 2018, but the popularity of SUVs and crossovers continues, with total SUV sales up slightly more than 2 percent. Despite this modest increase, SUV sales are cooling as well, down from the nearly 10 percent increase for the category in 2018. Looking at the top-selling SUVs, sales of the 10 most popular models were down 5.8 percent for 2019 compared to 2018, with six of the top 10 dropping in sales. Sales for the top 25 SUV models were off 3.5 percent for the year. Here are the best-selling SUVs in America based on total sales for calendar year 2019, according to numbers compiled from auto manufacturers’ sales reports.
© General Motors
25. Buick Encore
2019 Sales: 102,402
Vs. 2018: +10.0%
The top-selling model in the Buick lineup, Encore is also the smallest Buick vehicle. With a starting price below $25,000, Encore is a great entry into the premium crossover segment and 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.
© Volkswagen of America
24. Volkswagen Tiguan
2019 Sales: 109,963
Vs. 2018: +6.7%
Sales of Volkswagen’s redesigned Tiguan continued to be strong for 2019 compared to 2018, when Tiguan sales were up more than 119 percent for the year. Volkswagen’s compact crossover was redesigned specifically for the U.S. market, 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 a new version of the German automaker’s turbocharged 2.0-liter TSI engine producing 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, Tiguan delivers power to the front wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission. Volkswagen’s signature 4Motion all-wheel drive with Active Control is optional. Other options include Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit display, and an available Car-Net system offers connected vehicle services.
© Toyota Motor Sales USA
23. Lexus RX
2019 Sales: 111,036
Vs. 2018: -0.5%
The popular Lexus RX finished the year strong with December sales up 6.4 percent. Once again the top selling Lexus model, the RX led the brand to an all-time sales record for SUVs in 2019. 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, a slightly larger model that offers seating for up to seven via a new third row. Both the original and L versions of the RX are available as the RX 350 or the RX 450h, the latter featuring a powerful and fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain. Lexus adds new tech for the 2020 model year; the RX will be the first in the lineup to feature Android Auto connectivity along with the already available Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa integration.
© General Motors
22. Chevrolet Trax
2019 Sales: 116,816
Vs. 2018: +29.9%
Chevrolet’s compact SUV, Trax is offered in three trim levels: LS, LT and Premier, with the Trax LS starting at $21,300. Trax received exterior styling updates for 2017 including a new dual-port grille, sleek halogen headlights, a new rear fascia, and new taillights with signature LED lighting for the LT and Premier trims. Trax draws power from an Ecotec 1.4-liter turbocharged engine making 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque, combined with a 6-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is optional on all trim levels. Trax receives EPA ratings of 26 mpg city / 31 mpg highway / 28 mpg combined, and when equipped with AWD is rated at 24 mpg city / 29 mpg highway / 26 mpg combined.
© Hyundai Motor America
21. Hyundai Santa Fe
2019 Sales: 127,373
Vs. 2018: +8.8%
Santa Fe has been Hyundai’s most successful SUV in the U.S. market, and with the arrival of an all-new fourth-generation 2019 model, sales increased 14 percent for the first half of 2019 and finished the year up 8.8 percent. The redesigned Santa Fe features a bolder look, more interior space, improved ride comfort and new safety, comfort and convenience technologies. Starting with the 2019 model, the Santa Fe name was assigned to the 5-seat version — dropping the Santa Fe Sport name used for the 2018 model — while the 7-seat version is now known as the Santa Fe XL. Hyundai’s rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist is standard; safe exit assist uses radar to detect cars approaching from the rear, and cautions passengers exiting the vehicle. Safe exit assist also alerts the driver, and the rear doors remain locked until the approaching vehicle has passed.
