10 Most Researched, Best-Selling Used Vehicles in 2024
Consumer Reports looked at what 2021 model year vehicles were searched for the most on their website, and found that 3 of the top ten were Fords.
Intro
We don’t often discuss non-Ford vehicles here, but we felt it was necessary to give this the proper context. Consumer Reports recently released data around the most researched used vehicles on their website. They narrowed it down to just 2021 model year vehicles. The reason for this was that many of these 3-year-old vehicles are now coming off lease and they are low mileage examples that can save you many thousands of dollars off the price of a brand-new example. Of the top ten most researched 2021 model year vehicles, three of them were Ford models. No other automaker has as many in the top ten. There are two Toyotas on the list and the remaining five vehicles come from five different automakers.
So, which used Fords are people researching the most? And what are the other vehicles that make up the list? We are examining all ten of them here. They are in order from the tenth most researched model to the most researched model. Can you guess what made the list?
Image: Ford
10. Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 is a compact crossover from the Japanese company. The 2021 models were powered by either a 187 horsepower 4-cylinder or a turbocharged 4-cylinder with 250 horsepower. The 2021 CX-5 was largely carried over from the previous model year with the exception of a new infotainment system. One of the CX-5 strong suits is the high-quality interior. It does a good impression of a luxury German vehicle but at a much lower price point.
Image: Mazda
9. Ford Explorer
The first Ford vehicle on the list is the 2021 Ford Explorer. That should not come as too much of a surprise as the Explorer is a perennial top seller. In 2021 Ford sold over 219,000 Explorers in the U.S. so there are going to be a lot of choices for buyers in the used market right now. For the 2021 model year, the new Timberline trim became available for the first time for those that like to venture off road. For those that prefer street performance, there is the 400 horsepower Explorer ST. You like luxury? Go for the Platinum trim. Are you on a tight budget, look at the base or XLT models. The reason these vehicles are so popular is that there is an Explorer for everyone.
Image: Ford
8. Nissan Rogue
For 2021, the Nissan Rogue got new exterior styling that gave it a more rugged and handsome look. It was the start of a new generation for the Rogue. Interior technology was improved, and engine outputs received a slight bump. Although, with 181 horsepower under the hood, don’t expect to win many drag races. A similar Honda or Toyota product will typically cost a bit more on the used market so for those looking to save a few dollars, the Rogue might be a good choice.
Image: Nissan
7. Toyota Highlander
This is the first of two Toyota models on the top ten list. Like most of the vehicles on this list, it is not the sexiest vehicle in the world. But most of the driving public are not car and truck enthusiasts. They just want a vehicle to get from point a to point b. The 3-row Highlander will do that just fine and with the legendary Toyota reliability. The base engine is a fairly strong 295 horsepower 3.5L V6. Those that are looking for better fuel economy can opt for the 2.5L hybrid model. You can get your Highlander with either front wheel drive or all wheel drive. Neither will tackle the Rubicon Trail but they can handle wet roads and a bit of snow which is all the most buyers are looking for.
Image: Toyota
6. Ford F-150
Coming in at number 6 is the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. Over 700,000 F-150 trucks were sold in the U.S. in 2021. So, how did a truck so popular not get the number one spot on the most researched list? Well, perhaps that is because just about everyone already knows what the F-150 is all about. Are you looking for a truck? You get an F-150. It is the only pickup on this list. In fact, it is the only non-crossover/SUV on this list. The F-150 got a full overhaul for the 2021 model year. The combination of configurations is staggering. There are six powertrains and seven trims, and the possibilities expand from there. You want a basic work truck, a luxury truck, and Baja race truck, or anything in between, there is an F-150 for you.
Image: Ford
5. Subaru Forester
Right smack in the middle of this popularity contest sits the 2021 Subaru Forester. It was essentially carried over from the 2020 model year. And that is not a bad thing for fans of this model. Under the hood is a 2.5L flat-four-cylinder engine that makes 182 horsepower. Towing is rated at an anemic 1,500 pounds so that is not the strong suit of this vehicle. But if you need to get your family through all sorts of weather safely and easily, the Forester is an excellent choice.
Image: Subaru
4. Chevrolet Equinox
Chevrolet checks in at the number four spot with the Equinox. It is powered by a tiny 1.5L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine making just 170 horsepower. Front-wheel-drive is standard, but all-wheel-drive is optional. With a 0 to 60 time of about 9 seconds, this is not for the speed demons out there. But the Equinox does return a combined EPA rating of 30 mpg which is not bad for a small crossover. It is not the most refined vehicle on the market but, from a price perspective, the Equinox is a winner as it can typically be had for thousands of dollars less than its Toyota and Honda rivals on this list.
Image: Chevrolet
3. Ford Escape
The Escape is the top-ranked Ford on this list. It has been researched more than any other 2021 Ford model. You can get an Escape with all-wheel-drive, but no one is going to mistake it for a Bronco. The Escape is for on road family hauling. And in 2021 it was offered with four different powertrains. You start with a 181 horsepower 1.5L 3-cylinder. But you can step up to a punchy 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder that has 250 horsepower. That is enough to launch you to 60 mph in a surprisingly quick 5.7 seconds. If efficiency is more important to you than power, you will be happy to learn that Ford offers both a traditional and plug-in hybrid Escape. The plug-in is good for 37 miles of electric only driving range.
Image: Ford
2. Toyota RAV4
The second most researched 2021 model is the second Toyota on our list, the RAV4. For 2021, Toyota introduced a new color for the RAV4 and that is about it. But that is OK because the RAV4 didn’t really need many changes. You can get the base LE model or the off-road rugged TRD Pro. A 203 horsepower 2.5L four-cylinder engine is standard. Like the Ford Escape the RAV4 is offered in a hybrid and plug-in hybrid (called the RAV4 Prime) for those that want to maximize fuel efficiency. The RAV4 is the best-selling Toyota model in the U.S. Plenty of people seem to be ready to pounce on the pre-owned examples when they come off lease.
Image: Toyota
1. Honda CR-V
The most researched 2021 model year vehicle is the Honda CR-V. The 2021 CR-V was basically identical to the 2020 model, so if you are in the market, don’t be afraid to also search for a 2020. The Honda crossover does everything well. At least everything that the general car buying public is looking for. Excellent reliability, a spacious interior, well-built, plenty of cargo space, and all for a reasonable sum of money. Like RAV4 and Escape rivals the CR-V is not going to impress with acceleration. But it will impress by reliably taking you and your family almost everywhere you want to go for many years.
So, there you have it. The full list of the most researched 2021 model year vehicles. Nine crossovers/SUVs and one pickup.
Image: Honda