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Popular, Not Always Prolific
Over the last few years, automobile sales in America have been robust and consistent. Although numbers are down slightly this year, industry pundits still anticipate that more than 17 million new vehicles will be sold in 2019. A surprising fact is that more than 25 percent of total sales can be accounted for by 10 top-selling models. But not every automaker has a high-volume model such as the Ford F-150 (more than 900,000 sold last year) or the Toyota RAV4 (more than 400,000 sold last year). So which vehicles are popular with consumers but sell in lesser numbers? The following vehicles represent the best-selling models from nearly every car company in America. Another compelling statistic: less than 10 of these brands have a passenger car as their top seller — SUVs have taken over that mantle. Figures are compiled from auto manufacturer sales reports, based on total volume in the first nine months of 2019. Note: Many exotic or exclusive car companies do not report individual model sales figures.
© American Honda Motors
Acura RDX
Total Sales: 44,958
Last year Honda’s luxury brand introduced an all new RDX for the 2019 model year that quickly became the best-selling model in the Acura lineup. The RDX features a prominent Acura Diamond Pentagon Grille flanked by new Jewel Eye headlights that now include seven LED lighting elements, making them among the brightest on the road. Power for the 2019 Acura RDX comes from a new VTEC Turbo 2.0-liter direct-injection engine that produces 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, teamed with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive system also receives updates, delivering up to 70 percent of available torque to the rear axle while employing dynamic torque vectoring to sharpen performance and handling in all weather and road conditions.
© FCA US
Alfa Romeo Stelvio
Total Sales: 6,844
Named after Stelvio Pass in the Italian Alps — considered by many to be one of the greatest driving roads in the world — the Stelvio arrived in the U.S. for the 2018 model year. The third vehicle in the Alfa Romeo lineup, Stelvio sales are down almost 25 percent compared to last year. The front-end appearance of this sporty SUV takes design cues from the Giulia sport sedan, and the overall shape of this 5-passenger SUV is very sleek. With standard full-time all-wheel drive, Stelvio is available with two powerful engines, including a 2.9-liter V6 producing 505 horsepower in the top-level Quadrifoglio.
© Audi AG
Audi Q5
Total Sales: 49,136
Small crossovers continue to gain popularity in America, and nearly every car company has hopped on that bandwagon. The Audi Q5 is an excellent example of a best-selling vehicle from a company that until 10 years ago didn’t even offer an SUV. The Q5 was all new for the 2018 model year, designed with styling cues taken from its larger Q7 sibling, including the Singleframe grille flanked by stylish LED headlights. The current Q5 grew in nearly every dimension, while simultaneously shedding about 200 pounds in overall weight. With improved aerodynamics, an updated quattro all-wheel-drive system and a stronger chassis, the Q5 delivers even better driving dynamics than its predecessor.
© Bentley Motors
Bentley Bentayga
Total Sales: 750 (est.)
It may not sell in large numbers, but Bentley’s SUV became the marque’s best-seller after barely a year on the market. Not unexpectedly, the Bentayga offers the ultimate in luxury with full leather seating in a choice of 15 different hides, air suspension, LED active headlights, a panoramic sunroof, soft-close doors, Wi-Fi connectivity and an 8-inch touchscreen display with navigation, voice control and a 60-gigabyte hard drive. The big SUV is quick as well, thanks to its full-time all-wheel drive and choice of powerful V8 or twin-turbo W12 engines under the hood. Look for a plug-in hybrid version of the Bentayga to be arriving soon.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
BMW X3
Total Sales: 50,120
The most popular model in BMW’s lineup, the X3 was all new for the 2018 model year. The updated model received more aerodynamic styling, a “three-dimensional” kidney grille, available full LED headlights and a roof spoiler at the rear. The interior was completely refreshed, centering around a large 10.25-inch touchscreen display. And for those seeking the utility of the X3 but with extreme performance, this small crossover is the latest M variant from BMW, featuring outstanding handling and a powertrain producing as much as 510 horsepower. The X3 is manufactured alongside the rest of the BMW X lineup in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
© General Motors
Buick Encore
Total Sales: 73,905
Encore is the smallest vehicle in the Buick lineup, and with a starting price below $25,000 it’s a great entry into the luxury crossover segment. Encore 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. Respectable fuel economy and a low starting price contribute to making this small Buick the most popular model in the lineup by far.
© General Motors
Cadillac XT5
Total Sales: 38,711
As the replacement for the SRX crossover, the XT5 was an all-new model for Cadillac in 2017, and it quickly became the brand’s best-seller. Sales of the XT5 are down 18 percent so far this year, but the luxury crossover still represents about 30 percent of total Cadillac sales. With a unique chassis and structure, the XT5 is lighter and stiffer than the model it replaced while offering a roomier interior. Reflecting Cadillac’s trademark styling inside and out, the XT5 is well equipped with the newest high-tech features including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and the latest version of Cadillac’s CUE interface. Available with front- or all-wheel drive, the XT5 is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine that generates 310 horsepower. Look for an updated XT5 coming for the 2020 model year.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Chevrolet Silverado
Total Sales: 412,259
The perennial leader of the Chevrolet lineup, the Silverado easily retains that distinction thanks to the introduction of the all-new 2019 Silverado 1500. The new Silverado is longer and wider than its predecessor, which means more passenger space as well as more cargo room. Through an extensive use of mixed materials, engineers were able to lighten Silverado by an impressive 450 pounds, with 88 pounds of that shed from the body. Silverado gets updated styling inside and out, as well as a variety of powertrains ranging from a new turbocharged 4-cylinder powerplant to V8 options with dynamic fuel management.
© FCA US
Chrysler Pacifica
Total Sales: 70,224
An all-new minivan for the 2017 model year, Pacifica replaced the Town & Country in the Chrysler lineup. With contemporary styling and a slew of innovations, Pacifica is arguably the best minivan Chrysler has built since it created the category more than 30 years ago. Pacifica can be equipped with seating for up to eight occupants, which still leaves plenty of cargo space in the rear. Passengers enjoy an available Uconnect Theater featuring a 10-inch high-res touchscreen display with a variety of inputs and integrated games. A plug-in hybrid version of the Pacifica is also available, making this the first and only hybrid minivan sold in America.
© FCA US LLC
Dodge Grand Caravan
Total Sales: 99,403
The original minivan, the Dodge Grand Caravan now offers more style, versatility and technological innovation than any other time in its 30-year history. The lineup has been simplified down to four trim levels: SE, SE Plus, SXT and GT. The standard engine for all trims is a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 producing 283 horsepower, combined with a 6-speed automatic transmission to deliver EPA fuel economy ratings of 17 mpg city / 25 mpg highway / 20 mpg combined. The future of the Grand Caravan is unclear with the new Chrysler Pacifica now on the market; however, as the best-selling minivan in America it is unlikely that Dodge will end production anytime soon.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Fiat 500
Total Sales: 2,588
The modern version of the 500 was launched in 2007, and 2017 marked the 60th anniversary of the original 500. Fiat’s subcompact 500, which combines Italian styling with efficiency and technology, is offered in both coupe and convertible versions, as well as the all-electric 500e, 5-passenger 500L and all-wheel-drive 500X crossover. The Fiat 500 gets motivation from a 135-horsepower turbocharged 1.4-liter MultiAir engine with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic. Fiat also offers the high-performance fun-to-drive Abarth variant, which bumps the 500’s grunt to 160 horsepower.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Ford F-Series
Total Sales: 662,574
After another year of impressive sales, the Ford F-Series extends its streak as not only the top-selling model in the Ford lineup, but as the best-selling vehicle in America for 37 years — 42 years as best-selling truck. With more than 900,000 sales last year, Ford’s full-size truck sold about as many as the top three passenger cars combined. The F-150 is still driving strong sales thanks to updated styling, added safety and convenience features, and a new 3.3-liter V6 engine that generates 290 horsepower joining Ford’s lineup of powerful turbocharged EcoBoost powerplants.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Genesis G70
Total Sales: 8,506
Genesis spun off as an entirely new brand for the 2017 model year, launched by parent company Hyundai to move its clientele upscale. The luxury brand launched the all-new G70 this year — the third model for Genesis — and it quickly became the brand’s best-seller. Well equipped with features such as power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, an 8-inch color touchscreen display and 18-inch wheels, the G70 also features the latest advanced safety tech as standard equipment across the board. This includes forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, high-beam assist and driver attention warning.
