Dealerships are welcoming 2021 and 2022 models to their lots while some 2020 versions still remain. After a year of unpredictable sales due to COVID-19, SUV sales are set to get back on track in 2021.
Below is a list of the best-selling SUVs through May 3, 2021. Many automakers report their sales results quarterly. These rankings have been determined using sales numbers provided by the individual automobile manufacturers.
The vehicles on this list are bound to change order as new information becomes available. Stay tuned!
To see the 20 best-selling new SUVs in the U.S. in 2019 click here and to see 2020’s results click here. Need to ship an SUV? See https://www.a1autotransport.com/suv/
No. 20 – Kia Sportage (30,511 sold)
The Kia Sportage slots below the popular Sorento and Telluride in the company’s lineup, and above the Niro. It offers budget-friendly pricing for a two-row SUV and in top trim levels, the Sportage’s interior is near premium.
No. 19 – Jeep Cherokee (37,923 sold)
The Jeep Cherokee has undergone some changes for the 2021 model year. Jeep has made a number of driver assistance features standard, introduced the Latitude Lux and 80th Anniversary Edition models, and discontinued the Overland trim level.
No. 18 – Chevrolet Traverse (38,037 sold)
The three-row Chevrolet Traverse was set for a refreshfor the 2021 model year but the coronavirus pandemic set those plans back a year. Still, it’s a good SUV and it’s obvious that many buyers feel that way too.
No. 17 – Lexus RX (38,087 sold)
The Lexus RX is the company’s best-selling SUV. For the 2021 model year, the RX 350 and 450h get standard blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert technology. Also, power-folding side mirrors are now standard and a wireless charger is available on the RC 350.
No. 16 – Hyundai Santa Fe (39,040 sold)
The Hyundai Santa Fe has been refreshed for the 2021 model year bringing with it a fresh face, new lighting signatures, an available hybrid powertrain with all-wheel drive, and new driver assistance and safety technology.
No. 15 – Honda Pilot (45,366 sold)
Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Co., Inc
The three-row Honda Pilot is the largest SUV that the company sells. For 2021 Honda has added the Pilot Special Edition to its lineup bundling black 20-inch wheels and trim with a wireless phone charger and hands-free power lift gate. A nine-speed automatic transmission is now standard across the lineup.
No. 14 – Subaru Crosstrek (47,786 sold)
Photo courtesy of Subaru of America Inc.
Subaru has given the Crosstrek a mid-generation once-over for the 2021 model year. That includes a fresher exterior design, new Sport trim level, available 2.5-liter engine that delivers 182 horsepower, and added standard safety technology.
No. 13 – Jeep Wrangler (49,464 sold)
The Jeep Wrangler has been brought to market in a number of new variants for the 2021 model year and is about to add another, the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.
No. 12 – Toyota 4Runner (49,525 sold)
Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc.
The Toyota 4Runner has stayed mostly the same for several years now but that’s not stopping buyers from heading straight for it at their dealership. For the 2021 model year, Toyota debuted the 4Runner Trail Edition, which brings together TRD Pro enhancements and new LED headlights.
No. 11 – Hyundai Tucson (50,048 sold)
The last-gen Hyundai Tucson is still on sale in the U.S. while the 2022 model year version makes its way to dealership lots. For 2022, the compact SUV receives many of the design attributes of Hyundai’s cars while gaining eco-friendly powertrain options and an upscale interior.
No. 10 – Jeep Grand Cherokee (55,198 sold)
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is about to split into two. The redesigned, three-row Grand Cherokee L goes on sale later this year. The two-row model is going to be held over until 2022,.
No. 9 – Mazda CX-5 (55,633 sold)
The Mazda CX-5 is the company’s most popular vehicle. For the 2021 model year the SUV has its largest-ever infotainment display, new safety features, and an available Carbon Edition.
No. 8 – Ford Escape (56,850 sold)
The Ford Escape was completely redesigned for the 2020 model year and hasn’t undergone any big changes in the last year. It continues to be reliable, have gobs of cargo space, and deliver a balanced ride.
No. 7 – Chevrolet Equinox (63,218 sold)
The Chevrolet Equinox is a perfectly fine two-row SUV. It was destined to get a refresh for the 2021 model year but COVID-19 put those changes on hold until the 2022 model year.
No. 6 – Subaru Forester (67,146 sold)
Photo courtesy of Subaru of America Inc.
The Subaru Forester is one of the most popular SUVs you can buy. The 2021 version is mostly a holdover from the previous model year and continues to come standard with all-wheel drive and Subaru’s long list of safety and driver assist technology.
No. 5 – Nissan Rogue (86,720 sold)
Photo courtesy of Nissan North America
The redesigned Nissan Rogue is a formidable compact SUV and it’s obviously gaining attention with buyers who are choosing it more than twice as often as any other Nissan vehicle.
No. 4 – Toyota Highlander (91,510 sold)
Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc.
Toyota’s three-row Highlander was redesigned for the 2020 model year and for 2021, a new trim level is added – XSE. Highlander L, LE, and XLE gain headlight enhancements while Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ becomes standard throughout the lineup.
No. 3 – Ford Explorer (92,284 sold)
The Ford Explorer was redesigned for the 2020 model year. Since then, the SUV hasn’t undergone any major changes. Part of the vehicle’s sales come from Police Utility Vehicle fleet sales.
No. 2 – Honda CR-V (134,545 sold)
The Honda CR-V was refreshed for 2020 and received a new variant, the CR-V Hybrid. Both models continue to offer the budget-friendly features and spacious cargo area that buyers have come to know and appreciate.
No. 1 – Toyota RAV4 (155,150 sold)
Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc.
The Toyota RAV4 was the best-selling SUV in America last year and it’s on pace to repeat in 2021. For the new model year, the XLE Premium model joins the RAV4 Hybrid family while the RAV4 TRD Off-Road has gotten a TRD-stamped stainless steel front skid plate.
