Top-Selling Vehicles of 2016: Comprehensive Guide to Popular Cars Across Categories

Explore the top-selling vehicles of 2016 across various categories including subcompact cars, SUVs, sedans, and luxury models. This detailed guide highlights key features, market trends, and what made these vehicles popular among consumers. Discover the best options for reliability, performance, safety, and style from that year, offering valuable insights into automotive preferences and industry leaders.

Top-Selling Vehicles of 2016: An In-Depth Look at the Best Picks in Each Segment

The year 2016 showcased numerous vehicles that captured the attention of consumers globally, owing to their impressive blend of fuel efficiency, performance capabilities, innovative features, and aesthetic appeal. Automotive manufacturers released a wide array of models, but only a select few managed to dominate their respective categories, resonating with the needs and preferences of a broad customer base. These vehicles not only offered excellent value but also set benchmarks for quality, safety, and comfort. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the top-selling vehicles across different segments in 2016, highlighting their key features, price points, and what made them stand out in a competitive market.

Subcompact Cars: The Honda Fit
Priced around $20,000, the Honda Fit stood out as a highly versatile and fuel-efficient subcompact vehicle. Known for its excellent maneuverability, the Honda Fit is ideal for urban dwellers, singles, and small families seeking an economical yet spacious option. Despite its small footprint, the Fit offers approximately 33 miles per gallon (mpg) in combined city and highway driving, making it a leader in its class for fuel economy. Its clever interior design includes versatile seating configurations, such as the Magic Seat, which can fold flat or enable tall-item storage, maximizing cargo space in a compact frame. The Fit's reputation for reliability, combined with advanced safety features like collision mitigation and lane departure warning, contributed to its popularity among budget-conscious consumers seeking practicality without sacrificing style.

Compact Cars: The Subaru Impreza
The Subaru Impreza gained recognition for its balance of size, comfort, and safety. Priced competitively in the compact segment, it offers a spacious interior, ideal for small families or commuters needing a reliable vehicle. The Impreza includes standard all-wheel drive, enhancing stability and handling across diverse driving conditions. It also features advanced safety technologies such as EyeSight Driver Assist, which includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, and lane keep assist. Fed by its efficient design, the Impreza delivers around 26-27 mpg combined, making it a cost-effective choice for daily driving. Its reputation for durability, combined with a user-friendly infotainment system, helped it secure a prominent spot in 2016's best-selling models.

Mid-Size Sedans: The Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry continued its dominance in the mid-size sedan category in 2016 with a refined appearance and improved performance. Featuring a sophisticated yet straightforward design, the Camry appeals to drivers prioritizing reliability and comfort. The interior showcases high-quality materials, an intuitive infotainment system with touchscreen controls, and comprehensive safety sensors, including rearview cameras and collision avoidance systems. Fuel efficiency for the 2016 models averaged around 25-27 mpg, depending on the engine configuration. The Camry's reputation for longevity, combined with its smooth ride and solid handling, makes it a top choice among midsize sedans, particularly for families and daily commuters.

Small SUVs: The Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester offered an excellent combination of visibility, handling, and capability, making it a favorite among active families and outdoor enthusiasts. It boasts a handling agility that suits city driving as well as rugged off-road capabilities in certain trims. The 26 mpg combined fuel efficiency, paired with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, ensures excellent traction across varied terrains. Its spacious interior includes ample cargo space and comfortable seating for five, making long trips and daily errands more enjoyable. Safety features such as Subaru’s EyeSight system, pre-collision braking, and lane departure warning contributed significantly to its popularity, alongside its reputation for reliability and longevity.

Luxury SUVs: Lexus RX
The Lexus RX maintained its status as a luxury SUV leader with a facelift that introduced a more modern grille, sharper body lines, and a refined aerodynamic profile. Offering a luxury experience, the RX combines high-performance engines with fuel economy ranges from 22 to 29 mpg, depending on the model. It features a plush interior, advanced navigation systems, premium audio options, and comprehensive safety technology, including adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The precise handling, superior ride quality, and elegant design made it a preferred choice among affluent buyers looking for versatility, style, and performance in a luxury package. The Lexus RX’s blend of technology and comfort helped it sustain its top-selling position in 2016.

Large Cars: Chevrolet Impala
The Chevrolet Impala distinguished itself in the large car segment by offering bold styling coupled with impressive handling attributes. Its spacious interior features user-friendly interfaces, plush seating, and advanced infotainment options, making it suitable for families and executives alike. The vehicle's safety features include high-end sensors, collision mitigation systems, and a robust chassis that ensures stability on the road. With engine options delivering smooth acceleration and fuel economy averaging around 22-24 mpg, the Impala strikes a compelling balance between power and efficiency. Its stylish exterior and refined driving experience cemented its reputation as one of the top large sedans in 2016.

Additional notable models in 2016 included the Mazda MX-5 Miata, celebrated for its sporty handling; the Kia Sorento, known for its comfort and versatility in the midsize SUV category; the Ford F-150 pickup truck, revered for its power and durability; and the Toyota Sienna minivan, appreciated for its spaciousness and family-friendly features. Overall, 2016 showcased a diverse lineup of best-selling vehicles that aimed to meet a broad spectrum of consumer needs, from eco-conscious urban commuters to luxury seekers and adventure lovers.