© Subaru of America
20. Subaru Crosstrek
2019 Sales: 131,152
Vs. 2018: -9.2%
Subaru’s Crosstrek was redesigned for 2018 and had big sales that year, finishing 2018 at No. 17 with a 31 percent increase in sales over the previous year. Sales continue to be strong compared to last year’s big increase, but have fallen 9 percent in 2019, dropping Crosstrek three positions on this best-sellers list. The latest generation Crosstrek is longer and wider than the previous model, with new styling that features the familiar hexagonal grille, “hawk-eye” headlights and an impressive 8.7-inches of ground clearance. Built on an all-new global platform, the Crosstrek has a lower center of gravity and more responsive steering to improve driving dynamics. The infotainment system features an 8-inch touchscreen display and Apple CarPlay / Android Auto connectivity. Crosstrek is powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder Boxer engine producing 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque.
© Toyota Motor Sales USA
19. Toyota 4Runner
2019 Sales: 131,888
Vs. 2018: -5.6%
After 35 years, 4Runner remains one of the few truck-based SUVs on the market. This highly-capable contender continues to be popular, although sales took a 5 percent dip last year. For 2019 Toyota added the 4Runner Nightshade Special Edition for the Limited trim, which includes 20-inch black-colored wheels, black grille accents, black roof rails, black badges and a black exhaust tip. The TRD Pro returned for 2019 with a new suspension package, 2.5-inch Fox Internal Bypass Shocks, a TRD roof rack, a moonroof and a new front skidplate. 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 2020 4Runner adds the Venture Edition, based on the TRD Off-Road Premium with a standard Yakima MegaWarrior roof rack, gunmetal-colored 17-inch TRD wheels, black accents and all-weather mats.
© American Honda Motors
18. Honda Pilot
2019 Sales: 135,008
Vs. 2018: -15.4%
Honda Pilot sales dropped 15 percent in 2019 despite the arrival of a refreshed 2019 model in fall 2018. The refreshed Pilot features more aggressive exterior styling, an available hands-free power tailgate, powertrain refinements, and an available new Display Audio touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Pilot is powered by a 3.5-liter 280-horsepower V6 engine combined with a 6-speed automatic transmission and an available all-wheel-drive system. The Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assistance technologies is standard on all trim levels and includes a collision mitigation system with forward collision warning, road departure mitigation, lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control.
© Hyundai Motor America
17. Hyundai Tucson
2019 Sales: 137,381
Vs. 2018: -3.4%
Tucson sales also slowed slightly for 2019 following a strong increase of 24 percent in 2018, with fall 2018 sales boosted by the arrival of the redesigned 2019 model. The updated Tucson includes a Hyundai cascading grille similar to the new Santa Fe, a new headlight design with LED daytime running lights, a new rear fascia, redesigned taillights and new wheels. Two new engines are added: a 161-horsepower 2.0-liter and a 181-horsepower 2.4-liter — both combined with 6-speed automatic transmissions with an electronic shift lock system and SHIFTRONIC manual shift mode. Interior updates for 2019 included a new center stack, instrument cluster, leather seat design, vent design and rearview mirror.
© Ford Motor Company
16. Ford Edge
2019 Sales: 138,515
Vs. 2018: +3.3%
Ford’s midsize crossover received a new exterior look for 2019, boosting Edge sales to a modest 3.3 percent increase for the year. Edge is offered in SE, SEL and Titanium trim levels, as well as the new Ford Edge ST — the first utility vehicle from Ford Performance. All trim levels received new front and rear fascias as well as a new grille, hood and liftgate. The Edge ST is motivated by a 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost engine producing 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. It also has an 8-speed automatic transmission, standard all-wheel drive with selectable traction control, ST-tuned suspension and an available performance brake package. A new Titanium Elite Appearance Package includes 20-inch bright machined aluminum wheels and a body-color rear bumper, front bumper, and lower fascia side cladding with bright chrome inserts.
