Many people have moved out of crowded cities in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting a new wave of vehicle ownership and a desire for crossovers and SUVs as families take to the road for safe fun, said Mark Roszkowski, chief revenue officer of online used-car retailer Vroom. Trucks and SUVs were also popular this year as gas prices remained low.
Vroom saw the most growth in sales of the Hyundai Tucson, which increased 165% year over year, Roszkowski noted.
Here are the top five most popular cars purchased by Vroom customers in 2020:
Ford F-150: ‘Beast with Brains’

It’s no surprise the Ford F-150 was the most popular with Vroom buyers in 2020, as it has led the pack for six years in a row, Roszkowski said. Vroom’s 2020 models start at $36,980.
Ford is launching multiple F-150 model options in 2021, including the Ford F-150 Tremor, described by the company as a “beast with brains.”
The Tremor “builds on the tough, towing and payload that is F-150 and takes it off road,” according to Ford’s website. The model boasts a higher ride height, 33-inch all-terrain tires and 18-inch aluminum wheels, along with a 12-inch touchscreen on the interior. The truck can be used as a mobile generator and offers a 3.5-liter, full hybrid V6 engine wielding up to 7.2 kilowatts of exportable power.
Jeep Grand Cherokee: Sophisticated, powerful

The Jeep Grand Cherokee was the second-most popular car with Vroom shoppers, with 2020 models starting at $31,980. Jeep describes the 2021 model as “a sophisticated SUV with serious power” and the ability to tow up to 7,200 pounds.
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk and SRT are built for speed with a 6.2-liter V8 engine and a 6.4-liter V8 engine, respectively, according to Jeep’s website. The new Grand Cherokee models, starting at $34,220, feature touchscreen technology, smartphone compatibility and Wi-Fi hotspot connection.
Nissan Rogue: Five drive modes

Vroom saw a 144% YoY increase in the number of Nissan Rogues sold to customers in 2020, Roszkowski said. Vroom’s 2020 models start at $20,980.
The 2021 Rogue, with options starting at $25,650, features three high-tech displays for increased connectivity, all-wheel drive with power to front and rear wheels when needed, and the ability to switch “seamlessly from pavement to dirt with the twist of a dial,” according to Nissan’s website. The Rogue offers five drive modes — sport, off-road, snow, auto and eco.
Jeep Wrangler: First Jeep hybrid

The fourth-most popular purchase on Vroom’s platform this year was the Jeep Wrangler, with 2020 models starting at $33,480.
Jeep is introducing the Jeep Wrangler 4xe, the “first Jeep Brand hybrid in North America,” in first quarter of 2021. The 4xe has an estimated total driving range of 400 miles, according to the manufacturer’s website, and reaches 60mph in six seconds, with a hybrid turbocharged engine providing 375 horsepower.
Mazda CX-5: Connectivity and comfort

Vroom’s CX-5 sales increased by 150% YoY in 2020, Roszkowski said, with the newest available 2019 models starting at $30,480. The 2021 CX-5 includes a 2.5 turbo engine delivering up to 250 horsepower for an “almost instantaneous response to accelerator input at any speed,” said Hideki Matsuoka, CX-5 program manager.
Heated front and rear seats add to driver comfort, while a 10.25-inch full-color display enhances the driving experience, according to Mazda’s website. Connectivity allows CX-5 drivers to access a vehicle health status report, start the engine, and lock and unlock doors remotely through their phones. New-year model offerings include sport, touring, carbon edition and signature, with base prices ranging from $25,270 to $37,405.