The Complete List of Popular Cars in 2022

Across city streets and highway lanes worldwide, 2022 revealed shifting priorities in what drivers choose — from fuel efficiency and compact urban options to reliable family sedans. Trends and sales numbers together show how regional tastes and economic factors shaped the year’s bestsellers.

There are 44 Popular Cars in 2022, ranging from the Accord to the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV. For each model the data are organized as Manufacturer,2022 sales (units),Top market (country), which you’ll find below.

Which markets tended to favor compact or electric models in 2022?

Compact and electric models were strongest in densely populated and urbanized markets, especially where short trips and parking constraints matter; China and parts of Europe showed high volumes for small electrics, while North America and Japan continued to support larger sedans and crossovers—check the Top market (country) column to see these patterns by model.

How can I use the Manufacturer and sales columns to compare overall popularity?

Use the Manufacturer and 2022 sales (units) columns together to compare raw popularity, then factor in the Top market (country) to understand regional concentration; a high global sales number with many different top markets suggests broad appeal, while strong sales tied to one country indicate regional dominance.

Popular Cars in 2022

Images and Descriptions

Corolla

A global titan of reliability and value, the Corolla remained a top choice for buyers seeking a dependable and efficient compact car. Its sedan, hatchback, and hybrid variants catered to a massive international audience seeking practicality.

RAV4

Crowned the world’s best-selling SUV, the RAV4’s success came from its perfect blend of size, fuel efficiency (especially the popular hybrid), and Toyota’s reputation for quality. It hit the sweet spot for families and adventurers alike.

F-Series

Continuing its reign as America’s best-selling vehicle, the F-Series (led by the F-150) is the definitive full-size truck. Its combination of rugged capability, modern tech, and the buzzy new all-electric Lightning model kept it far ahead of rivals.

Model Y

This all-electric crossover saw explosive growth in 2022, becoming the world’s top-selling EV. Its compelling mix of performance, long range, minimalist interior, and access to the Supercharger network made it a segment-defining vehicle.

Camry

The Camry continued its dominance in the shrinking midsize sedan market by sticking to a winning formula: comfort, roominess, and bulletproof reliability. Strong hybrid sales and a sporty TRD option helped it appeal to a broad range of buyers.

CR-V

A perennial favorite in the compact SUV class, the CR-V is known for its cavernous interior, practical features, and fuel-efficient powertrain. A full redesign at the end of 2022 generated significant buzz and interest.

Silverado

As the second best-selling truck in the U.S., the Silverado is a powerful and versatile workhorse. It appealed to buyers with its wide range of engine options, strong towing capacity, and increasingly luxurious high-end trims.

Tucson

With its bold, futuristic styling, the Tucson stood out in a crowded SUV market. Its appeal was bolstered by a tech-forward interior, a comfortable ride, and offering gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains to suit any need.

Hilux

The world’s favorite pickup truck outside of North America, the Hilux is legendary for its indestructible build quality and off-road prowess. It’s the go-to vehicle for tough jobs in markets across Africa, Asia, and Australia.

Ram Pickup

The Ram 1500 continued to win accolades for its class-leading interior quality and unique coil-spring rear suspension, which provides an exceptionally smooth ride. It successfully blended rugged utility with near-luxury levels of comfort.

Model 3

While its SUV sibling gained ground, the Model 3 remained a massively popular electric sedan. Its sleek design, thrilling acceleration, and advanced driver-assist features made it a gateway to EV ownership for hundreds of thousands.

Sylphy

A dominant force in the Chinese market, the Nissan Sylphy (similar to the Sentra) is prized for its comfortable ride, spacious cabin, and fuel-efficient powertrain. It’s a pragmatic and popular choice for families in the world’s largest auto market.

Wuling Hongguang Mini EV

This tiny, ultra-affordable electric car took China by storm. Its low price point made EV ownership accessible to the masses, becoming the perfect city commuter and a symbol of the country’s rapid EV adoption.

Corolla Cross

Capitalizing on two of the most popular names in the industry, this model offered the familiarity of a Corolla in a more desirable small crossover body. It quickly became a sales hit by promising practicality, efficiency, and a higher ride height.

Accord

Long hailed as one of the best midsize sedans, the Accord stood out with its sharp handling, refined interior, and efficient powertrains. It catered to buyers who still valued a fun-to-drive and sophisticated family car over an SUV.

Explorer

A household name in the three-row SUV category, the Explorer appealed to large families with its spacious interior, powerful engine options, and available performance-oriented ST trim. It remained a default choice for a capable family hauler.

Highlander

The Highlander is a masterclass in practicality, offering three rows of seating in a reliable and easy-to-drive package. Its incredibly popular and fuel-efficient hybrid model was a major draw for families looking to save on gas.

Elantra

The Elantra’s aggressive, angular styling helped it make a big statement in the compact car segment. It backed up the looks with a great warranty, a feature-packed interior, and fuel-sipping hybrid and sporty N models.

Tacoma

The undisputed king of the midsize pickup truck market in the U.S. for years. The Tacoma’s legendary reputation for off-road capability and resale value made it a cultural icon and a top choice for adventure-seekers.

Grand Cherokee

The Grand Cherokee expanded its appeal in 2022 with the introduction of a three-row ‘L’ model and a 4xe plug-in hybrid. This versatility, combined with its renowned off-road credibility and premium feel, solidified its market position.

