Consumers bought tons of trucks and SUVs in 2023. MarkLines says 12,380,961 units were sold, up 13.4% year-over-year.
The top three SUVs in terms of sales in 2023 were, in order, the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Nissan Rogue. But what about this year? Keep reading to see the 15 best SUVs of 2024.
Toyota RAV4
There’s a reason the RAV4 has been the best-selling SUV for years, and the 2024 model is ready to continue the trend. It features a versatile design, various power train options, and more. The RAV4 Hybrid offers 219 combined net HP and up to 40 miles per gallon combined rating.
Honda CR-V
The 2024 Honda CR-V features an expanded lineup with a new hybrid-electric powered Sport-L trim to appeal to a younger and more active demographic. The CR-V remains Honda’s best-selling SUV. And it’s upping the ante for 2024 with three turbo-charged trims and three hybrid-powered trims. Discussing its hybrid models, Honda says they offer a combined system output of 204 HP and 247 lb.-ft. of torque.
Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer was the first four-door SUV produced by Ford. Introduced to replace the two-door Bronco II, the Explorer has been a favorite. For the 2024 model year, the Explorer is available in eight trims and is a people-mover that can accommodate up to seven passengers.
Nissan Rogue
You’ll remember that the Nissan Rogue was the third best-selling SUV in the U.S. last year. It was right behind the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, which took first and second place, respectively. Nissan says this model year’s edition gets a bold exterior refresh, technology upgrades, flexible storage, and a family-friendly design. Its engine is rated for 201 HP and 225 lb.-ft. of torque.
Hyundai Tucson
The 2024 Hyundai Tucson is another strong contender in the SUV space this year. The N Line trim features a 1.6T HEV powertrain. It features new standard options like seatbelt reminders for all occupants, rear side airbags, and steering wheel haptic feedback for lane keeping assist and blind spot collision avoidance assist.
Subaru Outback
Consumers love Subaru. The 2024 Subaru Outback lineup includes the Outback Wilderness with a redesigned and more aggressive front fascia. Standard for this year is Subaru’s award-winning EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. The entry-level trim has a 2.5-liter BOXER engine producing 182 HP and 176 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine is paired with an eight-speed manual transmission and steering wheel paddle shift control switches.
Kia Sportage
The 2024 Kia Sportage arrives with some important updates. It has rear airbags and LED headlights as standard features. All trim levels now come with a 2.5L GDI SULEV30 engine, which has 187 HP and 178 lb.-ft. of torque.
Subaru Forester
The 2024 Subaru Forester comes standard with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology and Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control. Do you like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto? It can accommodate that too. With six trim levels to choose from, there’s a model that’s right for you.
Subaru CrossTrek
Yes, this is the third Subaru model on this list. The 2024 Subaru CrossTrek is designed to embody the best elements of utility and sportiness to appeal to people with an active lifestyle. It offers 8.7 inches of ground clearance but is still easy to get into and out of. The 2.0-liter 4-cylinder direct-injection SUBARU BOXER® engine produces 152 HP and 145 lb.-ft. of torque.
Honda HR-V
Honda says its HR-V model is the country’s number one SUV with first-time and Generation X consumers. For this year, the 2024 Honda HR-V features an ideal size for young, active consumers who want a sporty driving experience with ample space and utility for weekend adventures. It’s available with AWD for off-road fun.
Ford Escape
If you like the Ford Explorer but think it’s too big for your needs, the Ford Escape is worth considering. You can choose between FWD and AWD and, depending on the model you get, you’ll have between 163 HP and 192 HP in the five-seat SUV.
Ford Bronco Sport
The 2024 Ford Bronco Sport adds the Bronco Sport Free Wheeling special edition for this model year. You can also get an optional Black Appearance Package on Big Bend series models. New exterior colors include Azure Gray Tinted Clearcoat and Desert Sand.
Toyota Highlander
The 2024 Toyota Highlander is available with two different powertrains. You can get a 2.4L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine or a 2.5L 4-cylinder hybrid engine. AWD capability is also an option should you want to take your Toyota SUV offroad. The 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine has 265 HP and 310 lb.-ft. of torque.
Mazda CX-5
Mazda’s best-selling vehicle in the U.S. is the CX-5. The carmaker’s 2024 Mazda CX-5 combines unique styling and turbocharged performance. In addition to being available in new colors, the CX-5 retains the standard i-Activ all-wheel-drive feature.
Lexus RX
If you want a capable SUV with refinement and some electrification baked in, the 2024 Lexus RX 450h+ Plugin Hybrid Electric Vehicle is worth considering. According to the carmaker, the 2024 model year RX builds on the refinement introduced on the fifth-gen RX. That one was rolled out in 2023.
People Like SUVs for Many Reasons
Americans love their SUVs. Minivans offer the best versatility for drivers who want a vehicle that can move people and things. But consumers like what SUVs offer. The higher stance, superior towing capabilities, and higher HP are some reasons why. And since SUVs are available with three rows, you don’t have to buy a minivan to get three rows.
Who Knows How the Rest of the Year Will Play Out?
These are 15 of the best-selling SUVs so far this year. With so many options and an insatiable demand for these vehicles, it’ll be interesting to see how the rest of the year plays out.
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