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Top 5 Best-Selling Cars, Trucks, and SUVs in America: The Ultimate Guide For 2022-2023

Top 5 Best-Selling Cars, Trucks, and SUVs in America: The Ultimate Guide For 2022-2023

2022 Ford F-150 Lightning sales numbers

In the ever-evolving world of automobiles, car manufacturers compete fiercely to offer the most innovative and appealing models to customers. When it comes to sales figures, there are always clear winners that outshine the rest. In this article, we’ll take a look at the top five best-selling cars, SUVs, and trucks in the United States in 2022 and 2023.

The Best-Selling New Cars in America

Before we dive into the sales leaders in each vehicle segment, let’s take a look at the top-selling models in 2022 across all vehicle classes.

1. Ford F-Series – 653,000 sold

2. Chevrolet Silverado – 521,000 sold

3. Ram Pickup – 468,000 sold

4. Toyota RAV4 – 366,000 sold

5. Toyota Camry – 295,000 sold

The list is little changed from 2021. Chevrolet knocked Ram out of the #2 spot in 2022, and the Camry replaced the Honda CR-V. Here’s how U.S. sales fared for top-selling sedans, SUVs and trucks in 2022.

The 5 Best-Selling Sedans in America in 2022

Toyota Camry

The best-selling car in America: Toyota Camry US sales numbers

The Toyota Camry is a popular midsize sedan with a starting MSRP of $26,220. In 2022, it was the best-selling car in America with over 295,000 units sold. The Camry is known for its reliability, comfort, and fuel efficiency, making it a great option for those looking for a practical and affordable sedan.

See Toyota Camry listings in your area with local market insights.

Toyota Corolla

Toyota Corolla US sales numbers

The Toyota Corolla is a reliable and affordable compact sedan with a starting MSRP of $21,550. In 2022, it was the third best-selling car in America with over 222,000 units sold. The Corolla is known for its comfortable ride, fuel efficiency, and advanced safety features, making it a great option for those looking for a reliable and safe sedan.

See Toyota Corolla listings in your area with local market insights.

Honda Accord

Honda Accord US sales numbers

The Honda Accord is a spacious and comfortable midsize sedan with a starting MSRP of $27,295. In 2022, it was the fourth best-selling car in America with over 154,000 units sold. The Accord is known for its comfortable ride, fuel efficiency, and advanced safety features, making it a great option for those looking for a practical and spacious sedan.

See Honda Accord listings in your area with local market insights.

Nissan Altima

Nissan Altima US sales numbers

The Nissan Altima is a stylish midsize sedan with a starting MSRP of $25,490. In 2022, it was the fifth best-selling car in America with over 140,000 units sold. The Altima is known for its spacious cabin, comfortable ride, and advanced safety features, making it a great option for those looking for a stylish and practical sedan.

See Nissan Altima listings in your area with local market insights.

Honda Civic

Honda Civic US sales numbers

The 2023 Honda Civic is another popular compact sedan with a starting MSRP of $25,050. In 2022, it was the second best-selling car in America with over 134,000 units sold. The Civic is known for its sporty handling, comfortable ride, and fuel efficiency, making it a great option for those looking for a fun-to-drive and practical sedan.

See Honda Civic listings in your area with local market insights.

The 5 Best-Selling SUVs in America in 2022

Toyota RAV4

Toyota RAV4 US sales numbers

The Toyota RAV4 is a popular compact SUV with a starting MSRP of $27,975. In 2022, it was the best-selling SUV in America with over 366,000 units sold. The RAV4 is known for its reliability, spacious cabin, and advanced safety features, making it a great option for those looking for a practical and versatile SUV.

See Toyota RAV4 listings in your area with local market insights.

Honda CR-V

Honda CR-V US sales numbers

The Honda CR-V is another popular compact SUV with a starting MSRP of $28,410. In 2022, it was the second best-selling SUV in America with over 238,000 units sold. The CR-V is known for its spacious cabin, fuel efficiency, and advanced safety features, making it a great option for those looking for a practical and comfortable SUV. The CR-V Hybrid gets up to 40 miles per gallon, saving thousands of dollars in fuel.

