NJ drivers are a discerning bunch and consider many factors when buying a new car to roll down New Jersey's busy highways. So, what is the most popular new SUV in the great state of New Jersey? We’ve compiled a list of the most popular and best-selling SUVs based on NJ MVC registrations, State-based media, financial data, Nielsen Editorial, and other industry media sources.

The Popular Jeep Grand Cherokee 

The Jeep Grand Cherokee regularly is the most popular Jeep model in New Jersey year-over-year and the most popular American car on this list. The Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Jeep Cherokee have very affordable starting price points, which is one reason those looking to drive one of the best SUVs in NJ, test drive the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

An average of 10,000+ Jeep Grand Cherokees are registered annually in New Jersey each year, making it one of the most popular SUVs in NJ.2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Incentives, Specials & Offers in Auburn ME

Unlike most of the Jeep Grand Cherokee competitors, the Jeep Cherokee and the Jeep Grand Cherokee are very capable off-road vehicles, which is why NJ drivers searching for the safest vehicles in New Jersey choose the Jeep brand; there is little chance you’ll get stuck on New Jersey’s snowy roads in the winter or mud in the spring and summer. There’s nothing worse than being stuck on the side of New Jersey’s busy roads.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is also one of the best options for families or drivers who need extra interior space. With an optional third row for extra seating when you take family and friends to all the great spots New Jersey has to offer.

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The Best-selling Ford Explorer SUV

2024 Ford Explorer Incentives, Specials & Offers in Central Square NYThe Ford Explorer stands out among other SUVs in New Jersey with its competitive features and capabilities. Compared to competitors like the Honda Pilot, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Chevrolet Traverse, the Ford Explorer excels in certain areas that are important to NJ drivers. Better ground clearance is something NJ drivers want to see when buying a new SUV. The Ford Explorer matches or surpasses its competitors, which not only allows for driving on rugged terrain but also helps on New Jersey roads to avoid damage from debris on the road or even that pesky curb or parking lot barrier all NJ drivers have a run in with from time-to-time.


Another reason for the Ford Explorer’s popularity among NJ drivers is that it has options to seat up to seven passengers. Moms love the captain's chairs (a sought-after feature for moms looking for the best SUVs in NJ).

On average, over 8,000 new Ford Explorers are registered in New Jersey annually.

These features, coupled with Ford’s popular financing and lease specials, position the Ford Explorer as a popular choice and best-selling SUV in NJ. 

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Another Popular Choice for NJ drivers, the Chevy Equinox2024 Equinox Features & Specs | Bob Steele Chevrolet

The Chevy Equinox is a popular SUV choice for NJ drivers; for both its sturdy size, attractive price points, and generous features, it’s no wonder it’s popular in NJ.

The Chevy Equinox boasts an average of over 6,000 new registrations annually in the Garden State.

The Chevy Equinox has affordable starting points and is backed by one of America’s greatest car brands. Chevrolet has a rich history in NJ with the first Chevrolet dealership opening in the Garden State in 1937.

The Chevy Equinox boasts must-have safety features, with some of the best technology and convenience features in its class and in the New Jersey new SUV market. From Chevy’s Safety Assist technology as a standard option to versatile and immersive cargo space that includes hidden storage areas under the rear cargo floor and a 60/40-fold down rear seat configuration to allow for both passengers and cargo.

Check this out.
The Equinox has options for Alexa Built-in and in-vehicle Wi-Fi. The Chevy Equinox may just be the MOST popular family SUV in NJ, at least with your passengers. 

#1 for new vehicle quality by JD Powers.
If you’re looking for an SUV for yourself, the family, or even a new driver, the Equinox is a must-see. It combines all the features you want in an SUV with safety and style at one of the best starting prices in this SUV lineup.

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Classic and Popular New Jersey Favorite, the Jeep Wrangler2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Incentives, Specials & Offers in North Attleboro MA

Is the Jeep Wrangler a popular SUV in NJ? Is it even an SUV?
The Jeep Wrangler fits into the SUV category, but it’s so much more than just a best-selling SUV; it is popular in New Jersey (and everywhere else) for so many reasons:

It is unique. The iconic Jeep Wrangler design has never been copied (others have tried). Its unique look makes it a head-turner that appeals to NJ drivers. Jeep has introduced a variety of amazing and creative new colors to allow NJ drivers to show off their personalities and their cool ride.

