What Are the 10 Most Popular Cars?

The 10 most popular cars worldwide, using the latest complete global registrations for 2023, were: Tesla Model Y, Toyota RAV4, Toyota Corolla, Honda CR-V, Toyota Camry, Ford F-Series, Toyota Hilux, Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra/Sylphy, and Toyota Corolla Cross. These rankings reflect global sales/registration data compiled by industry analysts such as JATO Dynamics and Focus2Move, with 2023 serving as the most recent full year available.

How “most popular” is measured

Automotive analysts generally rank popularity by global registrations or sales of individual nameplates (model families) in a calendar year, not by revenue or production. Figures often aggregate body styles under the same name (for example, Corolla sedan and hatchback) and can differ slightly by source due to methodology and market coverage. The list below synthesizes widely cited 2023 tallies, notably JATO Dynamics’ global report and corroborating industry trackers.

The global top 10 for 2023

The following ordered list presents the best-selling car models worldwide in 2023, with approximate volumes and brief context on where each model is strongest. Volumes are rounded estimates to provide a clear sense of scale across regions.

1. Tesla Model Y — approximately 1.2 million units. Dominant in China, Europe, and North America; the first EV to top global model rankings.
2. Toyota RAV4 — approximately 1.07 million units. A compact SUV mainstay with strong demand in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.
3. Toyota Corolla (sedan/hatch) — approximately 1.01 million units. A perennial favorite for its reliability and affordability across global markets.
4. Honda CR-V — approximately 0.85 million units. Popular family SUV with strong sales in North America and Asia.
5. Toyota Camry — approximately 0.69 million units. A midsize sedan leader, especially in the U.S., Middle East, and parts of Asia.
6. Ford F-Series — approximately 0.62 million units. North America’s best-selling pickup; its U.S. volume alone propels it into the global top 10.
7. Toyota Hilux — approximately 0.61 million units. A workhorse pickup favored across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Oceania.
8. Honda Civic — approximately 0.52 million units. Compact car staple with strong followings in North America and Asia.
9. Nissan Sentra/Sylphy — approximately 0.50 million units. High-volume compact sedan, particularly strong in China under the Sylphy name.
10. Toyota Corolla Cross — approximately 0.49 million units. Rapidly rising compact crossover popular in Asia and Latin America.

These rankings highlight three clear trends: the global shift toward SUVs/crossovers, Toyota’s broad reach across segments and regions, and the milestone of an all-electric vehicle (Tesla Model Y) leading the world in annual model sales.

What drives these rankings

Several structural and market factors consistently push certain models to the top of the charts, regardless of brand or powertrain.

• Global appeal of compact SUVs: Crossovers like RAV4, CR-V, and Corolla Cross match consumer demand for space and efficiency.
• Scale and localization: Models built in multiple regions (or with localized assembly) avoid tariffs and supply bottlenecks.
• Fleet and taxi uptake: High-volume sedans such as Corolla and Sentra/Sylphy benefit from commercial and ride-hailing demand.
• Value and durability: Nameplates with strong reliability reputations (Toyota, Honda) sustain repeat sales across markets.
• EV momentum plus manufacturing scale: The Model Y’s rise reflects both EV adoption and Tesla’s ability to produce at high volume in key regions.
• Post-pandemic supply recovery: Improved parts availability and logistics in 2023 helped restore normal sales patterns.

Together, these dynamics favor models that balance mass-market pricing, broad regional availability, and consistent brand trust.

Regional differences to know

“Most popular” can look different by region, given local preferences, regulations, and manufacturing bases.

• United States/Canada: Full-size pickups (Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado, Ram) dominate domestically even if they don’t all crack the global top 10.
• Europe: Compact SUVs and small cars lead; EV penetration is higher, benefiting models like Model Y and regional favorites such as the Dacia Sandero (not in the global top 10).
• China: The world’s largest auto market shapes global totals; the Nissan Sylphy and Tesla Model Y are standouts, while strong domestic brands (e.g., BYD) lift EV and plug-in hybrid share even if specific models vary year to year.
• Asia-Pacific, Middle East, Africa, Latin America: Durable pickups (Hilux) and affordable compact cars and crossovers (Corolla, Corolla Cross) are mainstays.

These contrasts explain why some models dominate globally through balanced performance across multiple regions, while others are regional champions.

What could change next

While 2023 provides the latest full-year picture, several forces could reshape the top 10 in 2024–2025.

• Hybrid surge: Affordable hybrids in compact SUV and car segments could boost models like RAV4 and Corolla Cross.
• EV price competition: Falling battery costs and aggressive pricing—particularly from Chinese automakers—could elevate new EV nameplates.
• Model refresh cycles: Redesigns of core global models (e.g., Camry, CR-V) can generate demand spikes.
• Trade and policy shifts: Incentives, tariffs, and emissions rules may redirect production and sales, affecting availability and pricing.
• Supply chain stability: Continued normalization favors high-volume, globally built models; disruptions could reshuffle rankings.

Expect SUVs to remain dominant, with hybrids and competitive EVs intensifying battles at the top—especially in China and Europe.

Summary

In the latest complete global results (2023), Tesla’s Model Y became the first EV to top worldwide sales, ahead of stalwarts like the Toyota RAV4 and Corolla. The rest of the top 10 underscores the global pull of compact SUVs, the enduring strength of Toyota and Honda nameplates, and the continued relevance of pickups in key regions. Looking ahead, hybrids and lower-cost EVs—plus regional policy changes—are likely to shape the next iterations of this list.

What are the 10 most reliable cars?

Most reliable cars

1. Buick Envision. CarMax owner rating. 4.7.
2. Toyota Prius Prime Hybrid. CarMax owner rating. 4.6.
3. Honda Passport. CarMax owner rating. 4.6.
4. Honda HR-V. CarMax owner rating. 4.3.
5. Kia Telluride. CarMax owner rating. 4.5.
6. Acura TLX. CarMax owner rating. 4.5.
7. Lexus ES 300h. CarMax owner rating.
8. Lexus NX 200t. CarMax owner rating.

What is the top 10 car in the United States?

• Tesla Model Y.
• Toyota RAV4.
• Honda CR-V.
• GMC Sierra.
• Toyota Camry.
• Ram 1500/2500/3500.
• Honda Civic. You’re going to find a lot to like with the Honda Civic.
• Tesla Model 3. The Tesla Model 3 is the second Tesla and EV to break into the top 10.

Which is the top 10 car in the world?

10 most expensive cars in the world in 2025

• Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire Droptail | ₹250 Crores | $30 Million.
• Rolls-Royce Boat Tail | ₹234 Crores | $28 Million.
• Bugatti La Voiture Noire | ₹156 Crores | $18 Million.
• Pagani Zonda HP Barchetta | ₹142 Crores | $17 Million.
• SP Automotive Chaos | ₹120 Crores | $14 Million.

What is the #1 most popular car?

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1. 1 Toyota Corolla65%
2. 2 Honda Accord64%
3. 3 Ford Mustang64%
4. 4 Toyota Camry63%
5. 5 Chevrolet Corvette62%
6. 6 Toyota Highlander61%
7. 7 Honda CR-V59%
8. 8 Honda Civic59%