Top Sellers by Brand
In 2016 more than 17 million new vehicles left showrooms throughout America. A surprising fact: More than 25 percent of all new-car sales can be accounted for by just 10 top-selling models. But not every automaker has a high-numbers product such as the Ford F-150 (more than 800,000 sold last year) or the Toyota Camry (almost 400,000 sold last year). So, which popular vehicles sell in more modest numbers? Here we tally the best-selling models from every major car brand in America. Not surprisingly, about 60 percent of the best-sellers are trucks and SUVs, thanks to their overwhelming popularity. Sales data comes from individual auto manufacturer sales reports and goodcarbadcar.net, based on the first eight months of 2017.
Acura RDX
Sales Through August 2017: 35,487
The RDX debuted as a 2007 model joining the larger MDX, and last year the premium crossover received Acura’s new three-dimensional grille treatment, Acura signature Jewel Eye LED headlights, LED taillights with light-pipe design and more aggressive lower front and rear fascias. When equipped with available AcuraWatch driver assistance technologies that include Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Departure Warning, the RDX is one of the safest SUVs in America. RDX had record sales in August and is followed closely in sales by the brand’s other SUV, the MDX.
Alfa Romeo Giulia
Sales Through August 2017: 5,494
This sexy Italian sport sedan from Alfa Romeo just entered the U.S. market late last year, so even though overall sales are quite low, the Giulia has seen an increase every month so far this year. Giulia is available in several trim levels, topping out at the high-performance Quadrifoglio. With a 2.9-liter bi-turbo V6 engine putting out more than 500 horsepower, the Giulia holds the record for the fastest lap of the famed Nürburgring race circuit in Germany by a 4-door production sedan.
Aston Martin DB11
Sales Through August 2017: NA
This British marque does not release sales figures for each model, but according to reliable sources the new DB11 is Aston’s best-selling vehicle. Built on a new lighter, stronger and more space efficient bonded aluminum structure, the DB11 has a 600-horsepower twin-turbocharged V12 engine that makes it the most powerful DB in Aston’s history. Easily identifiable as an Aston with the iconic grille, the DB11 combines beautiful curves with high-tech details such as the expressive LED headlights and taillights.
Audi Q5
Sales Through August 2017: 34,630
Small crossovers continue to gain popularity, and just about every car company is getting in on the action. The Audi Q5 is an excellent example as just one of three SUVs offered by a company that until 10 years ago didn’t even offer one. Building on the success of the Q5, Audi has recently introduced an all-new 2018 Q5 with styling cues from its larger Q7 sibling, including the Singleframe grille flanked by stylish LED headlights. In addition to the updated styling, the Q5 is larger in nearly every dimension while at the same time weighing about 200 pounds less. With improved aerodynamics, an updated quattro all-wheel-drive system and a stronger chassis, the Q5 should deliver even better driving dynamics than its predecessor.
Bentley Bentayga
Sales Through August 2017: 692
It may not sell in large numbers, but Bentley’s new SUV has already become the marques best-seller after barely a year on the market. Not unexpectedly, the Bentayga offers the ultimate in luxury via full leather seating with a choice of 15 different hides, air suspension, LED active headlamps, a panoramic sunroof, soft-close doors, Wi-Fi connectivity and an 8-inch touchscreen display with navigation, voice control and a 60-gigabyte hard drive. The big SUV is rather quick as well, thanks to its full-time all-wheel drive and 600-horsepower twin-turbo W12 engine under the hood.
BMW 3 Series
Sales Through August 2017: 37,170
Long known as the benchmark sport sedan, the BMW 3 Series had until recently reigned at the top of the luxury car sales charts, but with the introduction of the 4 Series as a separate model line, the numbers are a bit lower. That said, the 3 Series still outsells all other BMWs, including the popular X3 crossover. Last year the 3 Series received minor exterior styling updates including available LED headlights, revised suspension for improved handling and new interior trim. Also new is the 340i which replaces the 335i as the top trim level, powered by a new turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine that produces 320 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque.
