© Ford Motor Company
Best-Sellers . . . So Far
Another year of automotive sales is in the books, and it’s time to begin again. January sales are up slightly compared to the start of 2017 with a total of 1,156,430 vehicles sold. This early ranking of best-sellers can vary dramatically based on one month of sales, with some vehicles shooting up the charts after a good start to the new year, while others drop much lower than where they ended 2017. Several brands have had a fine start to 2018, including Subaru, Toyota, Nissan, Jeep and Mazda. General Motors continues to lead all other manufacturers in the U.S. with a 17.16 percent market share, followed by Toyota Motor Sales, Ford Motor Company and Chrysler / FCA Group. Here are the best-selling vehicles in America after the first month of 2018, according to numbers compiled from individual auto manufacturers’ sales reports and goodcarbadcar.net.
© Hyundai Motor America
20. Hyundai Elantra
2018 Sales: 14,017
Vs. 2017: 6.3 %
Since its redesign last year Elantra has been gaining momentum, becoming the best-selling model in the Hyundai lineup — surprising, given the general popularity of crossovers over passenger cars. Elantra is following up a strong December 2017 with a healthy sales increase in January 2018 versus a year ago. Available as a sedan or sportier GT, the Elantra features a signature hexagonal grille that closely ties it to the current Hyundai lineup. The car comes well equipped with entertainment and convenience features and is available with the latest high-tech safety equipment.
© FCA US
19. Jeep Cherokee
2018 Sales: 14,621
Vs. 2017: 16.5 %
Jeep Cherokee sales struggled a bit last year with a decrease of nearly 15 percent compared to the previous year, but 2018 is certainly looking more positive for the small off-roader. Cherokee returned to the Jeep lineup as a 2014 model after a 12-year hiatus and like all Jeep products, Cherokee delivers legendary off-road capability with available features including a lifted off-road suspension with skidplates, tow hooks, Selec-Terrain traction control, Jeep Active Drive Lock with rear locker and Selec-Speed Crawl Control. Look for an updated 2019 Jeep Cherokee arriving in showrooms later this year.
© Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
18. Toyota Highlander
2018 Sales: 15,484
Vs. 2017: 22.3%
Toyota’s 7-passenger crossover had impressive sales last year, and it appears the Highlander’s popularity will continue into 2018. This success can likely be attributed to Highlander’s major update for 2017, including performance upgrades, refreshed styling and a new SE trim level. The SE stands out as a sportier version with 19-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, dark paint for the front grille, dark headlight housings and dark roof rails. Also available is the fuel-efficient Highlander Hybrid, which 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
17. Jeep Grand Cherokee
2018 Sales: 16,364
Vs. 2017: -5.4%
The Jeep brand had considerable success last year, largely due to America’s love affair with the SUV. The flagship Grand Cherokee continues to be the brand’s best-seller, although sales started a bit slower than last year. The SUV continues its tradition of offering impressive off-road capability in an attractive package. Available with several 4WD systems and trim levels, the Grand Cherokee line ranges from the off-road-focused Trailhawk to the luxurious Summit. Jeep also offers a high-performance version called the Trackhawk — boasting a staggering 707 horsepower as its calling card.
© Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
16. Toyota Tacoma
2018 Sales: 16,712
Vs. 2017: 33.6%
After experiencing a significant sales increase last year, Toyota’s compact pickup is starting 2018 with a hefty increase in sales versus January of 2017. Toyota’s compact pickup was all new for the 2016 model year, featuring a more aggressive design, a new V6 engine, a smoother ride and stellar off-road capability. The Tacoma is available in several configurations with two cab styles, two bed lengths, five trim levels and a choice of 2WD or 4WD.
© American Honda Motors
15. Honda Accord
2018 Sales: 17,677
Vs. 2017: -9.5 %
Honda introduced an all-new Accord late last year, and it’s better than the previous generation in nearly every way. The Accord ended 2017 with sales in decline compared to a year earlier, and the family sedan is starting 2018 in the same way. However, with this new Accord just coming to market, we fully expect sales to start recovering in the coming months. The new model features fresh styling, an updated interior, a suite of high-tech safety features as well as a lineup of new engines. Honda recently announced the new Accord 2.0T, which gives this popular four door a turbocharged 252-horsepower engine.
