Every other model was outsold by the Toyota RAV4.
I am only now able compile data for the full year 2021 even though we are already well into the second quarter. It took me a while to gather the data from all over the globe and to classify each model by segment. This research covers data for 106 markets on five continents, which accounted for more than 99% in the world’s total volume. These were the most popular models.
The Tesla Model 3 Makes It to the Top 10 Overall
Elon Musk predicted it: Teslas would be the most popular car in the near future. Although the Model 3 wasn’t the best-selling vehicle in the world in 2021 it did an amazing job and made the top 10. This electric sedan was ranked 9th in the rankings due to its 40% growth vs 2020 to 528,000. This is the first time a fully electric car has reached this level of sales volume.
SUVs
The Toyota RAV4 (also known as Wildlander in China) made history, becoming the first SUV to top the global rankings. This brand sold over 1.13 million units, an increase of 6%. It outsold its closest competitor, the Honda CR-V by 3% to 903,000 units. The volume of the X-Trail, or Rogue rival, from Nissan was only 0.5% higher due to model generation changes. It was still able to surpass the Mazda CX-5 and Haval H6 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace, as well as Ford Escape/Kuga.
The Honda HR-V is the most popular of all the small SUVs. The strong positions in China, Japan, South East Asia, Latin America and Japan boosted the Honda HR-V’s volume by 20%. The Volkswagen T-Cross was its closest competitor, but it sold half as many Hondas. The Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos followed by the Volkswagen T-Roc.
With 443,000 units sold, the Toyota Highlander became the most popular large/midsize SUV. This was an increase of 31%. The Tesla Model Y was next, ranking 19th in overall sales. There were also the BMW X3, Ford Explorer and Jeep Wrangler as well as the Mercedes GLC, Audi Q5, Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Santa Cruz, Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Santa Cruz, BMW X3, Ford Explorer and Ford Explorer.
Small cars
It’s interesting to observe that most drivers prefer larger cars. Last year, the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV was the most popular small car. It occupied the 20th spot. It was the top-selling electric car in China. It was followed by the Volkswagen Polo hatchback and Suzuki Swift, as well as the European Toyota Yaris and the Saipa Tiba. This is an Iranian car.
Compact Cars
These compact sedans are the Toyota Corolla and Nissan Sentra. They are not as popular in North America or China. The popularity of hatchbacks is primarily in Europe so the Volkswagen Golf was not as high in the rankings. The Golf was actually the most popular hatchback in the world, but it occupied 49th place with 268,000 units
Luxury and premium cars
With 329,000 units, the BMW 3-Series sedan was ranked first. This is due to strong demand from China, USA-Canada, and Japan-Korea. The 5-Series sedan, which has 277,000 units, was next. It is still in great shape despite its age. The Mercedes E-Class sedan, which was second in sales, had 231,000 units. The Mercedes C-Class was next. The Mercedes S-Class was the most popular luxury segment with 83,000 units, compared to 46,000 units for the BMW 7 Series.
Pickup trucks
The Ford F-150 retained the title, but it was under threat by the Toyota Hilux which gained 22%. The Toyota is popular in all parts of the world, even though it sells the majority of its units in North America. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Ram 1500 also fell behind the rest of the top 10. Positive moves were made by the Ford Ranger, Isuzu D Max, and Toyota Tacoma compared to 2020.
Sport Cars
Although the Ford Mustang was still the top-selling sports car in the world, it lost 15% sales to 2020. This allowed the Dodge Challenger challenge it. The Porsche 911 was third, up 13%. The Chevrolet Corvette market soared by 53%, leaving fifth place for the small Mazda MX-5.
Felipe Munoz is JATO Dynamic Automotive Industry Specialist.