The automotive industry navigated a dynamic year in 2023, rebounding strongly from previous supply chain disruptions and pandemic-related challenges. As new vehicle prices continued their upward trend, American consumers still flocked to dealerships, resulting in impressive sales figures for nearly every automaker. Many brands experienced double-digit sales growth compared to the previous year, signaling a robust demand for new cars, trucks, and SUVs.
To understand the shifting preferences of American car buyers and identify the most sought-after models, we’ve analyzed the annual sales reports from major automotive manufacturers. While the enduring popularity of pickup trucks and SUVs remains undeniable, the 2023 sales charts reveal some interesting shifts and consistent favorites among the top 20 best-selling vehicles in America.
1. Ford F-Series: America’s Reigning Sales Champion
750,789 Units
It comes as no surprise that the Ford F-Series continues its long-standing dominance as the best-selling vehicle in America. For decades, the F-Series has held the top spot, and 2023 was no exception. While General Motors enthusiasts might point to the combined sales of the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra as surpassing the F-Series, it’s crucial to remember that these are separate models within the GM lineup. The Ford F-Series, encompassing the iconic F-150 and its Super Duty counterparts, demonstrated a robust 14.8 percent sales increase in 2023, solidifying its position as the undisputed best-selling car in America.
2. Chevrolet Silverado: Securing the Second Spot
555,148 Units
After close competition with Ram in recent years, the Chevrolet Silverado firmly secured the second-place position in 2023. Outselling the Ram pickup by a significant margin of over 110,000 units, the Silverado experienced a healthy 6.1 percent sales increase compared to 2022. This strong performance underscores the Silverado’s continued appeal in the competitive full-size truck segment.
3. Ram Pickup: Holding Steady in Third
444,926 Units
While its Detroit rivals, Ford and Chevrolet, enjoyed positive sales growth in 2023, the Ram Pickup experienced a slight sales decrease of 1 percent. Despite this minor dip, the Ram maintained its strong third-place position in the best-selling vehicle rankings. Looking ahead, a refreshed Ram model is anticipated for the 2025 model year, which could potentially boost sales. However, the absence of a Hemi V8 option in the new model, a Ram truck staple for over two decades, will be an interesting factor to watch in future sales figures.
4. Toyota RAV4: America’s Favorite SUV
434,943 Units
Toyota’s presence on this list is substantial, and it begins with the RAV4, America’s best-selling SUV. In 2023, the RAV4’s popularity grew even further, with an 8.4 percent sales increase compared to the previous year. This impressive performance is noteworthy considering the current RAV4 generation is nearing the end of its lifecycle. Rumors suggest that a new or updated RAV4 model could be unveiled soon, potentially further strengthening its market position.
5. Tesla Model Y: Electric Power in the Top Five
403,897 Units (est.)
The Tesla Model Y achieved global recognition as the best-selling vehicle worldwide in 2022. While Tesla doesn’t release sales data broken down by region, estimations from sources like EVadoption.com place the Model Y as the fifth best-selling vehicle in America for 2023, with an estimated 16 percent sales increase. Although these figures are estimates, the Model Y’s global success strongly suggests their accuracy. The Model Y’s high ranking demonstrates the growing influence of electric vehicles in the American automotive market.
6. Honda CR-V: Significant Growth for a Popular SUV
361,457 Units
Honda also boasts multiple vehicles in the top 20, starting with the perennially popular CR-V. The CR-V experienced remarkable growth in 2023, logging a substantial 51.8 percent year-over-year sales jump. This surge in popularity is largely attributed to the launch of the sixth-generation CR-V, which debuted in September 2022 as a 2023 model year, resonating strongly with consumers.
7. GMC Sierra: The Upscale Truck’s Strong Showing
295,737 Units
The GMC Sierra, Chevrolet Silverado’s more premium sibling, secured the seventh position overall. While being the lowest-selling full-size pickup from Detroit among the top sellers, the Sierra still achieved a notable 22.4 percent sales increase, outperforming the Silverado in percentage growth. This indicates a growing segment of buyers seeking more luxurious truck options.
8. Toyota Camry: Sedan Sales Still Matter
290,649 Units
The Toyota Camry proves that sedans are far from extinct in the American market. Maintaining its title as America’s best-selling sedan, the Camry outsold numerous popular SUVs, including the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chevrolet Equinox, and Ford Explorer. While Camry sales remained nearly flat in 2023, experiencing a slight 1.5 percent decrease, the arrival of the 2025 model is expected to revitalize sales figures.
9. Nissan Rogue: A Quietly Popular SUV
271,458 Units
Nissan’s sole entry in the top 20 is the Rogue, a surprisingly popular SUV that often flies under the radar. The Rogue achieved an impressive 45.6 percent year-over-year sales increase in 2023. While still not reaching pre-pandemic sales levels, the Rogue remains a highly sought-after vehicle for American buyers, demonstrating strong demand in the competitive compact SUV segment.
10. Jeep Grand Cherokee: A Robust Performer
244,594 Units
The current generation Jeep Grand Cherokee, only a few years old, continues to perform strongly in the market. The introduction of the three-row Grand Cherokee variant a few years prior has further bolstered sales. 2023 marked one of the Grand Cherokee’s best sales years in recent memory, finishing with a 10 percent increase compared to 2022, proving its enduring appeal in the SUV landscape.
