Kelley Blue Book: The most popular SUVs on the market

United States

SUVs have been dominating American roads for years now. It’s not hard to see why; modern SUVs offer carlike drivability and efficiency while adding SUV versatility. Meanwhile, three-row SUVs present an attractive and family-friendly alternative to minivans.

From compact to midsize to full-size SUVs, here are the 25 most popular SUVs on the market, in reverse order, based on total sales in 2020.

25. Chevrolet Blazer

Units sold: 94,599

With Camaro-inspired styling and strong engine options, the recently resurrected Chevrolet Blazer is not just another bland crossover. Some competitors are roomier, but the midsize Blazer boasts agile handling for an SUV and good fuel economy from the base engine. 

24. Volkswagen Tiguan

Units sold: 100,705

The VW Tiguan

VW

The Volkswagen VWAGY, +1.60% Tiguan has the distinction of being a compact crossover with available three-row seating. When equipped with two rows of seats, it has a very roomy cargo hold and every Tiguan comes with a pretty nice list of standard features. 

23. Hyundai Santa Fe

Units sold: 100,757

The Hyundai HYMTF, -1.39% Santa Fe is a leader among midsize two-row SUVs for its roomy, upscale interior and smooth, comfortable ride. It’s also good on gas for its size and comes with many user-friendly tech features. 

22. Lexus RX

Units sold: 101,059

The Lexus RX

Lexus

The bestselling luxury SUV by far is the Lexus RX. The RX is a midsize crossover — available with two or three rows of seats — that exemplifies the Lexus brand identity of reliability, safety, and luxury all at a reasonable price point compared with European rivals. 

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21. Chevrolet Trax

Units sold: 106,299

The Chevrolet Trax

Chevrolet

The Chevy Trax is a popular subcompact SUV because it’s affordable, maneuverable, and has a great standard infotainment system. If you’re looking for a modern SUV on a budget, the Trax is packed with value in every trim. 

20. Jeep Compass

Units sold: 107,969

The Jeep Compass is an excellent off-roader when equipped with four-wheel drive, especially in Trailhawk guise. Not only that, but it has fairly roomy seating for such a small SUV, plus it has a very user-friendly infotainment system. 

19. Ford Edge

Units sold: 108,886

The Ford F, -0.51% Edge is a well-balanced midsize two-row crossover with an impressive range of engines and a generous list of standard features. We especially like the sporty ST model and its twin-turbo V-6 engine. 

18. Subaru Crosstrek

Units sold: 119,716

The Subaru Crosstrek

Subaru

If you like the idea of a smaller, more budget-friendly alternative to the quirky Subaru FUJHY, +0.64% Outback, then the Subaru Crosstrek should be on your shopping list. This small off-roader has all of the Subaru is known for, like standard all-wheel drive, impressive ground clearance, and distinct styling with fun paint color options. It’s the bestselling subcompact SUV in America. 

17. Hyundai Tucson

Units sold: 123,657

The Hyundai Tucson is a great compact SUV for the value-conscious shopper. Along with affordable pricing, a few of its strong suits include a balanced ride, a long warranty, and impressive standard features for the price. 

16. Honda Pilot

Units sold: 123,813

Safe, reliable, and versatile, the Honda HMC, -1.91% Pilot is a pragmatic choice in midsize three-row SUVs. Its standard V6 engine nicely blends gutsy performance with frugal fuel economy. And your passengers will enjoy adult-friendly seating in all three rows. 

15. Chevrolet Traverse

Units sold: 125,546

The Chevy Traverse is a midsize SUV with a roomy third row of seats that you can actually use. Plus, it has a roomy cargo area to boot. The cavernous space combined with affordable pricing makes it one of the most practical SUVs in its competitive class. 

14. Toyota 4Runner

Units sold: 129,052

The Toyota 4Runner

Toyota

Dissenters may say that the Toyota TM, -0.89% 4Runner is overdue for a redesign, but old school off-road purists still love it. It’s not the most modern SUV, but the 4Runner has a durable V-6 engine and serious off-road chops when equipped with four-wheel drive. 

