After making history in 2023 as the world’s best-selling car, the Tesla Model Y slipped to second place in 2024 — just narrowly edged out by the Toyota RAV4, according to new global sales data from JATO Dynamics (via CarExpert).
Based on figures collected from 153 markets — covering 99% of global new-car sales — the Toyota RAV4 and its Chinese-market twin, the Wildlander, took the top spot with 1,187,000 units sold, up 11% year-over-year. Meanwhile, Tesla’s Model Y sold 1,185,000 units, marking a slight 3% decline from its record-breaking performance the year prior.
The Model Y made waves in 2023 by becoming the first all-electric vehicle to top the global sales charts, signaling a shift in consumer demand toward EVs. While the Model Y couldn’t hold onto the #1 title for a second year, it remains a dominant force in the automotive world — and by far the best-selling electric vehicle globally.
Rounding out the 2024 top five were the Toyota Corolla Cross/Frontlander (859,000 units, +18%), Honda CR-V/Breeze (854,000, +1%), and the Toyota Corolla/Levin sedan (697,000, -11%).
Despite falling just short of the crown in 2024, the Model Y’s strong showing underscores Tesla’s continued global momentum in the face of traditional automakers like Toyota pushing back with refreshed hybrid lineups and broad global availability.
With Tesla continuing to expand production and improve accessibility across more markets, the Model Y remains well-positioned to contend for the crown in global automotive sales moving forward.
