In 2020, the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic wreaked havoc on the global economy. The auto industry was not immune and is still struggling to fully recover from its effects. Despite a turbulent year, Toyota managed to dominate the market with sales of its most popular vehicles.

According to year-to-date (YTD) sales figures, the Japanese automaker had five cars on the top 10 list of best-selling models so far. The Toyota RAV4, Camry, Corolla, Highlander, and Tacoma models all achieved impressive sales compared to other competitors in their class.

We decided to look at the data to determine what made the Toyota brand so successful in such a topsy-turvy market. 

Top 10 YTD model sales for 2021

GoodCarBadCar recently analyzed the YTD sales volume for vehicles sold in the United States. The data analysis compares the sales figures of all models to the numbers from last year to determine the best-sellers overall.

While the Ford F-Series was the single best-selling model by more than 100,000 units, Toyota still dominated the top 10 with five of its models leading the pack.

The RAV4 compact SUV, Camry midsize sedan, Corolla compact sedan, Highlander midsize SUV, and Tacoma compact pickup truck were among the best-selling Toyota brand vehicles.

Other models in the top 10 included the Honda CR-V, Ford Explorer, Honda Civic, and Honda Accord.

Toyota dominated the market with five top-selling models

Bloomberg reported that in 2020 Toyota sold an astounding 9.53 million vehicles. For the first time in five years, the Japanese group overtook Volkswagen to become “the world’s top-selling automaker.”

The Toyota RAV4 had YTD sales of 155,150 units. The best-selling compact crossover SUV offers economical fuel economy, state-of-the-art technology features, and impressive standard safety features.

Car and Driver noted a 20 percent increase in RAV4 sales for the first quarter, saying, “Ever since it achieved the title of best-selling non-truck in the country, the RAV4 has been extending its lead over its compact-crossover rivals.” 

The Toyota Highlander ranked No. 7 on the list, achieving a YTD sales figure of 91,510 units. The midsize SUV beat out the competition due to its family-friendly features with seating for eight passengers. Kelley Blue Book rated the Highlander among the best family cars of 2021, saying its appeal is that “every Toyota comes backed with the company’s solid record of reliability and strong resale value.”

The Toyota Tacoma pickup truck secured the next position on the list, with a YTD total of 90,897 units. A leader in its class, the “taco” retains its value better than other models in the crowded segment. Not only is it one of the most reliable trucks on the road, but a favorite among off-road enthusiasts.

The automaker’s sedans can still outsell most SUVs

Despite the dwindling interest in sedans, the Toyota Camry and Toyota Corolla are still able to outsell most SUVs on the market.

The Camry has YTD sales of 108,090 units, beating out all other vehicles in its segment. It is continually the automaker’s best-selling model in its class. The popularity of the midsize sedan is attributed to responsive handling, fuel efficiency, and an optional 3.5-liter V6 engine that puts out an impressive 301 hp.

The compact Corolla sedan experienced YTD sales of 108,090 units with 29,939 units sold this month alone. J.D. Power attributes its legendary success to its “reliability, affordability, practicality, and value.” They explained, “the 2021 Corolla is popular with people who need reliable transportation at a reasonable cost.”

Both Toyota models managed to outsell most of the SUVs on the list, proving that sedans are still a viable option for consumers. From the sales numbers at large, it seems that Toyota as a brand continues to be one of the most viable options for consumers as well.