The Toyota RAV4 outsells every small SUV in the world. This may seem hyperbolic, but Toyota’s small SUV has been the top-selling vehicle in its segment for years. Only three small SUV models can compete with the RAV4 when it comes to sales. Its rival may surprise you.

The Toyota RAV4’s greatest rival in 2023 is an EV

When it comes to sales, the RAV4’s greatest adversary is none other than Tesla’s small electric SUV, the Tesla Model Y. The Model Y hit the streets in 2020. A few years later, it has become one of the most impactful electric vehicles on the market. The brand recently made the base model available after months of only selling the Long Rage and Performance configurations.

The 2023 Tesla Model Y starts at $47,240. It’s eligible for the $7,500 federal electric vehicle tax incentive, bringing its starting price closer to $39,740. The small electric SUV can go from 0-60 miles per hour in 5.0 seconds. It has about 279 miles of driving range.

Tesla’s EV is quick, has great driving range, and offers an exciting ownership experience. Automotive News estimates that Tesla sold 85K units thus far this year, which beats the RAV4’s 84,704 units sold. The Tesla Model Y is the small SUV that has the greatest chance of beating Toyota’s small SUV in sales.

The Nissan Rogue is trailing the Toyota RAV4 in sales

Nissan’s small SUV tends to sell well despite being placed lower on rankings than competitors like the Hyundai Tucson and Mazda CX-5. Car and Driver claims Nissan sold 76,499 Nissan Rogue units so far in 2023.

The 2023 Nissan Rouge starts at $27,360. It uses a 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine to make 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. It achieves 30 miles per gallon in the city and 37 miles per gallon on the highway. The small SUV has great tech and safety features.

The Nissan Rogue has a better chance of outselling the RAV4 than many of its rivals. The question is, does the 2023 model year provide enough value to turn the tides?

The 2023 Honda CR-V is gunning for the top spot

The Honda CR-V has been competing with the RAV4 for decades. It has been redesigned for 2023. The new CR-V model year is better equipped to outsell Toyota’s small SUV than it has been in years.

The 2023 Honda CR-V starts at $28,410. It uses a 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine to make 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. The small SUV gets 28 miles per gallon in the city and 34 miles per gallon on the highway.

The CR-V has an attractive new exterior design, a smooth ride quality, and it gets decent gas mileage. Thus far, Honda has sold at least 67,241 CR-V units based on Car and Driver’s list of best-selling vehicles. The likelihood of Honda’s small SUV outselling the RAV4 is slim, but it still has a puncher’s chance. Toyota may have to redesign the RAV4 to ensure that it remains the best-selling SUV.