Buick Encore
Sales Through August 2017: 56,501
Encore is the smallest vehicle in the Buick lineup, and with a starting price around $25,000 it’s a great entry to the luxury crossover segment. Encore comes well equipped with a power driver’s seat, a 7-inch color display with backup camera and a built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi connection. The Encore Sport Touring trim became part of the lineup for 2016, powered by a 153-horsepower turbocharged 1.4-liter engine with direct injection and start/stop technology, combined with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Decent fuel economy and a low starting price help explain how this small Buick has become the most popular model in the lineup.
Cadillac XT5
Sales Through August 2017: 42,538
An all-new model for 2017, the XT5 replaced the SRX crossover, and the new model quickly became the brand’s best-seller. With a unique chassis and structure, the XT5 is lighter and stiffer than the SRX while offering a roomier interior. Featuring fresh styling inside and out, the XT5 is well equipped with contemporary high-tech features including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and the latest version of Cadillac’s CUE interface. Available with front- or all-wheel drive, the XT5 is motivated by a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower.
Chevrolet Silverado
Sales Through August 2017: 363,354
The Silverado has been at the top of the Chevrolet lineup for many years, and is second to the Ford F-Series for overall sales in America. Available in many configurations, Chevy’s full-size pickup truck has myriad cab and trim-levels, ranging from a basic work truck to the ultra-luxurious High Country. Silverado also is available with many advanced safety technologies, including a Teen Driver feature that allows parents to view the vehicle’s maximum speed, distance driven and the number of times active safety features were engaged during a drive. Silverado can be ordered as a half-ton, three-quarter ton or the most capable one-ton Silverado HD.
Chrysler Pacifica
Sales Through August 2017: 75,507
An all-new minivan for the 2017 model year, Pacifica replaced the Town & Country in the Chrysler lineup. After one year on the market, this modern-day minivan has climbed sales charts to become the second-best-selling minivan in America. With modern styling and a slew of innovations, Pacifica is arguably the best minivan Chrysler has built since it created the category more than 30 years ago. Pacifica can be equipped with seating for up to eight occupants, which still leaves plenty of cargo space in the rear. Passengers enjoy an available Uconnect Theater featuring a 10-inch high-res touchscreen display with a variety of inputs and integrated games. A plug-in hybrid version of the Pacifica is also available, making this the first hybrid minivan ever sold in America.
Dodge Grand Caravan
Sales Through August 2017: 104,479
The original minivan, the Dodge Grand Caravan offers more style, versatility and technological innovation than any other time in its 30-year history. The lineup has been simplified to four trim levels: SE, SE Plus, SXT and GT. The standard engine for all trims is a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 producing 283 horsepower, combined with a 6-speed automatic transmission to deliver EPA fuel economy ratings of 17 mpg city / 25 mpg highway / 20 mpg combined. The future of the Grand Caravan is unclear now that the new Chrysler Pacifica is on the market.
Fiat 500
Sales Through August 2017: 9,419
The modern version of the 500 launched in 2007, and 2017 marks the 60th anniversary of the original 500. Fiat’s ute subcompact car, which combines Italian styling with efficiency and technology, is offered in both coupe and convertible versions, as well as the all-electric 500e, 5-passenger 500L and all-wheel-drive 500X crossover. The Fiat 500 is powered by a 101-horsepower turbocharged 1.4-liter MultiAir engine with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic. Fiat also offers the high-performance Abarth, which bumps power up to 160 horses.
Ford F-Series
Sales Through August 2017: 576,334
Not only is the F-Series the best-selling model in the Ford lineup, it has topped U.S. sales for more than three decades. The F-Series shows no signs of slowing, kicking off 2017 with its best sales start since 2004, emphasized by June sales that were almost 10 percent higher than June of 2016. Another contributing factor to the F-Series sales juggernaut was the arrival of an all-new Super Duty, boasting plenty of innovative features and impressive capability. Also expected to add to the F-Series’ amazing success is the updated 2018 Ford F-150, which recently started rolling into Ford dealerships.
