The best-selling automobiles in the U.S. are all familiar names. However, lately some of their faces have changed. Most of the models on this list have either been completely redesigned or undergone a mid-generation refresh in the last 18 months.
The roster of popular vehicles contains cars, trucks and SUVs but no wagons or minivans. Models like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, which once rivaled the Ford F-Series in popularity, have been knocked further down the list as buyer interests have turned toward SUVs and trucks in recent years.
Looking to learn more? Check out our lists of the best-selling SUVs, cars, trucks, and minivans for the first half of 2021.
No. 25 - Hyundai Elantra
74,057 sold in 2021
Hyundai developed the seventh-generation Elantra to debut for the 22021 model year. It features the automaker's fresh design aesthetic and an interior that delivers a lot of bang for the buck. Plus, it's fun to drive.
No. 24 - Honda Pilot
76,560 sold in 2021
Honda's Pilot is about ready for a generational redo but that hasn't stopped buyers from shelling out for its spacious three-row accommodations. Honda recently added the Black Edition version of the SUV to its lineup and gave the model a standard nine-speed automatic transmission, paddle shifters and dual-zone climate control.
No. 23 - Nissan Sentra
77,859 sold in 2021
The Sentra was made anew a few years ago instantly winning accolades from critics for its high-quality interior, zippy available engine, and low price. The Sentra comes with a solid list of standard technology including Nissan Safety Shield 360, a suite of safety technology.
No. 22 - Chevrolet Traverse
83,431 sold in 2021
The mid-cycle refresh of the Chevy Traverse was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Chevrolet is now slated to have the revised versions of the Traverse to arrive on dealership lots for the 2022 model year. Until then, buyers are still finding the current version of the three-row crossover a formidable choice as Suburbans and Tahoes supplies are strained.
No. 21 - Hyundai Tucson
83,517 sold in 2021
The redesigned 2022 Hyundai Tucson only recently arrived on dealership lots. Hyundai packed the model with above-class standard and available features, and gave the SUV a unique design. Critics say that the hybrid version of the Tucson is the way to go for buyers looking to save fuel and have better driving performance.
No. 20 - Ford Escape
85,492 sold in 2021
Just one year after its redesign, the Escape is pretty much the same today as it was in late 2019 and throughout 2020. Ford has improved the SUV's 1.5-liter engine fuel economy by 1 mpg, added more safety technology, and given the Escape a few new appearance packages for 2021.
No. 19 - Mazda CX-5
88,113 sold in 2021
Mazda added some features to the CX-5 for the 2021 model year in order to make the model more attractive to buyers in the competitive compact SUV segment. It now has the largest infotainment display every in a Mazda, a fresh list of safety features, and a Carbon Edition.
No. 18 - Subaru Forester
95,965 sold in 2021
Decreased inventories pushed the Forester further down on this list than where it typically sits. The two-row Forester continues to offer impressive passenger and cargo space, and a host of standard safety technology.
No. 17 - Jeep Grand Cherokee
107,923 sold in 2021
Jeep has redesigned the Grand Cherokee, but only the three-row Grand Cherokee L has made its way to dealership lots. The two-row Grand Cherokee will arrive soon after its debut, which is on the schedule for later this year. The Grand Cherokee L is more premium than other Jeeps in the stable, setting the tone for the forthcoming Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer.
No. 16 - Honda Accord
114,707 sold in 2021
For the 2021 model year, the Accord underwent a facelift. While there were changes to the exterior, the biggest changes were inside where the Accord's infotainment system was modernized. Honda kept pricing on the Accord low despite the improvements.
No. 15 - Ford Explorer
118,241 sold in 2021
A large portion of Ford Explorer sales are fleet vehicles, but traditional shoppers love the Explorer as well. The SUV is noted for its towing capacity and 4x4 capability. Ford has expanded the Explorer lineup in recent months offering new trim levels and packages.
No. 14 - Chevrolet Equinox
118,666 sold in 2021
Like the Traverse, the Chevy Equinox was slated for a refresh for the 2021 model year that was pushed to 2022 due to the pandemic. Even without the update, the Equinox remains a good choice for buyers thanks to a powerful available engine, comfortable seats and good cargo space.
No. 13 - Jeep Wrangler
118,667 sold in 2021
The Wrangler is Jeep's best-selling automobile. The go-anywhere SUV is currently available in 14 variants including the new V8-powered Wrangler Rubicon 392 and the celebratory 80th Anniversary edition. Jeep sells most of the models in the buyer's choice of a two- or four-door setup.