© General Motors
GMC Sierra
Total Sales: 163,601
The longtime best-seller in the GMC lineup, the Sierra is completely new for the 2019 model year. Larger in practically every dimension, the new Sierra 1500 boasts a roomier cabin as well as a range of new comfort, convenience and safety features. One Sierra standout is its MultiPro Tailgate, which offers six positions for easier loading, as well as use as a standing workstation. A range of engine / transmission options are available, including a new 2.7-liter turbo as well as a new turbodiesel powertrain.
© American Honda Motors
Honda CR-V
Total Sales: 280,739
With strong sales last year, Honda’s popular CR-V continues to hold its own for the first nine months of 2019, outselling its Civic sibling by about 25,000 units. Completely redesigned a few years back, the CR-V’s success lies in its ability to offer consumers a comfortable, small crossover with great utility and excellent fuel economy. Available with front- or all-wheel drive, the CR-V can now be equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine producing an impressive 190 horsepower. Higher trim levels also come with Honda Sensing — the brand’s suite of high-tech safety features — as standard equipment. Honda recently announced that a hybrid version will be added to the CR-V lineup next year.
© Hyundai Motor America
Hyundai Elantra
Total Sales: 125,469
Over the last few years, Elantra has gained enough momentum to become the best-selling model in the Hyundai lineup — surprising, given the general popularity of crossovers over passenger cars in the U.S. Although sales are down compared to last year, Hyundai is hoping to turn this around as the updated 2019 Elantra begins arriving in showrooms. With a new hood, front fascia, grille and headlights, the Elantra has a more chiseled look than its predecessor. Three engine options are available, including a 201-horsepower unit for the Elantra Sport. Hyundai also offers the latest high-tech safety features including automatic emergency braking.
© Nissan North America
Infiniti QX60
Total Sales: 31,621
The QX60 — Infiniti’s family-friendly 3-row luxury crossover — received revised exterior styling for the 2018 model year that reflects Infiniti’s contemporary design language, including a new signature grille, headlights, turn signals and new wheel designs. Available with front- or all-wheel drive, the QX60 gets power from a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. For 2019 Infiniti adds forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, predictive forward collision warning and blind-spot warning as standard equipment for all trim levels of the QX60.
© Jaguar Land Rover
Jaguar F-PACE
Total Sales: 10,361
When Jaguar introduced the all-new F-PACE there was clear demand for such a vehicle — the sporty crossover is not only Jaguar’s best-selling model, it accounts for almost half the brand’s sales and outsold all of Jaguar’s passenger cars combined. With styling that keeps with the rest of the Jaguar lineup — certainly a good thing — the F-PACE puts the “sport” in sport-utility vehicle. Engine options range from a 247-horsepower turbocharged four cylinder to the 550-horsepower supercharged V8 energizing the new high-performance F-Pace SVR. With Jaguar’s Lightweight Aluminum Architecture and an advanced torque-on-demand all-wheel-drive system, the F-PACE offers the performance expected from a Jaguar SUV.
© FCA US
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Total Sales: 185,040
The Jeep brand had considerable success in 2018 — in fact, Jeep experienced record sales last year, and for 2019 the Grand Cherokee is leading the charge with an 11 percent increase in sales versus last year. The 5-seat Grand Cherokee continues its tradition of offering impressive off-road capability in an attractive package. Available in several trim levels and 4WD systems, the Grand Cherokee line ranges from the off-road-focused Trailhawk to the luxurious Summit. Jeep also offers the high-performance Trackhawk boasting a staggering 707 horsepower. For 2019 Jeep adds blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as standard equipment, and introduces the new Grand Cherokee Limited X.
