There's no doubt that pickup trucks dominated the sales charts for 2020, proving that shoppers are increasingly opting for large, brawny vehicles and they're willing to pay the price. At the same time, that price is climbing fast with the average pickup truck going for over $50,000 last year. But what about the shoppers who want the best driving experience, value, and fuel efficiency for their money? On the other end of the spectrum is the passenger car segment, and there are plenty of excellent options to choose from. The top five best-selling passenger cars from the first three-quarters of 2020 offer dependability, performance, and efficiency, all at a comfortable price.
1. 2020 Toyota Camry
The top best-selling passenger car for 2020 is the Toyota Camry with 204,945 units sold. The midsize Camry blends the reliability and ample space of a family sedan with the performance of a sports sedan, especially in the TRD trim. The Camry TRD gets suspension and chassis upgrades for a thrilling driving experience.
The Toyota Camry's base engine is a fuel-efficient four-cylinder which makes 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The top trims including the XLE, XSE, and TRD come with a 301-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 that offers faster acceleration. New for 2020 is available AWD which can be added across the lineup for an additional $1,400.
Starting MSRP: $24,425
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2. 2020 Honda Civic
Shoppers flocked to the sporty Honda Civic in 2020 earning it a second-place finish for passenger car sales with 200,941 units sold through October. The compact passenger car offers a surprisingly spacious cabin and a roomy trunk. It also presents an engaging driving experience with crisp and responsive steering.
Engine options are plentiful ranging from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque to a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 180 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. Shoppers looking for even more driving fun should opt for the Civic Si (1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 205 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque) or the Civic Type R (2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 306 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque).
Starting MSRP: $21,050
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3. 2020 Toyota Corolla
Redesigned for 2020, the Toyota Corolla's new styling and improved handling transformed it into a truly desirable car helping it land in the #3 spot with sales of 166,213 units. The 2020 Corolla sedan gets sportier styling elements but it retains a sophisticated exterior compared with the youthful and dramatic styling of the Corolla Hatchback. The 2020 Corolla rides on Toyota's TNGA platform for a smoother and more connected driving experience.
The Corolla sedan's base engine is a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 139 horsepower and there's also an optional 2.0-liter four-cylinder (standard on the hatchback) which makes 169 horsepower for livelier acceleration. In addition to its improved driving experience, the Corolla offers class-leading fuel efficiency with up to 31 city/40 highway.
Starting MSRP: $19,600
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4. 2020 Honda Accord
Honda's popular midsize sedan sold a total of 145,291 units in 2020 which is enough to earn it a spot on the top 5 list of best-selling passenger cars. As one of the best family sedans on the market, the Accord is roomy, fuel-efficient, fun to drive, and offers shoppers two potent gas engines and a hybrid model.
The base engine is a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 192 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. A more potent 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is available and gets 252 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The Accord Hybrid has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors that produce a combined 212 horsepower and an impressive MPG of 48 mpg in the city and 47 mpg on the highway.
Starting MSRP: $24,270
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5. 2020 Nissan Altima
The final passenger car to make the list of best-sellers is the 2020 Nissan Altima which comes in at 97,082 units sold through October. The Altima received a significant redesign in 2019 and now offers an attractive exterior, smooth ride, and excellent fuel economy.
Both of the Altima's engine options offer ample power for daily driving. The base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. Top trims offer a beefier 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine rated at 248 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The Altima's base engine is extremely fuel-efficient with 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway and unlike many family sedans that offer only front-wheel driver, the Altima is available with AWD to tackle tough driving conditions.
Starting MSRP: $24,300
