Top 10 Best-Selling Cars in the World in 2018

• Sales: 694,822 units
• Change compared to 2017: +3.3%

If you’re looking for a small 5-seat crossover or something similar, the Toyota RAV4 should be at the top of your list. It’s packed with features that make it a customer favorite. Experts have rated the 2018 Toyota RAV4 with a score of 7.2/10, with individual ratings for style (5/10), performance (6/10), comfort & quality (8/10), safety (9/10), features & amenities (8/10), and fuel efficiency (7/10).

The 2018 Toyota RAV4 is available in several trims, including LE, SE, Adventure, XLE, Limited, and Platinum, with options for Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or All-Wheel Drive (AWD).

The RAV4 offers a range of choices to fit different budgets, with the fully-loaded model reaching up to $35,000. Regardless of the trim, even the standard version comes equipped with important safety features like automatic emergency braking, adaptive headlights, and a compatible cruise control system.

• Sales: 672,023 units
• Change compared to 2017: -8.4%

The 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI not only boasts a bold and distinct look but is also highly praised for its practicality. After receiving numerous impressive upgrades, this hatchback has made a remarkable comeback, now surpassing previous models. It’s a great value for those who love a compact and agile hatchback.

Despite being a hatchback, the new Volkswagen Golf has a design that leans towards a crossover style. However, its relatively low height might be a drawback for some users. The car’s design features sporty elements, particularly at the front, with a small upper grille, a red horizontal trim, and the Volkswagen logo at the center, seamlessly integrated with the headlights.

Inside, the Volkswagen Golf offers a touch of luxury with premium leather upholstery on the seats and other key areas, enhancing the overall feel of elegance. Additionally, the redesigned dashboard and steering wheel provide a more engaging driving experience. The front seats are spacious, and their sporty design ensures a secure fit, even during tight turns. These seats also come with 12-way electric adjustments, adding to the vehicle’s convenience and comfort.

The new Volkswagen Golf GTI is powered by a 2.0-liter I4 engine that delivers an impressive 220 horsepower, which is quite powerful for a hatchback. As for fuel efficiency, the vehicle consumes about 9.4 liters per 100km in the city, 8.4 liters on highways, and 7.2 liters in mixed conditions. Overall, the Volkswagen Golf offers a spacious, luxurious, and enjoyable driving experience, although its exterior design feels somewhat outdated compared to current trends.

• Sales: 660,662 units
• Change compared to 2017: +11.1%

The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan boasts a sharper, more angular design. Built on the MQB platform, the new generation of Tiguan is 254 mm longer than the previous version, providing significantly more interior space. The vehicle’s width has increased as well, while the new platform ensures a reduction in weight.

The updated 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan features an extended wheelbase, adding 11 centimeters, which increases the passenger space even further. Volkswagen promises that the interior will be more flexible, although previous Tiguan versions already offered a near-perfect cabin layout.

Inside, the Tiguan comes with standout features, including a digital display replacing traditional gauges, a touch screen with Car-Net and MirrorLink integration, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a premium Fender sound system. The Allspace variant adds more luxury, featuring an 8-way adjustable, heated driver’s seat.

Safety equipment includes automatic emergency braking, active cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and autonomous emergency braking.

• Sales: 611,567 units
• Change compared to 2017: +10.3%

The Volkswagen Polo is a sleek and elegant vehicle from the German automaker that has been a hit in the European market for many years. In Vietnam, it competes with models such as the Toyota Yaris, Ford Fiesta, and the newly imported Honda Jazz from ASEAN.

The 2018 Volkswagen Polo is a revamped version with numerous updates that enhance driving performance, a sportier exterior, and a more refined interior. The 2018 model even won the “2018 World Urban Car” award, surpassing strong competitors like the Ford Fiesta and Suzuki Swift.

The new Polo features a more youthful, dynamic, and appealing design compared to the current model available in Vietnam. Its updated looks helped it win the “Urban Car of the Year” award in 2018, affirming its position as the top choice in its class.

The 2018 Volkswagen Polo comes with a 6.5-inch infotainment screen, CD player, and SMS functionality. Additionally, the vehicle integrates the Composition Media system, VW Car-Net “App-Connect,” making it more user-friendly. The Polo also offers other convenient features, such as automatic climate control, push-button start, power windows, and automatic wipers.

