World's best-selling car is no longer a Tesla or even an EV
Published on Jul 01, 2025 at 3:56 PM (UTC+4)
by Daisy Edwards
Last updated on Jul 01, 2025 at 3:56 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Kate Bain
When you think of the world’s best-selling car, you wouldn’t be crazy to think it was a Tesla or some sort of EV because of their skyrocketing popularity.
In 2023, that was certainly the case when the Tesla Model Y stormed to victory as the world’s best selling car, the first time an EV had held that title.
It was looking good throughout 2024 for the Tesla EV until one particular compact SUV took over.
Not only is it America’s best-selling car, it looks to be taking over around the globe too.
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The world’s best-selling car is no longer a Tesla
Fans of Tesla will be sad to hear that the EV automaker no longer sells the world’s best selling car, a title previously held for two consecutive years by the Tesla Model Y.
Back in 2023, sales of the EV skyrocketed with an 11 percent jump in volume, up to 1,223,000 units.
This was a solid lead over the second-place position, the Toyota RAV4, which trailed behind with 150,000 units sold.
It was the first time an EV had held the position as the world’s favorite car and things were looking good for the Tesla Model Y throughout 2024.
In a shock turn of events though, the runner up has not only caught up to the EV, it has taken over, leaving people wondering whether the dominance of EVs has already come and gone.
Toyota RAV4 officially takes over
The Toyota RAV4 is truly the Belle of the Ball at the moment, recently named America’s best selling car.
However, unlike when the Tesla Model Y took the lead, the RAV4 only beat out the EV by a tiny 2,000 units.
Even more interestingly, the drop in Model Y sales could have been due to the mid-year facelift the EV got and the brief halt in manufacturing that occured.
Maybe next year, the EV will make a comeback with the reveal of the 2026 model and the excitement surrounding it.
Daisy is a technology and automotive journalist covering artificial intelligence, consumer tech, Apple news, cryptocurrency, emerging technologies, and transportation innovation. Since joining the team in 2025, she has reported on everything from AI-powered startups and major iOS updates to viral car stories and the latest developments shaping transportation and the digital economy. Drawing on her background in automotive journalism and a degree in History and Journalism from Goldsmiths, University of London, Daisy specializes in breaking down complex topics into clear, engaging reporting for a global audience. Her work spans cutting-edge technology, innovative vehicles, and the people driving change across both industries. Daisy has gained first-hand access to some of the world's most talked-about technologies and innovators, including meeting Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot during its first European appearance in London. She has also discussed the future of space exploration with an astronaut, bringing unique insights and real-world perspectives to her coverage of emerging technology.
