© Ford Motor Company
Best-Selling SUVs in America
Total U.S. vehicle sales figures are in for 2021, and the numbers tell an interesting story. Despite an overall increase in total SUVs sales over 2020, the majority of that increase occurred in the first half of 2021, with sales slowing significantly in the fourth quarter to eke out a modest gain for the year. Sales of the top 25 SUVs were up 8.0 percent compared to 2020, with the top 10 best-selling models up only 2.2 percent. At the end of June, sales for the first half of the year were up 38.8 percent for the top 25 SUV models and 31.2 percent for the top 10 best-sellers and those numbers dropped by the end of the third quarter to 21.4 percent and 13.7 percent, respectively. Keep in mind that 19 of the top 25 SUVs showed sales increases for 2021. Here are the best-selling SUVs in America based on final sales figures for 2021, according to numbers compiled from automaker sales reports.
© Kia Motor America
25. Kia Telluride
2021 Sales: 93,705
Vs. 2020: +24.7%
A new addition to the Kia lineup for 2020, the Telluride midsize crossover offers bold styling, a premium interior, a powerful engine and seating for up to eight occupants. Designed specifically for the U.S. market at Kia’s design center in California, Telluride joined the lineup next to the midsize Sorento. Telluride sales continued to increase in 2021, moving it into the top 25 best-selling SUVs for the first time in the fourth quarter. Larger than Sorento, Telluride offers a 3-occupant third row with additional storage behind the seats. Kia focused on creating an upscale user experience with quality materials, particularly within the top-line Telluride SX with the Prestige Package, which includes double-stitched Napa leather ventilated seats, a premium headliner, a head-up display and a dual-panel sunroof. Telluride is powered by a 291-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 engine that gets combined with an 8-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode.
© Kia Motor America
24. Kia Sportage
2021 Sales: 94,601
Vs. 2020: +12.2%
As Kia’s compact crossover SUV, Sportage has been one of the Korean automaker’s top-selling models in the U.S. market for many years. Although Sportage sales were down 26 percent through the third quarter of 2021, Sportage moved back into the top 25 best-selling SUVs and finished the year with a 12 percent increase. Kia designers redid the Sportage for the 2020 model year with a more aggressive exterior. Updates include new headlights with available LED turn indicators, redesigned projector-beam fog lights, available LED headlights with available LED fog lights, as well as a new grille, front bumper and wheel designs. At the rear, the new Sportage features new taillight trim, rear bumper and exhaust tip designs.
© General Motors
23. Chevrolet Tahoe
2021 Sales: 106,030
Vs. 2020: +20.2%
Sales of Chevrolet’s full-size Tahoe SUV were down in 2020, but the arrival of the all-new 2021 Tahoe in fall 2020 boosted fourth-quarter sales 36 percent over the previous year. The uptick continued into 2021 to move Tahoe back into the top 25 best-selling SUVs for this year, with sales up 20 percent over 2020. The best-selling full-size SUV in America, the 2021 Chevy Tahoe gets built on a new chassis with a new independent rear suspension, available Magnetic Ride Control and available Four-Corner Air Ride Adaptive suspension. The new 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.
© Mike Meredith, Automotive Content Experience
22. Ford Bronco Sport
2021 Sales: 108,169
Vs. 2020: +2012.7%
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 for the year, the new compact SUV outsold Escape in September and has maintained its position in the top 25. 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 2021 Bronco Sport was offered in five trim levels at launch: Base, Big Bend, Outer Banks, Badlands and First Edition and continues into 2022 with four trims minus the First Edition. 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.
© Volkswagen of America, Inc.
21. Volkswagen Tiguan
2021 Sales: 109,743
Vs. 2020: +9.0%
Sales of the second-generation Tiguan dropped during the first half of 2020 but bounced back in the latter half of the year, and that momentum continued into 2021 with sales up 37 percent for the first half of the year. Third-quarter sales dropped nearly 30 percent, but Tiguan finished the year with a 9.0 percent increase. Volkswagen’s compact crossover was redesigned specifically for the U.S. market, offering more interior space and third-row seating. Adopting VW’s current design language, Tiguan’s 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.
© Hyundai Motor America
20. Hyundai Santa Fe
2021 Sales: 112,071
Vs. 2020: +11.2%
With the arrival of the all-new 2021 model, Santa Fe sales took off in the first half of 2021 — up 45 percent before cooling off to a nice 11 percent increase for the year. The 2021 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 182 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.
