When considering buying a new car, following the popular choices from the public is actually a good idea. Many of the current top-selling SUV models have consistently ranked high in sales for years, thanks to the brands’ successful grasp of the “secrets” that win widespread favor: affordability, value for money, reliability, outstanding safety performance, and achieving a perfect balance between comfort and practicality.
Over the past decade, the Toyota RAV4 has been one of America’s best-selling models, second only to the Ford F-150, surpassing all other models.
Toyota Motor Corporation announced on May 20, 2025, that the 2026 RAV4 will be all hybrid model. This sixth-generation compact SUV now comes standard with a hybrid system, with the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version featuring fast charging capabilities and the introduction of a new GR Sport trim.
“Car And Driver” magazine reported that Toyota has been struggling to “deliver enough 6th generation RAV4s to dealers.” As a result, the latest version of the RAV4 has faced supply shortages, causing its ranking in the best-selling car list to decline. In 2026, the CR-V’s sales far exceeded those of the RAV4.
Based on SUV sales data for the second quarter of 2026, U.S. News & World Report compiled a list of the most popular SUV models among consumers. For models offering various powertrain options like hybrid or plug-in hybrid, the sales data covered all relevant versions.
Here are the top ten best-selling SUVs, with ties in sales sorted by lower starting price:
Sales: 226,114 units
U.S. News Rating: 8.9/10
Starting Price: $30,920
The Honda CR-V is one of the first compact crossover SUVs introduced in the American market. This year, the model has undergone updates with tweaks to its exterior details, an updated infotainment system, and added safety features.
Like other benchmark models in its class, the CR-V and its hybrid version (CR-V Hybrid) boast outstanding fuel economy, user-friendly tech features, a competitive standard equipment lineup, and a spacious and comfortable interior. The CR-V is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and offers a choice between front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. For those looking for more power without sacrificing fuel economy, the CR-V Hybrid is worth considering; it features a slightly larger displacement four-cylinder engine with a dual-motor system.
Both models deliver an excellent driving experience with rich steering feedback and a stable and comfortable ride.
Sales: 163,454 units (estimated)
U.S. News Rating: 8.5/10
Starting Price: $39,990
Despite being on the market for some time, the Tesla Model Y remains competitive thanks to updates in the 2026 model year.
This electric SUV impresses with impressive range, handling performance, and acceleration, along with a fresh new exterior design. If there is a drawback to the Model Y, it’s the frustrating user experience of the multifunction control screen, which can be challenging to use.
Tesla offers the Model Y in rear-wheel drive and two all-wheel drive configurations. The base model comes with a single motor and boasts a class-leading 321 miles of range; while the performance-oriented all-wheel drive Performance version accelerates rapidly, going from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds.
Sales: 153,955 units
U.S. News Rating: 8.3/10
Starting Price: $31,900
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 has undergone a comprehensive redesign featuring a standard hybrid system and optional all-wheel drive functionality. The 2026 model is priced only a few thousand dollars more than the 2025 gasoline-only RAV4, yet it’s cheaper than the 2025 RAV4 hybrid.
Senior automotive journalist John Vincent described the 2026 Toyota RAV4 as powerful, efficient, and equipped with many user-friendly features; he predicts that this Toyota model will continue to dominate the global market. Whether in base trim or top-spec versions, the RAV4 is a well-equipped and highly practical model.
Even during the period when the product line only included the gasoline-only RAV4, the model’s market performance was already impressive. Now, with all models (including the base version) equipped with a standard hybrid system, along with the introduction of the powerful RAV4 plug-in hybrid version (formerly known as the RAV4 Prime in 2025), this highly sought-after SUV can meet the needs of various consumers.
Sales: 135,970 units
U.S. News Rating: 8.8/10
Starting Price: $29,090
The Nissan Rogue compact SUV’s cabin design is family-focused, providing spacious passenger and cargo space, along with a wealth of safety technology. However, configuring the Rogue with additional options can quickly raise the price; compared to its competitors in the same price range, the top-trim Rogue offers relatively lower value for money.
The Rogue is powered by a turbocharged three-cylinder engine, delivering adequate acceleration and excellent fuel economy. The vehicle comes standard with front-wheel drive and offers all-wheel drive as an option.
Sales: 126,925 units
U.S. News Rating: 8.5/10
Starting Price: $38,465
The Ford Explorer has a high level of popularity and comprehensive capabilities, including strong engines and excellent towing capacity, along with options for six or seven-seat layouts.
The Explorer offers two engine choices. The entry-level turbocharged inline-four engine pairs well with this robust midsize SUV and offers decent fuel efficiency. However, the powerful twin-turbocharged V6 engine is a true upgrade, providing abundant torque and effortless passing power.
Sales: 124,375 units
U.S. News Rating: 8.7/10
Starting Price: $28,700
The Chevrolet Equinox underwent a redesign in 2025 and remains unchanged this year.
Equipped with a slow and noisy turbocharged four-cylinder engine for the gasoline version, the Chevrolet Equinox prioritizes practicality and value for most SUV buyers over power performance. The Equinox excels in these aspects while offering easy driving, precise steering, and comfortable ride quality.
The Equinox EV (Electric Vehicle) is another model, sharing the name with the gasoline version but differing significantly in other aspects; hence it’s not included in the total sales data.
Sales: 117,612 units
U.S. News Rating: 9.3/10
Starting Price: $29,200
The Hyundai Tucson has long been known for its high value proposition and underwent a series of upgrades last year to further enhance its competitiveness. Although its power performance may slightly lag behind fuel efficiency, it hasn’t deterred consumers’ willingness to purchase.
The mainline Hyundai Tucson comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a maximum output of 187 horsepower; while the engine performs adequately, it’s not as exciting as the hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions. Compared to the gasoline-only Tucson, these electrified versions offer more powerful performance and better fuel economy.
Sales: 109,993 units
U.S. News Rating: 8.6/10
Starting Price: $21,700
The Chevrolet Trax is one of the most budget-friendly SUVs on the market, ideal for daily commuting and meeting the majority of needs for buyers in its segment.
The Trax has a compact exterior design, but upon opening the doors, one will find surprisingly spacious interior room and excellent cargo capacity, outperforming most competitors. Its turbocharged three-cylinder engine offers acceptable fuel efficiency and moderate acceleration, with ample power for highway passing maneuvers.
Sales: 107,854 units
U.S. News Rating: 8.6/10
Starting Price: $29,995
The 2026 Subaru Forester boasts excellent ground clearance, surprising fuel efficiency, a comfortable interior, and confident handling.
Like most Subaru models, the Forester comes standard with all-wheel drive and a four-cylinder “boxer” engine; while sufficient for daily use, the power output is not particularly strong. Those seeking more power can opt for the Forester Hybrid, which features dual motors for more aggressive acceleration.
Sales: 107,854 units
U.S. News Rating: 9.0/10
Starting Price: $38,415
The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee has undergone a redesign, featuring a new look, advanced tech features, and a revamped model lineup. The sales data reported here includes the long-wheelbase Grand Cherokee L and the plug-in hybrid Grand Cherokee 4xe variants, but note that the 4xe series was discontinued in the 2026 model year.
The base model comes with a V6 engine that offers smooth power delivery but isn’t particularly potent; the highlight this year is the addition of a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, inspired by Maserati, on other versions of the model.
By tracking the performance and popularity of these top-selling SUV models, consumers can make informed decisions when looking for their next vehicle.