Only 1 SUV Is Outselling the Toyota RAV4 in 2023 Thus Far
The Toyota RAV4 is the best-selling SUV in the world. Drivers love the RAV4 because it’s a practical small family SUV that doesn’t break the bank. It has been undisputed in sales for years, but one rival could take the throne from the RAV4 in 2023.
The Tesla Model Y is outselling the Toyota RAV4
Tesla is a pioneer in battery-electric vehicle technology. The electric vehicle and clean energy company produces some of the most popular electric vehicles in the world. Tesla’s vehicles offer a unique ownership experience (for better or worse) that has captivated millions of drivers worldwide.
The Tesla Model Y is the brand’s small electric SUV. It first hit the scene in 2020. Just three years later, the Model Y has become the best-selling electric vehicle in the world. It’s a small family SUV with exhilarating acceleration and sufficient range for most drivers. The Model Y also has access to the brand’s supercharger network, making charging quick and accessible.
The 2023 Tesla Model Y starts at $47,240 following the reintroduction of the base model. It has a top speed of 135 miles per hour. The small SUV can go from 0-60 miles per hour in 5.0 seconds. It has approximately 279 miles of driving range on a full charge. The EV comes with standard all-wheel drive.
Edmunds praises the electric vehicle’s quickness, driving range, and spacious cabin and cargo area. The EV’s upper trim level models offer even more impressive specs. The Model Y Performance can go from 0-60 miles per hour in 3.5 seconds.
2023 Tesla Model Y vs 2023 Toyota RAV4
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 starts at $28,275. It uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine to make 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The small SUV gets 27 miles per gallon in the city and 35 miles per gallon on the highway.
Toyota’s small SUV has a smooth ride quality and plenty of cabin and cargo space. It also gets great gas mileage. The RAV4 has become the quintessential small family SUV over the years. It seemed like the small SUV was set to dominate the market for another year… until now.
The Tesla Model Y and Toyota RAV4 have little in common other than being best-selling small SUVs. That being said, some drivers could be looking to choose between the most popular gas SUV and the most popular electric model. In that case, the RAV4 is the safer bet because it has a longer history of reliability. The Model Y has more to prove, but thus far, it has been making major headway.
The rise of the Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y has the potential to become the most popular electric vehicle of all time in the next few years. Tesla’s growing pains and many hurdles are paying off as the company dominates the total electric vehicle market share despite the introduction of many rivals.
Now, the company’s popular small electric SUV is outselling the Toyota RAV4, the world’s most popular gas SUV, based on sales estimates compiled by Car and Driver. Will the Tesla Model Y be the best-selling SUV of 2023 by the end of the year?
