Top 10 Best-Selling EVs in the U.S. — First Half of 2026: Model Y Holds #1 Spot, IONIQ 5 Tops Non-Tesla Segment

In the first half of 2026, the U.S. electric vehicle market stabilized gradually following the phaseout of federal tax credits. According to Kelley Blue Book (KBB), approximately 463,000 EVs were sold nationwide in the first six months — down roughly 10% year-on-year from 2025. Yet the market structure is rapidly diverging: Tesla continues to lead, while several new EV models from traditional automakers are beginning to show competitive strength.

Data shows Tesla maintained a 50.5% market share, with Model Y topping the list at 163,454 units sold — up 8.8% year-on-year. Model 3 ranked second with 66,616 units, though sales fell 34.3% YoY. Notably, Tesla recently launched the six-seat long-wheelbase Model Y L in the U.S., potentially adding momentum for H2 sales.

Among non-Tesla models, Hyundai's IONIQ 5 claimed the title of best-selling non-Tesla EV in the U.S. during H1 2026, with 20,730 units sold — up 8.6% YoY — narrowly edging out TOYOTA's bZ (17,553 units, +89.8%) and Chevrolet's Equinox EV (16,249 units, -41.4%). Though TOYOTA's bZ posted strong growth, its absolute volume remains below IONIQ 5's; meanwhile, Equinox EV — GM's flagship electric SUV — saw a sharp sales decline.

Other top-10 models include the Rivian R1S (11,677 units, +1.5%), Ford's Mustang Mach-E (11,632 units, -46.6%), Honda's Prologue (8,407 units, -48.5%), Lexus RZ (7,814 units, +106.8%), and Cadillac's Lyriq (7,578 units, -18.7%). Among them, the RZ posted the highest growth rate but still lags far behind in absolute volume; Mach-E and Prologue continue facing pressure due to lack of model updates.

By brand, Chevrolet ranked second after Tesla with 28,267 units sold and a 6% market share; Hyundai followed closely with 5.8%; Cadillac took fourth place at 4.9%; and TOYOTA came fifth at 4.8%. Notably, TOYOTA confirmed this week it will delay production of its 2027 Highlander BEV — originally slated for launch by end-2026 alongside Lexus's TZ and Subaru's Getaway.

KBB emphasizes these figures represent estimates compiled from multiple sources, as not all automakers publicly disclose U.S. model-level sales data — meaning actual numbers may vary slightly. With upcoming deliveries of the Rivian R2, BMW iX3, Ford's $30,000 midsize electric pickup, and Kia's EV3, the H2 2026 sales landscape could shift significantly.