How the Ford F-150 was dethroned as America’s top-selling vehicle after nearly 50 years by a rival from Japan
- A hybrid SUV toppled the Ford F-150 as America’s best-selling vehicle
- The Ford lags behind the new top dog in terms of economy and price
- Ford’s F-150 is still America’s best-selling pickup truck
Published on Feb 13, 2025 at 3:32 PM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Feb 13, 2025 at 3:32 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Tom Wood
After 47 years on top, the Ford F-150 was finally dethroned as America’s best-selling vehicle.
The F-150 remains America’s best-selling pickup truck, but the hybrid Toyota RAV4 has usurped it as the best-selling vehicle in the USA.
The revelation came from JATO Dynamics, who documented the top 10 best-selling vehicles in the USA, including an eclectic mix of pickups and Teslas.
The toppling of the Ford indicates a shift in the market and what the consumer demands. EVs and hybrids are becoming more popular, meaning we might see demand fall for gas-guzzling pickup trucks.
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The older Toyota RAV4 still beat the newer Ford pickup
JATO Dynamics stated that Toyota sold 475.193 RAV4 units in 2024, beating Ford’s 460,915 F-150 units.
What makes the achievement more remarkable is that the current generation of the RAV4 was first introduced in 2018.
The latest F-150 is newer, redesigned in 2021, and refreshed in 2024.
Fuel economy is one possible reason for this switch in the order between the truck and car.
For example, Ford F-150s with the turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 under the hood can achieve 19MPG in the city and 25MPG on the highway.
However, Toyota’s RAV4 Hybrid can achieve 41MPG in the city and 38MPG on the highway.
Leading to an impressive 40MPG combined for the SUV.
Even the hybrid version of the Ford pickup will struggle to get close to those figures.
The F-150 remains America’s best-selling truck
Despite its place on top of the overall rankings coming to an end, Ford’s flagship truck has remained America’s best-selling pickup once again.
In fact, sales of Ford’s F-Series have remained strong overall.
Even though the RAV4 has beaten the range’s poster boy.
The news of the RAV4’s success isn’t much of a surprise.
The Toyota SUV has been closing in on the F-150 for some time.
With EVs and hybrids becoming more popular, it has been able to strike and snatch the top spot.
Price will also likely play a part. Currently, the base 2025 Ford F-150 will cost $38,810.
However, those looking for an equally practical vehicle will find the RAV4 more appealing, thanks to its $31,900 price tag —over $7,000 cheaper than the Ford.
That goes a long way in explaining how the RAV4 was able to topple the F-150.