• Sales: 591,630 units
• Change compared to 2017: -2.9%

In its early generations, the CR-V was a basic, robust SUV with a large frame, spacious interior, and a sturdy build. At that time, comfort wasn’t a primary focus, and competition in the market was minimal. However, as the SUV segment grew, customer interest shifted, and the market became more competitive. This significantly impacted the CR-V’s market share, prompting Honda to act. In 2018, Honda introduced the fifth-generation CR-V (RW), packed with improvements and upgrades, aiming to reclaim its leading position in the market.

The new CR-V features several significant changes: a new turbocharged engine, an updated chassis, advanced driving assistance systems, and, most importantly, enhanced comfort. The RW model marks a complete overhaul, making it the model that customers had been eagerly anticipating.

The 2018 CR-V features redesigned lighting systems and a bold new grille, giving it a more striking and impressive appearance. A prominent chrome strip extends from the grille into the LED headlamps, with a pattern similar to that of the Honda Accord. On the higher trims, the CR-V is equipped with stylish 18” wheels (235/60R18 tires), while the lower trims come with 17” wheels (235/60 tires). The rear lights have also been upgraded to LED, showcasing an eye-catching new design.

The new CR-V comes with the Honda Sensing system, which includes a suite of advanced safety features such as Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), and Low-Speed Follow (LSF). These features use a wide-angle camera located behind the rearview mirror and a radar system with a 100-meter detection range to monitor and gather information. The ACC system performs flawlessly, maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, even in poor weather conditions.

The LSF system is equally effective. If a vehicle suddenly changes lanes and appears right in front of you, the system quickly detects it and applies the necessary braking force to reduce speed before the driver can react.

• Sales: 559,100 units
• Change compared to 2017: +4.6%

Unveiled at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show, the 2018 Toyota Camry is a new generation midsize sedan that brings a sportier style. Drawing inspiration from the Japanese automotive design language “Keen Look,” the 2018 Camry features a lower profile thanks to a lower front end, while maintaining its spacious interior. The vehicle is wider, longer, and more aerodynamic, with softer curves that enhance its sporty appeal. Specifically, the Camry is 0.7 inches wider, with a 2-inch longer wheelbase, a 1.6-inch lower height, and a 1-inch lower roofline. These changes lower the car's center of gravity, providing a more dynamic driving experience.

The 2018 Toyota Camry showcases a bolder, sportier look with the “Keen Look” design language. The vehicle's width is increased by 0.7 inches, and the wheelbase is extended by 2 inches, giving it a more aggressive stance. The roofline is lowered by 1 inch, and the overall height of the car is reduced by 1.6 inches. Additionally, both rows of seats have been positioned lower, lowering the vehicle's center of gravity for a more athletic driving feel. Visibility is also enhanced through a lower dashboard and redesigned A-pillars.

For the first time, the 2018 Toyota Camry introduces the Toyota Entune™ 3.0 infotainment system, offering a user-friendly interface and improved connectivity. The system includes features such as remote vehicle start, vehicle status notifications, and a vehicle locator. Additionally, the system can create a Wi-Fi hotspot, supporting up to 5 devices with 4G LTE data speeds. Toyota also uses premium materials in the cabin, from leather upholstery to wood trim and chrome accents.

• Sales: 532,070 units
• Change compared to 2017: -0.6%

The Chevrolet Silverado 2018, with its impressive design, new engine options, and a host of intelligent features, secured a spot among the best-selling vehicles of 2018. This success is a well-deserved reward for Chevrolet's bold decision to break free from tradition and embrace new values. While the Silverado 2018 stayed true to the brand's familiar design language, it incorporated groundbreaking changes that allow it to compete head-to-head with rivals like Ford. The Silverado 2018 is ideal for everything from daily commutes to weekend adventures, even simple tasks like driving the kids to school.

The biggest change for the 2018 Silverado lies under the hood. This full-size pickup now boasts a new 3.0L 6-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, designed to compete with similar powertrains from Ram and Ford. Additionally, a new 2.7L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine is available for the more affordable Silverado variants, offering a higher weight capacity. The Silverado also offers V8 engine options, including a 5.3L or 6.2L engine, both featuring the new Dynamic Fuel Management technology with 17 cylinder deactivation modes. This means that the V8 engine can deactivate up to 7 cylinders when unnecessary, improving fuel efficiency.

