© Nissan North America, Inc.
Best-Selling SUVS of 2018 . . . So Far
The popularity of SUVs and crossovers continues to grow, fueled by U.S. sales figures during the first quarter of 2018. Total SUV sales for the new year increased by more than 12 percent through March 30, while total vehicle sales were up slightly with a mere 2 percent increase over the same period for 2017. Both new models and updates of existing favorites are hitting the market, and March SUV sales were red hot with an increase of 20 percent compared to March 2017. The top 20 best-selling SUVs were up 23.8 percent for March and 15.7 percent for the first quarter of 2018. Here are the top-selling SUVs in America based on total sales through March 2018, according to numbers compiled from individual auto manufacturers’ sales reports and goodcarbadcar.net.
© Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
20. Toyota 4Runner
2018 Sales: 31,550
Vs. 2017: -0.3%
One of the original sport-utility vehicles, the first Toyota 4Runner was based on a Toyota pickup of the mid-1980s, and today 4Runner remains one of the few truck-based SUVs still on the market. This highly-capable contender continues to hold steady, with year-to-date sales on par with the first quarter of last year. For 2017 Toyota added the TRD Off-Road and TRD Off-Road Premium trims to the 4Runner lineup, offering excellent backcountry capability while maintaining a luxurious, comfortable interior. For 2018 two additional packages are offered: the Wilderness Package and the TRD Enhancement Package. The 4Runner continues to be powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine that produces 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, delivered through a 5-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift mode.
© Ford Motor Company
19. Ford Edge
2018 Sales: 32,654
Vs. 2017: +2.2%
A few years ago sales were dropping off the Edge, but in 2015 the stylish crossover received a major refresh and the numbers have improved ever since, continuing steadily for 2018 with a modest 2.2 percent increase for the year and an 18.7 percent increase for March. For 2018 Edge adds an SEL Sport Appearance Package that includes dark exterior trim and 19-inch Magnetic Metallic-painted wheels, grille, mirror caps and rear spoiler; interior treatments include Mayan Gray fabric seats with Umber-colored Miko sueded-cloth inserts. Edge offers a choice of three engines, including a twin-turbo 2.7-liter EcoBoost that generates an impressive 315 horsepower. In January at the Detroit Auto Show, Ford debuted the 2019 Edge ST powered by a 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost engine producing 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque with an 8-speed automatic transmission, standard all-wheel drive with selectable traction control, ST-tuned suspension and an available performance brake package.
© General Motors
18. GMC Terrain
2018 Sales: 32,964
Vs. 2017: +44.2%
The redesigned 2018 Terrain went on sale in the summer of 2017 and moved into the top 20 best-selling SUVs for 2018, with first quarter sales up 44.2 percent and March 2018 sales double the previous year. The new Terrain features a bold new grille, sculpted headlights and C-shaped rear light graphics. The top-level Terrain Denali includes a signature chrome grille, roof rails, door handles, side mirror caps and bodyside moldings, as well as LED headlights and 19-inch ultra-bright machined aluminum wheels. In addition to the top-line Denali trim, Terrain is available in SL, SLE and SLT trims and three engine choices, all with available all-wheel drive. The standard engine is a turbocharged 1.5-liter unit that produces 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque, combined with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The optional turbocharged 2.0-liter powerplant produces 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, also mated with a 9-speed automatic. The available 1.6-liter turbodiesel produces 137 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque.
© Subaru of America
17. Subaru Crosstrek
2018 Sales: 33,462
Vs. 2017: +65.3%
Subaru’s redesigned 2018 Crosstrek moved into the top 20 best-selling SUVs for 2018 thanks to a bold 65 percent sales increase for the first quarter of 2018, boosted by an 88 percent increase for March year-over-year. The new 2018 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 that significantly enhances body and chassis rigidity and strength, the Crosstrek receives suspension improvements, a lower center of gravity and more responsive steering to improve driving dynamics. Inside, the seats have been updated, there’s a redesigned steering wheel and more space is available for passengers and cargo. The infotainment system features an 8-inch touchscreen display and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are standard. Crosstrek is powered by a revised 2.0-liter 4-cylinder Boxer engine producing 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque — a slight increase compared to the outgoing model.
