SUVs & crossover SUVs are the fastest growing vehicle category in global automobile market, with sales constantly on the rise. In recent times the crossovers/ SUVs have become so popular that analysts believe they will overtake sedans (currently the most popular category) in terms of sales volume in near future.
Related: Why SUVs Are Becoming Increasingly Popular
So which are currently the most popular SUVs around the world? Courtesy Focus2Move the list below, is compiled using the Global Auto Database with sales data by region/area/country broken down by type/size/body-style/brand/model. Data are collected by over 300 sources, including all the official providers (local Minister of Transportation or Associations of car Manufacturers).
It is imperative to mention that same vehicles sold under different nameplates aren’t considered as one in this ranking. For example, Renault Duster and Dacia Duster despite being same vehicles sold under different umbrella have been treated separately. This is because the ranking is intended to appear from consumer perspective as they consider both cars different, sold by separate manufacturers.
10. Chevrolet Equinox
With 437,519 sales in 2018, the Chevrolet Equinox grabbed the 10th place improving two positions as it was slotted at 12th spot in 2017 with 375,813 units.
9. Nissan Rogue
Sales of Nissan Rogue in 2018 were slightly less than 2017 which affected its ranking to fell from 7th to 9th. It sold 454,061 units in 2018 compared to 449,130 units in 2017.
8. Mazda CX-5
The 8th position belong to Mazda CX-5, the SUV which improved two positions in 2018 as it was ranked at 10th place a year earlier. It sold 457,283 units in 2018 compared to 410,999 units in 2017.
7. Haval H6
No surprise to see a Chinese automaker in this list. Great Wall is considered as king among Chinese SUV makers and their Haval brand has been doing relatively well in Chinese as well as export markets. Not to mention the company has over 12 SUVs in its product portfolio, the Haval H6 tops the list. Though it was placed at 5th place in 2017 with 508,378 sales, this year it dropped to 7th spot with 460,820 units sold.
6. Kia Sportage
The South Korean SUV, Kia Sportage is at 6th place with 482,116 units sold in 2018. It improved two positions as it was placed at 8th place in 2017 with 429,965 sales.
5. Nissan Qashqai
Improving its position from 6th to 5th, the Nissan Qashqai sold 519,632 units in 2018 compared to 501,319 units in 2017.
4. Hyundai Tucson
Despite selling fewer units in 2018 Hyundai Tucson remained itself glued to the 4th place, as it was in 2017. It sold 569,987 units in 2018 compared to 628,289 units a year earlier.
3. Honda CR-V
Honda CR-V secured 3rd place with 741,302 sales in 2018. It was ranked at 2nd place in 2017 with 758,617 units sold.
2. Volkswagen Tiguan
The VW Tiguan shuffled its place with Honda CR-V as it was 3rd position holder last year. The German SUV with 789,928 sales in 2018 secured the 2nd place compared to 782,494 units in 2017.
1. Toyota Rav4
If the Corolla is world’s unshaken best selling sedan, the Rav4 has the same status when it comes to SUVs. With 830,928 sales in 2018 the Rav4 remained the best selling SUV in the world as it was in 2017 with 801,395 sales. Its sales saw an improvement of 3.7% from 2017, thanks to the launch of 5th generation model that was introduced in March 2018 at the New York International Auto Show, and took the popularity of the Japanese SUV to new heights.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
