The global automotive crown has changed hands. According to newly released data from JATO Dynamics, Toyota’s RAV4 narrowly surpassed the Tesla Model Y to become the world’s best-selling car of 2024, with a difference of just 0.16% separating the two.
Since the start of 2023, the Model Y had reigned supreme—a milestone not only for Tesla but also for electric vehicles in general. However, a combination of internal challenges, supply chain issues, and market fluctuations have slowed Tesla’s momentum, and that shift was just enough for Toyota to slip ahead.
The RAV4 surged ahead with 1.19 million units sold, achieving an impressive 11% increase in sales compared to the previous year. Tesla’s Model Y, still a favorite among EV enthusiasts, fell short by a margin of just 3,000 vehicles. What makes the RAV4’s achievement even more remarkable is that the model is nearing the end of its lifecycle. Toyota has already announced that from the 2026 model year onward, only hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions will be available—internal combustion versions are being phased out.
Despite this, Tesla continues to hold a strong presence in global rankings. The Model 3 maintained its 9th-place spot thanks to a 10% growth in global sales. China’s BYD also made its mark with the Qin EV, bringing the number of fully electric vehicles in the global top 10 to three. Toyota, meanwhile, dominated the list with five models, underscoring its broad consumer appeal and market versatility.
Looking ahead, Tesla is banking on the refreshed Model Y introduced earlier this year to reclaim its title. Whether this update is enough to surpass the RAV4 in 2025 remains to be seen, but the battle for the top spot is far from over.