Top 10 Most Sold Cars in Nigeria

With the 2023 year coming to an end, reports have finally emerged for the top-selling cars in Nigeria this year. According to reports, these cars are Toyota, Honda, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz vehicles, with Toyota vehicles being the most popular.

This report also noted that of all these vehicle brands, their automatic versions were most sold compared to manual transmissions. Also, the Nigerian-used models of these vehicles were the most sold in the market.

The report shows Toyota Cars selling over 500 Nigerian used vehicles monthly and over 1,000 foreign used monthly as well. The next brand that comes close after the Toyota is the Honda which had an average of 450 sales monthly.

Why? The report notes that the average Nigerian car buyer is interested in Toyota and Honda vehicles compared to Range Rover, Mercedes and Lexus.

Despite the recorded sales of cars in Nigeria, The Cable reported that stakeholders in Nigeria denied the National Bureau of Statistics data that vehicle importation in Nigeria rose by 708% in 2023. The NBS data noted that the nation’s vehicle importation grew the most in the second quarter of 2023, with the value of imported cars reaching N728 billion, with 99% of these vehicles coming from the US, leaving Belgium, and the United Arab Emirates with 1%.

However, stakeholders refuted this claim, saying that vehicle importation has been struggling in Nigeria in the past few years, and being worse in 2023. Stakeholders listed factors such as the high volatility of the Naira, high exchange rates and increased custom import tariffs as causes.

But despite these claims, here’s a breakdown of the top 10 most sold cars in Nigeria this 2023.

1. The Toyota Corolla

Is there a list of the most sold cars in Nigeria without the Corolla? This car has to be the first on the list. It is arguably one of the most popular cars in Nigeria. Everyone knows the Toyota brand is affordable, convenient, and reliable, being reformed into a more technologically informed vehicle by the release of its most recent model. You can not bypass any road in Nigeria without seeing this car at least three times. 

In 2023, the Corolla was not just the most popular car for Uber or ride-hailing apps, but also, many Nigerians who were buying cars preferred it over many other competitors. The low cost of the car is one of the many reasons it is appreciated nationally. The Toyota Camry (old model) can go for between N3 to N5 million in the market. It is a car that can fit into many lifestyles. 

2. The Toyota Camry

Of course, after the Corolla, its older brother, Camry has to also be there because Nigerians just love them like that. The Camry is arguably one of the most sold cars in Nigeria this 2023. Everyone knows the Toyota brand is affordable, convenient, and reliable, being reformed into a more technologically informed vehicle by the release of its most recent model. 

You can not bypass any road in Nigeria without seeing this car at least three times. It is one of the most popular cars for Uber or ride-hailing apps. The low cost of the car is one of the many reasons it is appreciated nationally. The Toyota Camry (old model) can go for between N3 and N7 million in the market. It is a car that can fit into many lifestyles. 

3. The Honda Accord

When we talk about Honda cars that are people’s favourite in Nigeria, there always has to be the Accord, and it happened again in 2023. It is a car that is highly recommended in car dealerships. When it comes to affordability, this is another excellent find. It has been praised for its smart styling and unbeatable fuel efficiency. This car appeals to the public because of its great value. 

But, one of the negative aspects of the cars is that if they are not given adequate maintenance, their durability and performance begin to wane over a while. The car is also cheap, with a starting market price of around N3 million for used models. It is a good and practical vehicle.

4. The Mercedes-Benz GLK

If we didn’t include the GLK to this list then there’s no list, because many young Nigerians went hard for this SUV in 2023. The Mercedes-Benz brand creates some of the best, most powerful, and longest-lasting premium vehicles worldwide. In Nigeria, many Mercedes Benz car owners take pride in their vehicles’ powerful engines and useful fuel-saving features. 

The compact luxury crossover SUV is a Mercedes midsize SUV loved mainly by Nigerians. This car is seen chiefly amongst Nigerian youths, and used models are scattered across the Nigerian market. Although discontinued, you’ll find used models of the GLK in Nigeria starting from N7 million and above.

5. The Lexus RX

We cannot end this list without the honourable mention of the Lexus RX model. This vehicle needs no introduction in Nigeria because it’s loved by people from all classes. It is in a class of its own when it comes to popularity, and many Nigerian celebrities went after this RX this year like never before

It has seen a huge surge in sales in recent years, contending with the likes of Ford. It is a low-cost jeep that is popular among the general public. It exudes class and quality, making it a top seller. The Lexus brand has become one of the go-to’s and is known for its stunning design and sleek trims and edges. The Lexus RX 350 has a starting price list of N9 million. 

6. Lexus LX600

The 2023 Lexus LX600 is certainly on the list of the most sold cars in Nigeria because almost every wealthy person in Nigeria and politician wanted one for themselves. The LX600 2023 is better than its predecessor, the 570, but it still has a lot of the same parts and habits. It’s still a well-made and amazing piece of machinery, but it’s best at going off-road. But the LX doesn’t offer the kind of modern comfort you’d expect from a car that costs this much. Most owners would be better off with a different car.

For 2023, only small changes are made to the Lexus LX 600, which came out in 2022. All models now come with a heated steering wheel as standard, and the top model, the Ultra Luxury, has new Takanoha wood trim and an optional Sunflare brown interior. Also, if you choose the rear entertainment system with two screens, the screens now come with covers.

7. The Toyota Highlander 

Talk about luxury, ruggedness and affordability, all in one. Toyota Highlander has got it all. The spacious SUV is preferred by many in Nigeria. The size makes it great for a lot of purposes, such as a family car. Furthermore, it is quite affordable. The upper-class citizens would find it really affordable and the lower-class citizens might even be able to afford it with some savings or some car loans.

8. Toyota RAV4 

The Toyota RAV4 is one SUV that many Nigerians love driving. From the older models to the most recent ones, Toyota has consistently delivered quality, which has continued to capture the attention of many Nigerians. Today, you’ll find several Nigerians driving old RAV4 Toyota that goes as far back as 2010. That’s how much this car is famous and loved in the country.

9. Mercedes Benz G Wagon

Nigerian drivers who want style and speed favour Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon. It is renowned for its construction, toughness, durability, and speed. It is not only one of the most well-known models of the automobile brand. It is also the vehicle primarily associated with the wealthy Nigerian class. The likes of Davido and Burna Boy own it. The average price of these cars began at about eight million and has since climbed to over a hundred million. 

10. Hyundai Sonata

The Sonata is one of Hyundai’s sedans that is quite popular in Nigeria. One Nigerian city where you’ll quickly find this car is Lagos state, which enjoys a lot of popularity. The exciting thing about the Sonata is that it measures up well to the Corolla, Camry, Civic, and other sedans that dominate the Nigerian market. Many Nigerians are going after this car because Hyundai continues improving its quality.