2021 Best Selling Small SUVs In the United States (All Models Ranked)
In 2021, small SUVs, also known as compact or subcompact SUVs/crossovers, continued their surge in popularity in the U.S. This segment combined the versatility and higher driving position of larger SUVs with the maneuverability and efficiency more typical of smaller vehicles. Their appeal cut across a broad demographic, from urban dwellers needing a versatile car for city life to families seeking an efficient yet spacious vehicle.
The small SUV segment remained one of the fastest-growing categories in the automotive market. Their popularity was partly driven by the general shift from traditional sedans to SUVs and crossovers. As the market grew, automakers responded with a plethora of models, each vying for a slice of the pie. This resulted in a highly competitive segment with options ranging from budget-friendly to luxury. Many automakers started offering or expanding their hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or all-electric versions of small SUVs to meet increasing demand for efficient and eco-friendly options.
Consistently a top seller, the Toyota RAV4 offered a mix of reliability, efficiency, and a roomy interior. The RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime (a plug-in hybrid) further broadened its appeal. Another perennial favorite, the Honda CR-V was known for its spaciousness, comfort, and reliability. A hybrid version was also available. As Chevy’s entry into the small SUV segment, the Equinox was popular due to its balanced size, feature set, and competitive pricing. The Nissan Rogue, with its 2021 redesign, boasted improved styling, technology, and safety features, making it a strong contender in the segment.
Here Are The Most Popular Small SUVs in the U.S for 2021
This data table looks at full year Small SUV sales volumes in the United States by model. We compare U.S market Small SUV model sales for the full year versus the full year last year.
| Model | Month | Month LY | Change | YTD | YTD LY | YTD Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiat 500X | 67 | 121 | -44.63 | 1,180 | 1,444 | -18.28 |
| Toyota C-HR | 941 | 3,308 | -71.55 | 35,707 | 42,936 | -16.84 |
| Jeep Cherokee | 3,459 | 14,626 | -76.35 | 89,126 | 135,854 | -34.40 |
| Jeep Compass | 5,871 | 11,628 | -49.51 | 75,642 | 107,968 | -29.94 |
| Toyota Corolla Cross | 3,500 | 0 | 0.00 | 7,203 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Mini Countryman | 879 | 1,181 | -25.57 | 12,198 | 9,363 | 30.28 |
| Honda CR-V | 25,056 | 38,120 | -34.27 | 361,271 | 323,502 | 11.68 |
| Subaru CrossTrek | 9,494 | 14,957 | -36.52 | 127,466 | 119,716 | 6.47 |
| Mazda CX-30 | 5,160 | 4,408 | 17.06 | 55,180 | 38,064 | 44.97 |
| Mazda CX-5 | 10,419 | 17,954 | -41.97 | 163,940 | 146,420 | 11.97 |
| Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross | 668 | 595 | 12.27 | 8,946 | 10,319 | -13.31 |
| Ford EcoSport | 2,992 | 4,817 | -37.89 | 40,659 | 60,544 | -32.84 |
| Buick Encore GX | 4,508 | 6,541 | -31.08 | 72,401 | 42,240 | 71.40 |
| Buick Envision | 3,819 | 3,267 | 16.90 | 47,173 | 34,943 | 35.00 |
| Chevrolet Equinox | 4,738 | 30,561 | -84.50 | 165,325 | 270,994 | -38.99 |
| Ford Escape | 10,704 | 17,373 | -38.39 | 145,415 | 178,495 | -18.53 |
| Subaru Forester | 13,930 | 16,006 | -12.97 | 154,723 | 176,996 | -12.58 |
| Honda HR-V | 9,832 | 8,428 | 16.66 | 137,090 | 84,027 | 63.15 |
| Volkswagen ID.4 | 1,488 | 0 | 0.00 | 16,745 | 474 | 3,432.70 |
| Dodge Journey | 69 | 3,698 | -98.13 | 14,034 | 40,341 | -65.21 |
| Nissan Kicks | 6,075 | 6,253 | -2.85 | 82,960 | 58,858 | 40.95 |
| Hyundai Kona | 5,299 | 8,349 | -36.53 | 89,607 | 76,253 | 17.51 |
| Mazda MX-30 | 61 | 0 | 0.00 | 61 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Hyundai Nexo | 37 | 13 | 184.62 | 421 | 208 | 102.40 |
| Kia Niro | 2,448 | 1,534 | 59.58 | 26,192 | 17,434 | 50.24 |
| Mitsubishi Outlander | 4,202 | 1,413 | 197.38 | 33,883 | 27,133 | 24.88 |
| Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV | 201 | 148 | 35.81 | 2,249 | 1,964 | 14.51 |
| Mitsubishi Outlander Sport | 1,831 | 1,670 | 9.64 | 34,214 | 28,835 | 18.65 |
| Jeep Patriot | 3 | 0 | 0.00 | 15 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Toyota RAV4 | 34,609 | 46,846 | -26.12 | 407,739 | 430,387 | -5.26 |
| Jeep Renegade | 1,727 | 6,565 | -73.69 | 47,138 | 62,847 | -25.00 |
| Nissan Rogue | 16,985 | 23,338 | -27.22 | 285,601 | 227,936 | 25.30 |
| Kia Seltos | 3,053 | 6,107 | -50.01 | 51,368 | 46,280 | 10.99 |
| Kia Sportage | 6,034 | 7,915 | -23.77 | 88,688 | 84,343 | 5.15 |
| Volkswagen Taos | 4,546 | 0 | 0.00 | 31,703 | 0 | 0.00 |
| GMC Terrain | 1,351 | 9,822 | -86.25 | 47,488 | 86,020 | -44.79 |
| Volkswagen Tiguan | 8,248 | 9,686 | -14.85 | 109,742 | 110,502 | -0.69 |
| Chevrolet Trax | 428 | 10,065 | -95.75 | 42,590 | 106,299 | -59.93 |
| Hyundai Tuscon | 13,842 | 11,881 | 16.51 | 140,721 | 123,657 | 13.80 |
| Hyundai Venue | 2,446 | 2,639 | -7.31 | 20,669 | 17,587 | 17.52 |
| Toyota Venza | 5,128 | 4,495 | 14.08 | 61,718 | 13,073 | 372.10 |
| ∑ = 236,148 | ∑ = 356,328 | ∑ = 3,336,191 | ∑ = 3,344,256 |
2021 New Small SUV Sales Data by Month in the U.S
This sales data table looks at monthly sales performance for the Small SUV segment in the United States on a month to month basis for the entire year. It includes all major Small SUV models sold in the U.S market and you can see that the monthly Small SUV sales trends clearly. Seeing the individual Small SUV model sales performance in this way gives you a good sense of the momentum (good or bad).
