A comprehensive study on global vehicle popularity for 2021 is now complete. Researchers from JATO Dynamics analyzed data from 106 markets across five continents, covering roughly 99% of world sales. The aim was to identify which models led sales across different segments and regions during the year.
The leading model worldwide was the Toyota RAV4 crossover, with sales surpassing 1.13 million units. This figure represents a 6% increase over 2020. In second place came the Toyota Corolla, followed by the Honda CR-V in third. Other models rounding out the top ten include the Nissan Sentra, Toyota Camry, Honda HR-V, Ford F-150, Toyota Hilux, Tesla Model 3, and Honda Agreement. This list reflects absolute sales volumes rather than regional shares, illustrating broad consumer demand across diverse markets.
Within the subcompact crossover category, Honda HR-V ranked highest, with Volkswagen T-Cross in second. The Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Volkswagen T-Roc completed the top five in this segment, showing strong interest in compact, versatile vehicles in urban and suburban settings.
In the mid-size crossover segment, the Toyota Highlander emerged as a standout leader, with notable momentum behind the Tesla Model Y. The BMW X3 occupied third place, followed by the Ford Explorer, Jeep Wrangler, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Audi Q5, and Hyundai Santa Fe, underscoring a diverse mix of comfort, capability, and technology across larger crossovers.
Among the small car category, the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV topped the rankings, marking it as the best-selling electric vehicle in China and reflecting a broader shift toward compact city cars with affordable electric options. The second position belonged to the Volkswagen Polo, while the Suzuki Swift took third, highlighting strong demand for affordable, efficient hatchbacks.
Within the premium segment, the BMW 3 Series led the way, followed by the BMW 5 Series in second and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class in third. These models illustrate continued interest in driving dynamics, luxury comfort, and refined technology in higher tiers of the market.
In the pickup category, the Ford F-150 remained the best-selling model overall. There was anticipation that the Toyota Hilux could challenge this lead in the coming year due to growing sales momentum in various regions. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ranked third among pickups, illustrating continued appetite for versatile work and recreation vehicles.
For the sports car class, the Ford Mustang secured the top spot, with the Dodge Challenger and Porsche 911 following. The assortment of leading models across these segments demonstrates a broad spectrum of consumer preferences—from practical family crossovers to high-performance niche vehicles.