© FCA US
15. Jeep Compass
2019 Sales: 143,934
Vs. 2018: -15.9%
Jeep Compass sales cooled in 2019 compared to 2018, but to be fair sales in 2018 were more than double the previous year thanks to a redesign; the new Compass looks a lot like a miniature Grand Cherokee. Built on FCA’s small-wide 4X4 architecture, Compass comes in four trim levels: Sport, Latitude, Limited and Trailhawk. Compass gets powered by a 2.4-liter Tigershark engine producing 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, combined with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 9-speed manual transmission for 4X4 models and a 6-speed automatic for 4X2 versions. The Altitude Appearance Package is offered for the Compass Latitude, which includes a black roof, black exterior trim, black 18-inch aluminum wheels and piano black interior trim. The High Altitude Appearance Package is available for Compass Limited, which includes 19-inch Satin Gloss Granite wheels, HID headlights with an LED signature and LED taillights.
© General Motors
14. Chevrolet Traverse
2019 Sales: 147,122
Vs. 2018: -0.4%
Chevrolet’s 3-row crossover, Traverse sales stayed even for 2019 after 2018 sales were fueled by the redesigned 2018 model, resulting in an 18.6 percent sales increase. The redesigned Traverse features a bold new look that follows Chevrolet’s larger full-size SUVs, with a focus on interior volume that incorporates seating for up to eight. For 2020 Traverse is offered in seven trim levels: L, LS, LT Cloth, LT Leather, RS, Premier and High Country. The new Chevrolet Infotainment 3 is added and HD Rear Vision Camera is standard. The standard engine is a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, combined with a 9-speed automatic transmission with either front- or all-wheel drive. The Traverse RS is offered with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that delivers 257 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
© Mazda North America
13. Mazda CX-5
2019 Sales: 154,545
Vs. 2018: +2.6%
Mazda CX-5 sales were up slightly for 2019, posting the fourth consecutive year of record sales. Once again, CX-5 sales for the year were higher than the combined sales of all other Mazda models. Adopting the styling of the larger CX-9, the CX-5 is refined in nearly every way, with a revised chassis, an updated SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter gasoline engine, a new interior and many available features. The new CX-5 is the first Mazda to feature G-Vectoring Control, which enhances vehicle responsiveness and stability while reducing sideways sliding of occupants. For 2019 Mazda turned up the heat by adding the Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trim levels, both powered by the turbocharged SKYACTIV-G 2.5T engine, rated for 2020 at 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel; i-ACTIV all-wheel drive is standard.
© Subaru of America
12. Subaru Forester
2019 Sales: 180,179
Vs. 2018: +5.0%
Forester sales were up 8.8 percent for 2019 following the arrival of the fifth-generation 2019 Forester in the fall of 2018, setting an annual sales record. The small crossover’s sales also contributed to the all-time U.S. sales record for Subaru at 700,117 vehicles — a 3 percent increase over 2018. The 2019 Forester is the roomiest version ever offered with a 1.2-inch-longer wheelbase, more rear-seat legroom and more rear cargo capacity, as well as improvements in crash protection, comfort, quietness and driving dynamics. EyeSight driver-assist technology is standard, and Forester Touring debuts DriverFocus safety technology that can alert the driver of fatigue or distraction. The new Forester is powered by an updated direct-injection 2.5-liter Boxer engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. Forester is available in standard, Premium, Limited, Touring and Sport trim levels.
© Subaru of America
11. Subaru Outback
2019 Sales: 181,178
Vs. 2018: +1.3%
The best-selling model in the Subaru lineup, the Outback is one of the original crossovers, combining SUV utility with the comfort and convenience of a wagon. Following the arrival of the all-new 2020 Outback in the fall of 2019, sales were up slightly for 2019, aided by an increase of 5 percent in December compared with 2018. The latest Subaru to be built on the company’s new global platform, the 2020 Outback gets updated exterior styling, 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.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
10. Ford Explorer
2019 Sales: 187,061
Vs. 2018: -28.5%
The best-selling SUV of all time, Explorer sales dropped nearly 30 percent in 2019, but the arrival of the all-new, redesigned 2020 Explorer should boost sales. The first major redesign in 10 years, the new Explorer is 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. Also available is a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 that bumps power to 365 horses and 380 lb-ft of torque. Two new versions will be added: the powerful ST and the Limited Hybrid. Explorer ST is powered by a 400-horseower 3.0-liter EcoBoost engine and Limited Hybrid features a 3.3-liter hybrid system producing 318 combined system horsepower. A new feature for the 2020 model is a suite of safety features called Co-Pilot360, which includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, post-impact braking and a rearview camera with lens washer.