Civic

Following a sophisticated redesign, the 11th-generation Civic was praised for its mature styling, high-quality interior, and fun-to-drive dynamics. It reasserted its position as a benchmark for the compact car class, winning numerous awards.

BYD Song Plus

A sales phenomenon in China, this SUV from BYD became a best-seller thanks to its advanced and affordable DM-i plug-in hybrid and full EV options. It represented the rapid rise of domestic Chinese EV and PHEV technology.

Sportage

Redesigned for 2022 with dramatic new styling, the Kia Sportage made a huge splash. Its eye-catching looks were paired with a larger, more upscale interior and a wide array of new tech, making it a strong contender.

Rogue

As Nissan’s best-selling model, the Rogue (also known as X-Trail) attracted buyers with its comfortable and family-friendly cabin, generous cargo space, and a new, more efficient turbocharged engine introduced for 2022.

Peugeot 208

Often Europe’s best-selling car in 2022, the Peugeot 208 captivated buyers with its chic, distinctive styling and high-tech i-Cockpit interior. The availability of an all-electric e-208 version was a key driver of its success.

Dacia Sandero

The Sandero’s popularity was driven by its unbeatable value proposition. It offered the space and features of a much more expensive supermini for a budget price, making it the smartest choice for cost-conscious European buyers.

Volkswagen T-Roc

This stylish compact SUV became Volkswagen’s best-seller in many European markets. It blended Golf-like driving dynamics with a more fashionable crossover body, and an available convertible version added a unique flair to the lineup.

Fiat 500

An icon of Italian style, the Fiat 500 remained a city-car favorite. The new, all-electric 500e version was a massive hit, praised for its charming design, zippy performance, and suitability for narrow European streets.

Volkswagen Golf

While facing new competition, the Golf remained a European benchmark for its refined driving experience, high-quality interior, and overall practicality. It continues to be the standard by which all other family hatchbacks are judged.

Kuga

The Ford Kuga (sold as the Escape in the U.S.) was very popular in Europe, particularly its efficient plug-in hybrid model. Buyers were drawn to its car-like handling, comfortable interior, and low running costs.

Outback

The Outback defined a niche between a wagon and an SUV that resonated strongly with buyers. Its standard all-wheel drive, rugged styling, and reputation for safety and practicality made it a go-to vehicle for outdoor-oriented families.

CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 continued to punch above its weight with a premium interior and sharp handling that made it feel more expensive than it was. It appealed to those who wanted a practical compact SUV without sacrificing driving enjoyment.

Wrangler

An undeniable off-road icon, the Wrangler’s popularity is rooted in its go-anywhere capability and open-air freedom. The introduction of the 4xe plug-in hybrid made it the best-selling PHEV in America, adding an eco-conscious halo.

Telluride

Demand for the Telluride continued to outstrip supply in 2022. This three-row SUV earned rave reviews and a loyal following for its handsome design, luxurious interior, and incredible overall value, often selling for over its sticker price.

Maverick

The Ford Maverick was a runaway success, proving a huge appetite for a genuinely small and affordable pickup truck. Its standard hybrid powertrain delivered impressive fuel economy, making it both incredibly practical and cheap to run.

Bronco

Riding a massive wave of hype, the reborn Ford Bronco was one of the hottest vehicles of the year. Its rugged, retro design and serious off-road hardware made it a direct and compelling competitor to the Jeep Wrangler.

Ioniq 5

Winning a trove of “Car of the Year” awards, the Ioniq 5 stood out with its unique retro-futuristic design and innovative electric platform. Its spacious interior and ultra-fast charging capability set a new benchmark for mainstream EVs.

EV6

Sharing its platform with the Ioniq 5, the Kia EV6 offered a sportier and more driver-focused take on the modern EV. Its sleek, coupe-like design, strong performance, and long range earned it critical acclaim and strong sales.

Palisade

As Hyundai’s flagship three-row SUV, the Palisade was praised for its upscale cabin that rivaled luxury brands. It delivered a comfortable ride, user-friendly tech, and a long list of standard features at a competitive price point.

Porsche 911

The quintessential sports car, the 911 continued to be a dream car that also sold in impressive numbers. Its blend of everyday usability and breathtaking performance is unmatched, with high-demand special editions like the GT3 keeping it in the spotlight.

Corvette

The mid-engine C8 Corvette remained a performance bargain, offering supercar looks and speed for a fraction of the price. Production struggled to keep up with intense demand, making it one of the most sought-after cars of the year.

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R

A dominant best-seller in India, the Wagon R is loved for its tall-boy design, which creates a surprisingly spacious interior in a compact footprint. Its fuel efficiency and low running costs make it perfectly suited for the Indian market.

Fiat Strada

The best-selling vehicle in Brazil, the Fiat Strada is a small, car-based pickup that is both affordable and perfectly suited for a mix of city driving and light commercial work, a formula that resonates deeply with Brazilian consumers.

Honda N-Box

As Japan’s best-selling vehicle, the N-Box exemplifies the popular “kei car” class. Its tiny exterior dimensions conceal a remarkably spacious and versatile interior, making it the ultimate vehicle for navigating Japan’s congested city streets.

Popular Cars in Other Years