See Honda CR-V listings in your area with local market insights.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Jeep Grand Cherokee US sales total

If you’re looking for that perfect combination of interior spaciousness and rugged reputation, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is certainly on your short list. In 2022, Stellantis sold 223,000 Jeep Grand Cherokees in the United States. For the 2023 model year, the Grand Cherokee starts at $41,530. A plug-in hybrid version is now on sale, but starts at $61,660. At that price point, just go for an EV.

See Jeep Grand Cherokee listings in your area with local market insights.

Toyota Highlander

Toyota Highlander US sales total

The Toyota Highlander is a spacious and comfortable midsize SUV with a starting MSRP of $36,420. In 2022, it was the fourth best-selling SUV in America with over 222,000 units sold. 

See Toyota Highlander listings in your area with local market insights.

Chevrolet Equinox

Chevrolet Equinox US sales numbers

The Chevrolet Equinox is a versatile and practical compact SUV with a starting MSRP of $26,600. In 2022, it was the fifth best-selling SUV in America with over 212,000 units sold. The Equinox is known for its spacious cabin, fuel efficiency, and advanced safety features, making it a great option for those looking for a reliable and versatile SUV.

See Chevrolet Equinox listings in your area with local market insights.

Best-Selling Trucks in America in 2022

Ford F-Series

The best-selling truck in America, the Ford F-150.
The best-selling truck in America, the Ford F-150.

The Ford F-Series is the best-selling vehicle in America, and has been for decades. In 2022, Ford sold 653,000 F-Series trucks, making it the best-selling truck in America. The 2023 model year starts at an MSRP of $33,695. The F-Series is known for its toughness and durability, as well as its powerful engines and high towing and hauling capacities. It comes with several standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring.

The F-150 Lightning was the best-selling electric truck in America, with 15,600 sold. 

See Ford F-150 listings in your area with local market insights.

Chevrolet Silverado

Chevrolet silverado US sales total in 2022

The Chevrolet Silverado is another popular full-size pickup truck, known for its reliability and capability. In 2022, Chevrolet sold 521,000 Silverados, making it the second-best-selling truck in America. The 2023 model year starts at an MSRP of $36,632. The Silverado offers several powerful engine options, as well as a comfortable and spacious interior. It comes with several standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring.

A fully-electric Silverado is almost here. It will have faster charging and longer range than the F-150 Lightning. Learn more about the Silverado EV.

See Chevrolet Silverado listings in your area with local market insights.

Ram Pickup

Ram 1500 2022 US sales total

The Ram Pickup is a highly capable full-size truck that offers impressive towing and hauling capabilities. In 2022, Ram sold 468,000 pickups, making it the third-best-selling truck in America. The 2023 model year Ram 1500 starts at an MSRP of $36,820. The Ram 1500 offers a comfortable and spacious cabin, as well as several powerful engine options. It comes with several standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring.

A fully-electric Ram truck is on the way, but won’t be here for at least a year.

See Ram 1500 listings in your area with local market insights.

GMC Sierra

GMC Sierra 2022 US sales total

The GMC Sierra is another full-size pickup truck that’s known for its capability and reliability. In 2022, GMC sold 242,000 Sierras, making it the fourth-best-selling truck in America. The 2023 model year starts at an MSRP of $38,195. The Sierra offers several powerful engine options, as well as a comfortable and upscale interior. It comes with several standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring.

The electric GMC Sierra will debut as a pricey Denali Edition 1 in 2024.

See GMC Sierra listings in your area with local market insights.