While the Silverado 2018 may not be the most aesthetically stunning, Chevrolet's design team has done a great job creating a modern, robust, and distinctive pickup that still respects the brand's traditional design elements. Inside, the Silverado impresses with its premium materials. However, compared to top competitors like the F-150 Platinum or Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn, the Silverado still falls short in some areas.

• Sales: 995,356 units
• Change compared to 2017: -2.6%

While the Toyota Vios is the best-selling model in Vietnam, the Corolla remains Toyota's global best-seller. Introduced in 1996, the Toyota Corolla is one of the most successful C-segment sedans worldwide. In its latest update, the Toyota Corolla Altis has added several new features to better meet the evolving demands of consumers.

The 2018 Toyota Corolla Altis focuses on significant upgrades, especially for the best-selling 1.8G CVT and 1.8E CVT versions. The most noticeable exterior change on both variants is the addition of LED daytime running lights, giving the car a fresh, modern look while enhancing visibility and durability. Additionally, the 2018 Corolla Altis introduces a new pearl white color option across all CVT models, alongside the existing color options of black, silver, brown, and white.

One key upgrade in the 2018 Toyota Corolla Altis is the inclusion of a cruise control system on all automatic transmission versions, a feature highly valued by long-distance drivers. Other notable updates include the addition of a smart keyless entry and start system on the 1.8G CVT version, and power-folding side mirrors on the 1.8E CVT version.

In terms of safety, the 1.8G CVT version adds an engine immobilizer, reducing the risk of theft and providing extra peace of mind for customers. Meanwhile, the 1.8E CVT version is equipped with rear parking sensors to assist with safer and more efficient driving.

• Sales: 896,776 units
• Change compared to 2017: +1.1%

The Ford F-150 once again claimed the top spot as the best-selling vehicle in the United States and ranked second globally in the past year. Since the debut of the F-series trucks in 1980, the F-series has never failed to impress pickup enthusiasts. The early F-Series trucks were offered with a range of sizes and engine options, from a 1-ton payload capacity to a 3-ton limit, with engines ranging from a 95-horsepower V6 to larger V8 engines with over 100 horsepower.

Although the F-Series was already incredibly diverse, the choices between the smaller F-100 and the heavy-duty F-250 caused some confusion among buyers. Ford streamlined the options, keeping just two main models: the F-150 and the Ranger, which remain staples of the lineup to this day. The F-150 has proven to be a strategic success, consistently driving F-series sales to new heights and becoming the brand's flagship model.

The Ford F-150 has long been synonymous with American muscle and rugged utility, a favorite among pickup enthusiasts. First launched in 1975, the F-150’s legacy as an iconic workhorse dates back even further, to the original Ford Model T Truck, which debuted over a century ago.

In 2018, marking 100 years since the introduction of the first Ford pickup, the Ford Model T Truck, Ford released a facelifted version of the F-150, its 13th generation, with subtle changes to the exterior. A century of history culminated in the continued dominance of the F-150, which remains the undisputed leader in the pickup market.

• Sales: 696,244 units
• Change compared to 2017: +1.8%

The 2018 Honda Civic is available in multiple variants globally, including Hatchback, Coupe, and Sedan. However, in Vietnam, only the Sedan version is offered. While it may not be as popular in the C-segment in Vietnam compared to competitors like the Mazda 3 or KIA Cerato, the Civic has a strong fan base worldwide.

Equipped with a 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, the Civic is one of the best performers in its class, offering impressive acceleration and excellent fuel efficiency. The interior provides comfortable seating, smart storage solutions, and more cargo space than most competitors in the segment. It also boasts a range of advanced safety features, which are highly regarded when compared to others in its class.

The 2018 Civic Sedan features a continuously variable transmission (CVT), a sunroof on the Civic L model, 17-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, a rear center armrest with drink holders, an 8-speaker audio system with two USB ports, a rearview camera with three adjustable views, a smart key with remote start, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with HondaLink, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, including navigation through the app.

However, the Civic has some drawbacks. The infotainment system is positioned too far from the driver's seat, making it harder to operate conveniently. Additionally, while the cargo space is generous, the sloped rear window makes it less practical for stacking taller items.