The 20 Most Popular SUVs in 2023: What's Driving Demand?

Total Units Sold: 267,200

Tesla Model Y was spotted in third number on last year’s whole SUV sales list. This year it has managed to grab the position of most popular and world’s bestselling SUVs for the second half of 2023. It is not far from being declared as the bestselling car of the whole year.

It is also known as the bestselling electric SUV and the only full-electric SUV to secure a position in the top 25. Despite that, it has a sleek exterior design and unique interior that makes it attractive for minimalist car enthusiasts.

Total Units Sold: 264,733

It is known as the bestselling SUV of 2019 in the world while being the fourth best-selling car globally. Toyota RAV4 is one of the continuing favorite SUVs due to its spacious cabin, plenty of safety features, and strong value for the money. The car is often used as a staple car based on convenient and practical choice.

Buyers have been lured by its sporty look, amazing features, great economy, throughout drivability, and mostly because of the low maintenance costs. It can accompany at least five people and even has a large cargo space.

Total Units Sold: 227,785

Just like the Toyota RAV4, the Honda CR-V has always been one of the bestselling SUVs. It is one of the favorite American cars due to its fuel efficiency and cargo space factors. Apart from that it has an attractive exterior that can be described as a ‘classy yet restrained style, ‘and an efficient powertrain of 204 hp that offers a comfortable and smooth ride.

It comes with a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen that responds well to touch and the smart safety features. All of these factors are the reason for the popularity of this car.

Total Units Sold: 147,745

Nissan Rogue has recently climbed to reach the top of most popular SUVs in 2023. This year the sales of this car have amazingly increased. It was the second bestselling compact SUV in the first quarter of 2023 after the Toyota RAV4.

The massive surge of this SUV is the result of its fuel-efficient, spacious, and comfortable features. It has ample room for passenger as well as cargo space and comes with high-end features including, in-dash navigation, a Bose stereo system, a 10.8-inch head-up display, and a wireless smartphone charging pad.

Total Units Sold: 134, 367

Hyundai is breaking its own sales record with a massive rise in sales in 2023. Completely new on the list, it is a compact crossover SUV with five seaters and is available in eight variants. The car is widely popular for its polished design, contemporary interior, and modern technology features.

Other than that it offers great mileage. Therefore, looking at the sales record and its excellent features, there is no doubt it will be one of the top popular SUVs in 2023.

Total Units Sold: 130,517

Toyota Highlander is the leading car industry in the United States with their SUVs. Their sales have drastically sprung in 2023 as compared to last year. It is because of its build quality, safety, reliability, and family-adjustable cabin space features, that it is a reliable choice for most buyers.

The sales of Toyota Highlander SUVs have increased from 100,000 units each year to over 200,000 units a year. The main reason for this popularity is its spacious nature for families that have 3-rows, and like other Toyota models, it is reliable.

Total  Units Sold: 124,957

If you are in search of an SUV that has both off-road potential as well a beautifully crafted interior design, go for the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee. It is a five-seat, two-row SUV with enough space for passengers and cargo. Also, it reflects heroic power, striking design, increased comfort, and the latest tech.

The reason for its popularity is its luxury amenities such as 16-way adjustable front seats with included memory and massage mode that comes at an affordable price. Ambient LED lighting also provides a worldly feeling.

Total Units Sold: 113, 057

Ford Explorer is a great SUV with a comprehensive package that includes a remarkable engine, higher towing strength than any other normal crossover, 3-row seating, and impeccable safety. It comes with a wide range of variants and design choices.

From expanded cargo space to comfortable seats and a capable engine, Ford Explorer is one of the bestselling SUVs of all time in the United States. This SUV has ruled the market for many long, in 1991 it was one of the first modern SUVs to rule the market.

Total Units Sold: 108, 334

The Subaru Outback is a mid-sized SUV that is designed for off-road adventure while also rendering massive comfort, convenience, and ample safety. This car is considered one of the most reliable and better options in the SUV market. Even though the cabin designs seem usual, they are functional in the sense that it has high seating adjustments for a comfortable and better view.

It has dual-zone climate control, a power-manageable driver’s seat, heated front seats, and generous USB ports. It is available in affordable price.

Total Units Sold: 106,113

The Mazda CX-5 is available in the average range but its design and driving offer a premium satisfaction. It has a standard AWD with advanced turbocharged power and driving features that make it similar to a hatchback rather than an SUV. CX-5 is an appreciable SUV for someone searching for practicability and affordability.

CX is a compact SUV and the recent winner of the 2023 Best Compact SUV for the Money. Speed-sensitive power door locks, advanced keyless entry and start system, and many other features make it one of the most popular SUVs.

