Top 25 Best Selling Cars in the US Q1 2025 Ford Leads Tesla Holds, and Sedans Make a Comeback

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The American auto industry saw a strong start to 2025, with new car sales reaching 3.9 million units in the first quarter — marking a 4% increase from Q1 2024. This positive momentum was fueled by rising demand for pickup trucks, hybrid vehicles, and affordable sedans. The data suggests that while traditional giants continue to dominate, new-generation electric vehicles and refreshed sedans are steadily gaining traction.

Let’s explore the top 25 best-selling vehicles in the US during the first quarter of 2025.

Top 5: Pickup Powerhouses

1. Ford F-Series – 183,202 units Ford retains its crown as the undisputed leader in US auto sales. Combined sales of its light and heavy-duty F-Series trucks rose by 26%, though this figure excludes the electric F-150 Lightning.

2. Chevrolet Silverado – 125,298 units Holding onto the second spot, the Silverado saw mixed results — light models declined by 8%, but heavy-duty variants rose by 12%. The electric version is not included in this figure.

3. Toyota RAV4 – 115,402 units Despite an 8% dip in sales, the RAV4 remained the top-selling compact SUV, staying ahead of Honda’s CR-V.

4. Honda CR-V – 103,325 units Honda’s best-seller showed strong numbers, with over half of its sales coming from the CR-V Hybrid.

5. Ram Pickup – 78,848 units Ram’s numbers took a hit, especially the Ram 1500, which saw an 11% drop in sales.

SUVs and Crossovers Maintain Dominance

6. GMC Sierra – 77,292 units A solid rebound helped the Sierra climb up the ranks. Electric variants were not included in this tally.

7. Chevrolet Equinox – 71,002 units With the launch of the 2025 model, Equinox sales soared by 31%. Its EV version also posted an additional 10,329 units.

8. Tesla Model Y – ~71,000 units (estimated) The best-selling electric vehicle in the US saw a slight decline but still held its position with the help of a refreshed design featuring a Cybertruck-inspired light bar.

9. Toyota Tacoma – 59,825 units Sales exploded by 177% due to the rollout of new models, bouncing back from low 2024 numbers. The hybrid variant accounted for 6,000 units.

10. Chevrolet Trax – 59,021 units A budget-friendly SUV that’s quickly gaining popularity, with a 57% rise in sales.

Sedans Stage a Strong Comeback

11. Toyota Camry – 70,308 units America’s favorite sedan maintained its dominance despite a 10% decline. The new hybrid variant helped it stay competitive.

12. Honda Civic – 58,976 units A slight 5% dip didn’t stop Civic from performing well. Hybrid versions made up 34% of its total sales.

13. Toyota Corolla – 55,456 units Corolla trailed behind Civic, recording an 8% drop but still remaining a strong contender in the compact sedan segment.

14. Nissan Sentra – 54,536 units Sentra saw a major 36% surge, continuing its strong performance from 2024.

15. Tesla Model 3 – ~41,000 units (estimated) Tesla’s flagship electric sedan regained momentum with a refreshed model and entered the top 20.

Affordable SUVs and New-Gen Models Attract Buyers

16. Hyundai Tucson – 54,973 units Tucson topped Hyundai’s sales chart with a 21% year-on-year increase.

17. Subaru Forester – 49,865 units Subaru’s best-selling SUV held its position, boosted by new-generation features and hybrid options.

18. Jeep Grand Cherokee – 48,465 units Despite an 11% dip, it remained the top mid-size SUV in its category.

19. Ford Explorer – 47,314 units Sales dipped by 19%, likely due to anticipation around the new model, but Explorer still held a respectable position.

20. Subaru Crosstrek – 43,612 units A strong start to the year with a 14% bump, although it now trails behind Forester.

Emerging and Niche Segments

21. Kia Sportage – 41,301 units With a new generation model on the horizon, Sportage still grew by 11%.

22. Honda HR-V – 40,944 units Honda’s subcompact SUV continued to do well with an 8% growth rate.

23. Subaru Outback – 39,934 units Even as Subaru prepares to launch a refreshed version, the Outback gained 13% in sales.

24. Ford Maverick – 38,015 units The compact pickup truck segment remained strong, although Maverick sales slipped by 3%.

25. Nissan Rogue – 62,102 units Even with a 32% decline, the Rogue stayed Nissan’s top-selling SUV.

Market Trends and Observations

• Electric Vehicles (EVs): Tesla’s Model Y and Model 3 continue to lead the EV segment, but the market is seeing increased competition from legacy brands like Chevrolet and Hyundai.

• Hybrid Vehicles: Hybrid versions of the CR-V, Camry, and Tucson are gaining ground, reflecting consumer interest in fuel-efficient alternatives without going fully electric.

• Pickup Trucks: Full-size pickups remain the top choice for American consumers, with Ford, Chevrolet, and Ram continuing their dominance.

• Sedan Resurgence: The sustained performance of Camry, Civic, and Sentra shows that affordable sedans still hold appeal despite the SUV craze.

Conclusion

The US auto industry is evolving, but some things remain constant — like Ford’s unshakeable dominance in the truck segment. While electric and hybrid models are becoming more common in the top ranks, buyers continue to show strong interest in traditional SUVs and sedans, especially when offered at competitive prices. As we move further into 2025, all eyes will be on the upcoming launches in EVs and next-gen hybrids. With affordability, fuel efficiency, and sustainability becoming major decision drivers, the second quarter of the year may bring even more surprising shifts in rankings.