© Toyota Motor Sales, USA
Best-Selling SUVs in America
Anyone shopping for a new car has firsthand knowledge of the ongoing chip shortage that has continued to impact new vehicle inventories in America. This lack of product has also affected overall vehicle sales, which are down about 13 percent compared to a year ago. Even the most popular SUVs are not immune to the downturn — many models recorded double-digit sales declines for the first three quarters of the year, and only two models among the 10 best-selling SUVs posted a sales increase. Here are the best-selling SUVs in America during the first three quarters of 2022, according to numbers compiled from automaker sales reports.
© General Motors
25. Chevrolet Traverse
2022 Sales: 69,694
Vs. 2021: -26.0%
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 updated SUV finally arrived with 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 new 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.
© Kia America
24. Kia Telluride
2022 Sales: 72,296
Vs. 2021: 2.2%
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 as the brand’s flagship SUV. Demand for Telluride has not waned much since introduction, thanks in part to its upscale user experience showcasing quality materials, particularly in the top-line Telluride SX with the Prestige Package, which features double-stitched Nappa 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 combined with an 8-speed automatic transmission. A revised 2023 Telluride with updated styling and new features is now arriving in showrooms.
© American Honda Motors
23. Honda Pilot
2022 Sales: 73,952
Vs. 2021: -35.5%
Honda Pilot had strong sales to finish 2021, but that momentum has slowed in 2022 with sales down nearly 40 percent compared to the previous year. Refreshed for 2019, Pilot features powertrain refinements, aggressive exterior styling, an available hands-free power tailgate, 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.
© General Motors
22. Chevrolet Tahoe
2022 Sales: 74,633
Vs. 2021: -0.7%
An all-new 2021 Tahoe arrived in the fall of 2020, and sales have been strong ever since. The best-selling full-size SUV in America gets built on a chassis featuring independent rear suspension, available Magnetic Ride Control, and available Four-Corner Air Ride Adaptive suspension. The updated 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.
21. Subaru Forester
2022 Sales: 79,405
Vs. 2021: -40.0%
Forester set a sales record in 2019 and finished 2020 close to another record before sales dropped last year. Despite new exterior styling for the 2022 model year and the addition of Forester Wilderness, 2022 sales are off 40 percent compared to last year. Last year’s refresh includes a redesigned grille, a new front bumper, LED headlights, a revised lower rear bumper, and new exterior trim details. For those seeking a more aggressive Forester, Subaru adds a new Wilderness version. Easily identified by its distinctive copper exterior accents, the Forester Wilderness features an upgraded suspension, all-terrain tires, a revised drivetrain, standard X-MODE and 9.2 inches of ground clearance to make it the most off-road-capable Forester Subaru has ever produced.
© Ford Motor Company
20. Ford Bronco Sport
2022 Sales: 79,976
Vs. 2021: -1.5%
A brand-new model for 2021, the Bronco Sport shares styling cues and off-road capability with the new Bronco. A stepped-up roofline and upright body panels give the vehicle a bolder look compared with many of today’s compact SUVs. The Bronco Sport is offered in four trim levels: 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
19. Lexus RX
2022 Sales: 80,299
Vs. 2021: -5.1%
The best-selling model in the Lexus lineup, the RX had a slight sales decrease versus last year, but that may improve with the arrival of an all-new 2023 Lexus RX. This fifth-generation RX features a bold, new look as well as a fresh interior with a greatly improved user interface. The 2023 Lexus RX is offered in six trim levels with three powertrain options: RX 350 in both front- or all-wheel drive, RX 350h hybrid with all-wheel drive, and the new, more powerful RX 500h F SPORT Performance hybrid with all-wheel drive. The RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid will arrive later in the model year.
© Hyundai Motor America
18. Hyundai Sante Fe
2022 Sales: 86,129
Vs. 2021: -3.9%
Hyundai introduced an all-new Santa Fe last year and while sales are down slightly compared to last year, the new design has been well received. In addition to its new exterior design, the updated Sante Fe features advanced lighting technology, new engines, an available hybrid with all-wheel drive, and a new high-level Calligraphy trim. 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 for an estimated total system output of 225 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
17. Ford Bronco
2022 Sales: 86,387
Vs. 2021: 746.6%
Returning after nearly a 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. Sales of this new, exciting model continue to ramp up, keeping this new SUV in high demand. Built to handle tough terrain, 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. Ford also added the Bronco Raptor for those wanting a bit more off-road performance.
