Toyota RAV4 About To Be Replaced, But It’s Still Outselling Everything Else
Toyota RAV4 About To Be Replaced, yet it continues its reign as the uncontested sales leader in the highly competitive compact crossover segment. In a remarkable feat, the current, fifth-generation RAV4’s sales have actually increased right at the end of its life cycle, presenting a significant challenge for its upcoming sixth-generation, hybrid-only successor. This enduring popularity highlights the vehicle’s strong reputation and consumer trust, even as newer rivals enter the market.
The Sixth-Gen RAV4 Has Big Shoes to Fill
The current fifth-generation Toyota RAV4 has been in production for roughly seven years and is slated for replacement later this year by an all-new, exclusively hybrid model. Typically, sales for an older model tend to dwindle as its replacement approaches. However, the RAV4 has defied this trend, remaining a colossal seller in the United States and globally. According to the latest sales figures reported by Toyota, it continues to outperform several newer rivals, some of which boast advantages in specific areas. Globally, the RAV4 recently even reclaimed its title as the best-selling model from the Tesla Model Y.
Still The Sales Chart Boss: Unprecedented Late-Life Growth
The sales figures for the RAV4 are nothing short of astounding for a model nearing the end of its generation:
- In September, Toyota sold an impressive 36,599 units of the RAV4, marking a 16.9% increase over sales in the same month a year ago.
- Year-to-date (YTD), the RAV4 has accumulated 358,134 sales, which is 2.2% more than the same period in 2024.
This ability to not just maintain but actually increase sales this late in its life cycle is a tremendous achievement and unequivocally underscores the enduring popularity and unwavering demand for the model.
Outperforming Newer Rivals
The RAV4’s dominance becomes even clearer when compared to its key competitors:
- Honda CR-V: The RAV4’s perennial main rival, the CR-V, which entered a new generation three years ago, sold 28,549 units last month. Its YTD sales stand at 307,501 units, over 50,000 units short of the RAV4’s tally, despite being a newer model.
- Nissan Rogue: Another popular compact crossover, the Nissan Rogue, recorded YTD sales of 161,824 units—less than half that of the RAV4.
- Hyundai Tucson: Just ahead of the Rogue, the Hyundai Tucson reached 165,239 units for the year.
Ultimately, despite its age and the presence of flashier, newer rivals—some offering more space (like the CR-V) or enhanced driving enjoyment (like the Mazda CX-5)—the Toyota RAV4 firmly remains America’s favorite compact crossover. Its sustained sales performance sets a high bar for the upcoming sixth-generation model and continues to be a testament to its reliability, practicality, and widespread consumer appeal.
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