Once again, full-size trucks have emerged as the clear favorite in the U.S. used car market, according to a new study by iSeeCars. Analyzing data from over 7.7 million used vehicle sales between 2019 and 2023, the research reveals that trucks not only dominate the rankings but are closely followed by an impressive range of SUVs. Meanwhile, electric vehicles (EVs), particularly those from Tesla, continue their steady rise toward mainstream popularity.
Here’s a closer look at the trends shaping the American used car landscape in 2024.
Top 3 Most Popular Used Vehicles in the U.S.
The Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and Ram 1500 continue to dominate the used vehicle market, reflecting long-standing preferences for full-size trucks. This trend mirrors new car sales data and reinforces America’s enduring love for rugged trucks.
The Unbeaten Ford F-150
At the top of the list for the umpteenth year, the Ford F-150 continues to hold its position as the most popular used vehicle in America. It’s a mainstay in American driveways, known for its reliability, performance, and versatility.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500: A Close Rival
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 secures its spot in second place, maintaining its strong sales in the used vehicle market. As a direct competitor to the F-150, the Silverado is lauded for its towing capacity and durability, making it a favorite among truck enthusiasts.
Ram 1500: A Rising Star
Rounding out the top three, the Ram 1500 has reclaimed its position ahead of the Chevrolet Equinox, which slipped to fourth place this year. Known for its smooth ride and refined interior, the Ram 1500 has been steadily gaining traction with used car buyers.
SUVs Are Taking Over
While trucks continue to lead the charge, SUVs are dominating the broader used vehicle market. In fact, SUVs account for 65 of the top 100 most popular used vehicles. These vehicles are especially popular for their blend of practicality, cargo space, and family-friendly features.
Chevrolet Equinox: The Leading SUV
At the forefront of this SUV wave is the Chevrolet Equinox, which claims the fourth spot overall. It’s followed closely by other top contenders such as the Nissan Rogue (7th), Ford Explorer (8th), and Toyota RAV4 (9th).
Passenger Cars: Still in Demand
Although trucks and SUVs are the dominant forces, passenger cars, particularly from Toyota and Honda, still have their place in the top 10. The Toyota Camry (5th), Honda Civic (10th), and Toyota Corolla (11th) continue to appeal to those seeking reliable and fuel-efficient options.
Tesla’s Surge in the Used EV Market
Tesla is making waves in the used car market, with its Model 3 rising 17 spots to land at 30th place overall. The Model 3 retains its title as the best-selling used electric vehicle, while the Tesla Model Y makes its debut in the 74th position.
According to Karl Brauer, Executive Analyst at iSeeCars, “Tesla models are rapidly climbing the rankings, and if this trend continues, the Model 3 and Model Y could enter the top 20 in the next year or two.”
2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale: New Entry-Level Model Starts at $38,490
Regional Preferences Across U.S. Cities
The study also explored regional trends in the 50 largest U.S. metro areas, shedding light on what vehicles are most popular in different parts of the country.
- Ford F-150 is the undisputed favorite in 26 metro areas, reinforcing its status as America’s truck king.
- The Chevrolet Equinox leads in six cities, while the Toyota Camry dominates in four.
- Notably, the Tesla Model 3 takes the top spot in both San Francisco and Seattle, reflecting the West Coast’s growing enthusiasm for electric vehicles.
Here’s a snapshot of some of the most popular used cars in the largest U.S. cities:
| Metro Area | Most Popular Used Car | % of 1-5 Year-Old Used Car Sales |
|---|---|---|
| Detroit, MI | Chevrolet Equinox | 4.7% |
| San Francisco, CA | Tesla Model 3 | 2.6% |
| Miami, FL | Toyota Corolla | 3.4% |
| Los Angeles, CA | Honda Civic | 3.0% |
| Dallas-Ft. Worth, TX | Ford F-150 | 3.4% |
The 2024 Top 100 Most Popular Used Cars in the U.S.
The iSeeCars study provides a comprehensive list of the 100 most popular used vehicles in 2024. Here are the top 10:
- Ford F-150 – 3.0%
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 – 2.4%
- Ram 1500 – 2.1%
- Chevrolet Equinox – 1.8%
- Toyota Camry – 1.7%
- Toyota Tacoma – 1.6%
- Nissan Rogue – 1.6%
- Ford Explorer – 1.6%
- Toyota RAV4 – 1.6%
- Honda Civic – 1.5%
Conclusion: Trucks and SUVs Dominate, But EVs Are On the Rise
As the American used vehicle market continues to evolve, full-size trucks and SUVs remain the dominant forces, with models like the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, and Chevrolet Equinox leading the way. However, electric vehicles—led by Tesla—are slowly but surely making their mark, and their rise could signal a shift in consumer preferences in the near future.
With more buyers gravitating toward vehicles that offer durability, space, and practicality, the future of the U.S. used car market looks set to be shaped by a blend of familiar favorites and the growing presence of electric vehicles.