© Kia Motor America
16. Kia Sportage
2022 Sales: 89,739
Vs. 2021: 13.9%
The best-selling model in Kia’s U.S. lineup, the Sportage is one of the few SUVs on this list with positive sales growth versus last year. This success can be attributed to the arrival of the updated 2023 Sportage, which features a bold new design and for the first time adds hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions. Built on the same platform as the Sorento, the new Sportage is 7.1 inches longer and rides on a 3.4-inch longer wheelbase. The Sportage Hybrid is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline direct injection engine producing 177 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, combined with a 44 kW electric motor and a 13 kW starter generator for a total combined output of 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
© American Honda Motors
15. Honda HR-V
2022 Sales: 92,555
Vs. 2021: -12.2%
The smallest SUV in Honda’s lineup, the HR-V had a strong sales increase for 2021 — one that moved it into the top 25 best-selling vehicles for the first time. That trend continued into the 2022 model year, but the small crossover has succumbed to the auto industry’s overall downward trend. Introduced as a 2016 model, the HR-V is all new for the 2023 model year with updated styling and a larger 158-horsepower 2.0-liter engine. Available in a range of trims with front- or all-wheel drive, the new HR-V is longer and wider than its predecessor and sports the latest driver-assist technology and a range of new features.
© Toyota Motor Sales USA
14. Toyota 4Runner
2022 Sales: 93,419
Vs. 2021: -11.4%
After 35 years, Toyota’s 4Runner remains one of the few truck-based SUVs left on the market. This highly capable contender has a loyal following, but sales have been in a slight decline so far this 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. Even though all 4Runners are ready for off-road adventure, 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 molding, emphasizing everyday driving dynamics.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
13. Subaru Outback
2022 Sales: 105,404
Vs. 2021: -14.3%
Sales of the popular Outback were strong during the first half of 2021, but the chip shortage hit the supply of this popular model hard. Unable to keep up with demand, Subaru’s Outback sales are down for the year; however, September sales had a healthy 20 percent increase versus a year earlier. The latest model built on the company’s global platform, the Outback underwent updates in 2020 with fresh 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. Last year Subaru added the Outback Wilderness to the lineup — the most rugged, capable Outback the company has ever built.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
12. Ford Escape
2022 Sales: 109,311
Vs. 2021: -2.2%
At one time this small 5-seat crossover from Ford had been the best-selling American-brand SUV; however, sales steadily declined over the last year with numbers still down in 2022. Lower, wider, and longer than its predecessor, the Escape was all new for the 2020 model year sporting an appearance that is a significant departure from the previous generation. The front-end styling looks surprisingly similar to Ford’s discontinued passenger cars, rather than the brand’s SUVs. The Escape is available with a choice of four powerplants; the standard unit is a 3-cylinder 1.5-liter EcoBoost producing 181 horsepower. Ford also brought back the Escape Hybrid, available as a standard hybrid as well as a plug-in version.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
11. Subaru Crosstrek
2022 Sales: 115,344
Vs. 2021: 14.1%
Subaru introduced an updated Crosstrek last year, and the result was a relatively strong finish to 2021 as well as one of the few models that experienced positive gains thus far in 2022. The updated Crosstrek features 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. Also new last year, the Limited and Sport trims received a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. Subaru also offers the Crosstrek as an efficient plug-in hybrid.
© Mazda North American Operations
10. Mazda CX-5
2022 Sales: 115,949
Vs. 2021: -15.6%
The Mazda CX-5 made a big comeback from a slow-selling 2020, ending with a significant sales increase in 2021. That trend has come to an end with sales trending downward in 2022 versus a year ago. 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 2.5 Turbo and 2.5 Turbo Signature trim levels sit atop the CX-5 range, both powered by a turbocharged SKYACTIV-G 2.5T engine rated at 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. A new Carbon Edition includes Polymetal Gray paint, gloss-black door mirrors, 19-inch metallic black aluminum alloy wheels, and red leather seats. For 2022 Mazda adds i-Activ AWD as standard equipment on all CX-5s.
© Hyundai Motor America
9. Hyundai Tucson
2022 Sales: 125,625
Vs. 2021: 8.3%
Tucson sales in the U.S. were up in 2021 and have continued that trend into this year, thanks in part to the arrival of the redesigned 2022 model. The new Tucson is longer, wider and taller than the previous version and has lower, wider headlights and daytime running lights that appear to be an extension of the grille. The profile reveals a chrome accent that begins at the side mirror and follows the shape of the roof. Tucson’s standard powertrain is a 187-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission. An available 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.
© Nissan North America
8. Nissan Rogue
2022 Sales: 130,135
Vs. 2021: -44.5%
Nissan introduced an all-new Rogue for the 2021 model year, and the initial result was a strong sales finish last year; however, that success seems to have been short-lived with a dramatic drop so far in 2022. Built on a new platform with fresh styling, advanced safety features, and a family friendly interior, the latest Rogue features a long list of standard equipment across all trim levels including LED headlights and taillights and alloy wheels, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Powering the Rogue is the innovative 1.5-liter variable combustion turbocharged engine that produces an impressive 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque.
