Car trends come and go, but some rides stay super popular year after year. That’s why we’re looking at the champions of the road over the past few years, not just a one-time winner. The top 3 winners have been all-stars for a while now, so pay close attention to those!
Car trends come and go, but some rides stay super popular year after year. That’s why we’re looking at the champions of the road over the past few years, not just a one-time winner. The top 3 winners have been all-stars for a while now, so pay close attention to those!
Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla: Reining champ for 4 years running! This car is a superstar for a reason – it delivers the perfect mix of affordability, everyday usefulness, reliability, and features. No wonder it’s a top seller, with over 600,000 units moving off the lot in 2022! Even though it’s been around for ages (20 generations!), it recently got a bit of a makeover. Toyota might play it safe with design, but it hasn’t stopped the Corolla from being a favorite for many years.
Toyota Camry: Comfort reigns supreme!
Toyota’s got another winner with the Camry, known for its spacious interior and smooth ride. Fun fact: Toyota sold a whopping 7.3 million cars worldwide in 2022! That’s a lot of happy drivers. The Camry itself sold almost 606,000 units that same year. Like the Corolla, the Camry got a bit of a refresh on the inside, but the outside still looks familiar. You’ll definitely recognize it on the road.
Honda CR-V: More than just a pretty face
Unlike the Toyotas we just discussed, the Honda CR-V has sported a much more dramatic makeover inside and out over its 6 generations. But don’t worry, it’s kept what drivers love most: that perfect balance of affordability, reliability, and comfort. This SUV looks great and can even handle some off-road adventures. Plus, the interior is roomy and comfy, and has gotten a modern upgrade in the last two generations.
The CR-V has been a top seller for years, and for good reason! In 2021, sales hit a whopping 713,000 units. They did dip a bit in 2022 (around 449,000 units sold), likely because more and more people are choosing electric vehicles. But that doesn’t mean the CR-V isn’t a great choice – it even offers a hybrid option!
In short, the Honda CR-V is a stylish and comfortable SUV that delivers a great balance of value, reliability, and capability. It’s no wonder it’s been a top seller for years, even with the rise of electric cars.
Here’s a table summarizing the key points of the Honda CR-V:
| Feature | Description |
| Style | Gone through a makeover inside and out |
| Price | Perfectly balanced combination of price and quality |
| Reliability | Keeps drivers happy |
| Comfort | Spacious and comfortable interior |
| Off-road capability | Handles some off-road adventures |
| Sales | Top seller for years |
Toyota RAV4: A Longtime Favorite Gets a Modern Makeover
The Toyota RAV4 is another winner from Toyota! This compact SUV is lightweight and comes with all-wheel drive, making it a great choice for all kinds of adventures. It’s been popular since its debut, but sales have really skyrocketed lately. In fact, they sold almost a million units in both 2020 (915,000) and 2021 (965,000)! Sales dipped a bit in 2022 (654,000), probably because more people are looking for electric cars. But the RAV4 isn’t giving up without a fight – it also comes in a hybrid version!
The RAV4 has been around since 1994, and it’s definitely changed a lot over the years. Today, it’s a stylish and powerful SUV that’s perfect for both families and business professionals.
Ford F-Series: America’s Undisputed Truck King
Ford F-Series trucks are like rockstars in the USA. They’re incredibly popular, and for good reason! These powerful SUVs offer a comfortable ride and can handle anything you throw at them, whether it’s a day at the worksite or a cruise around town. The F-150 is the most popular model, consistently ranking among the top-selling vehicles in the US and worldwide for years.
Sales figures show just how loved these trucks are. In 2021, Ford sold a whopping 851,000 F-Series trucks. While that number dipped slightly to 767,000 in 2022, it’s clear the F-Series remains king of the road. Other Ford models like the Explorer and Ranger can’t quite compete with the F-Series’ dominance.
Hyundai Tucson: A Top Pick for Europe, Russia, and the US
The Hyundai Tucson is a hot seller, especially in Europe, Russia, and the US! This affordable and lightweight SUV is the second best-selling compact crossover of 2022. In fact, it’s become Hyundai’s most popular car in the US! You can choose between rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive to fit your needs.
The Tucson is a clear favorite for Hyundai, with sales reaching almost 478,000 units worldwide in 2021. While sales dipped a bit in 2022 (around 410,000 units sold), this could be due to the growing interest in electric cars.
Chevy Silverado: Ford’s Rival Takes the Stage
The Chevrolet Silverado is making a name for itself! This powerful and fuel-efficient truck has entered the “most popular cars” list for two years running, and it’s easy to see why. Some might even call it the ultimate competitor to Ford’s popular pickups.
The Silverado is strong and capable, but it also manages to be surprisingly economical. It’s a good choice for those who want a truck without feeling guilty at the pump!
Here’s a fun fact: The Silverado has even had some brush with fame, appearing in Quentin Tarantino’s “Kill Bill” and Lady Gaga’s music video for “Telephone.”
Sales are strong too, with Chevrolet selling around 580,000 units in 2021 and 466,000 in 2022. These are the best numbers Chevrolet has seen for any of its cars!
Tesla Model 3: The Electric Car Taking Europe by Storm
The electric car movement is growing fast, and some predict that electric cars will soon dominate the top seller charts. The Tesla Model 3 is already making waves, joining the ranks of traditionally-fueled best-sellers!
This sleek car is known for its easy handling, impressive autopilot system, and of course, being eco-friendly. In fact, it became the best-selling car in Europe in 2022 with over 23,000 units sold! Its bigger brother, the Tesla Model Y, isn’t far behind with almost 19,000 units sold.
The Model 3’s popularity isn’t limited to Europe. It’s a global hit! In 2021, Tesla sold a whopping 552,000 Model 3s worldwide, and that number dipped slightly to 535,000 in 2022. Overall, Tesla sold a record-breaking 1.3 million cars in 2022, and the Model 3 is clearly a big part of their success.
The Mighty Mini: Volkswagen Polo Holds Strong
The Volkswagen Polo is a European favorite that’s also popular worldwide! Drivers love its small size and impressive gas mileage. But don’t let its size fool you – the Polo offers a surprising balance of comfort and simplicity. It can even handle some light off-roading, making it a great choice for weekend adventures in the country.
Sales of the Polo have been strong, with 390,000 units sold worldwide in 2020 and 353,000 in 2021. While numbers dipped to 211,000 in 2022, likely due to the rise of electric cars like Tesla, the Polo remains a popular choice on the used car market.
Nissan Sylphy: A China-Only Superstar
The Nissan Sylphy might not be a familiar face in Europe, the US, or Russia, but it’s a big hit in China! This sedan wasn’t available in those regions, but it found a huge fan base in China. In fact, it was so popular that nearly 500,000 units were sold in China alone in 2021.
However, sales dipped quite a bit in 2022, dropping to around 229,000 units. This trend reflects a shift in car preferences in China, just like elsewhere – people are increasingly going electric! China’s auto industry is actually a frontrunner in electric vehicles, so it’s no surprise that gas-powered cars like the Sylphy are seeing a decrease in sales.