© Nissan North America
14. Nissan Sentra
2018 Sales: 17,731
Vs. 2017: 31.9 %
As with other manufacturers, Nissan experienced a general decline in passenger car sales in 2017; however, Sentra is helping Nissan buck that trend. The Japanese brand saw an increase of 5 percent in car sales compared to last January, thanks in a large part to the small sedan’s popularity. A member of the Nissan lineup for more than 35 years, Sentra is currently in its seventh generation. Available in a wide range of trims with two different powertrains, Sentra enters the 2018 model year with several upgrades. Most noteworthy: Automatic Emergency Braking is now standard on all Sentras (except those equipped with manual transmissions).
© Ford Motor Company
13. Ford Explorer
2018 Sales: 17,989
Vs. 2017: 1.9%
The Ford Explorer remains a fixture on this best-sellers list, recording its best annual sales since 2005 last year since. This family-size SUV offers many high-tech convenience and safety features including the latest version of SYNC, Ford’s voice-activated infotainment system. Two EcoBoost engines are available, including a powerful 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 that makes 365 horsepower. Note: Explorer figures include sales of the Explorer-based Police Interceptor Utility, which is reportedly the most popular vehicle for law enforcement officers; current sales of the Interceptor are up 26 percent versus January of 2017.
© Ford Motor Company
12. Ford Escape
2018 Sales: 18,947
Vs. 2016 -8.0 %
This small 5-passenger crossover from Ford has been the best-selling American-brand SUV for a long time. The Escape turned in strong numbers over the last few months of 2017, helping the popular SUV achieve its best year ever, although it starts 2018 down a bit compared to the previous year. Escape is available with front or all-wheel drive and was redesigned for the 2017 model year with updated styling and an array of new features. For 2018 Ford adds a higher-end SEL trim to the Escape lineup that includes leather seats, a power liftgate and the latest version of SYNC, Ford’s high-tech infotainment and connectivity system.
© Nissan North America
11. Nissan Altima
2018 Sales: 20,185
Vs. 2017: 6.6 %
Once Nissan’s best-selling model, the Altima experienced a decline over the last two years, allowing the hot-selling Rogue to claim its position as the top-selling Nissan in America. Altima’s sales dip is part of an overall decline in the popularity of passenger cars — Nissan passenger car sales were down around 11 percent in 2017. However, Altima is starting 2018 with positive sales growth, and is holding its own thanks to a roomy interior as well as enhanced technology and connectivity. For 2018 all Nissan Altimas will come standard with Automatic Emergency Braking and Forward Collision Warning.
© Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
10. Toyota Corolla
2018 Sales: 21,407
Vs. 2017: -0.7%
Corolla is one of the most time-honored names in the Toyota lineup, and last year the company celebrated the 1 millionth Corolla built in the brand’s Mississippi assembly plant. Sales of the compact sedan have declined in the last few months, allowing the Corolla’s direct competitor — the Honda Civic — to overtake it. Although sales were down in 2017 compared to the previous year, the Corolla is selling at about the same level as a year ago. The small car’s success is likely due in part to its impressive fuel economy, roomy interior and extensive list of standard features.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
9. Honda Civic
2018 Sales: 23,749
Vs. 2017: 2.8 %
The all-new Civic had its ups and downs in 2017, and ultimately this small Honda was unable to retain the best-selling-car crown. But sales are up versus a year ago, with the tenth generation of this popular car premiering early last year featuring fresh styling, improved aerodynamics, new vehicle architecture, a more spacious interior and two new engines. Fuel economy also is impressive — rated as high as 42 mpg with a new turbocharged powerplant. Civic can be more than basic transportation thanks to new high-performance variants: the Civic Type R and Civic Si.
© American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
8. Honda CR-V
2018 Sales: 24.326
Vs. 2017: -16.9%
All new for the 2017 model year, the redesigned Honda CR-V has been quite successful, posting its best numbers ever last year. Sales are starting slowly for 2018, but the CR-V is still the best-selling nameplate in the Honda lineup. The CR-V’s success lies in its ability to offer 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.
