Ranked

Ranked: 20 best-selling new cars in the U.S. in 2020

Eileen Falkenberg-Hull
Feb 9, 2020, 10:42 pm

Sedans are declining in popularity but automakers still offer a number of competitive options.

Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company

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 October 5, 2020. Many automakers report their sales results quarterly. These rankings have been determined using sales numbers provided by the individual automobile manufacturers and not a third party.

The vehicles on this list are bound to change order as new information becomes available. Stay tuned!

No. 20 - Subaru Impreza (32,155 sold)

2020 Subaru Impreza
Photo courtesy of Subaru of America, Inc.

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 - Toyota Prius (32,566 sold)

2020 Toyota Prius
Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc.

The Toyota Prius family of vehicles represents a fuel-saving line of quirky cars that give eco-conscious shoppers an untraditional option. The Prius and Prius Prime have similar footprints. The Prius Prime is a plug-in electric vehicle whereas the Prius is a hybrid with optimized aerodynamics.

No. 18 - Dodge Challenger (38,350 sold)

2020 Dodge Challenger

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. 17 - Ford Mustang (47,637 sold)

2020 Ford Mustang

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. 16 - Kia Optima (48,101 sold)

2020 Kia Optima

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. 15 - Hyundai Sonata (53,126 sold)

2020 Hyundai Sonata

Photo courtesy of Hyundai Motor America

Hyundai redesigned the Sonata for the 2020 model year. It's a completely new car with fresh angles and innovative tech, yet it keeps the same spacious seating and cargo space buyers have known and loved about the midsize car.

No. 14 - Dodge Charger (53,631 sold)

2020 Dodge Charger

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. 13 - Kia Soul (55,331 sold)

2020 Kia Soul
Photo courtesy of Kia Motors

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. 12 - Volkswagen Jetta (57,480 sold)

2020 Volkswagen Jetta

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 (62,911 sold)

2019 Kia Forte

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 (69,873 sold)

2020 Nissan Sentra

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 (73,399 sold)

2020 Chevrolet Malibu

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 (75,103 sold)

2020 Hyundai Elantra

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 (90,664 sold)

2020 Ford Fusion

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 (97,082 sold)

2020 Nissan Altima

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 (145,291 sold)

2020 Honda Accord

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 (163,500 sold)

2020 Tesla Model 3 SR PlusPhoto by Chad Kirchner

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 - Toyota Corolla (166,214 sold)

2020 Toyota Corolla

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.

No. 2 - Honda Civic (200,941 sold)

2020 Honda Civic

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. 1 - Toyota Camry (204,945 sold) 

2020 Toyota Camry

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.

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The Price is Right

2021 Hyundai Elantra lineup starts at $19,650, performance-focused N Line is under $25,000

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra lineup includes two versions of the Elantra Hybrid.

Photo courtesy of Hyundai Motor America

The redesigned 2021 Hyundai Elantra looks to break out of the typical sedan mold but not veer from the budget-conscious pricing structure that has made it one of the best-selling cars in the U.S. It also continues to be fuel-efficient, hitting up to 54 mpg, and now comes in a sporty Elantra N Line variant.

2021 Hyundai Elantra SE (MSRP: $19,650)

The Hyundai Elantra SE base model is much improved over the last model year as part of a generational refresh of the model. Powertrain performance highlights included added idle stop and go functionality, four-wheel disc brakes, and a combined EPA-estimated 37 mpg (up from 35 mpg).

The car rides on 15-inch alloy wheels and has projector headlights with LED daytime running lights.

Hyundai has given the model a long list of standard and available equipment including a 4.2-inch driver's information screen, 8.0-inch infotainment touch scree, HD Radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and two USB ports. It comes with keyless entry, a hands-free trunk release, heated front seats, illuminated vanity mirrors and sliding sun visors, and Blue Link connected car services.

The car's safety technology offerings are significantly improved and the car now comes with blind spot warning and assist (including rear cross-traffic warning and assist), forward collision alert with assist and pedestrian detection, lane following assist, automatic high beams, and safe exit warning.

2021 Hyundai Elantra SEL (MSRP: $20,900)

The Elantra SEL builds on the Elantra SE and is available with the buyer's choice of two options packages that add tech, safety, and appearance upgrades.

The SEL Convenience Package ($950) adds forward collision alert and avoidance assist with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction-turning detection. WIth it, the model also gains a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, an electronic parking brake, a leather steering wheel and shifter, wireless charging, heated front seats, and heated outside mirrors.

Hyundai's SEL Premium Package ($3,050) requires the SEL Convenience Package and adds 17-inch alloy wheels, dark chrome exterior accents, LED taillights, chrome DLO, sunroof, side mirror turn signal indicators, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, power driver's seat with lumbar, Hyundai Digital Key, and a passenger seat back pocket.

2021 Hyundai Elantra SEL Hybrid (MSRP: $23,550)

2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid

Photo courtesy of Hyundai Motor America

The Hyundai Elantra SEL Hybrid adds the car's hybrid powertrain option as well as some equipment. It has a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, electronic parking brake, and multi-link rear suspension.

2021 Hyundai Elantra Limited (MSRP: $25,450)

Hyundai has positioned the Elantra Limited to build on the Elantra SEL when equipped with the Convenience and Premium Package. They've then added rear parking distance warning and rear parking collision avoidance assist technology. Highway Drive Assist is also available.

