Most Popular Cars in the United States, Second Quarter of 2022

• The Ford F-Series tops among the most popular cars in the United States after Q2 2022.

• Jeep Grand Cherokee sales are through the roof.

• Significant sales drops for Nissan Rogue and Honda CR-V.

In this challenging period for the automotive industry, who must deal with microchip and parts shortages, transport delays and other rarely seen issues, sales must keep rolling. Consumers are feeling the pain with little to no incentives, rising prices and no dealer inventory. Still, here’s the list of the most popular cars in the United States, ranked by cumulative sales through the first half of 2022.

Second-quarter sales were down by 20.6% compared to the same period in 2021, with 3,514,167 units sold against 4,425,814. Through the first half of the year, sales were down by 18.3% with 6,831,596 units rolling off dealer lots versus 8,360,820. Here are the top 20 best-selling vehicles in the U.S. so far this year.

20. Honda Accord

Q2 2022 sales: 38,382 units
Q2 2021 sales: 68,116 units
Difference: -43.7%

YTD 2022 sales: 80,422 units
YTD 2021 sales: 114,707 units
Difference: -29.9%

Compared to last year, the Honda Accord dropped four spots to barely make the cut on this list. Given the downward interest in passenger cars in North America, and the current-generation Accord’s age, it’s not really a surprise.

19. Mazda CX-5

Q2 2022 sales: 31,151 units
Q2 2021 sales: 51,871 units
Difference: -39.9%

YTD 2022 sales: 81,804 units
YTD 2021 sales: 92,621 units
Difference: -11.7%

After a very strong first quarter, Mazda CX-5 sales cooled down in Q2, ranking 31^st in that quarter alone. As a result, the CX-5 moved from 13^th to 19^th place over the last three months, and dropped a spot compared to the second quarter of 2021.

18. Hyundai Tucson

Q2 2022 sales: 44,416 units
Q2 2021 sales: 50,370 units
Difference: -11.8%

YTD 2022 sales: 84,071 units
YTD 2021 sales: 83,517 units
Difference: +0.7%

Only four nameplates out of the 20 most popular cars in the U.S. saw sales gains so far this year, and the Hyundai Tucson is one of them—although 0.7% can hardly be considered a gain. However, in these times, flat sales means moving up the sales charts, as the Tucson climbed from 22^nd to 18^th place.

17. Nissan Rogue

Q2 2022 sales: 42,440 units
Q2 2021 sales: 95,569 units
Difference: -55.6%

YTD 2022 sales: 87,675 units
YTD 2021 sales: 182,289 units
Difference: -51.9%

The Nissan Rogue took a serious stumble on the charts, with sales dropping by 51.9 percent so far this year. This despite being recently redesigned. We can only blame lack of dealer inventory for this one. After sailing in 6^th place after the first half of 2021, the Rogue is now in 17^th position.

16. Tesla Model 3

Q2 2022 sales: 49,800 units
Q2 2021 sales: 30,000 units
Difference: +66.0%

YTD 2022 sales: 90,000 units
YTD 2021 sales: 60,100 units
Difference: +49.8%

While most automakers seem to be struggling with production issues and parts shortages, Tesla’s factory seems to be humming along just fine. Approximate sales were up by a significant amount over the first quarter of this year, allowing the Tesla Model 3 to skyrocket from 29^th to 16^th place compared to the same period last year.

15. Jeep Wrangler

Q2 2022 sales: 53,946 units
Q2 2021 sales: 60,020 units
Difference: -21.8%

YTD 2022 sales: 99,497 units
YTD 2021 sales: 118,666 units
Difference: -16.2%

After climbing the sales charts following its redesign a few years ago, things have stabilized for the Jeep Wrangler. However, it’s still one of the most popular cars in the United States, despite its low eco-friendliness. The 4xe plug-in hybrid powertrain did give the SUV a slightly greener image, and many buyers are choosing this option. The Wrangler dropped a spot on the list, from 14^th to 15^th.

14. Ford Explorer

Q2 2022 sales: 60,181 units
Q2 2021 sales: 52,997 units
Difference: +13.6%

YTD 2022 sales: 102,917 units
YTD 2021 sales: 118,241 units
Difference: -13.0%

Ford Explorer sales were down by 13% compared to the first half of 2021, but the crossover had a fine second quarter with a 13.6% increase. That’s enough to move the Explorer up a notch, from 15^th to 14^th—swapping places with the Wrangler.

13. Tesla Model Y

Q2 2022 sales: 52,000 units
Q2 2021 sales: 44,700 units
Difference: +16.3%

YTD 2022 sales: 107,900 units
YTD 2021 sales: 89,500 units
Difference: +20.6%

For a manufacturer selling only four nameplates, having two of them ranking among the most popular cars in the United States is quite an accomplishment. And approximate sales of both have increased during that time, which is also noteworthy. The Tesla Model Y crossover climbed from 19^th to 13^th place over the past year.

12. Toyota Tacoma

Q2 2022 sales: 55,466 units
Q2 2021 sales: 72,847 units
Difference: -23.9%

YTD 2022 sales: 108,648 units
YTD 2021 sales: 139,296 units
Difference: -22.0%

Toyota Tacoma sales were down through the first half of 2022, but the midsize pickup truck still dominates its rivals by a mile. The 22% sales drop resulted in the Tacoma slipping from 11^th to 12^th place on the list.

