Here’s the best-selling car of 2025 – and it’s not an EV

The Toyota RAV4 is the best-selling car in 2025.

According to new figures, over 2.1 million units of the Japanese SUV have been sold between January and October of this year.

This makes it the best-selling model globally, ahead of both the Tesla Model Y and Honda CR-V.

The RAV4’s market share in the SUV segment now stands at 2.5 percent, putting it just ahead of the Model Y at 2.4 percent.

The sales come as the global car market reaches 80.4 million vehicles sold, an increase of two percent compared to the previous year.

Hybrid over electric car

The figures indicate a shift in consumer preferences.

While electric cars have seen significant growth for several years, the trend in 2025 suggests an increasing interest in hybrid solutions.

Non-rechargeable hybrid models such as the RAV4 in particular have been on the rise, with global sales increasing by 20 percent.

According to the data, this is partly due to concerns about the range and affordability of electric cars, especially in some parts of southern Europe and in China.

Hybrid cars that don’t rely on charging stations are therefore gaining ground in markets where infrastructure or economics play a crucial role.

The RAV4 comes with a minimum 218 horsepower hybrid engine and has a claimed fuel economy of 6.4 liters per 100 kilometers.

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The total range is close to 800 kilometers, making it suitable for longer trips without the need for charging.

Stable price and broad appeal

The car’s sales price starts at around 44,950 euro in Europe.

In France alone, around 1,500 units are currently sold per month, despite a general decline in the market.

In China, which accounts for about a third of global car sales, locally customized RAV4 models contribute significantly to overall sales.

Toyota introduced the sixth generation RAV4 in May 2025 with technical updates, but without raising the price significantly.

The popularity of SUVs can also be explained by changing consumer habits.

Today, SUVs account for 45 percent of new car registrations.

Many consumers are choosing cars that combine good fuel economy, long range and everyday practicality. According to sales, the RAV4 hits this combination.