Saving & Spending Home & Auto

The 5 Most Popular Cars Sold in New Jersey

Did your car make the list of the most popular vehicles in the Garden State?

By Jenny Cohen

Edited by Chris Kissell

Updated Dec. 17, 2024

Plenty of New Jersey residents rely on cars to get them around the Garden State. Some use their vehicles for pleasure trips, while others count on cars to help them make extra money as part of a side hustle.

But which vehicles are most favored by New Jersey drivers?

Vehicle website Edmunds has ranked the most popular vehicles in New Jersey based on the number of cars sold in the state in 2022. See if your vehicle made the list.

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5. Mazda CX-5

SUVs proved to be popular with New Jersey drivers during 2022, with four of the top five vehicles in the state falling into that category. One of those is the Mazda CX-5.

The new 2024 CX-5 has received high marks from Consumer Reports, which notes its responsive handling and smooth ride.

The vehicle is also a good choice if safety is a priority for you. It earned a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also named it a Top Safety Pick.

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4. Tesla Model Y

The Tesla Model Y was the only sedan to make the list of the top five most popular cars in New Jersey during 2022.

You might be surprised to see an electric vehicle so high on this list, but EVs make up a steadily increasing share of vehicles sold.

New Jersey is the only state in the country where by law, you cannot pump your own gas. That might make an electric vehicle appealing to drivers who want to take control of how they power their cars.

3. Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Jeep Grand Cherokee can be a good option for families or drivers who need extra interior space. The Cherokee offers an optional third row for extra seating when you take family and friends to the shore for a weekend.

But New Jersey drivers might want to check their budgets before deciding on a Grand Cherokee. The SUV gets an average of 19 miles per gallon in the city and 26 miles per gallon on highways, so it’s not terribly fuel-efficient.

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2. Toyota RAV4

Toyotas are extremely popular in many U.S. states. However, in New Jersey, the RAV4 was the only Toyota to make the top five in 2022.

One reason why the SUV may be popular with New Jersey residents is its price tag. The RAV4 has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $28,675, making it an affordable option for those who want an SUV.

The RAV4 also gets decent gas mileage — 27 miles per gallon in the city and 35 miles per gallon on the highway.

1. Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V finished in sixth place on the list of best-selling vehicles in the U.S. in 2023, with more than 360,000 units sold, according to Car and Driver.

In New Jersey, the CR-V reigned supreme as the most popular vehicle in the state during the previous year, 2022.

The SUV has a similar MSRP to the Toyota RAV4, with the 2024 model coming in with a starting price of $29,500. It also has an all-wheel drive option available, which can come in handy when dealing with snow, rain, and other nasty weather in New Jersey.