© Toyota Motor Sales USA
19. Lexus RX
2021 Sales: 115,320
Vs. 2020: +14.1%
The best-selling model in the Lexus lineup, the RX led the brand to an all-time sales record for SUVs in 2019 before sales dropped in in 2020. Sales were up more than 50 percent for the first half of 2021 and finished the year with a 14 percent increase. In 2020 Lexus upped RX utility 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, fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain. For 2021 a blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert became standard equipment on all trim levels.
© General Motors
18. Chevrolet Traverse
2021 Sales: 116,250
Vs. 2020: -7.4%
Traverse sales were up nearly 60 percent for the first half of 2021, although they dropped significantly in the second half pending the arrival of the redesigned 2022 model. In 2020 Chevrolet debuted a refreshed 2021 Traverse originally scheduled to arrive in fall 2020 but the new version was pushed back to the 2022 model year. The 2022 Traverse is updated with a new front fascia, new grille, new LED headlights and turn signals integrated into the daytime running lights, as well as new LED taillights, new roof rails and new 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.
© Subaru of America
17. Subaru Crosstrek
2021 Sales: 127,466
Vs. 2020: +6.5%
Sales of Subaru’s popular compact crossover fell in 2019 and continued to drop in 2020, but that trend changed in September 2020 thanks to the arrival of an updated 2021 Crosstrek. Last year sales were up more than 30 percent for the first nine months and finished at a 6.5 percent increase. 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 powered by a new 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.
© American Honda Motors
16. Honda HR-V
2021 Sales: 137,090
Vs. 2020: +63.1%
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. 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 now on sale and offered in four trim levels: LX, Sport, EX and EX-L, and all offered 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.
© American Honda Motors
15. Honda Pilot
2021 Sales: 143,062
Vs. 2020: +15.5%
Despite a refresh of the midsize Pilot for the 2019 model year, sales were still impacted by the pandemic in 2020 but rebounded in 2021 to finish with a strong improvement. The refreshed Pilot features more 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 2021 the V6 gets paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, paddle shifters and Idle Stop for all trim levels. Pilot also added the Special Edition with black 20-inch wheels, black trim, wireless phone charging and a hands-free power liftgate. 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.
© Toyota Motor Sales USA
14. Toyota 4Runner
2021 Sales: 144,696
Vs. 2020: +12.1%
After 35 years, 4Runner remains one of the few truck-based SUVs left on the market. This highly capable contender has a loyal following and sales are up more than 20 percent for the year. 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. The 4Runner Trail Edition includes black exterior badging, black seating with tan stitching, all-weather floor liners, dark gray TRD Off-Road wheels, a Yakima LoadWarrior rooftop cargo basket, a custom 40-quart cooler and a sliding cargo tray. 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.
© Ford Motor Company
13. Ford Escape
2021 Sales: 145,415
Vs. 2020: -18.5%
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 26 percent in 2020 and have continued to drop in 2021, due in part to the arrival of the all-new Bronco Sport which is of similar size and had 108,169 sales for 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.
© Hyundai Motor America
12. Hyundai Tucson
2021 Sales: 150,949
Vs. 2020: +22.1%
Tucson sales in the U.S. dropped during 2020 but rebounded nicely in 2021 with the arrival of a redesigned 2022 model, including the addition of the 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.
© Subaru of America
11. Subaru Outback
2021 Sales: 154,623
Vs. 2020: +0.9%
One of the original crossovers, Outback combines SUV utility with the comfort and convenience of a wagon. Despite the arrival of an all-new 2020 Outback, sales dropped in 2020 by 15 percent. Even though sales rebounded well in early 2021 and continued to be strong through the third quarter, they dropped to finish the year even with 2020. Built on Subaru’s new global platform, Outback received updated exterior styling last year 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 Outback receives steering-responsive LED headlights.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
10. Subaru Forester
2021 Sales: 154,723
Vs. 2020: -12.6%
Following the arrival of the fifth-generation 2019 model, Forester set a sales record in 2019. Sales in 2020 were initially down but finished the year close to another record, and that momentum continued into 2021 before dropping off at the end of the year. For 2022 Subaru adds the Forester Wilderness, and the entire Forester lineup has new exterior styling for the 2022 model year, including 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.
