In recent years, the SUV market has become increasingly active due to the boom in outdoor activities and the growing needs of families. Automakers are releasing a variety of attractive SUVs with excellent design, functionality, driving performance, and more, giving consumers an ever-expanding range of choices.
This time, we will announce the top 20 best-selling SUVs for 2024 and thoroughly explain the appeal and features of each model. This is a must-read for anyone considering purchasing an SUV, as well as anyone who wants to know the latest SUV trends.
What is an SUV?
SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) is a type of automobile and is translated as “sports multi-purpose vehicle.”
- A living and cargo space called a “shell” has been created in the bed of an SUV pickup truck.
- Cross-country vehicle: A four-wheel drive vehicle designed for serious off-road driving (bad roads), such as a ladder frame structure (Land Cruiser, Jimny, etc.).
- Crossover SUVs are vehicles with a monocoque structure that are larger or taller than sedans or compact cars (such as the Harrier and Yaris Cross).
In recent years, there are many crossover SUVs, but not many cross-country vehicles. This is because they are rarely driven on rough roads and are more focused on city driving.
SUV market trends in 2024
Before we get into the rankings, let’s take a look at some trends in the SUV market in 2024.
- Accelerating electrification : The lineup of electric SUVs, including EVs and PHEVs, is expanding, and sales are on the rise. Demand for electric SUVs is expected to continue expanding, driven by growing interest in environmental performance and government subsidy programs.
- Meeting diversifying needs : SUVs of various sizes are now available, from compact to large. In addition, there are an increasing number of models that meet diversifying needs, such as models that emphasize off-road performance and models specialized for driving in urban areas.
- Improved safety : With the increasing number of advanced safety technologies installed, safety performance has improved. With a full range of driving support features, such as collision mitigation braking and lane departure warning, the car is gaining popularity, especially among families who prioritize safety.
- Evolution of connected features : Connected features are evolving, including smartphone connectivity and online information services. More and more models offer improved convenience and entertainment, providing a more comfortable driving experience.
Let’s take a look at the rankings, taking these trends into consideration.
2024 Annual Sales Ranking of SUVs
We calculated the cumulative sales figures based on the number of passenger car sales by model for fiscal year 2024 from January to December 2024. The most popular model is the Yaris Cross*. The second most popular is the Harrier, which is also a crossover SUV and is slightly larger and more expensive than the Yaris Cross, but it is selling well.
| Ranking | Car model | Number of units |
|---|---|---|
| 1st place | Yaris Cross | Approximately 79,600 units* |
| 2nd place | Vezel | 75,424 units |
| 3rd place | Corolla Cross | Approximately 74,030 units* |
| 4th place | Harrier | 64,181 units |
| 5th place | Land Cruiser | 51,288 units |
| 6th place | Rise | 51,225 units |
| 7th place | ZR-V | 41,513 units |
| 8th place | X-Trail | 31,776 units |
| 9th place | RAV4 | 30,599 units |
| 10th place | WR-V | 30,339 units |
| 11th place | Jimny | 25,848 units |
| 12th place | Forester | 22,977 units |
| 13th place | LBX | 21,221 units |
| 14th place | CX-5 | 19,418 units |
| 15th place | NX350h | 17,460 units |
| 16th place | Kicks | 14,346 units |
| 17th place | CX-30 | 13,717 units |
| 18th place | Crosby | 12,592 units |
| 19th place | Rocky | 10,127 units |
| 20th place | Outlander | 8,126 units |
[2024] Top 20 Best-Selling SUVs of the Year
*Based on the latest automobile information
*Note: The numbers for Yaris Cross and Corolla Cross are approximate because they are calculated as Yaris series and Corolla series, respectively. We have determined the figures by dividing by the number of series.
1st place: Toyota Yaris Cross (approx. 79,600 units)
The Toyota Yaris Cross is a compact SUV sold by Toyota Motor Corporation. It was released in August 2020. Since its release, the Yaris Cross has been extremely popular due to its stylish design, excellent fuel efficiency, and comprehensive safety features.
Yaris Cross
Features of Yaris Cross
Stylish design : Based on the Yaris, the design adds a powerful SUV feel.
Easy-to-handle size : With an overall length of 4180mm, overall width of 1765mm, overall height of 1590mm and a wheelbase of 2,650mm, it is easy to handle.
High fuel efficiency : Hybrid vehicles achieve fuel efficiency of up to 30.8km/L in WLTC mode.
Comprehensive safety features : Equipped with advanced safety features such as collision mitigation braking and false start prevention functions.
Large boot space : The boot capacity is 390 litres, which can be expanded to a maximum of 1,098 litres by folding down the rear seats.