Total Units Sold: 105,851

The Chevrolet Equinox is another popular SUV that faces rigid competition from the similar of the RAV4, CR-4, and Tucson. Nevertheless, it has managed to fix a spot close to the top of the popular SUVs with its spacious nature, great infotainment tech, and affordable pricing.

The rear seat can be easily folded to create more room for the cargo. Apart from that wireless Bluetooth and wireless charging pads are available showcasing modern tech. You can detect and respond to hazards through its intelligent safety technology.

Total Units Sold: 96,022

The 2023 Kia Sportage features a new look with plenty of rear legroom and cargo space. It is an impressive mid-sized SUV that offers abundant space, a smooth ride, and standard basic features. With many people opting for this model, there is no doubt Sportage is one of the bestselling SUVs today.

The popularity of this SUV is based on factors such as spacious cargo and seating areas, glossy exterior design, amazing safety elements, and better fuel economy.

Total Units Sold: 93,705

This SUV emphasizes practicality over performance. With its roomy cabin and good fuel economy, Escape is adequate in great categories. Their cargo space is larger than sedan. It has many helpful technological features including, a wireless charging pad, built-in Amazon Alexa, HD radio, around ten speakers, and built-in navigation.

This compact SUV comes with five seats but its other trims have seven to eight seats. With an appealing shape and design, many powertrains, and an AWD Ford Escape might be a perfect option.

Total Units Sold: 84, 642

If you have been traveling through rough terrains, you might know this SUV well. It is a design symbol that is available in both standard along plug-in hybrid Wrangler 4xe versions. One of the coolest features of this SUV is the removable doors and a removable roof. It is a powerful SUV made for off-road terrains.

Aside from that, you can customize the car accordingly by adding heated leather seats, an upgraded audio system, satellite radio, and others. Jeep Wrangler is the second most popular model of Jeep after Grand Cherokee.

Total Units Sold: 83,486

Hyundai Santa Fe is yet another simple and standard SUV having all the basic features for someone who simply wants an SUV. It is practical, has two rows, and is also available in hybrid as well as plug-in hybrid form.

Some of its features include a smart key with a push button to start, paddle shifters, rear personal glass, rain-predicting wipers, front parking sensors, and many others. The style of this SUV is rather friendly and lean as compared to its competitors which have muscular and boxy looks.

Total Units Sold: 76,082

Ford Bronco Sport is a combination of a larger Bronco and an urban-friendly package. It aims to fulfill rugged as well as refined experience in a single package. With good safety scores, a variety of trims, standard AWD, and an appealing style it is one of the popular Bronco Sports SUVs.

It is loaded with potential, impressive interior and exterior, and great technological features. It has an 8-inch infotainment system and a wireless charging pad. It is one of the best off-road SUVs.

Total Units Sold: 74,086

Lexus RX made greater sales than most average-range SUVs in the 1 and 2 half of 2023. The 2023 Lexus RX is a fully redesigned model with a strong look, massive comfort, and better value that has won over many buyers this year.

Lexus RX has been one of the bestselling luxury SUVs in the American market for a long. It offers a smooth ride with comfort and better driving experience. People love this SUV for its quiet cabin, standard materials, and refined and stress-free space.

Total Units sold: 68,681

Chevrolet Traverse is one of the most popular midsized SUV with three rows of seating, that can accommodate up to eight occupants. This car is quite famous for its spacious nature, stunning looks, and muscular size. This is a great family vehicle.

Traverse has many competitors including Kia Telluride, Honda Pilot, and Hyundai Palisade. It has modern features such as six to ten speakers, wireless charging ports, active noise cancellation, a universal home remote, and many others.

Total Units Sold: 65,224

The popularity of Toyota 4Runner is growing due to its simple, off-road capability, and reliability factors. Toyota models have been known for their dependability and reliability since the launch of their first model. They usually come in simple designs and are doing well even with glossy designs or plenty of gadgets.

While many other vehicles have been remodeled into more car-like designs, 4Runner still remains a giant, body-on-frame SUV with a strong rear axle and low-quality transfer case. Staying true to the original features makes it to the list of popular SUVs.

Total Units Sold: 56,513

It is more spacious and competent than most of the SUVs on this list. It is a truck-based SUV with roomy space that can fit up to nine people, has a sturdy engine, and powerful towing capacity.

Its ruggedness and durability are some important factors that make it a popular SUV. This large-sized SUV has everything that an SUV of this size should feature such as a quiet interior and others. Apart from that it also has modern tech involved.