In the last 18 months, the market has been flooded with significantly refreshed and completely redesigned SUVs. It’s no wonder that most of the best-selling vehicles in the U.S. are these models.
Below is a list of the best-selling SUVs through December 3, 2019. FCA, Ford, and General Motors report their sales results quarterly. These rankings have been determined using sales numbers provided by the individual automobile manufacturers and not a third party.
To see the 20 best-selling new SUVs in the U.S. in 2020 click here.
No. 20 – Hyundai Santa Fe (127,373 sold)
Photo courtesy of Hyundai Motor America
The Hyundai Santa Fe was recently downsized to make room in Hyundai’s lineup for the three-row Palisade. The model retains the daily driver functionality that made it appealing in the first place, while giving owners a high-quality interior filled with premium-level materials and features.
No. 19 – Toyota 4Runner (131,888 sold)
Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Toyota hasn’t changed the body styling significantly on the 4Runner in years but there have been big changes tech-wise for the new model year. New for 2020, the 4Runner comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense-P, a suite of driver assistance technologies, as well as an 8-inch infotainment touch screen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Despite all these refinements, it’s still an off-roading beast.
No. 18 – Subaru Crosstrek (131,152 sold)
Photo courtesy of Subaru of America, Inc.
The Crosstrek isn’t the most powerful model in Subaru’s lineup, nor is it the most modern. It is a formidable subcompact that hits the nail on the head for many practical shoppers. With standard all-wheel drive, engaging handling, and gobs of cargo space, the Crosstrek is worth a test drive.
No. 17 – Honda Pilot (135,008 sold)
Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Co., Inc
The Honda Pilot is a three-row SUV with a lot to offer. It has gotten more robust over the years and now offers torque-vectoring technology and drive modes. The Pilot is a more capable off-roader than many give it credit for. It’s also got plenty of space for adults in its third row, which is not something many three-row SUVs can brag about.
No. 16 – Hyundai Tucson (137,381 sold)
Photo courtesy of Hyundai Motor America
The Hyundai Tucson delivers on a lot what empty nesters and young professionals are looking for in a compact SUV. It’s plush and premium in its top trim levels, has high safety scores, and comes with a long warranty. The Tucson is comfortable enough to serve as a daily driver or road trip warrior.
No. 15 – Ford Edge (138,515 sold)
Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company
The Ford Edge gives buyers a lot of what they are looking for. There’s spacious and comfortable seating, a robust engine lineup, and plenty of cargo space. The Edge also doesn’t break the bank like some other SUVs. New for 2020, the model got standard automatic dual-zone climate control.
No. 14 – Jeep Compass (143,934 sold)
Photo courtesy of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.
The Jeep Compass looks a lot like the Jeep Grand Cherokee, but it shouldn’t be mistaken for one. This smaller Jeep features good passenger space and a well-equipped cabin but doesn’t have the power that the Grand Cherokee delivers. Still, it’s a competent off-roader.
No. 13 – Chevrolet Traverse (147,122 sold)
Photo courtesy of Chevrolet
The Chevrolet Traverse is a competent three-row SUV that is favored by many Americans. Chevy has made the vehicle capable, but it’s not an off-roader by any stretch of the imagination. The Traverse is available in a number of flashy trim levels though it doesn’t have as many available packages as the Colorado or Silverado.
No. 12 – Mazda CX-5 (154,545 sold)
Photo courtesy of Mazda North American Operations
Mazda may be best known for the Miata but their top-selling vehicle is the CX-5, a compact SUV. The CX-5 delivers an engaging drive that excels whether accelerating or cruising. Its handling is engaging and seats are comfortable. Reviewers typically say that the usability of its infotainment system is not up to par with other vehicles in its class.
No. 11 – Ford Explorer (168,309 sold)
Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company
Ford redesigned the Explorer for the 2020 model year making it stronger, more capable, and more fuel efficient than before. It comes with a number of engine options, including the Explorer Hybrid model. The Explorer is roomy and easy to maneuver, but its infotainment system isn’t as easy to use as other vehicles in its class.
No. 10 – Subaru Forester (180,179 sold)
Photo courtesy of Subaru of America, Inc.
Practical adventurers love the Subaru Forester for its on- and off-road prowess, engaging drive dynamics, and massive cargo space. The fact that it’s one of the safest vehicles sold today doesn’t hurt either. New for 2020, buyers get standard rear seat reminder and lane centering technology, which first appeared in the 2020 Outback, is available.
No. 9 – Jeep Cherokee (191,397 sold)
Photo courtesy of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.
The Jeep Cherokee is compact, but it packs a heck of a punch. Four adults can fit comfortably into the modern four-wheel drive SUV. It has one of the easiest-to-use infotainment systems available. Jeep has made the Cherokee’s steering properly weighted to allow for easy maneuvering through rocks or parking lots.
No. 8 – Jeep Wrangler (228,032 sold)
Photo courtesy of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.
Buyers waited a long time for a Jeep Wrangler with modern electronics and convenience features in it. The redesigned JL delivers with that and more. The Wrangler is still a competent off-roader but it’s so much more family-friendly than before. There’s even a new Eco-Diesel powertrain.
No. 7 – Toyota Highlander (239,438 sold)
Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
The Toyota Highlander has been completely redesigned for the 2020 model year. The three-row SUV is loaded with standard and available features, is available as a front- or all-wheel drive hybrid, and is available for a competitive price. If you’re already a fan of the Highlander, this will make you like it even more.
No. 6 – Ford Escape (241,388 sold)
Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company
The Ford Escape has been completely redesigned for the 2020 model year. It features a cavernous cargo area, spacious seating, and easy low-speed handling. This Escape rides better than the last and its interior has been upgraded. New powertrain options include a PHEV and there’s a long list of standard and available safety features.
No. 5 – Jeep Grand Cherokee (242,969 sold)
Photo courtesy of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee trim level lineup has been reduced from 12 to seven for the 2020 model year. Other than that, there are no significant changes to the Grand Cherokee. The Jeep remains a competent off-roader that can be optioned up to gain impressive track prowess, or kept at a moderate price for comfortable cruising.
No. 4 – Chevrolet Equinox (346,048 sold)
Photo courtesy of Chevrolet
The Chevrolet Equinox is quite a good compact SUV. It competes against some heavy hitters in the industry, but stands as the top-selling non-truck model in Chevy’s lineup. It comes with a long list of standard and available safety technology, a good amount of cargo space, and comfortable seats. The Equinox is easy to maneuver.
No. 3 – Nissan Rogue (350,447 sold)
Photo courtesy of Nissan North America
The Nissan Rogue is a few years past its prime, but that hasn’t stopped it from being a formidable choice for buyers. Nissan has given the compact SUV comfortable seats, a modern-enough infotainment system, and fuel efficiency. It’s equally at home in the city on on the highway.
No. 2 – Honda CR-V (384,168)
Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Co., Inc
Honda has revised the CR-V inside and out for the 2020 model year. They’re even going to be selling a new CR-V Hybrid. The perennial favorite for buyers still delivers on fuel efficiency and cargo space, as well as affordability.
No. 1 – Toyota RAV4 (448,071 sold)
Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
The completely redesigned Toyota RAV4 arrived at dealership lots in 2019 ready to make a big splash. It has a completely redesigned body style, new off-road prowess, and an efficient hybrid variant. The SUV has abundant passenger space and a good amount of room for cargo.