Off-Roading: The Jeep Wrangler’s legendary 4X4 off-road capabilities, coupled with the great places to offroad in New Jersey, areas like Jenny Jump State Forest, Stokes State Forest, Abram S. Hewitt State Forest, Ramapo State Forest, Norvin Green State Forest that are near Nielsen’s NJ Jeep Dealerships.

Cult-Like Following: The Wrangler has a cult-like following, especially in North Jersey, where owners use it as a daily driver. The Jeep Wrangler has been a North Jersey favorite and popular choice for NJ SUV drivers for decades.

Longevity: Possibly the #1 reason the Jeep Wrangler is a best-selling SUV and maintains its most popular SUV in NJ status is its quality and reliability. Over 80% of the 5 million Wranglers sold since 1986 are still on the road!  Nielsen Auto Group’s Jeep dealerships in NJ have been providing authorized Jeep service in NJ for a very long time, and we know first-hand that the reliability of the Jeep Wrangler resonates with drivers in New Jersey.

On average, there are over 7,000 new Jeep Wranglers registered in New Jersey annually.

View the Jeep Wrangler

A popular choice across the state– Nissan RogueNew 2024 Nissan Rogue, Bowling Green Model Research, Toledo Research, Detroit Showroom, Fort Wayne Vehicle Showroom - Thayer Nissan

The Nissan Rogue is a long-standing favorite among SUV drivers. Known for its comfort, safety, and reliability, the Nissan Rogue in 2023 topped many lists as the best-selling vehicle in the nation, with over 271,000 SUVs purchased.

With impressive gas mileage numbers and enough horsepower to tackle any hill New Jersey can throw its way, the Nissan Rogue is an SUV that is both affordable and desirable for NJ drivers.
 

Loved by moms and families, the Rogue is the total package. All when driving for traction, stability, and maybe a little off-road adventure. A premium interior that exudes comfort and style and enough cargo space to haul just about anything you want to take from point A to B and even a few letters more.
 

The popular Nissan Rogue has all the features the family desires in an SUV: Wireless Apple car play, front and rear USB charge ports, a large driver's touchscreen, and even a customizable digital dash to display the most important items right in the driver's view. A popular SUV must-have feature is the ability to stay connected to your SUV and access features from afar with the MyNissan mobile app and access options such as remote start and roadside assistance.

SUPERMOM FEATURE
Secure LATCH-compatible child seats in any rear seating position: rear-facing, forward-facing, or in a booster seat, even in the middle position of the second row. The butterfly opening center console keeps the view of the rear seat open. 

And of course, it’s safety first with Nissan.
How could any SUV make the most popular SUV in NJ list without an abundance of safety features. The Rogue offers driver assist and safety features standard with Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 technology. Front and rear automatic braking systems, blind spot warnings, rear cross traffic alerts, lane departure warnings, just to name a few.
 

The Nissan Rogue is a popular SUV in NJ with families, moms and just about anyone looking for a solid choice in both value and quality. The Nissan Rogue has it all.

View the Nissan Rogue

An electric upgrade for Nissan fans- Nissan Ariya

Nissan%20ARIYA.pngIf you’re one of the many NJ drivers who already love the Nissan Rogue, but you’re curious about going electric, the Nissan Ariya can be your next move. It takes everything drivers appreciate about Nissan SUVs (we’re talking comfort, safety, and a sleek design) and adds the quiet confidence of fully electric driving.
 
The Ariya is Nissan’s first all-electric SUV, and it’s making waves across the Garden State for good reason. With an available 304 miles of range, optional e-4ORCE all-wheel drive, and a seriously smooth ride, it’s perfect for commuters, young families, or anyone who’s tired of pulling into a gas station every week.
 
The Ariya’s interior features a surprisingly spacious and upscale cabin that comes complete with a flat floor, ambient lighting, and Nissan’s innovative ProPILOT Assist 2.0, which includes hands-free highway driving support that comes in extra handy on those long stretches of Route 80 or the Turnpike.
 
It’s like the Rogue got a tech upgrade, a spa day, and a charging port.
 
While it’s still new to NJ roads, the Ariya is already gaining traction with EV shoppers who want something approachable, stylish, and practical. In 2024, the Ariya’s sales were up 47% over the previous year, making it one of the fastest-growing SUVs in popularity. And as more New Jersey drivers go electric, expect to see a lot more Ariyas charging up near you.
 