© Stellantis North America
7. Jeep Wrangler
2022 Sales: 147,156
Vs. 2021: -10.7%
As with most vehicles on this list, the iconic Jeep Wrangler has experienced a sales decline during 2022. The latest-generation Wrangler premiered for the 2018 model year — the first redesign of this iconic off-roader in 10 years. Jeep stayed true to the original model by retaining a 7-slot grille and round headlights, although the grille is taller and wider, and the big headlights have a stylish LED halo around the outer bezel. The latest Wrangler is much more refined on road without losing any of its legendary off-road capability. Last year Jeep added two significant versions — the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid and the 470-horsepower Wrangler Rubicon 392. According to Jeep, the Wrangler 4xe is the best-selling plug-in hybrid in America.
© Ford Motor Company
6. Ford Explorer
2022 Sales: 156,243
Vs. 2021: -2.5%
Explorer is one of the few vehicles in America that posted positive gains in 2020, but sales ended up slightly lower for 2021 – a trend that has continued into 2022. Ford engineers updated the Explorer for the 2020 model year with an all-new rear-wheel-drive flexible architecture designed to improve ride, handling, and overall capability. Ford also added two variants to the Explorer lineup — the Hybrid and the ST. The latter boasts a 400-horsepower EcoBoost engine and is responsible for almost 20 percent of total Explorer sales. The Explorer features Co-Pilot360 — a suite of advanced safety features including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and post-impact braking. Last year Ford added the Explorer Timberline, a new trim level for the popular full-size SUV that offers a more rugged overland appearance backed by engineering updates and new equipment to improve off-road performance.
© General Motors
5. Chevrolet Equinox
2022 Sales: 163,324
Vs. 2021: 8.1%
Chevrolet’s second-best-selling vehicle after the full-size Silverado pickup, Equinox sales are starting to see a recovery with numbers up more than 40 percent in the third quarter of 2022. This success may be due to the arrival of a new 2022 Equinox. The updated model 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. Motivation comes from a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 170 horsepower.
© Toyota Motor Sales USA
4. Toyota Highlander
2022 Sales: 164,451
Vs. 2021: -20.8%
All new for the 2020 model year, the Toyota Highlander ended 2021 with strong sales, and while the SUV’s numbers were positive for the third quarter of 2022, overall sales are still down for the year. The fourth generation of this popular crossover gets built on Toyota’s New Global Architecture and is available with 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. The Japan-based automaker also offers a Highlander Hybrid possessing great performance via a fuel-efficient gas-electric powertrain. For 2022 Toyota adds the Highlander Hybrid Bronze Edition with unique styling and premium features.
© Stellantis North America
3. Jeep Grand Cherokee
2022 Sales: 172,545
Vs. 2021: -9.1%
Jeep introduced an all-new 2022 Grand Cherokee last year, as well as its first-ever version with three rows of seats — the Grand Cherokee L. The result was record sales in 2021, and 2022 looked to be a repeat; however, sales dropped more than 50 percent in the third quarter, erasing earlier gains. The updated 2022 Grand Cherokee features slim LED headlights, a smaller forward-leaning 7-slot grille, a roof that tapers to a spoiler, and slim wraparound taillights. The Grand Cherokee interior is much more upscale and features an available 10.25-inch front passenger interactive display. Jeep offers the capable Grand Cherokee with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 or a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 as well as the Grand Cherokee 4xe plug-in hybrid version that combines two electric motors with a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine.
© American Honda Motors
2. Honda CR-V
2022 Sales: 178,687
Vs. 2021: -38.4%
The CR-V remains the best-selling model in the Honda lineup, and the popular crossover reported a gain of 27 percent in September versus 2021. This recent increase could be attributed to the introduction of an updated 2023 CR-V. Sporting a more rugged look, the new CR-V is available in four trims: EX, EX-L, Sport, and Sport Touring. The EX and EX-L are powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine producing 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. Real-time AWD is standard on the Sport Touring and optional for all other trims. The CR-V Sport and Sport Touring draw power from a new fourth-generation two-motor hybrid-electric system that combines a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with two electric motors for a total system output of 204 horsepower.
© Toyota Motor Sales USA
1. Toyota RAV4
2022 Sales: 303,341
Vs. 2021: -3.2%
Although Toyota’s RAV4 experienced a slight sales decline last year and into this year, it still retains its spot as the best-selling SUV in the U.S. With a 50 percent sales increase in September versus last year, the popular SUV seems to be gaining some sales ground. One of the original compact crossovers on American roads, the RAV4 was completely redone in 2019 with bold new styling, improved capability, increased performance, and an array of new safety and convenience features. In addition to the updated styling and efficient powertrains, the RAV4 features automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and lane departure alert as standard equipment. For 2021 Toyota added the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid to the lineup, offering better fuel efficiency as well as seemingly contradictory higher performance.