© FCA US
9. Jeep Cherokee
2019 Sales: 191,397
Vs. 2018: -20.0%
The Jeep Cherokee was updated for 2019 with a refreshed design for the first time since returning to the Jeep lineup as a 2014 model. Sales dropped off 20 percent for 2019, down nearly 30 percent in the last quarter. Exterior changes include a revised, more vertical 7-slot grille; a new fascia; new headlights and a lightweight aluminum hood. An all-new turbocharged 2.0-liter direct-injection engine was added, producing 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Also available is a 3.2-liter Pentastar V6 that produces 271 horsepower and 239 lb-ft of torque, as well as a 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir2 four cylinder that produces 180 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. A new 9-speed automatic transmission is standard. Like all Jeeps, this popular SUV delivers legendary off-road capability with available features including a lifted off-road suspension, skidplates, tow hooks, Selec-Terrain traction control, and Selec-Speed Crawl Control.
© FCA US
8. Jeep Wrangler
2019 Sales: 228,032
Vs. 2018: -5.0%
Following the introduction of the all-new 2018 Jeep Wrangler, Wrangler set an all-time sales record for 2018, making it the top-selling Jeep model for 2018 as well. Sales dropped slightly for 2019, remaining within 5 percent of the record year with fourth-quarter sales setting a new record for the quarter. If any vehicle deserves the “iconic” label, it’s the Jeep Wrangler — the modern descendant of the original U.S. military vehicle that spawned the Jeep name and began the legacy of extreme off-road capability. The 2018 Wrangler retained its 7-slot grille and round headlights but is more aerodynamic than the previous generation. Both 2- and 4-door versions are available in Sport, Sport S, Sahara and Rubicon trims. For 2020 Jeep adds a fuel-efficient diesel powertrain to the Wrangler, as well as new special-editions such as the Wrangler Willys and Wrangler Black & Tan.
© Toyota Motor Sales USA
7. Toyota Highlander
2019 Sales: 239,438
Vs. 2018: -2.1%
Toyota Highlander sales were down slightly for 2019 after posting a 13 percent increase in 2018 for another record year. Sales are expected to remain strong since the fourth-generation 2020 Highlander debuted in April 2018 at the New York Auto Show and is now on sale. Built on Toyota’s New Global Architecture, Highlander gets 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 — enough power to provide a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. A Highlander Hybrid will also be offered with a fuel-efficient gas-electric powertrain.
© Ford Motor Company
6. Ford Escape
2019 Sales: 241,388
Vs. 2018: -11.3%
Ford’s compact 5-seat crossover, Escape had been the best-selling American-brand SUV for a long time, but after record sales in 2017 the small SUV lost the title due to declining 2018 sales. The downward trend continued in 2019 — down 11 percent for the year and nearly 30 percent in the fourth quarter. Sales should improve now that an all-new 2020 Escape is on sale with fresh styling and new powertrains. The 2020 Ford Escape is lower, wider and longer than its predecessor, with a look that is quite a departure from the current generation. The front end features an all-new grille surprisingly similar to those on the Focus and Fusion passenger cars, rather than the Ford SUVs. The new 2020 Escape will be available with a choice of four engines; the standard unit is a 3-cylinder 1.5-liter EcoBoost expected to produce 180 horsepower. Ford is also bringing back the Escape Hybrid — the 2020 model will be available as a standard hybrid as well as a plug-in version.