© Kia Motors America
Kia Soul
Total Sales: 77,627
The Kia Soul enters its third generation with the introduction of a completely new 2020 model, featuring all-new styling and an array of new equipment. Even as the Soul retains its iconic shape, it gets a modern look with slim headlights, LED daytime running lights and boomerang-shaped taillights that frame the rear window. Available in multiple trim levels, the Soul LX is the entry-level version with standard equipment that includes cloth seat trim, a trip computer, a 7-inch color touchscreen display, Android Auto / Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity, one USB port, a split-folding rear seat and 16-inch steel wheels. These changes to the Soul certainly increased its popularity, helping it surpass last year’s sales leader, the Kia Sorento.
© Automobili Lamborghini
Lamborghini Urus
Total Sales: 950 (est.)
Yes, even Lamborghini has deviated from sports cars to join the SUV scrum by creating the all-new Urus. Comprising almost half of the Italian marque’s sales this year, the Urus features a sleek design that gives props to the Huracan and Aventador. The front end is unique to Urus; however, the taillights and quad exhaust also fit with the look of the brand’s two supercars. Boasting performance on par with the highest-end sports cars, Urus draws power from a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine producing 650 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque as low as 2250 rpm. The leap to 100 km/h (62 mph) happens in a supercar-like 3.6 seconds. Power gets delivered to tarmac or dirt via a custom 4-wheel-drive system with active torque vectoring as well as 4-wheel steering.
Land Rover Range Rover Sport
Total Sales: 17,884
Land Rover has earned a reputation for building vehicles with true off-road capability; however, with the Range Rover Sport the company added excellent on-road performance to the package. Outselling the larger Range Rover as well as the smaller Evoque and new Velar, the Range Rover Sport features full-time 4-wheel drive with electronic traction control, an 8-speed automatic transmission and an extensive list of safety feature acronyms. A number of engines are available, ranging from a fuel-efficient diesel to a 550-horsepower supercharged V8 in the Range Rover Sport SVR. Not only can the Range Rover Sport top 150 mph, it can also claw its way through three feet of water — just not at the same time.
© Toyota Motor Sales USA
Lexus RX
Total Sales: 76,170
The popular RX tops the Lexus charts once again, boasting higher sales than all of the brand’s car offerings combined. 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 an RX L that is slightly larger and offers seating for up to seven with 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.
© Ford Motor Company
Lincoln Nautilus
Total Sales: 23,984
The midsize MKX crossover has been the best-selling model in the Lincoln lineup for the last few years. The new Nautilus is the MKX successor and has assumed the brand’s best-selling mantle. The new Nautilus draws strongly on styling cues from the flagship Continental sedan and the full-size Navigator SUV, including the bold signature grille and beltline trim. Acoustic glass reduces wind noise and Ultra Comfort seats can be adjusted up to 22 ways. Standard power for this new luxury SUV comes from a 245-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, and an available 2.7-liter turbocharged V6 produces 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. Both engines get combined with an 8-speed automatic transmission and include auto stop-start. New driver assistance technologies include lane centering and evasive steer assist.
© Maserati
Maserati Levante
Total Sales: NA
The first SUV in the 100-year history of Maserati, the Levante made its U.S. debut for the 2017 model year. This luxurious high-performance SUV is based on the same architecture as the Quattroporte and Ghibli sedans, and shares design elements with other Maserati models including the grille and its prominent trident logo, portholes in the front fenders and taillight shape. The sloped roofline creates a more coupelike profile. Full-time all-wheel drive is standard, and powerplants range from a 345-horsepower V6 to the 3.8-liter 590-horsepower V8 in the all-new Trofeo.
© Mazda North America
Mazda CX-5
Total Sales: 113,702
Mazda’s compact CX-5 is coming off three years of record sales — in fact, current CX-5 sales are higher than the combined sales of all other Mazda models. Adopting the styling of the larger CX-9 when it was redesigned a few years ago, the CX-5 is refined in nearly every way with a revised chassis, an updated SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter gasoline engine, an attractive interior and many available features. The 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 turns up the heat by adding the Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trim levels, both powered by the turbocharged SKYACTIV-G 2.5T engine producing 250 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque; i-ACTIV all-wheel drive is standard.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
McLaren Sports Series
Total Sales: NA
This contemporary yet iconic British automaker builds some of the sexiest high-performance exotic sports cars available, and most of the vehicles the company sells fall under the Sports Series. The series consists of the 570GT, 570S and the new 570S Spider. All three models are powered by a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 engine generating 562 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. Power gets directed to the rear wheels via a quick-shifting 7-speed gearbox. Performance numbers are in line with some of the fastest production cars on the road: 60 mph comes up in 3.3 seconds and 100 mph in 6.6 seconds, with a top speed in excess of 200 mph. McLaren doesn’t sell a lot of these vehicles, but sales are up more than 70 percent when compared to a year earlier.