© Subaru of America
16. Subaru Forester
2018 Sales: 37,104
Vs. 2017: -10.5%
After flat sales for 2017, Subaru Forester sales dropped 10.5 percent in the first quarter of 2018, but that’s to be expected with a redesigned 2019 Forester scheduled to go on sale later this year. The current Forester was updated for 2017 with revised exterior styling, new driver-assistance technologies, added interior comfort and improved fuel economy, offered with either a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine or a turbocharged 2.0 liter. The fifth-generation 2019 Forester debuted in March at the New York Auto Show and will be the roomiest Forester ever offered with a 1.2-inch longer wheelbase, more rear-seat legroom and rear cargo capacity. The 2019 Forester offers improvements in crash protection, comfort, quietness and driving dynamics, powered by an updated direct-injection 2.5-liter Boxer engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. Also standard is SI-DRIVE, which allows the driver to choose between Intelligent and Sport modes for throttle response.
© American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
15. Honda Pilot
2018 Sales: 37,833
Vs. 2017: +50%
The 2018 Honda Pilot went on sale in December 2017 with increased production from the Honda Manufacturing of Alabama plant in Lincoln, Alabama, and sales jumped 50 percent during the first quarter of 2018. Honda’s 3-row SUV moved up to the 15th position after finishing 2017 in the 17th spot. The Pilot was redesigned for the 2016 model year and recorded a huge sales increase over the previous model. For 2017 Pilot added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality for upper trim levels. Pilot is powered by a 3.5-liter 280-horsepower V6 engine combined with a 6-speed automatic (9-speed for upper trim levels) and an available intelligent all-wheel-drive system. The 2018 Pilot can be equipped with the Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assistance technologies, as a standalone option on EX and EX-L trims and standard on Touring and Elite trims. Honda Sensing includes collision warning and mitigation, lane keeping and adaptive cruise control as well as lane and road departure mitigation.
© General Motors
14. Chevrolet Traverse
2018 Sales: 38,198
Vs. 2017: +30.1%
Chevrolet’s 3-row crossover, the redesigned 2018 Traverse hit the market in fall 2017 with a dramatic 50 percent sales increase in September compared to 2017, and finished the year with December sales up 18.6 percent as the 18th best-selling SUV for the year. For the first quarter of 2018, Traverse moved up to No. 14 with a sales increase of 30 percent for the first three months, and over 40 percent in March. The 2018 Traverse features a bold new look that follows Chevrolet’s larger full-size SUVs with a focus on interior volume, including seating for up to eight. Two new trim levels are added: RS and High Country. The standard engine is a new 3.6-liter V6 combined with a 9-speed automatic transmission, with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The Traverse RS is offered exclusively with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that delivers more torque than the V6, also paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
© Mazda North American Operations
13. Mazda CX-5
2018 Sales: 42,817
Vs. 2017: +75.7%
Redesigned for the 2017 model year, the 2018 Mazda CX-5 continues to build momentum with a 75.7 percent increase in sales for the first quarter of 2018 and a 90 percent increase for March year-over year, moving CX-5 up to No. 13 after finishing 2017 at No. 16. Already the top-selling model in Mazda’s lineup, the 2018 CX-5 went on sale early last year and finished 2017 with a 13.7 percent increase for the full year — an impressive number since 2016 was already the best sales year for CX-5 since its debut as a 2012 model. 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 design 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 the occupants for a more comfortable ride.
© FCA US
12. Jeep Compass
2018 Sales: 43,520
Vs. 2017: +408.9%
To say the redesigned Compass is a success would be an understatement. Now sold as a 2018 model, first quarter sales for this year were up more than 400 percent, with March 2018 sales up 550 percent. (February and March 2018 were the best Compass sales months ever.) Jeep Compass ended 2017 as the No. 30 best-selling SUV and bounced all the way to No. 12 for the first quarter of 2018. The new Compass looks a lot like a miniature Grand Cherokee. Built on FCA’s small-wide 4X4 architecture, Compass is offered in four trim levels: Sport, Latitude, Limited and Trailhawk. Compass is powered by a 2.4-liter Tigershark engine producing 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, combined with a 9-speed manual transmission for 4X4 models and a 6-speed manual for 4X2 versions. Two full-time 4-wheel-drive systems are offered: Active Drive and Active Drive Low. The Jeep Compass Trailhawk offers the best off-road capability with Active Drive Low, Selec-Terrain with Rock mode, increased ride height, skidplates, unique fascias for increased approach and departure angles, hill-descent control and 17-inch off-road tires.
