Tesla Model Y: Fourth Bestselling Car Worldwide in 2022

More than just a one-time success in certain countries, the Tesla Model Y electric SUV is in the top 10 worldwide sales, and the Model 3 as well!

For months, we have been observing Tesla’s performance, sometimes leading sales in certain countries. Despite a total of 1.3 million cars, which is still far from the 10.5 million of the number one Toyota, the American brand achieves this figure with only two models. And this is what makes Tesla Models Y and 3 so strong, very popular in Europe, as in Norway where the SUV largely dominates sales in 2022. But how appreciated are these two electric cars around the world?

Tesla Model Y Among the Big Names

This is a first in modern automotive history, as an electric car breaks into the Top 5 best-selling models. Thanks to its performance in major markets worldwide, the Tesla Model Y reached fourth place in 2022, according to Focus 2 Move. This specialist statistics site gathered data from 162 countries to compile this ranking.

The American SUV sold 758,792 units in 2022, an increase of 89% year over year. However, the podium is not far for the Tesla Model Y, as the Ford F-Series pickup, the best-selling vehicle in the United States and almost exclusively sold outside North America, has only 786,303 units, with a 9% decrease. A symbol of grandeur and power, this vehicle also has an electric version, F-150 Lightning.

The Toyota Corolla remains the best-selling car worldwide, with 1.12 million registrations. This compact sedan has multiple different versions with little in common. The hybrid version available in Europe is different from those in Japan (Corolla Axio or Fielder), while the previous generation is still available. The Corolla also outperforms another Toyota, the RAV4, the most popular SUV, which has declined by 14% to 871,220 units.

Tesla Model Y Performance Review — *Photos from our Tesla Model Y Performance test*

The Model 3 Also in the Top 20

As mentioned earlier, Tesla makes its money with two cars. The Tesla Model 3 is also behind the Model Y, with an estimated almost 485,000 units according to our calculations. Yet, it only ranks in the Top 20. The Top 10 is very tight, with the large Toyota Camry sedan in fifth place and the Honda CR-V SUV in sixth, both equipped with hybrid versions. The Hyundai Tucson, available as hybrid and plug-in hybrid, is eighth, between the Chevrolet Silverado and Toyota Hilux pickups. As for the Ram pickup, it is tenth awaiting its revolution. Focus 2 Move also adds that BYD is performing strongly with its electric vehicles, including the Song in 14th place and the Qin Plus in 26th.

Worldwide car sales in 2022, by model: