Toyota RAV4 Beats Tesla Model Y As The World’s Best-Seller In 2024

The Toyota RAV4 was officially America’s best-selling vehicle in 2024, outselling the Ford F-150 (excluding the Super Duty trucks). As it turns out, the Japanese SUV’s popularity can be observed worldwide, as recent data shows that the RAV4 is now the reigning global bestseller in 2024, dethroning the Tesla Model Y. The latter was the world’s best-selling vehicle in 2023.

However, the battle between the RAV4 and the Model Y was incredibly tight, with a gap of only over 2,000 units between the two. The data were published by Felipe Munoz of JATO Dynamics, which has been accurately (and diligently) compiling these sales numbers for years through sources like national statistics offices, dealer associations, and customer offices, among others. It’s the same company that published the numbers that toppled the F-150’s claim to dominance in the US last year.

Toyota Dominates The List Of Global Bestsellers

For 2024, the global sales champ, RAV4, also known as Wildlander in some markets, sold 1.187 million units, or an increase of 11% compared to its sales in 2023. In comparison, Tesla shifted 1.185 million Model Ys, reflecting a 3% decline versus the previous year. Evidently, the declining demand for Teslas last year took a toll on its numbers, while the increased popularity of the Toyota worked in its favor.

Interestingly, Toyota dominated the list of global bestsellers last year. Five Toyota-badged models populate the list: the third-ranked Corolla Cross (otherwise known as Frontlander), the Corolla Sedan (Levin Sedan), the Hilux midsize truck, and the Camry midsize sedan. There’s also another Tesla on the list – the Model 3, which ranks ninth with 560,000 units delivered. The other bestselling nameplates include the fourth-ranked Honda CR-V, seventh-ranked Ford F-150, and the BYD Qin, which completes the top ten list.

A Tight Competition Between Two Popular Nameplates

Note that these numbers show the sales of pre-updated models for both the Model Y and RAV4. The latter got a major new-generation revamp this year, which will start hitting dealer lots sooner or later for the 2026 model year. There’s a major change, though: the sixth-generation RAV4 has gone all-hybrid, which means you won’t be able to buy a version that’s powered by a pure combustion engine. If you’re not a fan of hybrids, you might want to get your hands on the 2025 RAV4 before inventory runs out.

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Should You Buy A Toyota RAV4 Now Or Wait For The All-New Model?

Holding out for the launch of the 2026 Toyota RAV4 might not be a bad idea, whether or not you’re on board with the shift to hybrids and plug-ins.

Meanwhile, Tesla has also given the Model Y a major update in an attempt to jumpstart its sales. The new version, nicknamed Juniper, has already reached its owners, so it’s likely you’ve already seen one on the road. However, Tesla has been experiencing a major sales drought this year, with a steady decline in several markets, including Europe.

Let’s see if Tesla will be able to recover from its current predicament, or if the new-generation version of the RAV4 will help keep its crown for 2025.