Genesis G80
Sales Through August 2017: 10,489
Parent company Hyundai launched the Genesis brand last year with a specific goal to move its clientele more upscale. Once Genesis spun off as its own brand, the model formerly known as the Hyundai Genesis took the name G80, and in its first year on the market the G80 has already become one of the top-selling luxury sedans in America. The G80’s 3.8-liter V6 engine produces 311 horsepower, combined with a smooth 8-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is optional. A new G80 Sport will join the lineup this year with unique front and rear fascias, copper accents, 19-inch dark alloy wheels and a new 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 powerplant producing 365 horsepower.
GMC Sierra
Sales Through August 2017: 136,370
Virtual twin to the Chevrolet Silverado, the Sierra has long been the best-selling model in the truck-based GMC lineup. Like the Silverado, the Sierra is available in many different cab and body configurations with a wide range of capabilities, topping out with the Denali, which is unique to the GMC lineup. Sierra Denali stands out both for style and luxurious amenities that at one time would never have been considered for a pickup truck, and now the Denali Ultimate adds even more with features including luxurious leather trim, a high-end audio system, available rear-seat DVD entertainment system and a power moonroof.
Honda CR-V
Sales Through August 2017: 249,977
Honda’s Accord and Civic had long been top sellers in the automaker’s lineup, but with the increased popularity of the crossover, the CR-V has now moved to the top spot. The CR-V was completely redesigned for the 2016 model year, and in addition to its updated styling the compact crossover offers the latest in high-tech features such as a soft-touch instrument panel, a large touchscreen display, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as the latest advanced safety technology. Two engines are available, including the CR-V’s first-ever turbocharged powerplant that generates 190 horsepower while still delivering 34 mpg on the highway.
Hyundai Elantra
Sales Through August 2017: 128,666
Hyundai’s compact Elantra received a complete redesign for the 2017 model year with updated styling as well as many new features. The new look helped Elantra surpass Sonata as the brand’s best-selling model, and keeps it surprisingly far ahead of the Korean automaker’s SUV offerings. Elantra’s sleek look features a signature hexagonal grille that closely ties it to the rest of the Hyundai lineup, and includes high-end features such as HID headlights with Dynamic Bending lights, as well as vertical LED daytime running lights — unusual in this vehicle class. A new turbocharged Elantra Sport joined the lineup this year, as well as the all-new Elantra GT.
Infiniti QX60
Sales Through August 2017: 25,481
The QX60 is Infiniti’s family-friendly 3-row crossover that debuted for 2013 as the JX35 and was renamed QX60 for the 2014 model year. Last year the QX60 received revised exterior styling that reflects Infiniti’s new design language, including a new signature grille, headlights, turn signals and new wheel designs. The QX60 received a power boost for 2017 with a 3.5-liter V6 that now produces 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, mated to a continuously-variable transmission. The QX60 Hybrid has an advanced drivetrain that combines a supercharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gas engine and an electric motor powered by a compact Lithium-ion battery pack, rated at 250 net system horsepower.
Jaguar F-PACE
Sales Through August 2017: 12,988
Jaguar introduced the all-new F-PACE last year and clearly there was demand for such a vehicle — the sporty crossover is not only Jaguar’s best-selling model, it makes up almost half of the brand’s sales so far this year. With styling in keeping with the rest of the Jaguar lineup — certainly a good thing — the F-PACE puts the “sport” in sport-utility vehicle. Power options range from a 247-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine to a high-performance supercharged V6 producing 380 horses. With Jaguar’s Lightweight Aluminum Architecture and an advanced torque-on-demand all-wheel-drive system, the F-PACE offers all the performance expected from a Jaguar SUV.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Sales Through August 2017: 158,975
The Jeep brand had great success last year, and that trend seems to be continuing into 2017, largely due to America’s love affair with the SUV. Leading Jeep’s charge is the flagship Grand Cherokee, which is not only the best-selling Jeep, it is second in sales to the Ram pickup within the entire Fiat Chrysler Automobiles lineup. The Grand Cherokee continues its tradition of offering impressive off-road capability in an attractive SUV package. Available in several 4WD systems and trim levels, the Grand Cherokee line added the off-road-focused Trailhawk and the luxurious Summit to the lineup this year to bolster sales momentum. Later in 2017 the high-performance Trackhawk will join the Jeep lineup with a staggering 707 horsepower.