© FCA US
5. Jeep Grand Cherokee
2019 Sales: 242,969
Vs. 2018: +8.0%
Sales of the flagship Grand Cherokee increased by 8 percent in 2019, a new full-year record for Grand Cherokee, moving past Wrangler as the top-selling Jeep model. Remaining true to the original formula it debuted more than 25 years ago — and without a major redesign since 2011 — Grand Cherokee continues to face strong competition with time-honored off-road capability in an attractive package. Offered with several 4WD systems as well as trim levels, the Grand Cherokee line now boasts the off-road-focused Trailhawk, the luxurious Summit, as well as the Trackhawk, which gets motivation from a supercharged 6.2-liter engine producing 707 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque — providing capability to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. For 2020 Jeep adds more standard equipment across the Grand Cherokee lineup, as well as the latest advanced safety features now available on the base-level Laredo.
© General Motors
4. Chevrolet Equinox
2019 Sales: 346,048
Vs. 2018: +4.0%
Chevrolet’s second-best-selling vehicle after the full-size Silverado pickup, the redesigned 2018 Equinox went on sale in September 2017, pushing 2018 sales to a new record, followed by another record year in 2019. Traverse also retains its title as the best-selling American-brand SUV in 2019. The Equinox features a new exterior design with projector-beam headlights, LED running lights, wider horizontal taillights and LED taillights for upper trim levels. Inside, the new Equinox features a down-and-away instrument panel with a low windshield base for improved outward visibility. Two engine choices for Equinox in the U.S. market continue to be a 170-horsepower 1.5-liter turbo and a 252-horse 2.0-liter turbo combined with a new 9-speed automatic transmission. For 2020 Chevrolet adds a Midnight Edition Equinox to the lineup.
© Nissan North America
3. Nissan Rogue
2019 Sales: 350,447
Vs. 2018: -15.0%
Rogue sales were down 15 percent for the year and 35 percent in December 2019, but the small SUV continues to be the top-selling model in Nissan’s lineup. Rogue’s success can be attributed to updated styling and added features, as well as the addition of the smaller Rogue Sport to the lineup for 2018. Rogue features 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 also has a new hybrid in the lineup. Rogue Sport rides on a 2.3-inch shorter wheelbase and is 12.1 inches shorter than Rogue, motivated by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 141 horsepower. The 2019 Rogue was the first model to offer Nissan Safety Shield 360 — a suite of six advanced active safety and driver-assist technologies. All Rogues are now available with ProPILOT Assist — Nissan’s first step toward building autonomous vehicles.
© American Honda Motors
2. Honda CR-V
2019 Sales: 384,168
Vs. 2018: +1.4%
Even though December 2019 sales were off by 14 percent, Honda CR-V sales increased slightly for the 2019 calendar year to set a new sales record, moving the CR-V to the No. 2 position on this list. Redesigned for the 2017 model year, the fifth-generation CR-V continues to be Honda’s top-selling model in the U.S. market, with more than 4.5 million sold since its introduction in 1997. The CR-V offers consumers a comfortable, small crossover with great utility and excellent fuel economy. For 2020 Honda has refreshed the CR-V’s exterior styling and is adding the first hybrid to the CR-V lineup (available early 2020). Similar to the Honda Accord Hybrid, the CR-V Hybrid uses a 2-motor 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.
© Toyota Motor Sales USA
1. Toyota RAV4
2019 Sales: 448,071
Vs. 2018: +4.9%
The Toyota RAV4 finished 2019 as the best-selling SUV in America, thanks to a 4.9 percent sales increase due to the arrival of the redesigned 2019 RAV4, as well as a 92 percent sales increase for RAV4 Hybrid. One of the original compact crossovers on the American market, the new RAV4 has bold styling, improved capability, better performance and an array of new safety and convenience features. In addition to the updated styling and efficient powertrains, RAV4 now comes with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection — as well as lane departure alert — as standard equipment. The next-generation Toyota Hybrid system in the RAV4 HV is more compact, more efficient and quieter than the previous version; the driver will notice more linear acceleration, while Sport mode will optimize torque to prioritize acceleration. For 2020 Toyota adds the RAV4 TRD Off-Road, and has also announced that the 2021 RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid will be arriving next summer. Not only will the plug-in be more fuel efficient, it will also be the second-quickest vehicle in the Toyota lineup.