13. Jeep Cherokee

Units sold: 135,855

As you may have guessed, the Jeep Cherokee is a more off-road-oriented compact SUV than most of the other players in its class. When equipped with all-wheel drive, it becomes an adventurous off-roader that you can still comfortably drive to work every day. 

12. Mazda CX-5

Units sold: 146,420

For a premium-looking and feeling compact crossover without a premium price tag, check out the Mazda CX-5. It’s stylish on the outside with an upscale interior on the inside and it has a fun-to-drive character that few of its rivals can match. 

11. Subaru Outback

Units sold: 153,294

It’s not quite a wagon and not quite an SUV, but whatever you want to call it, the Subaru Outback is awesome. It offers more cargo capacity than a sedan plus a rugged attitude with standard all-wheel drive and high ground clearance. 

10. Subaru Forester

Units sold: 176,996

The Subaru Forester is a cool alternative to more mainstream compact SUVs. It offers great off-road capabilities compared with most of its competitors with standard all-wheel drive on every trim and generous ground clearance while still being practical for everyday driving. 

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9. Ford Escape

Units sold: 178,496

The Ford Escape

Ford

The Ford Escape is an easy compact SUV to love thanks to its balanced ride, intuitive infotainment system, and modern design. It’s also good on has and has one of the biggest cargo holds in its class. For an affordable hybrid SUV, consider the super-efficient Escape Hybrid. 

8. Jeep Wrangler

Units sold: 201,311

The Jeep Wrangler is an icon for its distinct appearance and legendary off-road capability. Whether you like the more traditional two-door model or the more practical four-door Unlimited model, the Wrangler lineup has a wide variety to offer adventurous SUV buyers. 

7. Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk

Jeep

Units sold: 209,786

Its model range is so diverse that there’s a Jeep Grand Cherokee for every taste and every budget. From the value-oriented lower trims to the off-road-ready Trailhawk to the insane 707-horsepower Trackhawk, everyone in the market for an SUV will find something to love in this Jeep. 

6. Toyota Highlander

Units sold: 212,276

The Toyota Highlander is a family-friendly alternative to a minivan with its three-row seating and smooth, comfortable ride. It can get pretty luxurious in the top trims and the hybrid option returns outstanding fuel economy. 

5. Ford Explorer

Units sold: 226,217

The bestselling three-row midsize SUV is the Ford Explorer. Redesigned for 2020, the Explorer is available with a range of engines and trim levels and is now available as a hybrid. While higher trim levels can get expensive, there are some budget-friendly choices with this comfortable 7-passenger SUV. 

4. Nissan Rogue

Units sold: 227,935

The Nissan Rogue

Nissan

Even though 2020 represented the last year of this generation of the Nissan NSANY, +0.28% Rogue, its sales remained strong. The Rogue comes standard with advanced safety tech and driver assists. It’s known for its easy driving manners and impressive cargo capacity. 

Read next: The 25 most fuel-efficient SUVs of 2021

3. Chevrolet Equinox

Units sold: 270,994

The Chevy Equinox

Chevrolet

The just-right-sized Chevrolet Equinox is a practical and stylish choice in small SUVs. It’s also one of the best values in its segment with a low starting price, affordable running costs, and good fuel economy. 

2. Honda CR-V

Units sold: 333,502

The Honda CR-V is a roomy and well-rounded compact crossover. With plenty of space for both passengers and cargo, this SUV is good for small families and single commuters alike. Consider the hybrid option for even better fuel economy. 

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1. Toyota RAV4

Units sold: 430,387

Topping the list of bestselling SUVs — as it often does — is the Toyota RAV4. This SUV has what a lot of drivers are looking for in a compact SUV. It’s versatile, well-appointed, and efficient, especially the hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants. 

This story originally ran on KBB.com.