Additionally, the car gets navigation but its wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have to be replaced with a cabled version. Dynamic Voice Recognition is added.

2021 Hyundai Elantra Limited Hybrid (MSRP: $28,100)

The Elantra Limited Hybrid builds on the Elantra Limited with Hyundai's hybrid powertrain, six-speed dual-clutch transmission, and multi-link rear suspension. It achieves over 50 mpg.

Hyundai has added a few extras to this model including full LED taillights, driver's memory seats, and ventilated front seats.

2021 Hyundai Elantra N Line (MSRP: $24,100)

The Elantra N Line is the sportiest version of the Elantra. It's packed with equipment and features befitting its status.

The car gets Nn Line exterior design elements including an N Line version of Hyundai's grille with a distinctive red character line, N Line front bumper fascia, black colored side sill moldings, N Line rear fascia with diffuser, lip-spoiler, N Line badging, N Line window accents, chrome twin exhaust, a sunroof, and LED taillights.

It comes with N Line 18-inch wheels wrapped in Hankook Ventus all-season tires when equipped with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and Goodyear Eagle Fi summer tires when the buyer opts for the six-speed manual transmission.

Hyundai has given the interior of the model a unique leather-wrapped perforated N steering wheel, N Line sport seats with leather bolsters and N logos, N Line gearshift with metal accents and leather inserts, N Line analog gauge cluster, and red stitching and trim accents that differentiate the N Line from the standard Elantra. There's also a wireless charging pad, NFC smartphone Digital Key, alloy pedals, and a black headliner.

All prices exclude a $995 destination charge.

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Concept Cars

Ford teams up with lifestyle brand Filson for 2021 Bronco-based Wildland Fire Rig concept

Ford's latest concept vehicle is designed to better-equip firefighters for the tough tasks ahead.

Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company

Filson is a brand for go-everywhere lifestyle enthusiasts looking to be equipped for the long road ahead. The Ford Bronco is ready to take them there. A new partnership between the two iconic names in outdoors-ing has resulted in the Bronco + Filson Wildland Fire Rig concept and limited-edition outdoor gear.

The Bronco + Filson Wildland Fire Rig concept features a combination of firefighting equipment, rugged materials crafted by Filson, and the four-door Bronco. It is designed to be a tribute to the decades of first responders who used the Bronco for their firefighting duties.

"Ford and Filson share a unique history of helping protect our nation's wildfire crews for more than a century and helping them access rugged areas of forests," said Dave Rivers, Bronco marketing manager. "Today, we're combining those strengths to support those who protect our natural resources as well as helping preserve our nation's forests for future generations."

Ford Bronco + Filson Wildland Fire Rig concept

Ford Bronco + Filson Wildland Fire Rig concept

Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company

The new concept car is based on the 2021 Ford Bronco four-door Badlands trim with available Sasquatch Package. Its exterior features a Forest Service Green paint job that is similar to the color used on the first-generation U.S. Forest Service Bronco. At its face is a modular steel Ford Performance bumper with a Warn Zeon 10s winch.

A heavy-duty custom roof rack with Rigid LED light bar is mounted to the Bronco's accessory points on the side mirror arms and rear J-plate. The rack holds a Pulaski, shovel, water tanks and axes, and is strong enough to double as a firefighter lookout. Additional specialized equipment on the rig includes a Kimtek Firelite Fire/Rescue Transport skid that comes with a Hannay Reels fire hose reel, Davey high-pressure water pump, 50-gallon water tank, Stihl chainsaw, two hard hats, a high lift jack, and Sure Seal drop torch attached to it.

Filson materials make the interior of the concept tougher. There's otter green canvas door bolsters, armrests, and seat trim surrounds. The seating surfaces have quilted black leather inspired by Filson's jacket lining, and Ann embossed Bronco logo.

Grab handles and the center console are painted in matching Filson otter green while a CB radio is mounted to the Bronco's versatile BYO device rack on the instrument panel.

Fireproof ripstop nylon similar to that on Filson backpacks and briefcases is used for the bimini-style top and rear cargo area divider. The top can be opened, rolled back and secured by Filson bridle leather straps.

Bronco Wild Fund Presents: Shared History, Shared Action | Ford www.youtube.com

There's a Cerakote ceramic coating on the wheels, custom fabricated roof rack and grille, and a unique inside for the center console and instrument panel trim, all of which are designed for longevity. The center of the steering wheel features the Bronco horse plated in Filson brass. An embroidered Filson logo is mounted to the interior top and a similar logo has bee napplied to the center console trim tag.

"The Filson and Bronco collaboration was a natural fit, given the deep histories both brands have with the U.S. Forest Service dating back to the midcentury, when crews relied on the Filson Cruiser jackets and first-generation Broncos to reach remote terrain and protect them in harsh conditions," said Doug Thielen, director of marketing at Filson. "Our resilient materials and innovative product designs are the perfect complement for the rugged Bronco SUV, and honor wildland firefighters who risk it all to protect our forests and natural resources."

Earlier this week, Ford announced its new Bronco Wild Fund initiative. The company is set to use a percentage of the sales money it brings in from Bronco sales to fund an endowment that will benefit numerous outdoors-focused initiatives. Ford and the Bronco Wild Fund will donate two Broncos outfitted with firefighting equipment to help wildland fire personnel protect communities and vital natural resources.

Additionally, Filson and Ford will sell limited-edition Bronco + Filson outdoor gear at Filson.com to benefit the Bronco Wild Fund.

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