Ranking The Best-Selling Fords in 2026
Ford's overall sales are down in 2026, but these models remain popular
Ford has mirrored the general decline in U.S. auto sales across the industry to start the year. In the first quarter of 2026, the company sold 433,705 vehicles, a 9.2% year-on-year decline. EVs declined much more sharply than combustion-powered models, while overall truck sales-which make up the largest portion of Ford sales-went down by 11.3%. But what about individual models? These are the top 5 best-selling Ford models of the year so far, ranked from lowest- to highest-selling.
Related: Ford Built More Vehicles in the U.S. Than Anyone Else in 2025
5. Ford Maverick: 33,861 Sales
With 33,861 units sold in Q1 2026, Ford's smallest pickup truck saw a decline in sales of 10.9%. However, it still easily outsold its only true rival in the compact pickup segment, the Hyundai Santa Cruz, which managed sales of just 4,544 over the same period.
Of all Mavericks sold in Q1, just over half (17,050) were hybrid models, making it America's most popular hybrid pickup. Ford has also been seeing strong demand for the base Maverick XL, its cheapest new vehicle at $27,145 (when equipped with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine). It may be too small for many truck fans, but the Maverick has become a reliably strong seller for the Blue Oval.
4. Ford Transit: 34,248 Sales
In fourth spot, the Transit was the best-selling van across the country last quarter. That was a decrease of just 1%, as the van managed 34,580 sales in Q1 2025. Cheaper than the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and far more modern than the archaic Chevrolet Express/GMC Savana twins, the Transit offers exactly what its target market needs. You can seat up to 15 people in the passenger version or transport a massive amount of stuff in the Cargo Van. An available turbo V6 provides enough power, although certain rivals can tow more. As an overall package, though, it's hard to beat in the utility van segment.
3. Ford Bronco Sport: 35,021 Sales
With the Escape gone, Ford fans looking for a reasonably affordable SUV must consider other options. That's where the Bronco Sport comes in. It's not nearly as capable over the rough stuff as the Bronco, but the Bronco Sport's more maneuverable size and better efficiency make it a more sensible option for many. Unlike most of the other Fords here, Bronco Sport sales were up last quarter, with a 5% jump over Q1 2025. At $31,845 for the base model, it's one of the most affordable new Fords you can buy, and it can be customized to a similar degree as the pricier Bronco-just without the hardcore off-roading equipment.
2. Ford Explorer: 61,387 Sales
The Explorer has been a highlight for Ford this year, with a 29.7% jump in sales to keep its lead as the top-selling three-row SUV in the country. Combined sales of the cheaper Active and ST-Line trims increased by 36.8%, but they weren't the fastest-growing models in the range: the Platinum and off-road-focused Tremor saw combined sales rise by 64.5%.
Despite not being as modern or premium-feeling as rivals like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade, the Ford's handsome looks and available 400-horsepower V6 continue to serve it well. Together with the Bronco and Expedition, sales of larger Ford SUVs have thrived in the first few months of the year.
Related: Ford's Large SUVs Had Best February Sales in 26 Years
1. Ford F-Series: 159,901 Sales
It should come as little surprise that Ford's F-Series is far and away the best-selling model from the brand to start 2026, with just under 160,000 full-size pickups sold. That's a 16% dip compared to Q1 2025, though, when Ford moved over 190,000 F-Series units. Still, the F-Series remains the best-selling pickup line in the country-outselling its closest rival by 31,000 trucks-and it's moving up as the year progresses, with March being its strongest month (62,238 trucks sold). The F-150 Hybrid sold 12,904 units, making it the best-selling full-size hybrid truck in Q1.
The sheer breadth of the F-Series range has helped keep it ahead of rivals. There's a dizzying variety of powertrains, body styles, and trims to choose from. Performance fans can also splurge on the F-150 Raptor in V6 or V8 form.
The F-Series will be under increasing pressure later in the year, though. GM's pickup twins-the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra-will enter a new generation. These pickups are bound to introduce new tech and powertrains that will threaten Ford's dominance.
Related: Thinking about buying a Ford F-150? Here are other top choices to consider
Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
This story was originally published April 17, 2026 at 7:30 AM.