According to recent research, the US economy shrank by about 3.5% last year, making it the worst economic year since 1946. We struggled together as a country and clung to any semblance of normal that we could find. One thing remains true: visiting family and being together is essential.
The global COVID-19 pandemic set a new precedence for how businesses run and gave us a new idea of what is “essential” in our lives.
Despite these new mindsets, American’s still purchased new cars last year. As a nation, we remembered how important it is to be close to the ones we love. What better way to do so than to update your ride?
Below, you’ll find the list of best-selling cars in 2020 and bonus info about why these are the most popular cars.
How 2020 Changed the Game
First, it’s essential to understand why production in 2020 was so low.
The pandemic threw businesses for a loop. It made manufacturers rethink how they could keep their employees safe while at work. Social distancing measures weren’t a big deal before COVID-19.
Updating these work procedures takes time. Companies all across the world shut down for a few months between March and June. Forbes Wheels has an article about why these shutdowns affected the car buying market, so check that out here!
One other main lesson that 2020 taught us was about the dealerships themselves. As businesses reopened, there were more factors to consider (such as mask usage and creative ways to sell without being face-to-face). If your dealership has struggled with these same concerns, you need to read this article about maximizing sales during COVID.
Now, without further ado, here are the most popular cars from 2020.
Best-Selling Cars of 2020
We’ve outlined the top ten cars that outsold and outperformed the competition last year. Click here to see where we received our statistics and for a very in-depth breakdown of the top vehicles. These rankings are also backed by Kelly Blue Book.
We’ll start with number ten and work our way down to one.
Toyota Tacoma
238,806 units sold.
This midsized truck was a shoo-in for the top ten. Not only do they have different cab, bed, and trim options, but the 2020 Toyota Tacoma offers all-new upgraded audio systems with AI technology.
GMC Sierra
253,016 units sold.
The GMC Sierra was one of only two cars in our Top 10 that saw an increase in revenue in 2020 despite the economic downturn. This could be because the model was completely redesigned in 2019, adding their new six-position tailgate. In 2021, new models will boast towing capacity of up to 36,000 pounds.
Honda Civic
261,225 units sold.
This model is one of the best-selling cars with millennials (we’ll touch on this later), for great reason. It outperforms other sedans with its advanced safety features, like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. According to Kelly Blue Book, this vehicle was 2020’s most popular compact car.
Chevrolet Equinox
270,994 units sold.
Although the sales of Equinox’s were down over 20%, it remains Chevrolet’s second best-selling vehicle. This model’s mix of innovative lights and a spacious, sleek interior make it 2020’s most popular American SUV.
Toyota Camry
294,348 units sold.
American’s love the 2020 Toyota Camry and awarded it the most popular passenger car (again). What’s great about this make/model is the wide variety of options it comes in. From sleek and sporty to budget-friendly, and all the hybrid options your little eco-friendly heart desires right there in the middle.
Honda CR-V
333,502 units sold.
What can we say about this excellent mid-sized sedan other than we’re not surprised it’s in the top five of America’s best selling cars. It’s hard to beat how well Honda paired spacious comfort with efficient fuel economy in this model.
Toyota RAV4
430,387 units sold.
The RAV4 was America’s most popular SUV for another year in a row. Unique to this maker, their new hybrid model has impressive mileage – up to 41 city mpg.
Ram Pickup Truck
563,676 units sold.
The pandemic threw a wrench in many records, including the sales of this high-performance pickup. The Ram truck would have most likely have achieved its fourth year in a row of record sales.
Chevrolet Silverado
595,184 units sold.
This is one of the most customizable vehicle options, with hundreds of combinations to choose from. The Silverado was the other Top 10 finisher with positive growth in 2020, despite the whirlwind year.
Ford F-Series
787,372 units sold.
American’s love their trucks, specifically this truck. The Ford F-Series has been the all-around best-selling vehicle in America for 39 years (and best-selling truck for 44 years). We could tell you all about it, but the statistics show that a close friend or neighbor probably owns one of these bad boys.
Best-Selling Cars With Millennials
The top three cars owned by millennials are the Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, and Honda Civic. This might be because Millennials aren’t in the market for larger SUVs or vans anymore, as many are opting for raising fewer (or no) children.
If we’re discussing car sales trends, we can’t overlook one of the largest shifts in buyers within the last few decades.
Lately, 61% of millennials are purchasing their cars online. They also choose to spend less on their new vehicle (increased student loan debt and economic inflation are to blame).
What Are The Best Selling Cars in 2021?
We don’t know what 2021 will bring, but the last 365 days proved that where there are people, there are cars. They bring us together in even the most hectic times.
In 2020, we saw best-selling cars that beat the odds, like the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra, and ended a negative year on a positive note. We saw familiar faces ranking high, like the Ford F-Series. Plus, many new 2020 or 2021 models are working towards environmentally-friendlier features, which is a win for everyone at the end of the day.
You probably don’t know what the future holds in terms of car-buying and the internet, so let MOTiiV help your dealership out. Click here to see how MOTiiV services could skyrocket the sales at your dealership into 2021 and beyond.