© Mazda North America
9. Mazda CX-5
2021 Sales: 163,940
Vs. 2020: +12.7%
Following four consecutive years of record numbers, CX-5 sales slowed in early 2020 but rebounded in the second half of the year. Sales continue to climb in 2021 — up more than 40 percent for the first half and finishing with a 12.7 percent increase for the year. The latest generation CX-5 adopted the styling of the larger CX-9, and it’s more 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. For 2019 Mazda added the Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trim levels, both powered by the turbocharged SKYACTIV-G 2.5T engine rated at 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel; i-ACTIV all-wheel drive is standard. The Carbon Edition includes Polymetal Gray paint, gloss black door mirrors, 19-inch black metallic aluminum alloy wheels and red leather seats.
© General Motors
8. Chevrolet Equinox
2021 Sales: 165,323
Vs. 2020: -39.0%
Chevrolet’s second-best-selling vehicle after the full-size Silverado pickup, Equinox sales dropped in 2020 and continued to decline in 2021. Equinox sales have likely been impacted by the arrival of the all-new Trailblazer, as well as the delay of a redesigned Equinox. In 2020 Chevrolet debuted a refreshed 2021 Equinox originally scheduled to arrive in fall 2020, but the Detroit automaker pushed the new version to the 2022 model year. The 2022 Equinox features refreshed styling with a new grille, slim LED headlights and new LED daytime running lights. The new 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.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
7. Jeep Wrangler
2021 Sales: 204,610
Vs. 2020: +1.6%
Not even Wrangler was immune to the pandemic — sales dropped almost 12 percent during 2020 but thanks to a strong first half rebounded in 2021 to end up with a slight increase for the year. 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.
© Ford Motor Company
6. Ford Explorer
2021 Sales: 219,871
Vs. 2020: -2.8%
The best-selling SUV of all time, 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. 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.
© Toyota Motor Sales USA
5. Toyota Highlander
2021 Sales: 264,128
Vs. 2020: +24.4%
All new for the 2020 model year, Highlander sales were trending upward in 2020 until Covid hit. Despite a midyear slump, the SUV finished 2020 with a strong fourth quarter and sales for 2021 increased more than 80 percent in the first half of the year, before dropping off to finish the year with a strong 24 percent increase. 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
4. Jeep Grand Cherokee
2021 Sales: 264,444
Vs. 2020: +26.1%
One of the original and most popular SUVS of all time, the Grand Cherokee set a new sales record for 2019 and moved past Wrangler to finish the year as the top-selling Jeep model. Wrangler moved ahead of Grand Cherokee again in the first half of 2020, but with the arrival of an all-new 7-seat 2021 Grand Cherokee L, Grand Cherokee is once again the top-selling Jeep model. 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 L 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.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
3. Nissan Rogue
2021 Sales: 285,602
Vs. 2020: +25.3%
The top-selling model in Nissan’s lineup, Rogue sales cooled in 2020. However, the arrival of an all-new 2021 Rogue boosted sales by more than 70 percent in the first half of 2021 before tapering off later in the year; overall the model finished with a strong 25 percent increase for the year. 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 2021 Nissan Rogue has a 2.5-liter direct-injection 4-cylinder engine that produces 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque and gets paired with the Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2. Honda CR-V
2021 Sales: 361,271
Vs. 2020: +7.7%
The Honda CR-V set a new sales record for 2019, but even this popular model was not immune to the pandemic and U.S. sales cooled in 2020, dropping 13 percent over the record year. In the first half of 2021 sales increased more than 50 percent before dropping off in the second half to finish with a modest increase of 7.7 percent for the year. The fifth-generation CR-V continues to be Honda’s top-selling model in the U.S., with more than 4.5 million sold since its introduction in 1997. 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.
© Toyota Motor Sales, USA
1. Toyota RAV4
2021 Sales: 407,739
Vs. 2020: -5.3%
For the fifth consecutive year, the Toyota RAV4 finished 2021 as the best-selling SUV in America. Despite a slight decrease in sales over 2020, RAV4 held onto the top position by a significant margin of 46,468 units over the CR-V. Sales rose more than 20 percent in the first half of the year, but dropped off in the second half with December sales dipping 46 percent compared to 2020, dropping RAV4 to a 5 percent decrease for the year. 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. The 2021 RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid began arriving in the summer of 2020. Not only is the plug-in more fuel efficient, it’s also the second-quickest vehicle in the Toyota lineup behind the GR Supra sports car.
