Honda CR-V is the world's best selling SUV

04/04/2013 - 15:44 | Honda CR-V, Honda | Shrawan Raja

For the year 2012, the Honda CR-V was the world's best selling SUV, clocking 635,256 units globally. The leadership position came easy, as the next best selling SUV, the Hyundai ix35 (known also as the Hyundai Tucson) managed a distant 494,453 units.

1/5 Suzuki cars sold globally may be in India, but our contribution to the Honda CR-V's rise to the top is negligible. Due to the absence of a diesel engine, and as positioned in a segment which is limited in size, India hasn't played a role to speak of in this feat.

At 295,096, the Renault/Dacia Duster is the eighth best selling SUV. Hyundai has two models in the top 10 list, with the Santa Fe finishing 10th with 237,562 units.

Volkswagen Tiguan front — The Tiguan's volumes benefit from the strong customer pull the product commands in China, one of the world's biggest SUV markets.

Neither the Ford EcoSport nor the Nissan Juke are to be seen in this list. Superstar brands Toyota Land Cruiser, Mercedes G Wagen and the Nissan Patrol are also not on the list as they are limited to certain markets and are on the pricier side.

However Ford does have a reason to celebrate, as the C-Segment Ford Kuga/Escape, just made the cut into the top 5.

With the Duster shining in India, and having impending launches in markets like South Africa and Indonesia, can it enter the top 5 in 2013? Will the Ford EcoSport, once available in 100 markets around the world, break into the top 5 or possibly 'own' this list?

Top 10 best selling SUV models for the year 2012 (sorted by place, model name, units)