Kia Forte
Sales Through August 2017: 81,461
Kia made several updates to the Forte for the 2017 model year — a new front bumper, a revised tiger nose grille, redesigned headlights with available Xenon HID, and new available LED taillights. The new look seems to be well received; Forte had a healthy sales increase in August versus 2016, putting it ahead of the larger Optima. As with other models from the Korean automaker, the Forte offers impressive value via standard equipment that includes an AM/FM/CD/MP3/SiriusXM audio system, USB input jacks, Bluetooth connectivity, a 6-way adjustable driver’s seat and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls. The new standard 2.0-liter engine produces 147 horsepower and can be teamed with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission with an EPA rating of 34 mpg on the highway.
Lamborghini Huracan
Sales Through August 2017: NA
A few years ago, Lamborghini replaced the aging Gallardo with the all-new Huracan, and the sleek exotic sports car easily became the brand’s best-selling model. That being said, there are only two Lamborghini models currently for sale, and the extreme Aventador is out of reach for most consumers. Huracan is available as a coupe or convertible and can be had with all-wheel drive or — for the true driving enthusiast — rear-wheel drive. Power comes from a 5.2-liter V10 engine that generates 610 horsepower. Even though Huracan offers impressive performance stats — it can reach 60 mph in around 3 seconds and tops 200 mph — this powerful sports car has manners that make it easy to drive every day.
Land Rover Range Rover Sport
Sales Through August 2017: 14,105
Land Rover has earned a reputation for building vehicles with true off-road capability; however, with the Range Rover Sport the company adds excellent on-road performance to the package. Outselling the larger Range Rover as well as the smaller Evoque, the Range Rover Sport feature full-time 4-wheel drive with electronic traction control, an 8-speed automatic transmission and a long list of safety feature acronyms. A variety of engines are available, ranging from a fuel-efficient diesel to the 550-horsepower supercharged V8 in the Range Rover Sport SVR. Not only can the Range Rover Sport eclipse 150 mph, it can also make its way through three feet of water — just not at the same time.
Lexus RX
Sales Through August 2017: 66,760
Redesigned for the 2016 model year, the popular Lexus RX tops the Lexus charts with sales that have been climbing steadily for almost 10 years. One of the first luxury crossovers when it debuted as a 1998 model, the RX combines the utility of an SUV with the ride and comfort of a luxury sedan. The updated look features an aggressive grille, the overall design has more sharp angles, and the blacked-out C-pillars create a floating roof effect. Inside, the RX is optimized for five occupants, and the rear seating position is lower to be more comparable to the flagship LS sedan.
Lincoln MKX
Sales Through August 2017: 20,295
Redesigned for 2016, Lincoln’s midsize SUV had a healthy sales increase last year — the best numbers since 2008. The updated MKX features the classic Lincoln grille, a quiet ride, and it was the first Lincoln to offer Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection. The standard engine is a 303-horsepower V6, although Lincoln has added a new 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged Ti-VCT EcoBoost V6 engine that produces 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. MKX is available with front- or all-wheel drive, and can be purchased in a variety of trim levels, topping out with the lavishly-equipped Black Label.
Maserati Ghibli
Sales Through August 2017: 3,697
A few years ago, Maserati added a second sedan below the flagship Quattroporte: the all-new Ghibli. Smaller, lighter, and more dynamic than the flagship, the Ghibli’s exterior styling clearly ties in with the rest of the Maserati lineup, while interior appointments include leather sport seats, high-gloss trim, a high-end audio system and — of course — the traditional Maserati clock with blue face. Power options range from a twin-turbo 345-horsepower V6 to the Ghibli S Q4 with its 404-horsepower engine and all-wheel drive. Although currently the best-seller in the Maserati lineup, the Ghibli will most likely be surpassed by the Levante — Maserati’s first entry into the luxury SUV segment.
