One Toyota SUV just outsold every Lexus model combined — here’s why everyone’s buying it instead

The Toyota RAV4 is beating the sales of all the Lexus models and has become the best-selling SUV in the U.S. Not only Lexus but RAV4 has even beat the Ford F-150 last year, and has become the highest-selling and the top SUV in the country since 2017.

According to the report by How-To Geek, in 2025 so far, Toyota sold over 111,526 RAV4 hybrids and 17,074 plug-in hybrids, meaning half of all sales are electrified models. Lexus still sells strong in luxury, with the RX and NX being its best-sellers, but the RAV4’s total sales are higher than the entire Lexus lineup, as per the reports.

Toyota RAV4 sales keep growing

The RAV4 is ahead in the race even after a drop of 3.6% from last year, while the competitors like Honda CR-V are far behind in sales. RAV4 has a wide range of buyers because of its multiple offerings such as gas-only, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid versions.


However, expert’s opinion is towards the XLE Premium trim, as it is the best because of its features like faux-leather seats, moonroof, keyless entry, and blind-spot monitoring at a good price. A new 2026 RAV4 has been revealed, focusing fully on hybrid power with updated interior and exterior design to keep it fresh, as per reports.

RAV4 features and safety

Toyota built the RAV4’s image on reliability and simplicity. Every RAV4 runs on a steady four-cylinder engine. Hybrids add three electric motors, and plug-in hybrids use more powerful versions.

Hybrids use a CVT and gas models have a 8-speed automatic. Gas models can add all-wheel drive, but hybrids already come with it. The RAV4 is comfortable and easy for daily driving and long trips. Fuel economy is a big win: hybrids get close to 40 mpg combined, gas models are near the top of the class, and the plug-in hybrid adds 42 miles of pure electric range, as reported by How-To Geek.

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As stated by How-To Geek report, the plug-in hybrid’s 18.1 kWh battery can charge fully in about 2.5 hours on a 240V outlet. Safety is a huge selling point. The RAV4 comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 features:

• Pre-Collision with Pedestrian Detection
  
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
  
• Full-Speed Radar Cruise Control
  
• Parking Assist with Auto Braking
  
• Panoramic View Camera
  

RAV4 safety, comfort, and tech features

In safety tests RAV4 gets 5 stars out of 5 from NHTSA. RAV4 is spacious and practical from inside as it has plenty of legroom in front and back, plus up to 69.8 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats folded. Comfort features in the front seat include heating and ventilation, power driver seat, dual-zone climate control, and ambient lighting, as per the reports.

Tech-wise, base models get an 8-inch infotainment screen, while higher trims get a 10.5-inch screen. Top trims add a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Other tech highlights, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, 4G hotspot, USB-C ports, wireless charging pad, digital rearview mirror, and JBL 11-speaker sound option, as mentioned in the report by How-To Geek report.

Overall, the RAV4’s success comes from its mix of practicality, comfort, safety, efficiency, and Toyota’s trusted reliability, which makes it a better deal than luxury SUVs like Lexus.

FAQs

Q1. Why is the Toyota RAV4 more popular than Lexus SUVs?
The Toyota RAV4 sells more because it is affordable, reliable, fuel-efficient, and offers gas, hybrid, and plug-in options.

Q2. Is the Toyota RAV4 the top-selling SUV in the U.S.?
Yes, the Toyota RAV4 has been the top-selling SUV since 2017 and even outsells all Lexus models combined.