© Mercedes-Benz USA
Mercedes-Benz GLC
Total Sales: 52,621
Mercedes-Benz introduced the GLC crossover in 2016 when it replaced the GLK. Since that time the luxury crossover has experienced impressive sales success — 2018 was the GLC’s second year of record sales and numbers have continued to improve this year. The GLC is available as a standard crossover or as the GLC Coupe, which is sleeker and sportier than its crossover sibling. For those seeking more performance, Mercedes-AMG added to the GLC lineup with the high-performance GLC63, which boasts as much as 503 horsepower. Look for an all-new 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC arriving in showrooms later this year.
© BMW of North America
MINI Cooper
Total Sales: 16,814
One of the smallest cars available in America, the MINI Cooper received an update for 2018 that included a new MINI logo, new alloy wheels, MINI logo projection from the driver’s side exterior mirror, as well as new interior features such as wireless phone charging and rear LED lights with a Union Jack design. However, even with these updates sales of this diminutive automobile are down more than 16 percent so far this year. The MINI Cooper is great fun with its base-level turbocharged 3-cylinder engine; the top-level MINI Cooper John Cooper Works takes that same small package and turns up the heat. With 228 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque on tap from its turbocharged 2.0-liter engine — as well as suspension upgrades, a rear spoiler, sport seats and an aero kit — the MINI JCW feel like a go-kart for the road with precise handling and potent acceleration.
© Mitsubishi Motors North America
Mitsubishi Outlander
Total Sales: 32,385
Outlander is Mitsubishi’s midsize 7-passenger crossover that was refreshed for the 2016 model year. Sales of the Outlander climbed dramatically following the update; however, 2019 sales are down slightly. The Outlander starts below $25,000 and can range up to the GT with Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control all-wheel-drive system. Two engines are available, including the 3.0-liter MIVEC V6 engine that produces 224 horsepower and 215 lb-ft of torque. Mitsubishi also offers the Outlander as a plug-in hybrid that has the same 224 horsepower but gets 22 miles of electric-only range and impressive fuel economy.
© Nissan North America, Inc.
Nissan Rogue
Total Sales: 272,300
Small crossovers are clearly among the most popular vehicles with American shoppers, and Nissan has capitalized on this with the versatile Rogue. Although sales this year are trending downward, the Rogue continues to hold onto its position as the best-selling model in the Nissan lineup. Rogue has 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 is also available as a hybrid and as a smaller model called Rogue Sport. All Rogues are now available with ProPILOT Assist — Nissan’s first step toward building autonomous vehicles.
© Porsche Cars North America
Porsche Macan
Total Sales: 16,191
The compact-premium SUV market is undeniably crowded, but the Macan certainly stands out from said crowd. The second crossover to join the Porsche lineup, Macan has experienced strong sales since its introduction in 2014; however, demand has dropped this year by about 10 percent. Styled after the larger Cayenne, Macan still embodies all qualities expected from the iconic German sports car brand. Macan comes with full-time all-wheel drive and is available with various powertrains, including a new 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 introduced for the 2020 Macan Turbo.