© Toyota Motor Sales USA
7. Toyota Camry
2018 Sales: 24,638
Vs. 2017: 21.3%
Camry has held the title of best-selling passenger car in America for 15 years, and with a strong push in December the popular Toyota retained its crown for 2017. Sales in January continue to be strong compared to year ago, thanks to the arrival of an all-new eighth-generation Camry. Lower and wider than the previous version, the new Camry has an updated grille, integrated headlights and sculpted lines that give the sedan a more engaging presence, as well as a completely new interior and choice of fuel-efficient, powerful engines. This also is the first Camry ever offered with more than 300 horsepower.
© General Motors
6. Chevrolet Equinox
2018 Sales: 26,405
Vs. 2017: 50.3%
Chevrolet introduced an all-new Equinox last year, and sales numbers indicate that this refreshed crossover is a big hit. Following a very strong December, Equinox sales are up more than 50 percent launching into 2018 — its best January ever — helping solidify the SUV’s position as one of Chevrolet’s best-selling models. In addition to its updated styling and comfortable interior, the new Equinox is equipped with the latest in high-tech safety features and now offers the option of a fuel-efficient diesel powertrain.
© Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
5. Toyota RAV4
2018 Sales: 26,655
Vs. 2017: 20.3%
Toyota’s RAV4 crossover has experienced impressive sales since the redesigned model premiered for the 2016 model year, and it seems like the sales trend is continuing into 2018. 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.
© FCA US
4. Ram Truck
2018 Sales: 29,358
Vs. 2017: -13.1%
Ram ended 2017 with a strong showing, posting record sales for the second year in a row. Sales are starting 2018 down slightly compared to a year earlier, which has dropped the full-size truck to fourth position. However, we don’t expect the Ram to stay down very long — an all-new Ram 1500 rolled out at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year and it looks to improve on the current Ram in just about every way when it arrives later this year. The current Ram is available in many body styles and powertrains, offered in many special editions that keep customers returning to the brand. The latest to join the Ram lineup is the Limited Tungsten Edition, billed as the most luxurious Ram pickup ever.
© Nissan North America
3. Nissan Rogue
2018 Sales: 36,184
Vs. 2017: 25.8%
Small crossovers are clearly among the most popular vehicles with American shoppers, and Nissan has capitalized on this with the versatile Rogue. A strong showing over the last several months has helped Rogue become Nissan’s best-selling model for the first time, and a strong start in 2018 puts the Rogue at the top of the SUV best-sellers list. The 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. The 2017 Rogue is also available as a hybrid and as a smaller model called Rogue Sport. Coincidentally, last year also happened to be Rogue’s best sales year ever, making January’s sales even more impressive.
© General Motors
2. Chevrolet Silverado
2018 Sales: 40,716
Vs. 2017: 14.5%
The perennial runner-up to the Ford F-Series, Chevrolet’s Silverado rounded out a strong sales year with a 25 percent increase in December 2017 versus a year ago. Silverado is available in many configurations with different cab and trim-level options, ranging from a basic work truck to the ultra-luxurious High Country. Chevrolet also offers many special-edition packages on the Silverado, including the Black Out Edition, Special Ops Edition and Texas Edition. Silverado can be ordered as a half-ton, three-quarter ton or the most capable one-ton Silverado HD. An all-new Silverado made its debut at this year’s Detroit Auto Show, so expect to see the new truck coming to showrooms later this year.
© Ford Motor Company
1. Ford F-Series
2018 Sales: 58,937
Vs. 2017: 1.6%
The Ford F-Series pickup truck has been the best-selling vehicle in America for 36 years, and 2017 marked its 41st year as America’s best-selling pickup truck. The F-Series shows no signs of slowing, finishing 2017 with its best overall sales since 2005 and starting 2018 with more positive growth. The 2018 F-150 is driving strong sales thanks to updated styling, added safety and convenience features and a new 3.3-liter V6 engine that puts out 290 horsepower and joins Ford’s lineup of powerful turbocharged EcoBoost powerplants.
