Some cars are just impossible to keep in stock. Dealers barely get them in before they are snapped up by eager buyers willing to pay over MSRP. Whether due to supply chain issues, sheer popularity, or just plain magic, these 22 vehicles are the hottest tickets in the auto market.
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Introduced in 2016, the RAV4 Hybrid has become one of the best-selling hybrids in the U.S. and globally. The 2024 RAV4 Hybrid features a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, producing 219 horsepower and offering standard all-wheel drive (AWD-I). The fuel economy is also impressive, at 41 mpg city / 38 mpg highway (EPA-estimated), making it a top choice for efficiency-conscious buyers. Given Toyota’s reputation for reliability and resale value, the RAV4 Hybrid remains a smart, eco-friendly SUV choice.
Ford Bronco
Retro styling, serious off-road chops, and the ability to remove its doors and roof? It’s no wonder this modern classic has waitlists longer than a DMV line on a Monday morning. Available in two- and four-door versions, it offers turbocharged 2.3L I4 and 2.7L/3.0L V6 engines, G.O.A.T. Modes (Goes Over Any Terrain), and removable doors and roof. Also, competing with the Jeep Wrangler, it boasts advanced 4×4 systems and a Sasquatch package with 35-inch tires.
Tesla Model Y
EVs are in, and Model Y is their king. It offers two configurations: Long Range AWD and Performance. The Long-Range AWD has an EPA-estimated 310-mile range, a 0-60 mph time of 4.8 seconds, and a top speed of 135 mph. The Performance model cuts that time to 3.5 seconds, with a top speed of 155 mph but a slightly lower range of 285 miles (EPA). It also supports 250 kW Supercharging, achieving 0-80% in about 25 minutes. Production can’t keep up with demand, leaving customers refreshing their order status daily.
Chevrolet Corvette C8
Mid-engine. Supercar performance. Affordable (sort of). The Z06 variant mainly boasts a 5.5L flat-plane crank V8 (LT6) revving to 8,600 rpm and producing 670 hp, making it the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 in a production car. And, with a starting price of ~$67,000, the C8 undercuts competitors like the Porsche 911. It also offers Supercar performance at a muscle car price, with features like Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 and a front lift system.
Honda CR-V Hybrid
It’s practical, fuel-efficient, and spacious. An EPA-rated 40 MPG city / 34 MPG highway outperforms most gas-only SUVs in efficiency. The CR-V Hybrid features a Honda Sensing safety suite, a 12.3-inch touchscreen (in top trims), and available Google built-in. Cargo space remains generous at 39.3 cu-ft (76.5 cu-ft with seats down). Built on the sixth-generation CR-V platform, it also offers a refined ride, enhanced soundproofing, and a rugged new design. It competes with the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Hyundai Tucson Hybrid but offers a smoother hybrid system.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
With its futuristic design, solid range, and high-speed charging, the Ioniq 5 has turned heads and wallets alike. The dual-motor AWD variant produces 320 hp and 446 lb.-ft of torque and accelerates 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Inside, the eco-friendly cabin features a 12.3-inch digital cluster, reclining Zero-Gravity seats, and V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) functionality, allowing it to power appliances. The Ioniq 5 also boasts Level 2 ADAS (Highway Driving Assist 2) and a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.
Kia Telluride
Big, luxurious, and packed with tech, the Telluride is an SUV that punches above its weight. Launched in 2020, it quickly became a segment leader, winning multiple SUV of the Year awards. Under the hood, all trims pack a 3.8L V6 producing 291 hp and 262 lb.-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic and available AWD. Fuel economy hovers around 20-26 mpg (FWD) or 18-24 mpg (AWD). Safety is top-tier, with standard adaptive cruise, lane keeping, and automatic emergency braking. People love it so much that dealers add hefty markups, and buyers still don’t blink.
Toyota Tacoma
The Taco is legendary for a reason (it’s practically indestructible). The latest 2024 Tacoma is built on Toyota’s TNGA-F platform, shared with the Tundra and Land Cruiser. It features a high-strength boxed steel frame for improved durability. Its design combines modern aerodynamics with classic truck toughness, featuring a bold hexagonal grille, aggressive LED headlights, and muscular fender flares. So, whether for work or off-roading, buyers scoop them up as soon as they hit the lot.
Jeep Wrangler 4xe
A plug-in hybrid Jeep? Yep, and it’s wildly popular. Retaining its iconic boxy shape, seven-slot grille, and round LED headlights, the 4xe subtly integrates hybrid tech without compromising Jeep’s rugged DNA. Blue accents on the tow hooks, badges, and charging port distinguish it from gas-powered Wranglers. The 4xe also features removable doors, a fold-down windshield, and multiple roof options (soft top, hardtop, or Sky One-Touch Power Top) for open-air adventure. Eco-conscious adventurers love it, but so do regular folks who like saving gas while looking cool.
Subaru Outback
The unofficial car of adventure-seekers and dog lovers, the Outback has a loyal following. Subaru can’t seem to make them fast enough to meet demand. Inside, the Outback features an 11.6-inch touchscreen (higher trims), water-resistant StarTex upholstery, and Nappa leather that is available for a luxury touch. Powertrain options include a 2.5L Boxer engine (182 hp) or a 2.4L turbo (260 hp). And, with safety tech like EyeSight Driver Assist, the Outback remains a go-anywhere, do-anything wagon.
Ford Maverick Hybrid
An affordable, fuel-efficient, and surprisingly capable compact truck? No wonder the Maverick Hybrid is essentially sold out everywhere. It rides on Ford’s C2 platform, which is shared with the Escape and Bronco Sport, giving it a crossover-like ride quality. The exterior features a boxy silhouette, a distinctive grille with horizontal bars, and LED headlights, maintaining a classic truck aesthetic in a small 199.7-inch body. The hybrid powertrain, 2.5L Atkinson-cycle I4 with a 94kW electric motor (191 hp, 155 lb.-ft), returns 37 MPG combined. It’s the first standard-hybrid pickup, redefining efficiency in the truck segment.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
A full-size truck that’s as popular as ever, especially in its higher trims. Aerodynamics plays a key role, with active grille shutters and a reshaped front bumper improving airflow. The Durabed is the most functional in its class, featuring best-in-class 89.1 cubic feet of cargo space, 12 standard tie-downs, and an optional power up/down tailgate. Inside, higher trims flaunt a 13.4-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and premium materials. In short, the Silverado remains in constant demand.
Toyota GR Corolla
The Toyota GR Corolla is what happens when Toyota decides to throw a turbocharged tantrum. This rally-bred hatchback packs a 1.6L turbocharged 3-cylinder engine (yes, just three, but angry ones) cranking out 300 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft of torque. Further, power goes to all four wheels through Toyota’s GR-Four AWD system, meaning this thing grips the road like a toddler gripping candy. Unfortunately, they’re also nearly impossible to find.
Rivian R1T
An all-electric adventure truck with a futuristic design and insane off-road capability, the R1T has a cult following and a long waiting list. Need storage? There’s a frunk and a gear tunnel (a hidey-hole between the cab and bed, perfect for stashing snacks… or smugglers’ loot). The wading depth is over 3 feet, so it can practically moonlight as a boat. Rivian even has a Camp Mode, which levels the truck for sleeping. Fancy glamping, anyone? It’s a truck for adventurers, tech geeks, and people who hate gas bills.
Lexus RX 500h
Luxury meets efficiency in the RX 500h, making it a top pick for buyers who want both performance and comfort. Inside, you’ll find a 14-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay (because who likes cords?), and a panoramic sunroof for those starry night drives. Safety? It’s got you covered with seven airbags and dynamic radar cruise control, ensuring you stay as safe as a bubble-wrapped kitten. In the wild world of luxury SUVs, the RX 500h rubs shoulders with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLE, BMW X5, and Audi Q7. But with its hybrid prowess and snazzy features, it’s ready to give them a run for their money.
Porsche 911
Some things never change, and the 911’s desirability is one of them. From air-cooled classics to turbocharged beasts, Porsche has fine-tuned the 911 across eight generations, making it faster, smarter, and practical enough for grocery runs. The latest 992-gen boasts up to 640 hp (911 Turbo S), does 0-60 mph in 2.6 seconds, and remains a precision scalpel on both track and street. Fun fact: the first-gen 911 was almost called the Porsche 901, but Peugeot threw a tantrum over the zero. Porsche, being classy, changed it to 911.
Hyundai Santa Cruz
A compact truck with SUV-like practicality, the Santa Cruz is a hit among urban adventurers. Under the hood, you get two engine options: a 2.5L 4-cylinder (191 hp) for daily driving and a turbocharged version (281 hp) for when you feel spicy. With AWD, it can tow up to 5,000 lbs. You can pull a decent-sized boat. It’s comfy and packed with techy goodies, like a 10.25-inch touchscreen and optional digital gauges. Gas mileage? Not bad, up to 26 mpg highway. So, if you want one, be prepared to act fast.
Ford F-150 Lightning
The Ford F-150 Lightning is what happens when America’s best-selling truck chugs an energy drink and goes electric. Packing up to 580 horsepower and 775 lb-ft of torque, this beast can rocket from 0-60 mph in about 4 seconds, faster than some sports cars. Need to tow? It’s rated for up to 10,000 lbs. Need to power your house? Its Pro Power Onboard can keep the lights on for up to three days. Plus, range anxiety? The Extended-Range battery delivers up to 320 miles per charge (EPA-estimated; your lead foot may vary).
Tesla Cybertruck
The Tesla Cybertruck is what happens when Elon Musk asks, “What if a tank and a DeLorean had a baby?” This angular, stainless-steel-clad beast debuted in 2019, looking like it teleported straight from a low-poly video game. It also boasts bullet-resistant exoskeleton panels (in case you anger a Terminator) and shatter-resistant Armor Glass (though, ironically, the demo shattered the windows). Oops. It finally hit roads in late 2023 after delays, memes, and speculation about whether Musk was trolling us. Prices start at $60,990 (more if you want the fancy versions).
Nissan Z
The return of Nissan’s iconic Z car has driven sports car fans wild. Debuting in 1969 as the Datsun 240Z, it quickly became a global icon, proving that sports cars don’t have to be Italian to be cool. Fast forward to today, and the 2023 Nissan Z (just “Z” now, no numbers—because simplicity is sexy) packs a 3.0L twin-turbo V6, punching out 400 horsepower. That’s enough to make your morning commute feel like Le Mans. Competitors? Supra, Mustang, and Camaro, though the Z is the only one that won’t make you look like a cop or a midlife crisis victim.
Honda Civic Type R
The ultimate front-wheel-drive hot hatch, the new Civic Type R is an instant sellout, with dealerships laughing at anyone expecting to pay sticker price. The latest FK8 (2017-2021) and FL5 (2022-present) generations pack a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 with 306-315 hp, front-wheel drive (because who needs AWD when you have skill?), and a 6-speed manual.
BMW X5
The BMW X5, aka the “Bavarian Muscle Wagon,” is a luxury SUV that people think is a sports car. Born in 1999, it was BMW’s first SUV (or SAV, Sports Activity Vehicle because BMW loves fancy names). Now in its fourth generation (G05), it offers everything from a sensible xDrive40i (turbo inline-6) to the unhinged X5 M Competition (617 hp twin-turbo V8). It handles ridiculously well, too, for a 5,000+ lb. SUV, thanks to BMW’s wizardry (and adaptive suspension). Fuel efficiency? Let’s say you won’t win any eco awards. Finding one without a wait? Good luck.
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