Best selling SUV models worldwide in 2023

The Tesla Model Y was the best-selling SUV model in 2023. This was the first year the Tesla Model reached first place, with sales up by 51.2 percent. The Toyota RAV4, which had been the bestseller for the past four years, was second in the ranking. Toyota models were also amongst the best-selling cars and light trucks. The United States is one of the most important regions for SUV sales, making up a significant portion of all new vehicle purchases.

Toyota as an SUV market leader

Toyota, as the most valuable car brand worldwide based on brand value, boasts further SUV models in its core segment, such as the C-HR, 4Runner, Highlander, and Sequoia. Small and large SUVs make up two of Toyota’s top-four segments. For another year running, Honda represents Toyota’s main competitor in the SUV market.

SUVs and carbon footprint

As demand for SUVs is growing at a steady rate, so is the urgency to curb CO2 emissions across the globe. SUVs have been ranked the second-largest contributor to overall global carbon dioxide emissions over the last few years due to their size, aerodynamics, and weight. In this context, Toyota aims to achieve carbon neutrality in its manufacturing plants by 2035 and additionally reduce CO₂ emissions from its next-generation vehicles by 100 percent by 2035.