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Automakers are enjoying another year of robust new vehicle sales, with Ford, Toyota, and Honda leading the way. While many Americans still prefer large trucks and SUVs, economic concerns drive the still-increasing sales of smaller vehicles.
With higher prices for new vehicles, groceries, and everything else, consumers face the reality of choosing between what they want and can afford. Many smaller SUVs are rising in sales, and more models offer a hybrid version for gas savings. Because of this, the list of top-selling cars for the first nine months of 2024 is more diverse than ever.
Top Selling Cars of 2024
According to Car and Driver, Ford and Toyota scored big in sales during the first nine months of 2024, with both combining for seven models in the top 25. Ford’s F-Series trucks topped the list with 528,028 models sold. With so many models to choose from, like the F-150, F-150 Lightning EV, F-250, and F-350, which won the Kelley Blue Books Full-Size Best Buy Award of 2024, it is easy to see why Ford trucks have become so popular with individuals and fleet owners alike.
Toyota’s shining star is the Toyota RAV4. The RAV4 was the favorite SUV in the U.S., with 350,331 units sold. It has many features that attract consumers, from a roomy interior and modern technology features to safety features everyone looks for in an SUV. It also helps that it sells two versions, a gas-powered version and a hybrid, both of which get excellent fuel economy.
Top Car Brands
In addition to ranking No. 1 with their Ford F-Series trucks, Ford also had its award-winning SUV on the list. The Ford Explorer, with its different options in high-performance engines and smart style, came in at No. 14, selling 146,799 units.
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, and Silverado EV came in second, selling 399,604 units. Chevy trucks, known for their power and dependability, have been a longtime favorite, and it shows in their 2024 sales. Besides their Silverado trucks, Chevrolet had two more models on the list, with the lower-priced Chevrolet Equinox SUV selling 143,523 units and the Chevrolet Trax selling 149,762 units.
Toyota’s RAV4 is the most sought-after SUV in the U.S., with 350,331 models sold. The Toyota Camry, a longtime favorite sedan, came in eighth on the list, selling 227,576 units. The sensible, gas-saving Toyota Corolla sold 177,092 units, taking the eleventh spot on the list. At No. 19 is Toyota’s fourth vehicle on the list, the dependable Toyota Tacoma truck, selling 126,805 units. Finally, the Toyota Tundra and its optional hybrid drivetrain sold 117,523 units.
Other Popular Car Brands
Those looking for a more traditional SUV with the newest features and competitive pricing love the new Subaru Forester. The Forester sold 130,098 units, and the AWD Subaru Outback, with its roomy interior, sold 126,333 units and came in at No. 20. The Subaru Crosstrek sold 131,847 units, offering a smaller SUV at an affordable price.
Honda’s CR-V is fifth on the list. The Kelly Blue Book Compact SUV Best Buy of 2024 sold 298,164 units. Another favorite is the Honda Civic, selling 188,422 units. The last Honda on the list is the Honda Accord. With more interior space and special features, it’s easy to see why the Accord sedan sold 124,689 units in the first nine months of 2024.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is the answer for those who love off-roading combined with comfort. Selling 160,939 units and placing twelfth on the list, the Grand Cherokee gives Jeep lovers the best of both worlds.
Trucks and SUVs Dominate
The trend of Americans preferring larger vehicles over sedans continues in 2024, with most of the top-selling cars being trucks and SUVs. Automakers are aware of this and continue offering more versions of these vehicles at various price points.
Car manufacturers are also putting more eggs in one basket by discontinuing more sedans in 2024, with Dodge, Kia, and Mercedes-Benz leading the pack. However, thanks to high prices at the pump — and in general — rising small car sales might reverse this trend.
Hybrids Becoming More Popular
While automakers promote electric vehicles, the improving fuel economy of gas-powered vehicles leaves consumers wondering: are hybrids worth the investment?
A hybrid often costs more upfront, but with a narrowing price gap and improved fuel efficiency, they’re increasingly becoming smart buys. While top-selling vehicle data does not specifically break down model specifics, most top sellers offer a hybrid version.
Getting the Most Car for Your Money
If in the market to buy a vehicle, especially one on this list, consumers should prepare to negotiate car prices to get the best deal possible. Even though a vehicle is popular, it doesn’t mean overall sales volumes are up. According to Cox Automotive, year-over-year new car sales fell 1%.
While this isn’t a significant decline, consumers can use this information before heading to the dealership. Additionally, they should look into the average selling price for the vehicle they want to know how much to pay. The more research consumers conduct ahead of time, the better their chances of getting a good deal.
This article was produced by Media Decision and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.
