Most Popular Vehicle Sold in 2025 (Year-to-Date as of August 2025)
As of late August 2025, the global automotive market has seen approximately 45-50 million vehicle sales year-to-date (YTD), based on projections from industry trackers like Focus2Move and JATO Dynamics. While full-year data won't be finalized until early 2026, current statistics point to the Toyota Corolla as the most popular vehicle sold worldwide in 2025 so far. This compact sedan (and its variants, including hatchbacks and hybrids) has reclaimed the top spot globally, driven by strong demand in Asia, Europe, and emerging markets despite a slight overall decline in sales volume.
The Corolla's popularity stems from its affordability (starting around $22,000 globally), legendary reliability, fuel efficiency (up to 53 mpg in hybrid models), and widespread availability. It outsold rivals like the Toyota RAV4 and Ford F-Series in the first half (H1) of the year, with an estimated 600,000-700,000 units sold globally through June, and continued momentum into Q3. This marks a shift from 2023-2024, when Tesla's Model Y briefly held the crown as the world's top-selling vehicle (the first EV to do so). In 2025, Tesla's sales have softened due to market saturation, competition from Chinese EVs like BYD, and production transitions for refreshed models.
Key Global Sales Insights for 2025 (H1 Data)
Based on aggregated data from 162 countries (sourced from official registrations via Focus2Move and Statista), here's a summary of the top-selling vehicles YTD. Note: These figures include passenger cars, SUVs, and light trucks but exclude heavy commercial vehicles. Sales are estimates, as some markets report quarterly.
| Rank | Model | Estimated H1 Sales (Units) | YoY Change | Key Markets & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toyota Corolla | ~650,000 | -8.4% | Leader in Asia (e.g., Japan, Indonesia), Europe, and Africa. Up 1 spot from 2024; hybrid variants boosted sales amid rising fuel costs. |
| 2 | Toyota RAV4 | ~580,000 | -7.4% | Top SUV globally; strong in North America and Europe. Up 1 spot; hybrid demand up 15% YoY. |
| 3 | Ford F-Series | ~550,000 | +0.5% | Dominates U.S. (412,000 H1 sales); minimal global reach outside North America. Up 1 spot. |
| 4 | Tesla Model Y | ~500,000 | -26.9% | Best-selling EV; down 3 spots due to competition and U.S./Europe slowdowns. Still #1 in Norway and parts of Europe. |
| 5 | Honda CR-V | ~450,000 | +5% | Popular compact SUV in U.S. and Asia; hybrid models gaining traction. |
| 6 | BYD Song (incl. variants like Seal U) | ~400,000 | +20% | China's EV powerhouse; exporting strongly to Europe and Southeast Asia. Up significantly YoY. |
| 7 | Volkswagen Golf | ~380,000 | -5% | Strong in Europe (e.g., Germany); electric ID.3 variant helping EV shift. |
| 8 | Hyundai Tucson | ~350,000 | +10% | Rising in U.S. and Europe; hybrid and plug-in options popular. |
| 9 | Chevrolet Silverado | ~340,000 | +2% | U.S.-centric pickup; part of GM's strong H1 performance. |
| 10 | Toyota Hilux | ~320,000 | +8% | Pickup king in emerging markets (Africa, Australia, Middle East). |
- Total Global H1 Sales: ~42 million vehicles, up ~2% YoY, with EVs and hybrids comprising 18% (up from 14% in 2024). Asia accounts for ~60% of sales, led by China (down slightly due to EV oversupply) and Japan.
- Trends: Traditional models like the Corolla and RAV4 dominate (still ~70% of sales are ICE/hybrids), but EVs are rising (BYD and Tesla combined for ~25% of EV sales). Economic factors like inflation and tariffs (e.g., U.S. on imports) have slowed growth in North America and Europe.
- Challenges for Top Models: The Corolla saw a dip due to competition from cheaper Chinese imports, but its global production (over 1 million units annually) keeps it ahead. Tesla's Model Y faced a 27% drop from production halts for the "Juniper" refresh and backlash against CEO Elon Musk in some markets.
Regional Breakdown
- North America (U.S./Canada): Ford F-Series leads with ~420,000 H1 sales (U.S. alone: 412,848), followed by Chevrolet Silverado (284,038) and Toyota RAV4 (239,451). U.S. sales hit 8.1 million H1 (up 3.2% YoY), driven by trucks/SUVs (93% of top 10). Tesla Model Y is #1 EV but down 7% to ~146,000.
- Europe (EU + UK + EFTA): Dacia Sandero tops with ~129,000 H1 sales, but Toyota Corolla/Rav4 hybrids are rising. Market flat at ~6.8 million H1 (down 0.3% YoY); EVs up 25% to 1.2 million, with Tesla Model Y still #1 BEV despite 33% drop.
- Asia (incl. China/India): Toyota Corolla/Hilux dominate; BYD Song leads EVs in China (bulk of global EV sales). China's market ~12 million H1 (down 5% due to price wars); India's up 8% with Maruti Suzuki models like Dzire.
- Other Regions: In Latin America/Africa, Toyota Hilux and Fiat Strada lead; Australia favors utes like Ranger/Hilux.
Projections for Full-Year 2025
Industry forecasts (e.g., from Statista and Focus2Move) predict ~90-95 million global sales, with the Corolla projected at 1.2-1.3 million units (retaining #1). EVs could hit 20% share if infrastructure improves, but challenges like U.S. tariffs and Europe's economic slowdown may cap growth. Toyota's focus on hybrids (e.g., Corolla Cross) positions it well against pure EVs.