© Subaru of America
11. Subaru Outback
2018 Sales: 44,122
Vs. 2017: +3.6%
The top-selling model in the Subaru lineup, Outback sales were up a modest 3.6 percent for the first quarter of 2018 after Outback set a new annual sales record for 2017 at 188,886 units, contributing to Subaru’s best year ever. One of the original crossovers, Outback combines SUV utility with the comfort and convenience of a wagon. The last extensive redesign was for the 2015 model year, and for 2018 Outback receives revised exterior styling and interior updates with more premium materials. Chassis suspension and steering updates target a smoother ride with a more direct driving feel. New multimedia features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Nuance voice recognition, while Steering Responsive LED headlights are offered.
© FCA US LLC
10. Jeep Cherokee
2018 Sales: 50,610
Vs. 2017: +24.2%
Cherokee sales struggled a bit last year with a decrease of nearly 15 percent compared to the previous year, but 2018 is looking more positive for the small off-roader with a sales increase of 24 percent for the first quarter and an increase of 63 percent for March with the arrival of the new 2019 Cherokee. Jeep debuted the all-new 2019 Cherokee at the Detroit Auto Show in January and it gets a refreshed design for the first time since returning to the Jeep lineup as a 2014 model, bringing the styling in line with other Jeeps. Exterior changes include a revised, more vertical 7-slot grille; a new fascia; new headlights and a lightweight aluminum hood. A turbocharged 2.0-liter engine is 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.
© Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
9. Toyota Highlander
2018 Sales: 52,882
Vs. 2017: +13.4%
Last year Highlander had its best sales ever, building on record numbers in 2016 with an increase of more than 12 percent after Toyota added more power, more safety and more trim levels for the 2017 model year. The trend continues for 2018 with a sales increase of 13.4 percent for the first quarter and a sales increase of almost 20 percent in March. Highlander’s new 3.5-liter V6 engine produces 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, combined with a new direct-shift 8-speed automatic transmission. Highlander is available with front- or all-wheel drive and a choice of 4-cylinder, V6 or hybrid powertrains. The fuel-efficient Highlander Hybrid features a direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 gas engine teamed with an electric drive motor-generator to produce a total of 306 horsepower while delivering a combined 29 mpg.
© FCA US
8. Jeep Grand Cherokee
2018 Sales: 53,448
Vs. 2017: -5.6%
The flagship Jeep model, Grand Cherokee sales increased more than 13 percent for 2017 while remaining true to the original formula it debuted 25 years ago as a 1993 model. Sales dropped slightly for the first quarter of 2018, although sales in March were stronger than the previous months. The first Grand Cherokee was billed as a more upscale Jeep for everyday use, while retaining the legendary Jeep off-road capability. Offered with several 4WD systems as well as trim levels, for 2017 the Grand Cherokee line added the off-road-focused Trailhawk and the luxurious Summit. Added for 2018, the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter engine producing 707 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque — capable of accelerating from zero to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. Jeep also adds a Grand Cherokee Sterling Edition to commemorate the model’s 25th anniversary.
© FCA US LLC
7. Jeep Wrangler
2018 Sales: 55,504
Vs. 2017: +34.4%
The all-new 2018 Jeep Wrangler is now available in showrooms and March 2018 was the best sales month ever for Wrangler — up 70 percent over 2017. As the all-new Wrangler JL arrives in showrooms, Jeep continues to produce the outgoing Wrangler JK as another 2018 model, so don’t be surprised if Wrangler sales continue to climb dramatically in 2018. 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 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-door and 4-door versions are available in Sport, Sport S, Sahara and Rubicon trims.
© Ford Motor Company
6. Ford Explorer
2018 Sales: 62,804
Vs. 2017: +0.1%
Although Ford Explorer sales are flat for the first quarter of 2018, last year Explorer posted its best sales year since 2005, up more than 9 percent for the year and contributing to a new record for Ford SUVs, with a total of 796,302 sold in 2017. Explorer was refreshed for the 2016 model year with updated styling, new features and a new 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine good for 270 horsepower. The 2018 Explorer offers five new wheel options, a Safe and Smart Package, and available SYNC Connect with 4G modem and Wi-Fi hotspot that connects up to 10 devices. Note: Explorer figures include sales of the Explorer-based Police Interceptor Utility, which is currently one of the most popular vehicles for law enforcement work.