11. Toyota Tacoma: Dominating the Mid-Size Truck Segment
234,768 Units
Outside of the Detroit-based automakers, the Toyota Tacoma stands out as the best-selling truck in its segment. Tacoma sales experienced a slight dip of 1.1 percent in 2023. However, with the all-new 2024 Tacoma model having debuted and arriving at dealerships, sales are anticipated to rebound significantly in the coming year.
12. Toyota Corolla: Compact Car Champion
232,370 Units
Toyota not only leads the sedan segment but also dominates the compact car category with the Corolla. Despite being due for a model update, Corolla sales increased by 4.6 percent in 2023, demonstrating the enduring popularity and reliability of this compact sedan.
13. Tesla Model 3: EV Sedan Strength
213,000 Units (est.)
Similar to the Model Y, Tesla’s Model 3 sales figures are estimates due to the company’s lack of regional sales breakdowns. However, with an estimated 213,000 units delivered in 2023, the Model 3 remains a highly popular electric vehicle sedan. Price reductions throughout the year likely played a significant role in attracting buyers to the Model 3.
14. Chevrolet Equinox: Chevrolet’s Top SUV
212,701 Units
The Chevrolet Equinox maintained steady sales with a marginal 0.3 percent year-over-year increase, solidifying its position as Chevrolet’s best-selling SUV by a considerable margin. Despite its current model being several years old, an upcoming next-generation Equinox, potentially drawing styling cues from the electric Equinox EV, is expected to further enhance its appeal.
15. Hyundai Tucson: Korean Entry with Strong Growth
209,624 Units
The Hyundai Tucson is the sole representative from Korean automakers in the top 20, and it experienced a very successful year. Tucson sales surged by 20 percent, and further growth is anticipated. A refreshed model, unveiled at the end of 2023, introduces subtle exterior updates and a significantly revamped interior, poised to attract even more buyers.
16. Honda Civic: Civic Sales Surge
200,381 Units
Honda’s Civic witnessed a remarkable 49.6 percent sales jump in 2023. While 2022 was a comparatively weaker year for Civic sales, the current generation’s appealing interior design and refined exterior styling seem to be resonating well with consumers, driving significant sales growth.
17. Honda Accord: Sedan Resilience Continues
197,947 Units
The Honda Accord also experienced strong sales growth, increasing by 28 percent. While still below its peak sales figures of the 1990s, the Accord’s nearly 200,000 units sold in 2023 demonstrate the enduring appeal of this sedan in an SUV-dominated market, securing its place in the top 20.
18. Ford Explorer: Facing Sales Headwinds
186,799 Units
The Ford Explorer, once a sales leader with nearly 500,000 units sold annually in the early 2000s, experienced a 10 percent sales decrease in 2023 amidst a general trend of sales increases for other models. An upcoming mid-cycle refresh later in the year is expected to help revitalize Explorer sales for 2024.
19. Toyota Highlander: Sales Dip Ahead of Update
169,543 Units
The Toyota Highlander, dating back to 2020, experienced a significant 23.9 percent sales drop in 2023. This decline could be attributed to the model nearing its update cycle, with potential buyers anticipating a refreshed version or shifting towards the larger Toyota Grand Highlander, which debuted in early 2023.
20. Subaru Outback: Wagon Mojo in the Top 20
161,814 Units
Rounding out the top 20 is the Subaru Outback, bringing its wagon versatility to the list. In a market saturated with SUVs, the Outback’s unique wagon design, particularly in the off-road-oriented Wilderness trim, continues to attract buyers. Outback sales increased by 9.9 percent in 2023, demonstrating its continued relevance and appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions: Best Selling Cars in America
What is the top selling car in America overall?
The Ford F-150 is the top-selling vehicle in the US, with 750,789 units sold in 2023.
What is the best-selling sedan in America?
The Toyota Camry holds the title of best-selling sedan in America, with 290,649 units sold in 2023.
What is the best-selling SUV in America for 2023?
The Toyota RAV4 was the best-selling SUV in America in 2023, with 434,943 units sold.
Top 20 Best Selling Cars in America 2023: Full List
| Rank | Vehicle | Sales (Units) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ford F-Series | 750,789 |
| 2 | Chevrolet Silverado | 555,148 |
| 3 | Ram Pickup | 444,926 |
| 4 | Toyota RAV4 | 434,943 |
| 5 | Tesla Model Y | 403,897 (est.) |
| 6 | Honda CR-V | 361,457 |
| 7 | GMC Sierra | 295,737 |
| 8 | Toyota Camry | 290,649 |
| 9 | Nissan Rogue | 271,458 |
| 10 | Jeep Grand Cherokee | 244,594 |
| 11 | Toyota Tacoma | 234,768 |
| 12 | Toyota Corolla | 232,370 |
| 13 | Tesla Model 3 | 213,000 (est.) |
| 14 | Chevrolet Equinox | 212,701 |
| 15 | Hyundai Tucson | 209,624 |
| 16 | Honda Civic | 200,381 |
| 17 | Honda Accord | 197,947 |
| 18 | Ford Explorer | 186,799 |
| 19 | Toyota Highlander | 169,543 |
| 20 | Subaru Outback | 161,814 |
In conclusion, the 2023 automotive sales charts highlight the enduring dominance of trucks and SUVs in America, with the Ford F-Series remaining the best selling car overall. However, the strong performance of sedans like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, and the growing presence of electric vehicles like the Tesla Model Y and Model 3, indicate a diverse and evolving automotive landscape. The year showcased both consistent favorites and emerging trends, setting the stage for an exciting future in the American car market.