No. 12 - GMC Sierra
138,411 sold in 2021
The GMC Sierra is the premium sister of the Chevrolet Silverado. Like the Chevy it's sold in 1500, 2500HD, and 3500HD variants. It has the same powertrain and drivetrain options. For 2021, the models have added capability, technology and package options.
No. 11 - Toyota Tacoma
139,296 sold in 2021
The Toyota Tacoma is the top-selling midsize truck in the U.S. The automaker sells the model in six trim levels that come with either an access or double cab, or 5- or 6-foot bed depending on grade. There are two powertrain options, a 2.7-liter four-cylinder and a 3.5-liter V6. Both are available with two- or four-wheel drive.
No. 10 - Toyota Highlander
144,380 sold in 2021
The Toyota Highlander is the top-selling three-row SUV in the U.S. The model delivers a good amount of first- and second-row passenger space, and enough cargo space for a run to the grocery store. For more power and fuel efficiency, opt for the Highlander Hybrid.
No. 9 - Honda Civic
152,956 sold in 2021
The new version of the Honda Civic has just been released. The revamped 2022 Civic includes a fresh exterior that features a less polarizing look and a new interior that has modern, simple styling. The Civic Sedan is available now. The new Civic Hatchback arrives at dealerships later this year.
No. 8 - Toyota Corolla
155,531 sold in 2021
The Toyota Corolla has been in existence since 1966. Now in its twelfth generation, the car comes in sedan and hatchback versions in the U.S. For 2021, Toyota sells the Corolla in nine variants with the Apex Edition and Nightshade Edition added in recent years. The Corolla Hybrid delivers some of the most fuel-efficient driving available from a hybrid - 53 mpg in the city.
No. 7 - Toyota Camry
177,671 sold in 2021
The Toyota Camry is America's top-selling car in the first half of 2021. For the current model year, Toyota sells the Camry in 12 different variants including the Camry Hybrid in a number of trim levels and the sportier V6-powered Camry TRD. The most fuel-efficient model gets over 53 mpg on the highway.
No. 6 - Nissan Rogue
182,288 sold in 2021
The Rogue is Nissan's best-selling vehicle. It delivers on comfort, convenience and quality. The two-row SUV features desirable technology including adaptive cruise control with available navigation-linked speed control. Rogue's pricing is very competitive with the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.
No. 5 - Honda CR-V
213,199 sold in 2021
The Honda CR-V is available with a traditional gasoline-powered engine or with a hybrid power plant, making the CR-V one of the more fuel-efficient compact SUVs you can buy. The CR-V Hybrid gains 10 mpg and over 100 miles of range on its non-hybrid counterpart. The CR-V is noted for its massive rear cargo space and roomy accommodations.
No. 4 - Toyota RAV4
221,195 sold in 2021
The Toyota RAV4 has traditionally held the top spot in the best-selling SUV rankings and 2021 is no exception. The popular RAV4 comes with either a gasoline or hybrid powertrain and in the buyer's choice of seven grades. The efficient hybrid gets over 40 mpg in the city without cramping on passenger or cargo space.
No. 3 - Chevrolet Silverado
291,322 sold in 2021
Chevrolet makes the Silverado in 1500, 2500HD, and 3500HD forms. For the 2021 model year, the Silverado 1500 gets an available Multi-Flex tailgate, which is called the MultiPro tailgate on GMC Sierra trucks. It's also been enhanced with new camera tech, additional standard features, and fresh package options. The heavy-duty trucks have gotten similar upgrades.
No. 2- Ram Pickup
313,069 sold in 2021
The Ram Trucks lineup isn't as extensive as that of its GM and Ford rivals, but the Ram pickup lineup is still appealing enough to consistently make the automaker a fighter for the second slot on this list. The pickup truck sales roster is made up of the Ram 1500, Ram 1500 Classic, Ram 2500 and Ram 3500.
No. 1 - Ford F-Series
362,032 sold in 2021
Ford's F-Series has been the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. for decades and this year is no exception. Sales of the F-Series are divided between the F-150 and Super Duty models. The F-150 was completely redesigned for the 2021 model year while the Super Duty hasn't had any mechanical changes but Ford is offering new feature availability and exterior paint colors.