Mazda CX-5
Sales Through August 2017: 73,054
Mazda has found a sweet spot with the CX-5 — this small 5-passenger crossover has experienced sales increases every year since its introduction in 2012. For 2017 Mazda introduced an all-new CX-5 that features updated styling enhanced by a specially-developed Soul Red Crystal paint that enables both brighter highlights and darker shadows to accentuate the lines and details of the design. The CX-5 features G-Vectoring Control, which is designed to achieve high levels of vehicle responsiveness and stability while reducing sideways sliding of the occupants for a more comfortable ride. Power comes from a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 187 horsepower yet has an EPA rating of 31 mpg on the highway.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Sales Through August 2017: 52,755
With an expanded lineup that includes a coupe and convertible in addition to the 4-door sedan, the C-Class is performing quite well in the tough luxury car market. The C-Class Sedan was redesigned for the 2015 model year, followed late last year by the all-new C-Class Coupe and the first-ever C-Class Cabriolet. Surprisingly, the C-Class sells at a considerably higher rate than the brand’s SUV offerings, and stakes the claim to being the best-selling luxury car in America.
McLaren Sports Series
Sales Through August 2017: 425
The British automaker builds some of the sexiest and highest-performance exotic sports cars available, and most of the vehicles sold fall under the Sports Series. The Sports Series consists of the 570GT, 570S and the new 570S Spyder. These three variants are powered by a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 engine putting out 562 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. Power gets directed to the rear wheels via a quick-shifting 7-speed gearbox. Performance numbers are in line with some of the fastest production cars on the road: 60 mph comes up in just 3.3 seconds and 100 mph in 6.6 seconds, with a top speed of more than 200 mph. McLaren doesn’t sell a lot of these vehicles, but sales increase every year as new models roll out.
MINI Cooper
Sales Through August 2017: 21,860
Considerably larger than the original Mini of the 1960s, the current MINI is still one of the smallest cars on the market. And like that original, the MINI is still front-wheel drive, fuel efficient and great fun to drive. MINI returned to the U.S. market 15 years ago in 2002 and has sold more than 750,000 cars in that time. Redesigned for the 2015 model year, the MINI Cooper is powered by a fuel-efficient turbocharged 1.5-liter 3-cylinder engine that produces 134 horsepower, while the Cooper S upgrades to a larger 2.0-liter unit that bumps horsepower to 189. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard, with a 6-speed Steptronic automatic transmission optional.
Mitsubishi Outlander
Sales Through August 2017: 23,260
The Outlander is Mitsubishi’s midsize 7-passenger crossover that was refreshed for the 2016 model year. Sales of the Outlander have never been stellar, but the refresh seems to have helped since sales have increased dramatically over the last two years. The Outlander starts below $25,000 and builds in features and price up to the GT, which has Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control all-wheel-drive system. Two engines are available, including a 3.0-liter MIVEC V6 that produces 224 horsepower and 215 lb-ft of torque.
Nissan Rogue
Sales Through August 2017: 257,958
Nissan has discovered the perfect crossover formula with the Rogue, and it continues to maintain impressive sales growth. A strong showing over the last several months has helped Rogue become Nissan’s best-selling model for the first time, and currently the Rogue holds the distinction of being the best-selling SUV in America. In the latter part of 2016 Nissan introduced a 2017 Rogue with updated styling and features. The new Rogue has a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with an advanced Xtronic transmission with Eco mode, boasting an EPA fuel economy rating as high as 33 mpg. The 2017 Rogue is also available as a hybrid, and is now joined by a smaller model called Rogue Sport.
Porsche Macan
Sales Through August 2017: 13,879
The compact-premium SUV market is getting crowded, but the Macan certainly stands out from said crowd. The fifth vehicle in the current Porsche family, Macan joined the lineup for the 2014 model year with sales increasing every year since introduction. Styled after the larger Cayenne, Macan still embodies all qualities expected from the iconic German sports car brand. Macan comes with full-time all-wheel drive and is available with various powertrains ranging from a 2.0-liter 252-horsepower 4-cylinder engine to a 440-horsepower V6 in the Macan Turbo with Performance Package.
