The Ford F-Series dominates the list of most popular trucks and SUVs three months into 2021.
The Toyota Highlander moves into the top 10 list, knocking the GMC Sierra into 11th place.
The Toyota RAV4 is the country’s best-selling utility vehicle.
As the country is getting its COVID-19 management under control, new-vehicle buyers are flocking to dealerships and manufacturer websites to acquire their next set of wheels. Demand is strong, inventory is tight, but nevertheless, here are the most popular trucks and SUVs in the United States during the first quarter of 2021.
Before we get to the list, some overall sales numbers. A total of 3,923,746 light-duty vehicles were sold in the U.S. through the first three months of the year, which represents an increase of 11.8% compared to the same period in 2020, and a 2.2% drop compared to the first quarter of 2019. As usual, light-truck sales gained momentum as crossovers are replacing passenger cars on the market, with a 17.3% increase over Q1 2020. Meanwhile, said passenger cars (coupes, sedans, hatchbacks, wagons and convertibles) saw a 3.9% slip in Q1 2021.
10. Chevrolet Equinox (63,218 units sold)
Compared to the same period last year, Chevrolet Equinox sales dropped by 13.9% during the first quarter of 2021. As a result, the compact crossover slipped from 5th to 10th place on this list.
9. Toyota Highlander (63,831 units sold)
The recently redesigned Toyota Highlander has been well received so far, and during Q1 2021, sales are up by an impressive 33.3%. The performance allowed the three-row utility vehicle to shoot up from 13th to 9th place among the most popular trucks and SUVs.
8. Ford Explorer (65,244 units sold)
After a difficult introduction on the market with build quality problems, the current-generation Ford Explorer’s popularity is slowly returning to what it was prior to being redesigned. Sales are up by 15.9% compared to the first quarter of 2020, and the big crossover retained its 8th place on the list.
7. Toyota Tacoma (66,449 units sold)
The current generation of the Toyota Tacoma is no spring chicken, yet it continues to dominate the midsize pickup truck segment. Sales were up by 23.9% during the first quarter of 2021, compared to the same period last year, allowing the Tacoma to move up from 9th to 7th place overall.
6. Nissan Rogue (86,720 units sold)
The compact crossover been redesigned for the 2021 model year, and sales have been spectacular so far with a 45.2% increase during the first quarter of the year. The Nissan Rogue now sits comfortably in 6th place, up one spot on the list of the most popular trucks and SUVs in the United States.
5. Honda CR-V (93,766 units sold)
The new year has also been kind to the Honda CR-V, which enjoyed a 31.7% sales rise in the first quarter. A performance that helped the compact crossover move up from 6th to 5th place on this top 10 list.
4. Toyota RAV4 (114,255 units sold)
It’s the country’s best-selling utility vehicle. The Toyota RAV4 saw its sales increase by 17.0% during the first quarter of 2021, and remains in 4th place among the most popular trucks and SUVs, well ahead of the direct rivals CR-V and Rogue.
3. Chevrolet Silverado (124,704 units sold)
Combined sales of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Silverado HD were down by 13.2% during Q1 2021, compared to the same period last year. The decrease was enough to move the full-size pickup down one spot to third place.
2. Ram Pickup (148,836 units sold)
Thanks to a sales increase of 15.6%, the combined effort of the Ram 1500, the Ram 1500 Classic and the Ram HD is good for second place on the list, switching positions with the Silverado.
1. Ford F-Series (203,797 units sold)
As usual, the combined sales of the Ford F-150 and the Ford Super Duty propel the full-size pickup line above the rest on this list of most popular trucks and SUVs. Redesigned for the 2021 model year, the F-Series enjoyed a 9.2% gain during the first quarter of the year.
