The 10 Most Popular SUVs Today And Why Subaru Now Has A New Flagship Model

Does Subaru of America have a flagship vehicle in its all-wheel-drive lineup that is the most important model? It was the hot Subaru Crosstrek subcompact SUV, but Subaru has a new leader. The 2023 Subaru Outback takes over as the most popular Subaru model, and it's now in the top-ten best selling SUVs in America. 

Related Story: One Hot New Subaru Model Is Making An Impressive Comeback. Spoiler Alert, It's Now The Outback

This year's best-selling and the most popular SUVs (through the first six months) include many familiar nameplates and a few you might not expect, but all of them should be familiar. 

Kelley Blue Book says, "Buying a new SUV can be challenging because there are so many good ones to choose from. That's why it can be smart to leverage the wisdom of the crowd, seeing which SUVs other buyers like you chose most often to get a jumping-off point for your SUV shopping." 

Check out the list of the ten best-selling crossovers and SUVs of the first half of 2023. KBB says, "These are the SUVs your friends and neighbors have been buying."

1. Tesla Model Y Total Units Sold: 105,500

2. Toyota RAV4 Total Units Sold: 102,313

3. Honda CR-V Total Units Sold: 96,456

4. Nissan Rogue Total Units Sold: 71,246

5. Jeep Grand Cherokee Total Units Sold: 70,454

6. Toyota Highlander Total Units Sold: 58,079

7. Hyundai Tucson Total Units Sold: 54,421

8. Chevrolet Equinox Total Units Sold: 52,949

9. Subaru Outback Total Units Sold: 48,636

10. Jeep Wrangler Total Units Sold: 46,671

Until this year, the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek subcompact SUV was Subaru of America's hottest model. But not anymore. The Subaru Outback takes over as the new sheriff in town. 

Related Story: The Hot Subaru Crosstrek Falls Behind the Outback - Can The New Next-Gen Trims Save It?

Also, Check Out: It's Not Just The U.S., the Subaru Outback Is A Hot Global Model

KBB says, "You might call the Subaru Outback a wagon rather than an SUV, and while you wouldn't be wrong, you wouldn't be entirely right, either. The Outback does offer standard all-wheel-drive, more ground clearance than most of the SUVs on this list, and plenty of interior space, after all."

The 2023 Subaru Outback also makes the top-twenty best-selling models in America. The Outback is #18 in the top 20 top-selling vehicles in 2023.

KBB says, "The Subaru Outback splits the difference between a wagon and a 2-row SUV, with all of the capabilities of either, with standard all-wheel-drive, a spacious cabin with plenty of cargo space, high ride height, and comfortable, off-road-ready ride quality. A vast range of configurations is available, with the top models offering both premium materials and features and enhanced off-road abilities."

And Subaru isn't slowing down with the Outback upgrades. For the 2024 Subaru Outback model year, it gets new improvements worth noting.

Check Out This Related Story: The 2024 Subaru Outback Pricing, Model Guide, And Its Most Significant New Upgrade

Outback Base trim level upgrades

The Base Outback now comes with dome and cargo area lights that have been upgraded to LED.

Outback Onyx Edition upgrades

The standard 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus system is now paired with a Harman Kardon speaker system with a 576-watt equivalent amplifier. In addition, the Onyx Edition now comes standard with a Power Moonroof, Reverse Automatic Braking, and a 360-degree heated steering wheel is now standard.

Outback Wilderness upgrades

For 2024, the Outback Wilderness now receives a more rugged look thanks to a new front fascia featuring a redesigned bumper and LED fog lights paired with a more prominent front grille. In addition, a 360-degree heated steering wheel is now standard on the Outback Wilderness.

You Might Also Like: The New Outdoor-Themed 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness Pricing And Model Guide

Onyx Edition XT

A 360-degree heated steering wheel is now standard on the Outback Onyx Edition XT. This feature was only offered on higher trim levels the previous year.

The Subaru all-wheel-drive lineup has a new flagship model; the 2023 Subaru Outback. Further upgrades are coming for the 2024 model year that will keep the midsize SUV among the top models in the second half of 2023. The 2024 Outback arrives this fall. Stay tuned. 

You Might Also Like: How Safe Is The New Subaru Outback? Read This Accident Report Before You Buy

Denis Flierl brings over thirty years of combined auto industry and automotive journalism experience to Torque News readers. He is an accredited Rocky Mountain Automotive Press (RMAP) member. The last twelve years have been spent with Torque News, covering Subaru vehicles and the latest news. Check back daily for his expert Subaru analysis. You'll find the latest stories on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

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Photo credit: Subaru