2nd place: Honda Vezel 75,424 units
VEZEL 2024 Source: Honda
The Vezel is popular with a wide range of people thanks to its stylish design and functionality. Its fuel economy is particularly good, and the hybrid model is popular with environmentally conscious customers. It also comes standard with Honda Sensing, and boasts excellent safety performance. The interior is compact yet spacious, with ample storage space, making it suitable for everyday use and leisure.
3rd place: Toyota Corolla Cross – Approximately 74,030 units
The Toyota Corolla Cross is a compact SUV sold by Toyota Motor Corporation. It was released in September 2020.
Corolla Cross
Corolla Cross Features
Highly practical design : It combines a stylish design with a spacious interior. It features a highly practical design with ample luggage space and interior space.
Excellent fuel economy : The hybrid vehicle achieves a fuel economy of 26.2km/L in WLTC mode.
Comfortable ride : Two powertrains are available: a 1.8L gasoline engine and a 1.8L hybrid system, both of which provide a comfortable ride.
Safety performance : Equipped with the preventive safety equipment “Toyota Safety Sense,” it has features such as collision mitigation braking and false start prevention.
4th place: Toyota Harrier 64,181 units
The Toyota Harrier is a mid-size SUV sold by Toyota Motor Corporation. The first model was released in 1997, and the current model is the fourth generation, released in June 2020, and has been revamped using the TNGA platform. It has gained popularity for its luxurious interior and exterior design and high-quality ride comfort.
Harrier
Features of the Harrier
Stylish design : Features a sophisticated design and premium interior.
Comfortable ride : Excellent handling stability, high-quality ride comfort and quietness.
Fully equipped : Equipped with advanced safety features such as collision mitigation braking and false start prevention functions.
Hybrid model : The hybrid model achieves a fuel economy of 22.3km/L in WLTC mode.
5. Toyota Land Cruiser 51,288 units
Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Source: Toyota Motor Corporation
The Toyota Land Cruiser 300 ranked fifth for its impressive off-road capabilities and durability. The Land Cruiser 300 is a model renowned worldwide for its ruggedness and reliability, and is designed specifically for driving in harsh conditions. The new 300 series is packed with the latest safety technology and comfort features, and also combines the qualities of a luxury SUV. Furthermore, its powerful engine and advanced four-wheel drive system ensure stable driving on any terrain.
6th place: Toyota Raize 51,225 units
The Toyota Raize is a compact SUV sold by Toyota Motor Corporation. It was released in November 2019. The Raize offers a good balance of all the essential elements of a compact SUV, including price, fuel economy, safety, maneuverability, and cargo space. If you’re considering purchasing a compact SUV, be sure to consider the Raize.
Rise
Rise Features
Low price : This entry-level model can be purchased for around 1.7 million yen, making it a relatively low-priced compact SUV.
Fully equipped : Equipped with preventive safety features such as collision mitigation braking and false start prevention functions.
Compact body : With a length of 3995mm, width of 1695mm, height of 1620mm and wheelbase of 2,525mm, it is easy to handle and easy to drive around town. It fits within the 5-number size.
Large luggage space : 369L of luggage space. The spacious luggage space makes it easy to use for leisure trips.
Fuel economy : Low fuel consumption of up to 28.0km/L (hybrid) in WLTC mode.
9. Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 is an SUV sold by Toyota Motor Corporation. Since the first model was released in 1994, it has been popular around the world. The current model is the fifth generation, released in April 2018 , and has been revamped using the TNGA platform.
Toyota RAV4 Source: Toyota Motor Corporation
The RAV4 is widely supported for its balanced performance and high reliability, and is popular with a wide range of people, from urban to suburban areas. It is particularly praised for its fuel efficiency and interior comfort, earning it high praise from families and outdoor enthusiasts. Another attractive feature is the wide range of grades available, making it easy to choose a vehicle that suits your needs. Incidentally, in 2023, it is expected to sell over 1 million units (approximately 1,075,000 units) worldwide, making it the best-selling model in Toyota’s SUV lineup.
RAV4 Features
Powerful design : It features a powerful design that emphasizes the off-road feel.
Off-road performance : It combines excellent handling stability with off-road performance.
Fully equipped : It is equipped with advanced safety and comfort features.
Hybrid model : A hybrid model that combines fuel efficiency and power performance is available. A PHEV model is also available.
A word from the editorial department
The SUV market in 2024 will see a variety of trends, including accelerating electrification and responding to diversifying needs. Use the rankings and the appeal of each model introduced here to help you find the SUV that’s perfect for you.
We hope this article helps you choose your SUV.