© Ford Motor Company
5. Ford Escape
2018 Sales: 67,350
Vs. 2017: -11.8%
Ford’s compact 5-seat crossover, Escape has been the best-selling American-brand SUV for a long time and added another year of record sales for 2017, but drops to the No. 5 position on this list for the first quarter of 2018 as another American-brand SUV surges forward. Escape was updated for 2017 with a new exterior design that includes a raised trapezoidal grille that ties the compact SUV’s look more closely to other Ford SUVs. Interior changes include a new steering wheel, an electric parking brake, a repositioned gear shift and new storage bins. Two EcoBoost engines are available: a turbocharged 1.5 liter producing 179 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged twin-scroll 2.0-liter unit producing 245 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque.
© American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
4. Honda CR-V
2018 Sales: 82,046
Vs. 2017: -12.8%
Honda’s CR-V finished 2016 as the best-selling SUV in America, but despite a redesign for 2017, a sales increase of nearly 6 percent and a new annual sales record, it dropped to the No. 3 position at the end of 2017 against strong competition. The CR-V continues to struggle in 2018, down 12.8 percent for the first quarter and dropping to the No. 4 position. 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 4.2 million sold since its introduction in 1997. The CR-V offers consumers a comfortable, small crossover with great utility and excellent fuel economy. In fact, CR-V’s 2.4-liter 185-horsepower engine teamed with a new continuously variable transmission makes it one of the most fuel-efficient crossovers on the market.
© General Motors
3. Chevrolet Equinox
2018 Sales: 82,398
Vs. 2017: +31.4%
Chevrolet’s second-best-selling vehicle after the full-size Silverado pickup, the redesigned 2018 Equinox went on sale in September, pushing numbers for 2017 to nearly a 20 percent increase and continuing into 2018 with a 31.4 percent increase for the first quarter. Equinox receives 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. The three engine choices for Equinox in the U.S. market are a 170-horsepower 1.5-liter turbo, a 252-horse 2.0-liter turbo combined with a new 9-speed automatic transmission, and a 136-horsepower 1.6-liter turbodiesel.
© Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
2. Toyota RAV4
2018 Sales: 91,459
Vs. 2017: +13.6%
The Toyota RAV4 finished 2017 as the best-selling crossover SUV in America thanks to another record sales year; despite a 13.6 percent sales increase for the first quarter of 2018, RAV4 dropped to the No. 2 position. Toyota seems focused on reversing this trend as the all-new 2019 RAV4 recently rolled out at the New York Auto Show in March and will go on sale later this year. One of the original compact crossovers on the American market, the current RAV4 features edgy styling and is available with front- or all-wheel drive. RAV4 can be powered by a 2.5-liter gas engine or a more powerful and efficient hybrid powertrain. Several trims are available, including a new Adventure Grade with more rugged styling, raised ground clearance and other special features. All RAV4 Hybrids are 4WD — the gas engine combines with an electric motor to drive the front wheels, while an additional electric motor provides power to the rear wheels. RAV4 was one of the first crossovers when it debuted as a 1996 model, and today the RAV4 Hybrid is both the most powerful and the most fuel-efficient RAV4 ever, rated at an EPA-estimated 34 mpg city / 30 mpg highway / 32 mpg combined.
© Nissan North America, Inc.
1. Nissan Rogue
2018 Sales: 116,454
Vs. 2017: +14.8%
Nissan Rogue is now the best-selling Nissan model, and with a 14.8 percent sales increase for the first quarter of 2018, takes over the title as the best-selling SUV in America. Sales momentum is due to updated styling and added features for the 2017 model year, as well as the addition of the smaller Rogue Sport to the lineup. 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 includes a new hybrid in the lineup. Rogue Sport rides on a 2.3-inch shorter wheelbase and is 12.1 inches shorter than Rogue, and is motivated by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 141 horsepower. For 2018, the Rogue is available with ProPILOT Assist — Nissan’s first step toward building autonomous vehicles.
