Top 10 Best-Selling Vehicles in the US in 2023: American-Made Cars Leading over Japanese Competitors

In 2023, American consumers purchased a total of 15.6 million cars, witnessing a growth of 12.3% compared to 2022. However, this figure is still lower than the 17 million cars sold in 2019, prior to the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak.

Over the past year, American customers have remained loyal to pickup trucks. The list of the top 10 best-selling cars in the US in 2023 clearly reflects this trend.

1. Ford F-Series: 750,789 vehicles

The Ford F-Series has consistently been the best-selling car in the US market for decades, and 2023 followed suit. Ford sold 750,789 full-size pickup trucks to American customers, witnessing a growth of 14.8% compared to 2022.

Nevertheless, the success of the F-Series was not enough to surpass its two rivals, General Motors (GM) and Toyota. In 2023, Ford ranked 3rd in terms of sales in the US market with a total of 1,995,912 vehicles sold, marking a growth of 7.1%. GM achieved sales of 2,577,662 vehicles (14.1% growth), and Toyota sold 2,248,477 vehicles (6.6% growth).

2. Chevrolet Silverado: 543,780 vehicles

The second position in the US market still went to another full-size pickup truck, the Chevrolet Silverado. The Chevrolet Silverado has held this position for many years. Americans purchased a total of 573,780 Chevrolet Silverado vehicles in 2023, witnessing a 5.9% increase. However, its sales remain significantly lower than the Ford F-Series.

3. Ram Trucks: 444,926 vehicles

No surprises here, Ram Trucks secured the 3rd position in the top 10 best-selling cars in the US in 2023. Just like the Ford F-Series and Chevrolet Silverado, this full-size pickup truck has consistently ranked in the top 3 in the overall market for many years and is an American-made large-size pickup truck.

In 2023, Ram Trucks sold 444,926 vehicles, experiencing a decline of 5%. The sales gap between Ram Trucks and its two domestic rivals is quite significant.

4. Toyota RAV4: 434,943 vehicles

Sales of the Toyota RAV4 grew by 8.8% in 2023 compared to 2022, amounting to 434,943 vehicles. This result positions the RAV4 just around 10,000 vehicles behind Ram Trucks. If Ram Trucks fails to improve its performance in 2024, the Toyota RAV4 could potentially surpass it, marking a shift in their top 3 rankings.

As a result, the Toyota RAV4 remains the best-selling SUV in the US market in 2023. According to Ivan Drury, the Director of Research at Edmunds, the Toyota RAV4 stands out by offering completely different values compared to American pickup trucks, such as its compact size and fuel-efficient engines. Overall, the Toyota RAV4 is well-suited for the American lifestyle, particularly in a high-interest rate and unstable economic environment.

5. Tesla Model Y: 394,497 vehicles

2023 can be considered a successful year for the Tesla brand as a whole, and the Model Y electric car in particular. With sales of approximately 394,497 vehicles, marking a 56.5% increase, the Tesla Model Y secured a position in the top 10 best-selling cars in the US. Furthermore, the Tesla Model Y surpassed popular models in the US market, such as the Honda CR-V, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Toyota Corolla.

It should be noted, however, that the sales figures for the Model Y are estimates, as Tesla does not disclose specific sales results for this model in each region. In 2023, Tesla sold a total of 1,808,581 electric cars worldwide, marking a 38% increase. The Tesla Model Y and Model 3 accounted for 1,739,707 vehicles. These results helped the American brand maintain its position as the world’s largest electric vehicle manufacturer.

6. Honda CR-V: 361,457 vehicles

The Honda CR-V experienced significant sales growth in 2023, with a remarkable increase of 51.8%. Specifically, Honda sold 361,457 CR-V vehicles to American customers. Thanks to this achievement, the Honda CR-V secured a position in the top 10 best-selling cars in the US, rising to 6th place, up 1 spot compared to 2022.

The CR-V presently holds the title of the best-selling model of the Honda brand in the US market. However, due to lower sales compared to its fellow countryman, the Toyota RAV4, the Honda CR-V ranks second in the SUV segment in this market.

7. GMC Sierra: 295,737 vehicles

Despite witnessing a growth of 22.4% compared to 2022, the GMC Sierra slipped to 7th place in the list of the top 10 best-selling cars in the US in 2023. Throughout the year, Americans purchased a total of 295,737 GMC Sierra vehicles. The GMC Sierra ranks as the 4th best-selling full-size pickup truck in the US, following the Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado, and Ram.

8. Toyota Camry: 290,649 vehicles

Unlike its sibling RAV4, the Toyota Camry experienced a rather lackluster year in 2023, witnessing a 1.5% decline in sales to 290,649 vehicles. Consequently, the Toyota Camry dropped to 8th place in the top 10, falling behind both the Honda CR-V and GMC Sierra.

The Toyota Camry remains the best-selling sedan in the US market. However, its decreasing sales partly reflect the preference for pickup trucks and SUVs over sedans among American customers.

9. Nissan Rogue: 271,458 vehicles

The 9th position in the top 10 belongs to the Nissan Rogue – a compact SUV from Japan. With sales of 271,458 vehicles, the Nissan Rogue witnessed a substantial growth of 45.6% in 2023. In fact, the Nissan Rogue is the X-Trail that is currently sold in other markets worldwide. It is also the 3rd best-selling SUV in the US market, following the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.

10. Jeep Grand Cherokee: 244,594 vehicles

The last spot in the top 10 goes to the Jeep Grand Cherokee – an SUV manufactured by Americans themselves. The Jeep Grand Cherokee is the 6th American car to make it into the top 10, having sold 244,594 vehicles, marking a 9.5% increase.

The top 10 best-selling cars in the US in 2023 are primarily dominated by American cars rather than Japanese ones. Additionally, the top 10 list is completely absent of Korean and German cars.