Toyota Tacoma

2022 tacoma sales total

The Toyota Tacoma is a midsize pickup truck that’s known for its durability and off-road capability. In 2022, Toyota sold 237,000 Tacomas, making it the fifth-best-selling truck in America. The 2023 model year starts at an MSRP of $27,750. The Tacoma offers several powerful engine options, as well as a rugged exterior design and a comfortable, feature-rich interior. Despite the growing competition in the midsize truck segment, the 2023 Tacoma continues to be a top choice among buyers, thanks to its proven reliability, impressive resale value, and Toyota’s commitment to enhancing the driving experience. 

See Toyota Tacoma listings in your area with local market insights.

You’ve Got Options

The automobile industry is constantly changing, with new technology and design elements making their way into the market every year. However, as we’ve seen, some models have a timeless appeal that keeps them at the top of the sales charts year after year. Whether you’re in the market for a new car, SUV, truck, or luxury model, these best-sellers are definitely worth considering for their reliability, performance, and popularity.

Toyota’s Hybrids Versus Electric Cars

Toyota’s Hybrids Versus Electric Cars

The 2023 Toyota Prius compared to the bZ4X.

When it comes to fuel efficiency and eco-friendly vehicles, Toyota has been a pioneer in the automotive industry. With the introduction of the iconic Prius in 1997, Toyota has continued to innovate and expand its lineup of hybrid vehicles. However, in the emerging electric vehicle market, Toyota’s offerings seem to be lagging behind their competitors. We’ll explore why Toyota hybrids are a better choice for consumers than Toyota electric cars, and provide insights into their most popular hybrid models.

EVs Are Great…. When Well Equipped

I’m an EV owner myself. My 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5 is the best vehicle I’ve ever owned. But that doesn’t mean that all electric models are equally packed with value, efficiency and exhilaration. There are vast differences in range, efficiency, charging capabilities and standard features among EVs on sale in 2023. In many cases, these differences can make or break the value proposition for an electric car. Consider the following:

  • Are you willing to spend an hour at public charging stations on road trips?
  • Would 200 miles of highway driving range cut it for you?
  • Do you have a place to charge at home?
  • Are you willing to spend several thousand dollars more to say goodbye to gas stations?

If you answered no to any of these questions, a traditional hybrid or even plug-in hybrid powertrain is probably better suited for your lifestyle than Toyota’s new electric model. Before we throw praise at Toyota’s accomplishments on the hybrid front, let’s take a look at their latest darling, the all-electric bZ4X electric crossover. 

The 2023 Toyota bZ4X

Toyota's first electric car, the 2023 Toyota bZ4X

Price: $42,000 – $52,000

Range: 227 miles – 252 miles

Availability: On sale now (see listings in your area with local market data)

Toyota’s first fully-electric model looks better than it performs. Engineered in partnership with Subaru, the 2023 Toyota bZ4X features a comfortable ride, modern looks, but also some notable drawbacks that potential buyers should consider. Here are some of the flaws that will be deal-breakers for some:

Slow charging: One key limitation of the bZ4X is its frankly miserable charging speeds. This means significantly longer wait times at charging stations and is likely to be inconvenient for those who frequently embark on long trips or have limited access to charging infrastructure. Tests by MotorTrend found that the bZ4X’s greatest flaw is charging. Take a look at MotorTrend’s real-world experiment:

  • At 65 degrees Fahrenheit, their all-wheel drive Toyota bZ4X charged from 5% to 80% (adding about 180 miles of range) in 1 hour and 4 minutes. For comparison, the Model Y, IONIQ 5 and EV6 can all do that in 20 minutes in warm weather.
  • Charging from 80% to 90% took an additional 36 minutes. Need the full 227 miles of EPA-rated range? That would take an extra 7 HOURS. No bueno.

Even worse, Toyota admitted in a disclaimer that DC charging may not work when below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. It wasn’t just MotorTrend, others have found similar results.

