Top 10 Most Popular Cars in the World
Demand for cars changes very quickly, although some models maintain their leadership for years. That's why our ranking includes the best-selling cars over the past few years, not just one year. The top three leaders have remained unchanged for a long time, so these models should be looked at especially carefully.
1. Toyota Corolla
Maintaining its leadership for 4 consecutive years! What does this say? It means that the car has the optimal balance of price and quality, is convenient for everyday use, has excellent technical characteristics, and, of course, is reliable. It's no wonder that in 2022, 629 thousand units were sold. In 2021, the figure reached 985 units, which is impressive.
The Toyota Corolla has been in production for 20 generations, but only now its appearance has noticeably changed. However, the model still remains quite classic. Toyota, as is known, is quite conservative in terms of the exterior of its cars. Nevertheless, this does not prevent it from remaining the most sought-after brand in the world for many years.
2. Toyota Camry
Another "leading" model from Toyota is the representative and more comfortable Camry. We haven't mentioned earlier that in 2022, the company sold 7.3 million cars worldwide – it's time to mention it now. To once again confirm the brand's popularity.
The Toyota Camry itself was sold almost 606 thousand units in the same year. Like the Corolla, the Camry has undergone restyling, but not a major one (the changes mainly affected the interior rather than the exterior). It can still be recognized on the street at first glance.
3. Honda CR-V
Unlike the previous Toyota models, the Honda CR-V has changed quite significantly in appearance (not to mention the interior) over its 6 generations. The perfectly balanced combination of price and quality, as well as reliability and comfort, remains unchanged. The car looks great and at the same time has good off-road capabilities. The car's interior is spacious and comfortable, and in the last two generations, it's also modern.
The model has been in the top three best-selling cars worldwide for several years. In 2021, sales reached 713 thousand units, and in 2022 – 449 thousand. The reason for the sharp decline in sales can be easily explained overall – the growing demand for electric cars. Even the hybrid version of the Honda CR-V cannot stop the decline in demand for such a beautiful model by all measures.
4. Toyota RAV4
Once again, Toyota, this time with the compact and lightweight all-wheel-drive crossover RAV4. This beauty has been in demand almost since the beginning of its existence, but its peak popularity came in recent years. In 2020, almost 915 thousand units were sold, in 2021 – 965 thousand, in 2022 – 654 thousand. Once again, the demand for electric cars played a role here, although modern RAV4 models are also available with a hybrid engine.
It's worth reminding that the model production started in 1994, and since then it has changed quite significantly. Today, it's a representative and quite powerful car that can be seen as both a business-class and a family car.
5. Ford F-Series
Ford pickups sell well worldwide, but in their homeland, the USA, they have simply insane demand. There's no wonder: it's a powerful SUV with a comfortable cabin that can be used as both a city car and a "workhorse." The F-150 model is especially popular. Among other full-size Ford pickups, it's a true leader. This is because it consistently ranks in the top three best-selling cars both worldwide and in the USA for several years.
In 2021, 851 thousand units of the F-Series were sold, and in 2022, the figure decreased to 767 units. Models Explorer and Ranger follow with a significant margin.
6. Hyundai Tucson
The second best-selling compact crossover in 2022 is the Korean Hyundai Tucson. The lightweight and affordable SUV has gained popularity in both Europe and Russia, and in the USA, the model has become the best-selling among other Hyundai vehicles. It is available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models.
The Tucson is the most in-demand model for the Korean company compared to other cars. Thus, in 2021, almost 478 thousand units were sold worldwide, and in 2022, 410 thousand. The decrease in demand is linked to the increasing interest in electric vehicles.
7. Chevrolet Silverado
Chevrolet Silverado enters the ranking of "most popular cars" for two consecutive years. And that says something! Perhaps it can be called the best alternative to Ford pickups. Powerful, strong, and yet relatively fuel-efficient – it's economical and environmentally friendly!
Fun fact! Chevrolet Silverado "played roles" in Tarantino's "Kill Bill" movie and Lady Gaga's music video for the song "Telephone."
In 2021, approximately 580 thousand units were sold, and in 2022, 466 thousand units. In both cases, these are the best indicators within the Chevrolet brand.
8. Tesla Model 3
The popularity of electric cars is gaining momentum. It's not surprising, but even predictable to expect that in a few years, the top-selling cars will consist entirely of electric cars. For now, the Tesla Model 3 has joined the leaders in traditional fuel. Ease of handling, excellent autopilot mode, and undeniable environmental friendliness have made the Tesla Model 3 one of the best-selling cars in Europe: more than 23 thousand units were sold in 2022, allowing it to top the corresponding ranking. By the way, the Tesla Model Y lags not far behind: it "sold" almost 19 thousand units.
The Tesla Model 3 is no less popular worldwide. In 2021, it was bought 552 thousand times, and in 2022, 535 thousand times. At the same time, Tesla set its own record by selling over 1.3 million of its cars in 2022.
9. Volkswagen Polo
Interestingly, the Polo remains one of the favorites both in Europe and worldwide. It's appreciated not only for its compactness and low fuel consumption but also for the balanced comfort and simplicity. This car also has good off-road capabilities for its class, so it's perfect for medium-difficulty countryside trips.
In 2020, Volkswagen Polo was sold worldwide in the amount of 390 thousand units, in 2021 – 353 thousand units, in 2022, demand dropped to 211 thousand. Obviously, it is being displaced by Tesla, but for now, the Polo confidently holds its position on the secondary market.
10. Nissan Sylphy
The Nissan Sylphy did not appear in Russia, Europe, or the USA. But it managed to enter the global sales rankings, and the secret is simple. It gained tremendous popularity where it was released – in China. The model was well-liked by the Chinese, and in 2021, 498 thousand units were bought.
This representative sedan quickly "lost ground," and in 2022, sales amounted to only 229 thousand units for the whole year. In China, as well as worldwide, there is a shift in demand towards electric vehicles – and by the way, the Chinese automotive industry has been quite successful in this endeavor.