© FCA US
Ram Pickup
Total Sales: 461,115
Ram ended 2018 with a strong showing — posting record sales for the third year in a row — and it seems as if the big truck is on its way to setting a new record in 2019. With third-quarter sales up almost 14 percent compared to a year earlier, Ram Pickup has moved up to be the second-most-popular vehicle in America. The new Ram features updated exterior styling, and the interior is one of the nicest on the market. Six trim levels are available, as well as a new lineup of powertrains that will eventually include a hybrid system. Ram also announced that the previous generation will continue to be sold as Ram 1500 Classic to fill demand as the company ramps up production of the new model. A new Ram Heavy Duty that boasts a new diesel with 1000 lb-ft of torque is likely to help Ram hold onto this sales position.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Rolls-Royce Cullinan
Total Sales: NA
Rolls-Royce has experienced strong sales growth during the first half of 2019, likely due to the introduction of the brand’s first SUV — the Cullinan. Cullinan is built on Rolls-Royce’s new all-aluminum platform, dubbed the Architecture of Luxury. First used for the flagship Phantom, this aluminum spaceframe is higher and shorter for Cullinan, accommodating a first for Rolls-Royce — a tailgate. Easily recognizable as a Rolls-Royce with the iconic grille and Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament, the new Cullinan is designed to take its passengers through any terrain while cosseting them in the lap of luxury.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Subaru Outback
Total Sales: 93,711
One of the vehicles that helped define the crossover segment, the Outback is Subaru’s best-selling model. In fact, the company recently celebrated the 2 millionth Outback sold in America. Sales of this wagon / SUV were down approximately 13 percent in September versus a year earlier; however, the all-new 2020 Outback is starting to arrive in showrooms, which should be positive for future sales. The latest Subaru to be built on the company’s new global platform, 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. All Outbacks feature Subaru’s Symmetrical all-wheel drive with active torque vectoring, vehicle dynamics control, X-Mode with hill descent control and a generous 8.7-inches of ground clearance.
© Tesla Motors
Tesla Model 3
Total Sales: 79,600
The third model in the Tesla lineup, the Model 3 is more affordable than the higher-end Model S and Model X offered by the American car company. With a high level of standard equipment and sleek styling that befits the rest of the Tesla lineup, the more economical Model 3 was designed for high-volume sales. Although the Model 3’s standard battery delivers a 220-mile range, the Long Range trim features a larger battery that bumps range up to 310 miles. Performance is quite impressive — the dual-motor all-wheel-drive Model 3 sprints to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Toyota RAV4
Total Sales: 324,622
Toyota’s RAV4 crossover experienced impressive sales in 2018, and the momentum continues for the first nine months of 2019. One of the original compact crossovers on the American market, the RAV4 has been completely redone for the 2019 model year, which should help it to hold onto its place as the best-selling SUV in America. With bold new styling, improved capability, better performance and an array of new safety and convenience features, this fifth-generation RAV4 is likely to remain popular with American car shoppers. In addition to the updated styling and efficient powertrains, the RAV4 now has automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and lane departure alert as standard equipment.
© Volkswagen of America
Volkswagen Tiguan
Total Sales: 85,296
Volkswagen’s compact Tiguan crossover was redesigned in 2018 specifically for the U.S. market, and to say it has hit the mark is an understatement. Sales doubled in 2018 versus the previous year, and sales in 2019 are continuing to grow. Based on Volkswagen’s Modular Transverse Matrix architecture, the Tiguan features a roomy interior with available third-row seating. Adopting Volkswagen’s current design language, the exterior includes sharper, stronger lines and a lower, wider stance. Motivated by an updated version of Volkswagen’s turbocharged 2.0-liter TSI engine producing 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, the Tiguan delivers power to the front wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission. 4Motion all-wheel drive with Active Control is optional and offers four drive modes to maximize traction in varying driving conditions.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Volvo XC90
Total Sales: 24,909
As the Swedish brand’s flagship model, the 7-seat XC90 SUV was the first Volvo built on its Scalable Product Architecture platform — now used for all 90 and 60 series Volvo products. Like the S90 and V90 models, the XC90 carries classic design cues including T-shaped “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights, a grille with the large Volvo Iron Mark, and large VOLVO lettering across the liftgate. This look clearly appeals to consumers — sales are up more than 5 percent so far this year. For the 2020 model year, the XC90’s overall styling remains the same; however, there are noticeable exterior tweaks. The front grille now features a concave design that has a more premium impression with two-color inlays and a chrome-accented frame. Front and rear bumpers have also been restyled, and the XC90 gets updated wheel designs. The 2020 XC90 has a new available 6-passenger configuration that replaces the second-row bench with individual bucket seats.