Range Lacks: In the city, the bZ4X’s EPA-rated range of 227 miles with AWD and up to 252 miles with FWD is just a hair below average. But when you combine average range with below average charging speeds, that’s where we run into problems. Consider that on the interstate at 70 mph, the bZ4X can make it about 190-200 miles on a charge. That’s not too bad, but when you realize that you’ll be stopping for an entire hour to charge every 180 miles or so, it doesn’t sound like a pleasant ownership experience.

2023 bZ4X interior
The bZ4X’s interior is modern. With slow charging, expect to spend plenty of time in the cabin on road trips.

If you don’t plan to take your $45,000+ bZ4X on any road trips, perhaps this is of little importance to you. However, keep in mind that the bZ4X’s reputation as a slow-charger will impact its resale value. 

Toyota Hybrids Are Class Leaders

We’re not here to bash on Toyota. In fact, we are big fans of their proven powertrain technologies. Toyota’s hybrid technology has a decades-long track record of reliability and fuel efficiency. The automaker has been perfecting its hybrid powertrain for more than two decades, which means that when you choose a Toyota hybrid, you’re investing in a vehicle with a well-established and reliable system. Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive combines a gasoline engine with one or more electric motors to deliver a seamless driving experience while maximizing fuel efficiency.

Hybrid Fuel Efficiency

Toyota hybrids are well-known for their impressive fuel efficiency. Models like the Prius, Camry Hybrid, and RAV4 Hybrid offer outstanding fuel economy, which translates into cost savings for consumers for a lower upfront cost than an EV. It’s not just about the Prius, either. The Highlander Hybrid is one of the only three-row SUVs equipped with a hybrid powertrain

Toyota has come a long way since the launch of the Prius over 20 years ago. Not only do today’s hybrid models look a lot better, they’re more spacious AND more efficient. That’s not easy to do.

For instance, the 2003 Toyota Prius was rated for 41 miles per gallon combined. The all-new 2023 Toyota Prius gets 57 miles per gallon, and doesn’t look like a lunch box.

While electric cars are more energy-efficient overall, the higher cost, limited range and charging infrastructure make them less practical for some drivers. Toyota hybrids, on the other hand, provide the perfect balance between fuel efficiency and practicality.

Affordability

Toyota hybrids are generally more affordable than their electric counterparts. While EV prices have been decreasing over the past months following Tesla’s massive price cut, they still tend to be more expensive than comparable hybrid models. Additionally, the cost of ownership for a hybrid vehicle is often lower than that of an electric car, considering factors such as maintenance, charging equipment, and electricity costs. Toyota’s hybrid lineup offers excellent value for money, making them a smart choice for budget-conscious consumers.

Back when gas prices peaked at $5/gallon, we took a close look at the financial break-even point for various EV models. Take a look at what we found.

Range and Charging Infrastructure

One of the main drawbacks of electric cars is their limited range and dependence on charging infrastructure. While the charging network is continuously expanding, it still can’t match the convenience of gasoline stations. Toyota hybrids, however, eliminate the range anxiety associated with electric vehicles. 

Toyota’s all-electric bZ4X is rated for 227 miles on a charge with all-wheel drive, and up to 252 miles with front-wheel drive. The hybrid RAV4 of comparable size is capable of driving 595 miles on a 14.5 gallon tank. 

With their gasoline engines and regenerative braking, hybrids offer drivers the flexibility to travel longer distances without worrying about finding a charging station.

What About the Environment?

Eliminating tailpipe emissions and eventually reducing my family’s carbon footprint was one of the main reasons we went electric. However, the carbon ‘break-even’ point depends on how many miles you drive, and how efficient your EV is. We drive a lot, so even with the significant environmental impact of battery mineral mining considered, we determined that it would take us just two years to reach the carbon break-even point. If you drive less than 15,000 miles a year on average, it will likely take 3 to 5 years of driving to make up for the higher environmental cost of manufacturing an EV. 

Your source of electricity also matters, as some power grids are much cleaner than others. But the good news is that once you turn that corner, EVs are better for the planet for the remaining life of the vehicle.

Toyota offers a diverse lineup of hybrid vehicles to cater to various consumer needs. Some popular Toyota hybrid models include:

Toyota Prius

2023 Toyota Prius rear

Fuel economy: 57 MPG combined

Starting price: $27,450

The flagship hybrid model, the Prius, is known for its outstanding fuel efficiency, reliability, and practicality. It offers a comfortable ride and a spacious interior, making it an excellent choice for families and commuters.

See Toyota Prius listings near you with local market data. 

Toyota Camry Hybrid

2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid

Fuel economy: 52 MPG combined

Starting price: $28,355

Combining the comfort and reliability of the Camry with Toyota’s hybrid technology, the Camry Hybrid delivers an impressive fuel economy and a smooth, powerful driving experience.

See Toyota Camry Hybrid listings near you with local market data. 

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

Fuel economy: 40 MPG combined

Starting price: $30,225

For those who need a more versatile and spacious vehicle, the RAV4 Hybrid offers the benefits of an SUV with the fuel efficiency of a hybrid. The only real downside is that it can be tough to find one on the lot due to the RAV4 Hybrid’s popularity and Toyota’s inventory woes.

See Toyota RAV4 Hybrid listings near you with local market data. 

Toyota Highlander Hybrid

toyota highlander hybrid

Fuel economy: 36 MPG combined

Starting price: $40,220

The Highlander Hybrid is arguably the best 3-row hybrid on the market. Typically synonymous with gas guzzlers, this family hauler is better for your wallet, and better for the environment. 

We recently covered the Highlander Hybrid in-depth here

See Toyota Highlander listings near you with local market data. 

It’s Time For a Test Drive

Toyota hybrids continue to stand out as excellent options for consumers seeking fuel efficiency, reliability, and affordability. With their proven hybrid technology, impressive fuel economy, and diverse lineup of models, Toyota hybrids offer an ideal balance between eco-friendliness and practicality. While Toyota’s electric vehicles have yet to catch up with their competitors in the rapidly evolving EV market, the company’s hybrid offerings remain top choices for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint and save on fuel costs. 

The 5 Best Hybrid SUVs in 2024

The 5 Best Hybrid SUVs in 2024

As the demand for fuel-efficient vehicles continues to rise, hybrid SUVs are becoming increasingly popular. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at the best hybrid SUVs under $50,000 MSRP.

2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

The best hybrid SUV in 2024 is the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid.

First on the list is the 2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid. This car features a sleek re-design with an aggressive new grille and standard LED headlights. Many Tucson Hybrid owners comment on the newfound pep behind a 1.6-liter turbo paired with a 44.2 kilowatt electric motor and refined 6-speed transmission that shifts seamlessly between gears while producing 226 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. 

At a combined 38 MPG and a starting price under $30,000, the Tucson is an excellent choice for those looking for an efficient and reasonably priced SUV. Hyundai also offers 3 years of complimentary maintenance, a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and hybrid components warranty, as well as a 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty.

See new and used Tucson Hybrid listings near you featuring local market data.

2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid

2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid

Next on the list is the 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid, a gem from Hyundai’s sister company. The new Sportage is gaining a lot of hype, with a length 7 inches longer than the previous Sportage model. The 2024 Sportage Hybrid sports best-in-class cargo room and rear legroom. Even more impressive, when equipped with front-wheel drive, the Sportage Hybrid tops out at a combined 43 MPG. Plus, it carries the same great warranty as the Tucson Hybrid.

See new and used Sportage Hybrid listings near you featuring local market data.

2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid delivers amazing reliability and fuel-efficiency, reaching 43 MPG. That’s no easy feat for anything other than an EV. When Toyota gets something right, they stay with it until it breaks. However, for 2024, the infotainment system has finally been upgraded.

See new and used RAV4 Hybrid listings near you featuring local market data.

2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The phenomenal 2024 Toyota Highlander is easily the best ride of the group, but it’s also the most expensive, topping out just under $60,000. The Highlander Hybrid is one of the only hybrid SUVs available with third-row seating. The 2024 Toyota loses little if any of the luxurious feel of the gas version of itself and adds a standard digital instrument panel to all models. Higher trim levels now sport an upgraded 12.3-inch touchscreen. The Highlander Hybrid is sufficiently powerful, considering it can produce up to 243 horsepower. Considered the most reliable hybrid SUV on the list, treat yourself to comfort with the 2024 Highlander seating up to 8 people and gaining a combined 36 MPG.

See new and used Highlander Hybrid listings near you featuring local market data.

2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid

2024 CR-V Hybrid

Finally, the fully redesigned 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid comes in two different trims: the Sport Hybrid and the Sport Touring Hybrid. The front-wheel drive model matches the Kia Sportage with a best-in-class 43 MPG city. Both are also propelled by a powertrain featuring a 2.0 4-cycle Atkinson engine and an electric motor garnering an output of 204 horsepower. If you like reliability, refreshingly designed interior technology, and a spacious interior, the Honda CR-V is sure to please.

See new and used CR-V Hybrid listings near you featuring local market data.

What’s Your Take?

In conclusion, these 5 hybrid SUVs are the best options for those looking for an affordable, fuel-saving vehicle that doesn’t sacrifice room and comfort. What do you think? Are fully-electric SUVs worth the extra price upfront, or are hybrid SUVs the real value on the market? Let us know in the comments below, or join the conversation at the fastest-growing automotive community online, the CarEdge Community forum.

The Top 5 Self-Driving Car Companies Leading Innovation in 2023

The Top 5 Self-Driving Car Companies Leading Innovation in 2023

Motional's IONIQ 5 is now being used for Uber ride hailing.

Self-driving technology has been heralded as a game-changing innovation that will transform our daily lives. However, the reality of this technology is far from certain. While autonomous vehicles offer potential benefits such as improved safety, reduced traffic congestion, and increased efficiency, there are still many challenges that must be addressed before this technology can be fully realized. The top 5 self-driving car companies are closer than ever before to overcoming the hurdles of self-driving. Let’s take a look at who the key players are, their unique approaches to remaining challenges, and the frontier of innovation today.

The 5 Leading Self-Driving Car Companies

Tesla

Tesla Vision is central to Tesla's self-driving strategy
Tesla Vision is central to Tesla’s self-driving strategy

Tesla is known for its electric cars, but the company has also been working on autonomous driving technology for several years. Tesla’s Autopilot system allows cars to handle some driving tasks on their own, but the company’s ultimate goal is to create fully autonomous vehicles.

The Tesla approach to self-driving has been controversial due to allegations of overpromising and under delivering. Still, the company has made significant progress in this area in recent years. Here are some of the key innovations that Tesla has introduced in the field of self-driving technology:

Autopilot: Tesla’s Autopilot system is one of the most advanced self-driving systems on the market today. The system uses a combination of cameras, radar, and ultrasonic sensors to detect and respond to obstacles on the road. It can handle many driving tasks, such as steering, accelerating, and braking, and it can even change lanes and park the car in certain situations.

Full Self-Driving (FSD): Tesla’s FSD system is designed to be even more advanced than Autopilot. While Autopilot is designed to handle many driving tasks, it still requires human supervision. FSD, on the other hand, is intended to allow the car to drive itself completely without any human input.

Neural Networks: Tesla’s self-driving technology is powered by neural networks, which are a type of machine learning algorithm. These neural networks are trained on massive amounts of data from Tesla’s fleet of vehicles, which allows them to recognize and respond to a wide range of driving scenarios.

Vision-Only Approach: Tesla’s self-driving technology is unique in that it relies primarily on cameras for sensing the environment, rather than lidar sensors which are commonly used by other companies. Tesla’s approach is based on the idea that cameras are a more cost-effective and scalable solution than lidar, and the company has made significant progress in developing advanced computer vision algorithms that can interpret camera data.

Over-the-Air Updates: One of the key advantages of Tesla’s self-driving technology is that it can be updated remotely over the air. This means that Tesla can push new features and improvements to its vehicles without the need for customers to bring their cars to a service center.

Overall, Tesla has made significant innovations in the field of self-driving technology, and the company’s Autopilot and FSD systems are some of the most advanced on the market today.

Cruise

GM's Cruise is a leading self-driving car company
GM’s Cruise unveiled this self-driving car in 2020.

Cruise is a subsidiary of General Motors that is focused on developing self-driving cars. The company has been testing autonomous vehicles on public roads in San Francisco since 2015, and in 2020, Cruise unveiled its first completely driverless car. Since then, Cruise has also established partnerships with Honda and Microsoft.

In 2020, Cruise received a permit from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to test its self-driving cars without a human safety driver behind the wheel. This made Cruise the first company to receive such a permit in California.

Cruise plans to launch a commercial autonomous ride-hailing service using its self-driving cars. The company has not announced a specific timeline for the launch of this service, but it has said that it plans to start with a limited pilot program in San Francisco.

Cruise’s self-driving technology is based on a combination of machine learning, computer vision, and sensor fusion. This self-driving car company uses a variety of sensors, including lidar, cameras, and radar, to detect and respond to obstacles on the road.

Baidu

Baidu’s Self-Driving car
Baidu’s self-driving car testing in China

What happens when you put wheels on a search engine? We’re about to find out. Baidu is a Chinese search engine company that has been working on autonomous driving technology since 2013. The company’s Apollo platform allows other companies to develop their own autonomous vehicles using Baidu’s technology.

Baidu’s autonomous driving efforts are based on its Apollo platform, which is an open-source software platform that provides a range of tools and resources for developing autonomous driving technology. The platform includes everything from hardware and software components to simulation tools and data resources. Baidu’s autonomous driving technology is based on a combination of machine learning, computer vision, and sensor fusion. The company uses a variety of sensors, including lidar, cameras, and radar, to detect and respond to obstacles on the road.

Just three years after beginning testing, Baidu launched a robotaxi service in the Chinese city of Changsha in 2020. The service allows users to hail a self-driving taxi using a mobile app, and is considered one of the most advanced robotaxi services in the world.

The rapidly advancing Apollo platform and partnerships with major automakers and technology companies suggest that Baidu is well-positioned to continue making significant contributions to the development of self-driving technology.

Uber

The Uber IONIQ 5 is self-driving, and completely operated by Motional.
The Uber IONIQ 5 is self-driving, and completely operated by Motional.

Uber is primarily known for its ride-hailing service, but the company has also been investing heavily in self-driving cars. In 2016, Uber launched a pilot program for autonomous vehicles in Pittsburgh, and the company continued to test its self-driving technology in other cities for years. However, Uber’s self-driving program has experienced some serious setbacks.

The company temporarily suspended its self-driving testing in 2018 after a fatal accident in Arizona involving one of its self-driving vehicles.

Uber’s self-driving technology WAS based on a combination of machine learning, computer vision, and sensor fusion. The company used a variety of sensors, including lidar, cameras, and radar, to detect and respond to obstacles on the road. Why the past tense? Uber sold their self-driving car company, Advanced Technologies Group, to competitor Aurora in 2020.

Two years after giving up on their own self-driving ambitions, Uber announced a non-exclusive 10-year agreement with Motional in 2022.

When Uber riders hail an autonomous ride, Motional sends an electric Hyundai IONIQ 5 equipped with Motional’s self-driving hardware to pick up the driver. For now, a human remains in the driver’s seat. In 2023, Uber says that riders will be able to hail a completely driverless ride in Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

Waymo

Waymo self driving car
Waymo’s self-driving Jaguar I-PACE is like something out of the future. Is it a good looking car? We’re not so sure.

Waymo is a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., Google’s parent company. They’ve been testing autonomous vehicles on public roads since 2009, and have logged over 20 million miles on public roads. 

The company uses a variety of sensors, including lidar, cameras, and radar, to detect and respond to obstacles on the road. This is in contrast to the vision-focused approach that Tesla has turned to. 

Waymo has formed partnerships with several major automakers and technology companies in the development of autonomous driving technology. For example, the company has partnered with Fiat Chrysler to develop autonomous vehicles, and with Jaguar Land Rover to integrate its self-driving technology into Jaguar I-PACE electric SUVs.

Waymo has been working to commercialize its self-driving technology through a ride-hailing service called Waymo One, which launched in 2018. The service is currently available to select riders in the Phoenix, Arizona area, and allows users to hail a self-driving taxi using a mobile app.

Tempering Expectations

Self-driving car companies are leading the march towards automated travel. Nevertheless, big challenges remain before we can confidently take our hands off the wheel. Tesla may be the face of self-driving for many, but it’s not alone in the race to autonomous transportation. These five companies are making significant contributions to the development of self-driving technology. Whether or not the world is ready for automation on the highway is a question we’ll soon have to face.

The 3 Cheapest New Cars in 2024

The 3 Cheapest New Cars in 2024

In 2024, it’s tough finding a cheap new car. Just a decade ago, buying a new car for $30,000 was the norm. Fast forward to today, and the average price has skyrocketed by 60%, sitting at about $47,000. Despite this surge, there’s still hope for budget-conscious buyers. Below, we’ve compiled all you need to know about the three cheapest new cars on sale in 2024.

Nissan Versa: The Cheapest Car in 2024

Starting Price: $17,820 with destination charges

Fully-Loaded Price: $24,000+

The cheapest new car in 2024, the Nissan Versa

For those searching for the cheapest new cars in 2024, the Nissan Versa stands out as a prime candidate with a starting price of only $17,820 with Nissan’s expensive destination charges included. The Versa boasts a 5-star safety rating and an impressive 35 MPG, making it not only economical but also safe and efficient. Plus, the Versa is all-around better rated than the #2 cheapest car in America, the Mitsubishi Mirage (starting at $17,450).

See Nissan Versa listings with the power of local market data

Mitsubishi Mirage: Bare Bones Transportation

Starting Price: $18,015 with destination charges

Fully-Loaded Price: $20,215+

cheapest new cars 2024 - Mitsubishi Mirage

The 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage is one of the last subcompact hatchbacks available, with a starting price under $20,000. It offers a lengthy list of standard features, including automatic climate control, a forward collision warning system, and a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the Mirage’s slow performance, lack of comfort, and cheap interior won’t brighten your day. The slightly cheaper Nissan Versa is all-around a better option.

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Hyundai Venue: Bargain Crossover SUV

Starting Price: $21,275 with destination charges

Fully-Loaded Price: $24,525+

The cheapest crossover in 2024, the Hyundai Venue

The 2024 Hyundai Venue might be the last new SUV with an MSRP under $20,000, but even the required delivery fees push it over the top. At a starting price of $21,275 with delivery, this is the cheapest crossover on sale. The cargo volume of the Hyundai Venue is just 32 cubic feet with the back seats folded, which is less than half of what you get with the larger Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe. 

Although the Hyundai Venue is technically the most affordable crossover, the only true SUV benefits you get are a rear hatch instead of a trunk and a higher ceiling for hauling. 

Fuel economy is merely okay at 29 city / 33 highway, and NHTSA safety ratings are average at 4-stars overall.

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You Can Find a Cheap New Car in 2024

Finding the cheapest cars in 2024 may seem like a daunting task given the rising prices in the auto market. However, with options like the Mitsubishi Mirage, Nissan Versa, and Hyundai Venue, budget-friendly cars are still within reach. These vehicles not only offer affordability but also provide efficiency, safety, and value for their price.

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