Americans are crazy about SUVs. While you can argue that many would be better off in hatchbacks, vans, or sedans, who has the right to tell others what to do with their money?
Many automotive historians believe the 1984 Jeep Cherokee (XJ) was the first modern-style SUV. That’s a whopping 40 years ago. And the segment is still going strong.
While many SUV makes and models have come and gone, some have stood the test of time. And there are many makes and models available. Here are 15 of the best-selling SUVs of all time that have absolutely shattered sales records.
Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer made its debut with the 1991 model year. It replaced the carmaker’s Bronco II model. Ford earlier this year launched the refresh for the SUV’s sixth generation. The 2025 Ford Explorer lineup continues the legacy of the historically significant SUV brand.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a pioneer in the SUV segment. It was rolled out in 1992 as a 1993 model. In its initial model year, the SUV had only one powertrain option. The 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers a coveted third row. It’s a capable SUV for daily driving or off-road excursions.
Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler was introduced to the masses in 1986 — though its roots go back decades to the 1940s. It has 4WD, a coil-over suspension, a capable transmission, and solid axles in the front and rear. The 2024 Jeep Wrangler can come with a full-float Dana rear axle, 8,000-pound-capacity Warn winch, 100:1 crawl ratio, and 5,000-pound tow capacity.
Toyota RAV4
While the popular Toyota RAV4 was launched in the Japanese market in early 1994, it made its way to the U.S. a couple of years later in 1996 with a 2-liter 4-cylinder engine. Now in its fifth generation, the RAV4 is the best-selling SUV in the U.S. Its reliability, fuel economy, and family-friendly appointments are why it’s so popular. The 2024 Toyota RAV4 looks to continue its pack-leading ways with another lineup offering more of what consumers want.
Toyota Highlander
Toyota debuted the Highlander at the 2000 New York Auto Show and rolled it out the following year as the fifth model of the Japanese automaker’s SUV lineup. It’s become a top option for families who want a three-row vehicle without buying a minivan. For the 2024 model year, car buyers can select from two advanced powertrains. They include a 2.4L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine and a 2.5L 4-cylinder hybrid engine.
Ford Escape
A compact crossover, the Ford Escape debuted for the 2001 model year. The crossover SUV is among the most popular vehicles in Ford’s lineup. Ford intends to discontinue the Escape in 2025 and replace it with a plug-in hybrid version.
Lexus RX
The 1999 model year was the first for the Lexus RX. The “RX” stands for Radiant Crossover. Unlike many luxury brands that offer luxury at the expense of reliability, the Lexus RX offers both. The 2024 RX 450h+ Plugin Hybrid EV will out Lexus’ electrified lineup.
Nissan Rouge
The Nissan Rogue is another popular compact crossover SUV. Its first model year was 2008 after being introduced the year before. According to Edmunds, the 2004 Nissan Rogue offers good value in the SUV’s lower trim levels. The vehicle has a formidable list of standard driver aids and tech features.
Subaru Forester
Subaru has been manufacturing its Forester compact crossover SUV since 1997. The SUV was built on the Impreza’s platform. Now in its sixth generation, the Subaru Forester continues to be a popular option among consumers seeking SUVs with strong AWD systems.
Honda CR-V
Honda’s popular CR-V SUV made its debut in 1995. But it took until the 1997 model year for the vehicle to hit the U.S. market. It’s been a success so far. Honda said last year that the CR-V — which at the time had racked up sales of nearly 6 million units — was its best-sending vehicle since 2017. The 2024 model year features a new hybrid-electric powered Sport-L trim.
Chevrolet Equinox
The first-gen Chevrolet Equinox made its debut in the 2005 model year. It replaced the Chevy Tracker and the Chevy S-10 Blazer. The Chevy Equinox is number two on the automaker’s list of best-selling vehicle brands. It comes second to the Chevy Silverado.
Hyundai Tucson
Hyundai rolled out the 2005 Tucson for the 2005 model year. If you like the automaker’s Santa Fe SUV but want something smaller, try the Tucson. In June, Hyundai announced the 2-millionth Tucson rolled off the production line at its plant in the Czech Republic.
Kia Sportage
Kia America, then known as Kia Motors America, was incorporated in the U.S. market in the fall of 1992. The company’s first two vehicles in the U.S. were the Kia Sportage and Kia Sephia for the 1994 model year. The 2024 Sportage features a 2.5L GDI SULEV30 engine in all trim levels.
Mazda CX-5
The 2012 model year was the beginning for the Mazda CX-5. It had a bold, aggressive stance with a sleek and modern design. For the first generation, the SUV had a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. The CX-5 models for the 2024 model year will retain standard i-Activ AWD in the U.S. when they get to dealerships nationwide this fall.
Toyota 4Runner
The first Toyota 4Runner was available in North American showrooms in 1984. By and large, these SUVs are viewed as bulletproof as long as basic maintenance is done. The 2024 4Runner is available in 2WD and 4WD.
The Pickings Are Anything But Slim for SUVs
SUVs aren’t going out of style. That’s true even though gas prices sometimes reach eye-watering levels. And, as you can see, the pickings are anything but slim. You can find a ton of makes and models in the SUV segment. Check out these top sellers if you want an SUV.
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