Top 25 Best-Selling Cars in California 2024: Japanese Brands Dominate as Tesla Faces New Challenges

In 2024, California’s car market continued shifting toward electric vehicles and Japanese-made models. According to official registration data from the California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA) and Experian, the Tesla Model Y remained the state’s best-selling vehicle with 128,923 new registrations. The Toyota RAV4 and Camry followed closely behind, further solidifying Toyota’s strong presence. Below is a ranked list of the 25 best-selling car models in California for 2024 — from #25 up to the #1 spot.
Sources: cncda.org, finance.yahoo.com, reuters.com

#25: Toyota Corolla Cross – A Compact Crossover on the Rise

With 13,089 units sold in 2024, the Toyota Corolla Cross closes out the list. It blends SUV height with the Corolla’s reliability, appealing especially to city drivers who want added space and elevated seating without going full SUV.

#24: Nissan Rogue – A Steady Performer

The Nissan Rogue (also known as X-Trail) reached 13,877 registrations. While not as flashy as some competitors, it remains popular due to its spacious interior, fuel efficiency, and family-friendly appeal.

#23: Ford Maverick – The Pickup That Breaks the Mold

The compact Ford Maverick pickup, with 13,922 sales, attracted buyers with its hybrid powertrain and city-friendly size. It’s proof that pickups don’t have to be massive to be useful or popular.

#22: Subaru Outback – Rugged and Versatile

With 14,060 units sold, the Outback is Subaru’s crossover-wagon hybrid that appeals to outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. Its blend of all-wheel drive and practicality keeps it in steady demand.

#21: Hyundai Tucson – Value-Driven and Well-Equipped

The Hyundai Tucson sold 14,068 units, offering excellent value with modern design and a tech-rich feature set, making it a popular choice among budget-conscious Californians.

#20: Honda Pilot – Family-Focused Midsize SUV

Honda’s largest SUV, the Pilot, reached 14,743 sales. Known for its three-row seating and safety features, it’s a go-to option for growing families in suburban areas.

#19: Toyota Tundra – A Full-Size Pickup with Japanese Reliability

With 16,420 units sold, the Tundra is Toyota’s answer to the American full-size truck. Rugged yet refined, it’s chosen by those needing capability with Toyota’s dependable build quality.

#18: Kia Forte – Affordable and Reliable

The Kia Forte (also known as K3/K4) recorded 16,836 sales. Its low price point and long warranty make it attractive to young buyers and those looking for basic, reliable transportation.

#17: Hyundai Ioniq 5 – A Bold Electric Entry

Selling 16,879 units in 2024, the Ioniq 5 stands out as one of the most successful non-Tesla EVs in California. Its futuristic design and ultra-fast charging have made it a favorite among early EV adopters.

#16: Lexus RX – Leading the Luxury SUV Segment

#16: Lexus RX – Leading the Luxury SUV Segment

#15: Ram Pickup – Still a Strong Presence

Ram’s 1500 series saw 18,272 units sold. While full-size pickups aren’t as dominant in California as nationally, Ram trucks still appeal to those needing power, towing capability, and space.

#14: Subaru Crosstrek – Compact Yet Capable

Selling 18,348 units, the Crosstrek is a compact SUV with real all-wheel-drive capabilities. Loved by younger buyers and adventurers, it balances city drivability with rugged looks and utility.

#13: GMC Sierra – A Premium Workhorse

GMC’s Sierra, with 20,291 units sold, is the more upscale sibling to the Chevy Silverado. It’s favored by buyers looking for a truck with both muscle and a touch of luxury.

#12: Honda HR-V – Compact SUV with Big Appeal

Honda’s HR-V tallied 21,952 new registrations. Its smart interior layout and affordability have made it a go-to for young professionals and small families seeking a compact, functional SUV.

#11: Toyota Tacoma – Mid-Size Truck Champion

Selling 29,026 units, the Tacoma is California’s favorite mid-size pickup. Known for durability and off-road prowess, it has a devoted following, especially among outdoor and lifestyle buyers.

#10: Honda Accord – A Sedan That Refuses to Fade

The Accord reached 33,317 sales. It continues to impress with a spacious interior, excellent ride comfort, and strong hybrid options — cementing its spot in an SUV-heavy market.

#9: Ford F-Series – Losing Some Ground in California

With 36,546 units sold, Ford’s F-Series trucks are still strong sellers but rank lower in California than they do nationally. The state’s preference for smaller vehicles affects their performance here.

#8: Chevrolet Silverado – A Trusted Full-Size Option

Silverado posted 37,655 registrations. It remains a staple among pickup buyers who need power and versatility, though it faces stiff competition from smaller trucks in the Golden State.

#7: Toyota Corolla – A Timeless Compact Choice

With 38,578 sales, the Corolla proves it still has broad appeal. Known for low operating costs and bulletproof reliability, it’s a smart choice for drivers seeking simple, affordable transportation.

#6: Honda CR-V – The Midsize SUV Sweet Spot

The CR-V sold 49,920 units in 2024. It offers a blend of fuel efficiency, interior space, and refined driving experience, especially with the hybrid model gaining traction among commuters.

#5: Honda Civic – A Big Comeback for a Classic

The Civic made a strong return with 53,049 units sold. Sportier styling, improved fuel efficiency, and great pricing helped it rise from last year’s lower ranks to become one of the top-selling cars in the state.

#4: Tesla Model 3 – A Fall from the Top

Once the top-selling sedan, the Model 3 dropped to 53,056 units — a 36% decrease from 2023. Increasing competition and price fluctuations contributed to this sharp decline, though it remains a popular EV.

#3: Toyota Camry – The Sedan King

With 55,027 units sold, the Camry reclaimed its title as California’s best-selling traditional sedan. Reliable, efficient, and widely available as a hybrid, it appeals to both families and commuters.

#2: Toyota RAV4 – The Go-To Family SUV

The RAV4 reached 65,041 sales in 2024, climbing from third place last year. Its hybrid options, practicality, and brand reputation make it a favorite among drivers of all types.

#1: Tesla Model Y – Still the Reigning Champion

With 128,923 units sold, the Model Y stayed at the top despite stiff competition. California’s strong EV infrastructure and Tesla’s local appeal help maintain its lead, even as rivals close in.

Sales Trends from 2023 to 2024 – What Changed?

While the Tesla Model Y held onto its #1 spot, Tesla’s overall market share dropped to 11.6% (from 13% in 2023). The Model 3 saw a dramatic 36% drop in sales, slipping from first among sedans to fourth overall. Meanwhile, Toyota surged, with the RAV4 and Camry both climbing in sales, and Honda Civic made a strong comeback. Compact SUVs like the HR-V and Crosstrek gained ground, while full-size pickups saw less dominance in California compared to national figures.

Sales Trends from 2023 to 2024 – What Changed – continued?

In conclusion, California’s 2024 auto market highlights a continuing trend toward Japanese brands and electrified crossovers. Toyota strengthened its lead as the top brand (with a 16.4% market share), while Tesla faced increasing pressure. Overall, the market remained stable at 1.759 million new vehicles sold — a modest 0.3% drop from 2023. The landscape, however, is clearly shifting, and the competition for California’s roads has never been fiercer.

Our team may have used AI to assist in the creation of this content, which has been reviewed by our editors.