11. Honda CR-V

Q2 2022 sales: 58,023 units
Q2 2021 sales: 119,433 units
Difference: -51.4%

YTD 2022 sales: 116,602 units
YTD 2021 sales: 213,199 units
Difference: -45.3%

Likely due to production issues, Honda CR-V sales have fallen off a cliff, with a 51.4% drop in the second quarter alone. The all-new 2023 Honda CR-V has just been unveiled, which might drive sales back up. In the meantime, the compact crossover fell from 5^th to 11^th place. Also of note, Honda Civic sales also dropped sharply and caused the nameplate to plunge from 9^th to 2th place.

10. Chevrolet Equinox

Q2 2022 sales: 60,642 units
Q2 2021 sales: 55,448 units
Difference: +9.4%

YTD 2022 sales: 116,678 units
YTD 2021 sales: 118,666 units
Difference: -1.7%

Given the circumstances, a 1.7% drop in sales through the first half of the year isn’t a bad thing. The Chevrolet Equinox also posted a 9.4% increase during the second quarter alone, allowing the crossover to move up from 13^th to 10^th place among the most popular cars in the U.S.

9. Toyota Corolla

Q2 2022 sales: 69,331 units
Q2 2021 sales: 83,011 units
Difference: -16.5%

YTD 2022 sales: 116,832 units
YTD 2021 sales: 155,531 units
Difference: -24.9%

Toyota Corolla sales were down significantly, but not as badly as those of its Honda Civic nemesis. The range of sedans and hatchbacks had a better second quarter than the first one, and as a result, the nameplate only slid from 8^th to 9^th place compared to Q2 2021.

8. Toyota Highlander

Q2 2022 sales: 51,377 units
Q2 2021 sales: 117,403 units
Difference: -36.2%

YTD 2022 sales: 117,403 units
YTD 2021 sales: 144,380 units
Difference: -18.7%

The Toyota Highlander has always been a popular midsize three-row crossover, but it’s been surpassed by one of its recently redesigned rivals. Despite an 18.7% drop in sales so far this year, the Highlander managed to move up from 10^th to 8^th place.

7. GMC Sierra

Q2 2022 sales: 62,321 units
Q2 2021 sales: 75,495 units
Difference: -17.5%

YTD 2022 sales: 118,938 units
YTD 2021 sales: 138,412 units
Difference: -14.1%

Combined sales of the GMC Sierra 1500 and GMC Sierra HD were down, like the vast majority of the other nameplates among the most popular cars in the U.S. However, it performed better than others, resulting in a rise from 12^th to 7^th position in this list compared to the same period last year.

6. Jeep Grand Cherokee

Q2 2022 sales: 59,252 units
Q2 2021 sales: 52,726 units
Difference: +12.4%

YTD 2022 sales: 134,369 units
YTD 2021 sales: 107,924 units
Difference: +24.5%

Since it was redesigned, in addition to seeing its lineup grow with an extended-wheelbase variant and a plug-in hybrid powertrain, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has been flying off dealer lots. Sales were up by 24.5% through the second quarter compared to 2021, and the utility vehicle shot up from 17^th to 6^th place on the list.

5. Toyota Camry

Q2 2022 sales: 74,420 units
Q2 2021 sales: 99,520 units
Difference: -25.2%

YTD 2022 sales: 135,925 units
YTD 2021 sales: 177,671 units
Difference: -23.5%

What was once the best-selling vehicle in the United States has been surpassed by crossovers and pickup trucks. Yet the Toyota Camry is still the country’s most popular passenger car, and despite a sales drop of 23.5% through the first half of 2022, it actually managed to climb from 7^th to 5^th place among the most popular cars in the U.S.

4. Toyota RAV4

Q2 2022 sales: 99,693 units
Q2 2021 sales: 106,940 units
Difference: -6.8%

YTD 2022 sales: 200,885 units
YTD 2021 sales: 221,195 units
Difference: -9.2%

With five nameplates among the 12 best-selling vehicles in the country, Toyota is doing well at the moment. Its most popular vehicle is the Toyota RAV4, which is the best-selling utility vehicle overall, surpassed only by a trio of full-size pickup trucks. Despite a slight drop in sales, the RAV4 remains very comfortably in 4^th place.

3. Ram Pickup

Q2 2022 sales: 117,867 units
Q2 2021 sales: 164,232 units
Difference: -28.2%

YTD 2022 sales: 244,983 units
YTD 2021 sales: 313,068 units
Difference: -21.7%

Despite Stellantis doing everything it can to keep Ram 1500 and Ram HD production rolling, sales have dropped significantly this year, resulting in the pickup line sliding from 3^rd to 2^nd place on the list. While still a fine showing, it always stings when it’s one of your direct rivals that knocks you down the charts.

2. Chevrolet Silverado

Q2 2022 sales: 140,720 units
Q2 2021 sales: 161,706 units
Difference: -13.0%

YTD 2022 sales: 256,516 units
YTD 2021 sales: 286,410 units
Difference: -9.4%

Adding a third assembly plant for the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado HD production certainly didn’t hurt, even though the recently re-opened factory in Oshawa, Ontario likely isn’t up to full speed yet. Nonetheless, sales were down by 9.4% through the first half of the year, but that’s enough to push the Silverado up from 3^rd to 2^nd place.

1. Ford F-Series

Q2 2022 sales: 158,644 units
Q2 2021 sales: 158,235 units
Difference: +0.3%

YTD 2022 sales: 299,345 units
YTD 2021 sales: 362,032 units
Difference: -17.3%

Combined sales of the Ford F-150 and Ford Super Duty remained strong in the second quarter, allowing the full-size pickup line to keep its rivals at a distance on the charts. The F-Series is still tops among the most popular cars in the United States, although statistically, GM currently sells way more pickups than Ford when we add up Silverado and Sierra sales.