 

Rising in the ranks - Kia Telluride

New 2024 Kia Telluride SX-Prestige X-Line 4D Sport Utility in Williamsburg #4K426 | Williamsburg Kia

Ever since its recent redesign, the Kia Telluride is fast becoming a popular choice for SUVs in NJ and has quickly given other popular SUVs a run for their money
 

A popular pick and Car and Driver top pick for an SUV with third-row seating, Luxurious cabin, upscale seating, and head-turning rugged styling, the Kia Telluride is becoming a best-selling SUV in NJ at a rapid pace.

Loved by moms and families, the popular “adult-sized” third row increases the passenger capacity while remaining a midsize SUV, making it easier for NJ drivers to navigate tight side streets, park, and drive.
 

The popular Kia Telluride is fast becoming a best-selling SUV for Kia and New Jersey. NJ drivers will be hard-pressed to find a more popular SUV better equipped to move seven to eight people.

If you like the Kia Telluride, you may also want to include it on your list when shopping for the best-selling and popular SUV in NJ: the Kia’s cousin, the Hyundai Palisade. It shares many of the Kia's great features, but some say it has a more luxurious personality.
 

Big, bold, and 100% electric - Hyundai IONIQ 9

Hyundai%20IONIQ%209.pngNew to New Jersey roads and already turning heads, the Hyundai IONIQ 9 is Hyundai’s fully electric, three-row SUV — and it’s ready to give gas-powered giants some serious competition. If you’ve ever looked at a Telluride or Palisade and thought, “I wish they made that in electric,” there’s good news: Now they do.
 
The IONIQ 9 is designed for families who need space, comfort, and cargo room — but who also want it all without a gas tank. With seating for up to seven passengers, a modern minimalist interior, and an expected 300+ miles of range, this EV saves fuel while also elevating everything from daily commutes to Shore weekends.
 
You’ll find premium touches inside the IONIQ 9’s cabin, including available captain’s chairs, a flat floor for easy movement, and enough legroom to keep teenagers from complaining (too much). It’s packed with Hyundai’s latest safety and driver-assist tech — like advanced lane keeping, smart cruise control, and a surround-view monitor that’s perfect for navigating tight parking lots at ShopRite or school pickup zones.
 
It’s like the Palisade got a promotion and now runs on electricity.
 
The IONIQ 9 is getting lots of buzz, especially from EV shoppers who don’t want to sacrifice space or comfort for efficiency. The IONIQ 5 has been one of the best selling EVs in the U.S., which is why Hyundai has expanded this line of vehicles. With fast-charging capability, a long list of high-end features, and no need to stop for gas, the IONIQ 9 is a rising star in New Jersey’s SUV lineup.
 
 

Toyota RAV4 and Honda CRV

Even though Nielsen Auto Group dealerships do not sell New Honda CRVs or New Toyota RAV4s, we recognize their place on the list of the most popular and best-selling SUVs in NJ.

Toyota's RAV4 SUV and Honda’s CRV are both quality choices for SUV shoppers and offer great safety features and reliability. Both models break the 5,000 new registration mark annually in NJ.

When it comes to the reliability of a used Honda CRV and a used Toyota RAV4, NJ drivers can rest easy. All Nielsen Auto Group Dealerships, as well as our dedicated Used Car Centers and Nielsen Express Lane, used car dealerships, sell pre-owned models of the popular Honda CRV and Toyota RAV4 SUVs. All of Nielsen’s used car dealerships in NJ are easy to get to from almost anywhere in the state; if you’re looking for a used version of any of these popular SUVs in NJ, view our complete used car inventory.
 

Helpful Links for Popular and Best-Selling SUVs in NJ


Nielsen Editorial is a division of Nielsen Automotive Group. All content is for editorial purposes only. Any reference to pricing, vehicle features, availability, programs, specials, etc., are for editorial purposes only and are non-binding. Dealerships (Nielsen and others) are not bound by or obligated to any claims, monetary or otherwise, within these articles. Articles are for reference purposes only. For specific questions about new cars in New Jersey, used cars in New Jersey, or other automotive, vehicle, or financial-related questions, contact the Nielsen Automotive Group directly.
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