The race for the best-selling car model globally in 2024 has come to a close, with a narrow victory for the Toyota RAV4.
According to recently released data from JATO Dynamics, the Toyota RAV4 sold 1.187 million units, narrowly beating the Tesla Model Y by a margin of just over 2,000 vehicles.
In 2023, the Tesla Model Y made history as the best-selling car globally, becoming the first electric vehicle to achieve this feat. However, its sales declined by 3% in 2024, totaling 1.185 million units, while the RAV4 grew by 11%, overtaking the top spot.
In the US, the Toyota RAV4 also surpassed the Ford F-150 as the best-selling vehicle in 2024, excluding Super Duty variants. This double achievement highlights the RAV4’s consistent appeal amid global shifts in consumer behavior and electric vehicle policies.
Toyota also dominated the top 10 best-selling vehicles globally in 2024, with four additional models: the Corolla Cross (also known as the Frontlander), Corolla Sedan (Levin Sedan), Hilux, and Camry.
On the other hand, Tesla had only one other model in the top 10, the Model 3, which ranked 9th with approximately 560,000 units sold.
The remaining spots in the global top 10 included the Honda CR-V (4th), Ford F-150 (7th), and BYD Qin (10th), the only Chinese model on the list.
These sales figures reflect the performance of the previous generations of both the Toyota RAV4 and Tesla Model Y. Starting from the second half of 2024, the competition between these two best-selling models will enter a new phase with the introduction of their latest generations, promising further excitement and shifts in the market.
Toyota has already unveiled the sixth-generation RAV4 in May 2025, scheduled for release as a 2026 model. The most significant change is the complete shift away from pure gasoline engines to a 100% hybrid powertrain, showcasing the brand’s aggressive electrification strategy.
Meanwhile, Tesla has released an upgraded version of the Model Y, codenamed “Juniper,” aiming to regain growth momentum after a year of decline. However, its steep decline in sales in the European market and other key regions may pose challenges in reclaiming the global top spot in 2025.
TH (Tuoitrethudo)
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