The Best-Selling Car in the World Is No Longer a Tesla.
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The Tesla Model Y made waves by becoming the best-selling car globally in 2023. It achieved this feat with an 11% increase in sales, reaching 1,223,000 units—almost 150,000 units more than the Toyota RAV4. It marked the first time an electric vehicle topped the global sales rankings, and it appeared poised to maintain this position into 2024. However, data indicates that the RAV4 surged ahead and ended the year as the world's best-selling car with 1,187,000 units.
Felipe Munoz, an automotive analyst at JATO Dynamics, compiled these figures using data from national statistics offices, dealer associations, and various industry sources. The Model Y came very close to the RAV4, falling short by approximately 2,000 units, which is remarkable considering that Model Y production saw a decrease due to a mid-year facelift. The sales of Tesla's crossover fell by 3%, and the temporary production halt likely contributed to this decline.
Munoz's analysis reveals that not only did Toyota reclaim its sales crown, but it also secured five spots in the top 10. Following the Model Y in second place was the Corolla Cross (known as the Frontlander in certain markets). The Corolla sedan occupied fifth place, while the Hilux pickup was sixth and the Camry eighth.
The old and the new RAV4. Toyota
The RAV4 managed to ascend to first place due to an 11% year-over-year increase in sales. This is somewhat unexpected, considering the model is in its final year of its current generation. It's unusual to see such a jump for an (relatively) older model, especially with the upcoming introduction of more advanced technology and capabilities. The 2026 RAV4 has already been unveiled, featuring a boxy redesign and a complete hybrid lineup with up to 320 horsepower.
Other vehicles not named Toyota or Tesla in the global top 10 include the Honda CR-V in fourth, the Ford F-150 in seventh, and the BYD Qin in tenth.
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The Best-Selling Car in the World Is No Longer a Tesla.
The Model Y dropped to second place in the global sales rankings following a short production halt to introduce a new facelift.