In the full-year 2023, the top-selling car model worldwide was the Tesla Model Y while the Toyota RAV4 and Corolla were also global favorite passenger vehicle models.
2023 (January to December): the Tesla Model Y was the top-selling car model worldwide and obviously also the best-selling battery-electric vehicle globally. Despite an increase in sales volume, the Toyota RAV4 slipped from the world’s best-selling car model in 2022 to only second in 2023. It was followed by the evergreen Toyota Corolla.
Best-Selling Car Models in the World in 2023
According to JATO Dynamics, the three best-selling car models in the world in 2023 were the Tesla Model Y, followed by the Toyota RAV4 and the Toyota Corolla:
Tesla Model Y – World’s Best-Selling Car Model in 2023
According to JATO, the Tesla Model Y was the top-selling car model worldwide in 2023. The Tesla Model Y sold 1.23 units globally in 2023 — a 64% increase from 2022. Felipe Munoz, Global Analyst at JATO Dynamics, commented: “The increase in global sales of the Model Y is unprecedented, particularly for a vehicle in the top ten best-sellers.”
The Model Y was the favorite car in 2023 in both Europe and China, the world’s two largest electric car markets. According to data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), more than 456,000 units were sold in China in 2023 – marking an increase of 45% from 2022. In Europe, registrations of the Model Y outsold the regular high performers such as the Dacia Sandero, Peugeot 208, and Volkswagen T-Roc. Data from 30 markets in Europe shows that more than 255,000 units of the Model Y were registered – this being 19,000 units more than the second most popular vehicle, the Dacia Sandero.
Munoz added: “The average retail price of a Tesla Model Y in November 2023 was 18% and 23% lower than the average cost of an EV in Germany and USA respectively. The price cuts over the year combined with Tesla’s reputation as a reliable and competitive electric EV manufacturer, helped to fuel already high demand. As a result, Tesla is front of mind for many consumers looking to purchase an EV.”
Toyota RAV and Corolla Remained Global Favorite Car Models in 2023
According to JATO, 2023 marked the end of Toyota’s top position in the model ranking, with the RAV4 and Corolla having led the global rankings in recent years. Munoz, continued: “Toyota has a strong presence worldwide, with the RAV4 (an SUV) and the Corolla (a compact car) making the brand attractive with a diverse offering. However, both models lack pure electric options, with only offer hybrid alternatives. While Toyota still experienced a strong year in 2023, the RAV4 and Corolla are simply unable to compete in the electric car market, which is becoming increasingly established and important across Europe and China.”
However, the second best-selling vehicle worldwide in 2023 was the Toyota RAV4, with 1.07 million units currently sold globally – up from 1.02 million units in 2022, when it led the global market. With all body types included, Toyota’s Corolla occupied third place in the global rankings.
JATO collated data from North America, Europe, China, Australia, New Zealand, India, South Korea, Russia, Turkey, Israel, Japan, Taiwan, South Africa, Philippines. Also included is data from the largest markets in Latin America (Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Uruguay), and some in Southeast Asia (Indonesia and Vietnam). Figures for the Middle East (Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Yemen), North Africa (Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia), Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Singapore, and Pakistan are preliminary, with forecasts of December 2023 based on existing data.
Global Worldwide Car Sales by Brand in 2023 (Full Year)
→ USA Car Sales by Brand in 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, and 2018
→ Global Worldwide Car sales by Brand in 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020
Global worldwide sales by brand in 2023:
- Alpine (incl. Renault)
- Audi
- Bentley
- BMW (incl. MINI)
- BYD
- Dacia (incl. Renault)
- Hyundai
- Jaguar (incl. Land Rover)
- JLR (incl. Jaguar & Land Rover)
- Kia
- Lamborghini
- Land Rover (incl. Jaguar)
- Lexus
- Mercedes-Benz
- MINI (incl. BMW)
- Porsche
- Renault
- Renault Group (incl. Alpine & Dacia)
- Rolls-Royce
- Skoda
- Tesla — Model Y World’s Best-Selling Car Model
- Toyota (incl. Lexus and Daihatsu)
- Volkswagen Group Sales
- Volkswagen Group Electric Car Sales
- Volvo
NOTE: “Sales” as reported by the various brands generally refer to deliveries and not necessarily sales to the customer or final registration. Terms and definitions may vary. All statistics are provided by respective car manufacturers unless clearly stated otherwise.
