Consumer tastes have shifted globally, with a preference for SUVs and crossovers. However, compact cars still hold their ground in the international market, as evidenced by the top 10 best-selling compact cars in the world in 2024.
Topping this list is the familiar Japanese car, the Toyota Corolla, known as the Corolla Altis in Vietnam. In the past year, global customers have purchased a total of 1.08 million Toyota Corollas, a slight decrease of 3.1%. With this result, the Corolla is the best-selling Toyota car and the most popular Japanese car worldwide in the previous year.
At the same time, the Toyota Corolla continues to solidify its position as the best-selling car of all time. Since its launch in 1966, the Corolla has achieved impressive sales of over 60 million units globally.
The second position goes to the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla’s domestic rival. Honda Civic sales reached 451,824 units in 2024, a 3.4% decrease. Compared to the Toyota Corolla, the Honda Civic’s sales are only half as much. However, in the US market, the Honda Civic takes the lead with 242,005 units sold, a 20.8% growth.
In Vietnam, both the Toyota Corolla Altis and the Honda Civic have modest sales figures. In the previous year, Vietnamese customers bought 486 Corolla Altis and 1,129 Civic vehicles.
Following the Honda Civic is the Volkswagen Golf, with an 8.9% sales growth to 316,254 units. The European market contributed the most to this success, with 230,605 Golfs sold, a 14.7% increase.
In fourth place is the only representative from South Korea, the Hyundai Elantra. Global consumers purchased a total of 297,197 Elantras in the past year, a 9.6% decrease. Americans bought the most Elantras, with 136,698 units sold, a slight 2% increase. The corresponding figure in the South Korean domestic market was 56,890 vehicles, a 13% decrease. In Vietnam, the Elantra’s sales were modest, with only 1,845 units finding new owners in 2024.
In addition to the Golf, the German brand Volkswagen has another model in the top 10 best-selling compact cars in the world in 2024, the Sagitar. Last year’s sales of this model reached 241,127 vehicles, a 15.4% decrease. The largest market for the Sagitar is China.
The only Chinese car in the top 10 is the BYD Destroyer 05. In 2024, BYD sold 217,232 units of this model, an impressive 153.2% growth. This car also has the highest growth rate in the top 10, reflecting the rapid growth of the BYD brand.
The seventh position in the ranking goes to the Lada Granta, chosen by 206,630 customers in the previous year, a 1.5% decrease. Naturally, the primary market for the Lada Granta is Russia and Europe.
In eighth place is the Nissan Sentra, with sales of 201,881 units, a 28.5% increase. In 2024, the Sentra was one of Nissan’s best-selling cars in the US market, with sales of 152,659 units, a 39.8% increase.
Audi A3 takes ninth place, with 198,357 cars sold, a 10.1% decrease. This is the only luxury car in the top 10. In the European market alone, the A3 sold 84,000 units, making it Audi’s best-selling model on the continent.
Finally, the Suzuki Baleno rounds out the top 10 with sales of 172,094 units, an 11.3% decrease. These sales were mainly contributed by the Indian market, where the Baleno is produced and distributed by the Maruti Suzuki joint venture. In India, the Baleno is Maruti Suzuki’s fifth best-selling car, after the WagonR, Ertiga, Brezza, and Swift.
| Rank | Model | Sales (units) | Growth/Decline |
| 1 | Toyota Corolla | 1,080,000 | -3.1% |
| 2 | Honda Civic | 451,824 | -3.4% |
| 3 | Volkswagen Golf | 316,254 | +8.9% |
| 4 | Hyundai Elantra | 297,197 | -9.6% |
| 5 | Volkswagen Sagitar | 241,127 | -15.4% |
| 6 | BYD Destroyer 05 | 217,232 | +153.2% |
| 7 | Lada Granta | 206,630 | -1.5% |
| 8 | Nissan Sentra | 201,881 | +28.5% |
| 9 | Audi A3 | 198,357 | -10.1% |
| 10 | Suzuki Baleno | 172,094 | -11.3% |
Top 10 best-selling compact cars in the world in 2024.
The Top 10 Best-Selling Cars in the World for 2024: Japanese and American Autos Dominate
The global automotive industry is a dynamic landscape, and the top-selling cars of 2024 reflect this diversity. With four Japanese and three American models in the top 10 best-selling cars worldwide, it’s clear that these automotive powerhouses continue to dominate the market.
The Unassuming Toyota Camry Crowned ‘Car of the Year 2025’
The 2024 Toyota Camry 2.5 HEV TOP may not have topped the charts in any single category, but it’s a well-rounded vehicle that excels across the board. With impressive performance, sleek design, and innovative features, it’s no wonder this model has earned the highest overall score. Experience the perfect blend of power and efficiency, coupled with a refined and comfortable driving experience. Discover why the 2024 Toyota Camry 2.5 HEV TOP is an exceptional choice that surpasses expectations.
Sure, I can help you with that!
Title: Honda Vietnam Offers 50% Discount on Registration Fee for Car Buyers in Early 2025
Honda Vietnam is excited to announce a special promotion in collaboration with our trusted network of authorized distributors. From January 1st to January 28th, 2025, we’re offering incredible deals on some of our most popular models: the Honda CR-V, City, Civic, BR-V, HR-V, and Accord.
The Top 10 Slow-Selling Cars of the Month: Deep Discounts, But Still Hard to Shift
The Honda Accord, Isuzu MU-X, and Suzuki Jimny continue to languish in the slow-selling category for October, despite generous promotions offering tens of millions of dong in discounts.
The Battle of the Supercars: When a McLaren 570S and Toyota Corolla Collide
In a tragic turn of events, a McLaren 570S supercar was involved in a devastating accident in the United States. The incident has left a profound impact, serving as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the potential consequences of speed. As details emerge, the story unfolds, revealing a tale of tragedy and a somber lesson for all.
