Ranked
Ranked: 20 best-selling new cars in the U.S. in 2020
Sedans are declining in popularity but automakers still offer a number of competitive options.
Despite what you've heard on TV, cars are actually still quite popular with the buying public. The top of the rankings is dominated by the usual suspects but further down the results are more interesting.
Below is a list of the best-selling cars through December 31, 2020. Many automakers report their sales results quarterly. These sales figures are final for the 2020 reporting year.
Click here to see 2019's best-selling new cars and here to see 2021's.
No. 20 - Subaru Impreza (43,628 sold)
The Subaru Impreza hasn't had any major changes to it since it was introduced in 2017 yet it remains a compelling choice for buyers seeking an all-wheel drive car. Available as a hatchback or sedan, the Impreza is also wallet-friendly.
No. 19 - Nissan Versa (48,273 sold)
The Nissan Versa is the smallest car model in the automaker's U.S. lineup. It offers a lot of bang for your buck, which is what helps it win with buyers. On top of that, the new Versa is much more stylish than the last-generation model.
No. 18 - Kia Optima (48,484 sold)
Photo courtesy of Kia Motors
The 2020 is the last model year in the current generation Kia Optima. Despite being a little long in the tooth, the 2020 Optima delivers for customers offering a smooth ride, a well-designed cabin with premium appointments in high trim levels, and an easy-to-use infotainment system.
No. 17 - Dodge Challenger (52,955 sold)
Photo courtesy of FCA US LLC
The Dodge Challenger hasn't been changed significantly in a decade but Dodge continues to push the envelope with performance, introduce new variants, and updated the car's infotainment system.
No. 16 - Ford Mustang (61,090 sold)
Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company
The 2020 model year is all about fine tuning the Ford Mustang. Buyers can now opt for a High Performance or EcoBoost Handling package. There's also a new Shelby GT500 model that gets buyers a free track day at a NASCAR speedway with purchase. Now, all Mustangs come standard with FordPass Connect.
No. 15 - Kia Soul (71,862 sold)
Kia has completely redesigned the Soul for the 2020 model year giving it ... more soul. Its funky exterior carries over to the interior where buyers can choose to turn the fun up a notch with various packages and high-tech features. The 2020 Kia Soul GT-Line Turbo didn't win many hearts at AutomotiveMap, but the Soul's lower trim levels, powered by the standard non-turbo engine did.
No. 14 - Hyundai Sonata (76,997 sold)
Photo courtesy of Hyundai Motor America
No. 13 - Dodge Charger (77,425 sold)
Photo courtesy of FCA US LLC
The Dodge Charger is available as an engaging daily driver, true muscle car, or hell on wheels (that's the Hellcat grade). It has comfortable seating for four adults, an easy-to-use infotainment system, and spacious seats.
No. 12 - Volkswagen Jetta (82,662 sold)
Photo courtesy of Volkswagen AG
The Volkswagen Jetta was redesigned for the 2019 model year and has had a number of enhancements for 2020 including a standard Wi-Fi hot spot and available wireless charging. Still, the model just doesn't hold up in terms of drivability or interior materials compared to the other vehicles in its class, according to our review.
No. 11 - Kia Forte (84,997 sold)
Photo courtesy of Kia Motors
Kia redesigned the Forte for the 2019 model year. It comes equipped with a long list of standard features, big trunk compared to other vehicles in its class, and spacious seats. It's also fuel efficient.
No. 10 - Nissan Sentra (94,646 sold)
Photo courtesy of Nissan North America
The Nissan Sentra has been completely redesigned for the 2020 model year, with its looks falling into line with the Versa and Altima. The new Sentra is a compelling choice with its high-tech features, comfortable seats, and easy-to-use infotainment system.
No. 9 - Chevrolet Malibu (102,651 sold)
Photo courtesy of Chevrolet
The Chevrolet Malibu is on its last legs. It will be discontinued after this model year, taking its fuel efficiency, easy-to-use infotainment system, and outdated appointments with it. The model does come standard with a long list of standard infotainment features including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 8-inch infotainment screen.
No. 8 - Hyundai Elantra (105,475 sold)
Photo courtesy of Hyundai Motor America
The Elantra is Hyundai's most popular sedan. It's been heralded as being fuel efficient, available with a long list of features, and having a premium-level interior in its higher trim levels. The Elantra is also budget-friendly.
No. 7 - Ford Fusion (110,665 sold)
Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company
American buyers can't quit the Ford Fusion, despite the long-running rumor that it's about to be killed off. The automaker has confirmed that the comfortable cruiser will live on through the 2021 model year, but isn't making any promises after that.
No. 6 - Nissan Altima (137,988 sold)
Photo courtesy of Nissan North America
The Nissan Altima was completely redesigned for the 2019 model year and hasn't changed significantly since. Its looks are edgier and sharper than the previous generation, and it comes loaded with a long list of standard and available tech, making it more appealing to buyers. The Altima is still fuel efficient.
No. 5 - Honda Accord (199,458 sold)
Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Co., Inc
The Honda Accord is near the top of every sedan shoppers wish list, and for good reason. It is a near-premium car in its top trim levels, fuel-efficient (especially as a hybrid), and comfortable. The Accord has an easy-to-use infotainment system and good legroom.
No. 4 - Tesla Model 3 (206,500 sold)
The Tesla Model 3 is the best-selling electric vehicle in the U.S. It is offered in a wide variety of ranges and can be equipped with a variety of packages to make it more exciting and plusher, depending on the buyer's taste and budget. AutomotiveMap recently spent three months in a Model 3 to find out if it's worth the money. Check out what we thought here.
No. 3 - Honda Civic (261,225 sold)
Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Co., Inc
The Honda Civic remains a popular choice for buyers due to its numerous variations, from a competent daily driver to track-ready speedster. It's one of the few models on this list to come with an available manual transmission and coupe format.
No. 2 - Toyota Camry (294,348 sold)Â
Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
The Toyota Camry reigns supreme for American buyers and it's easy to see why. Its looks are (finally) anything but mundane. The Camry's interior is plush and comfortable, and it comes loaded with a hist of standard safety and driver assistance features.
No. 1 - Toyota Corolla (304,850 sold)
Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
The Corolla was redesigned for the 2020 model year and is now upgraded to fit nicely into Toyota's modern lineup. It can come loaded to the gills with high-tech features but its less premium models still don't feel like too much of a compromise. The Toyota Corolla Hybrid is about as fuel efficient as the Prius.
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