The 10 Best-Selling SUVs of 2026 in the US: Honda CR-V Leads as Nissan Rogue Surges

SUVs continue to dominate the American market, and US sales figures for January–September 2026 show that the Honda CR-V is the best-selling SUV so far this year, ahead of the Tesla Model Y and the Toyota RAV4. Here are the 10 best-selling SUVs in the US in 2026, with the numbers and what they mean for buyers in Kuwait and the GCC.

The list is based on sales data published in October 2026 by CarPro, GoodCarBadCar and Best-Selling-Cars, and covers crossovers and SUVs of all sizes. For the truck side of the market, see our list of the 10 best-selling pickup trucks of 2026 in the US.

The 10 Best-Selling SUVs in the US in 2026 (January–September)

Rank	Model	Sales, Jan–Sep 2026	Change vs Jan–Sep 2025
1	Honda CR-V	336,844	+9.5%
2	Tesla Model Y	approx. 262,000–265,000 (estimate)	Not available
3	Toyota RAV4	253,664	-29.2%
4	Chevrolet Equinox (incl. Equinox EV)	209,732	Not available
5	Nissan Rogue	201,991	approx. +25%
6	Ford Explorer	189,210	+17.6%
7	Hyundai Tucson	181,687	+10.0%
8	Chevrolet Trax	167,910	-0.9%
9	Subaru Forester	156,476	Up
10	Kia Sportage	145,746	+8.7%

1. Honda CR-V – 336,844 units

The CR-V leads the SUV segment by a clear margin after 9.5% growth. It is also the best-selling non-truck model in the US in 2026, and third overall behind the Ford F-Series and Chevrolet Silverado. Its practical size and hybrid option help explain its popularity with families.

2. Tesla Model Y – approx. 262,000 units (estimate)

Tesla does not report US sales by model, so estimates range from 262,491 units (CarPro) to about 265,000 (Automotive News estimate). Even so, the Model Y remains the best-selling all-electric vehicle in the US this year, and it also tops our list of the world’s 10 best-selling electric cars of 2026.

3. Toyota RAV4 – 253,664 units

RAV4 sales are down 29.2%, but Best-Selling-Cars attributes the drop to supply constraints during the changeover to the new generation rather than weaker demand. Notably, the RAV4 outsold the Toyota Camry in the third quarter of 2026 alone with 99,709 units, pointing to a strong recovery as the new model becomes available.

4. Chevrolet Equinox – 209,732 units

CarPro’s figure combines the petrol Equinox and the Equinox EV; the petrol model alone accounts for 191,578 units according to GoodCarBadCar. The Equinox remains Chevrolet’s key compact SUV.

5. Nissan Rogue – 201,991 units

The Rogue is one of the year’s biggest winners, up roughly 25% (24.8% according to Best-Selling-Cars and 26.1% according to GoodCarBadCar). Rogue is the US name for the model Nissan sells in other markets as the X-Trail.

6. Ford Explorer – 189,210 units

The Explorer is the best-selling three-row midsize SUV on the list, up 17.6% and well ahead of the Jeep Grand Cherokee (139,764) and Kia Telluride (110,038) in the same class.

7. Hyundai Tucson – 181,687 units

The Tucson grew 10% and remains Hyundai’s best-selling model in the US, offered with petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains.

8. Chevrolet Trax – 167,910 units

The small Trax held roughly steady (-0.9%) thanks to its relatively low price, making Chevrolet the only brand with two models in the top 10.

9. Subaru Forester – 156,476 units

The Forester kept climbing in 2026, helped by Subaru’s signature standard all-wheel drive, to enter the top 10 ahead of the Kia Sportage.

10. Kia Sportage – 145,746 units

The Sportage rounds out the list with 8.7% growth, giving the Korean group (Hyundai and Kia) two models in the top 10.

What It Means for Kuwait and the GCC

Most models on the list, including the CR-V, RAV4, Tucson, Sportage, Explorer and Forester, are offered by dealers in the Gulf (the Rogue is sold in the region as the X-Trail), so US sales give a useful indication of a model’s popularity, parts availability and resale value. However, GCC specifications, engines and prices differ from US versions, so it is worth comparing offers at your local dealer before buying.

FAQ

What is the best-selling SUV in the US in 2026?

The Honda CR-V, with 336,844 units sold in January–September 2026, up 9.5%.

Why are Toyota RAV4 sales down in 2026?

Because of supply constraints during the changeover to the new generation, according to Best-Selling-Cars. It outsold the Camry again in the third quarter.

Are the Tesla Model Y figures exact?

No, they are estimates, because Tesla does not publish US sales by model.

Which brand has more than one model on the list?

Chevrolet, with the Equinox and the Trax.

Sources: CarPro – Top 25 Best-Selling SUVs Year-To-Date (19 October 2026); GoodCarBadCar – 2026 US small and midsize SUV sales figures (data through September 2026); Best-Selling-Cars – 2026 (Q3) USA Top 10 Best-Selling Vehicle Models (3 October 2026).