Ram Pickup
Sales Through August 2017: 327,759
Ram truck continues to have a lock on the third-place spot in overall U.S. vehicle sales with a strong showing to begin 2017, following the best annual sales the pickup has experienced in the last decade. Sales of Ram trucks have been on a steady climb since 2009. With many body styles and powertrains, Ram continues to iterate special editions that keep customers coming back to the brand. The latest to join the Ram lineup is the Limited Tungsten Edition, billed as the most luxurious Ram pickup ever.
smart fortwo
Sales Through August 2017: 2,394
The fortwo is the only model currently offered by smart in the U.S., so it is the brand’s best-seller by default. Although redesigned for the 2016 model year, sales have been down since 2014 and are not showing any signs of recovery. Smaller than any other production car on the road, the fortwo is unique in that there is only room for two, the engine is in the rear and the car is rear-wheel drive. Also unique are plastic body panels which mean no door dings or rust and (relatively) easy replacement. While the body panels are light and flexible, the frame of the passenger compartment is a “tridion safety cell” made up of ultra-high-strength steel.
Subaru Outback
Sales Through August 2017: 124,161
The Outback was one of the first crossovers when it originally came to market in 1995, offering a carlike ride with SUV capability. The current Outback is much larger than the original, but the premise remains intact. With continuing record sales, the Outback has moved past the Forester, Subaru’s previous top seller. With full-time all-wheel drive, a comfortable ride on and off road as well as the innovative Eye-Sight suite of active and passive high-tech safety features, the Outback stands out in a very crowded crossover marketplace.
Tesla Model S
Sales Through August 2017: 19,200 (est.)
A unique alt-fuel vehicle in the American marketplace, the Model S offers impressive performance and a driving range that exceeds 250 miles in an attractive electric sedan. The Model S is currently one of just two models in the Tesla lineup — the other being the Model X SUV — although a new less-expensive Model 3 is just now coming to market. The Model S is available in configurations ranging from the base-level 75 to the P100D, which has the capability of reaching 60 mph in less than 3 seconds when in “Ludicrous” mode.
Toyota RAV4
Sales Through August 2017: 269,835
Toyota’s RAV4 has experienced huge sales growth over the last 10 years, making it one of the most popular vehicles in America. This year marks the first time that the small crossover has been ahead of its stablemate Camry sedan in overall sales. The RAV4 was updated last year with edgier styling, plenty of new high-tech features and the addition of a hybrid version. The interior is surprisingly roomy for passengers as well as cargo, and the RAV4 can be configured with features such as a Bird’s Eye View Camera, Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.
Volkswagen Jetta
Sales Through August 2017: 78,957
There’s no denying that Volkswagen’s entire company and vehicle lineup were affected by its diesel emission fraud, and the Jetta was no exception. Sales have dropped considerably over the last few years; however, the small sedan still outsells all other VW models. The Jetta offers great value in a fun-to-drive 4-door sedan with prices starting below $18,000. The base-level Jetta S has a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine that produces 150 horsepower while delivering up to 40 mpg on the highway and 28 mpg in the city with a 5-speed manual transmission. Jetta is the only Volkswagen to be named a Top Safety Pick + by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Volvo XC90
Sales Through August 2017: 17,421
The XC90 returned to the market last year with a complete redesign after a 12-year run for the original model. With strong sales for the second-gen model, the XC 90 offers an elegant interior with a unique vertical touchscreen interface. Not surprisingly, the new XC90 offers a suite of high-tech safety features including one of the first systems to automatically apply the brakes if the driver turns in front of an oncoming car. The XC90 is powered by a state-of-the-art 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that is both supercharged and turbocharged to produce 316 horsepower and a stout 295 lb-ft of torque. Volvo has also added a plug-in hybrid version of the XC90, which bumps total power to around 400 horses while achieving 53 MPGe.
Leave a Reply