Tesla Model Y topped China’s SUV sales in 2025 with 425,337 units, outpacing Geely Xingyue L’s 244,068 units by 180,000, according to China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) data. This marks a significant win for Tesla amid intensifying EV competition, as no BYD SUV entered the top 5 despite their prior dominance. For EV buyers and investors tracking China’s 11.878 million unit SUV market—up 5% year-over-year—this underscores Tesla’s enduring appeal despite overall domestic sales pressures.
Background: Tesla and China’s Cutthroat SUV Market
China’s SUV segment hit 11.878 million retail sales in 2025, growing 5.0% from 2024, per CPCA figures. Tesla’s Model Y secured the top spot with 425,337 units, also ranking as the third best-selling new energy vehicle overall. This dominance persists even as Tesla faced a domestic sales dip: full-year retail sales likely around 618,000-629,000 units, down roughly 4.8-6% from 2024’s 657,105, amid Model Y transitions and exports from Giga Shanghai.
Tesla’s edge comes despite partial Full Self-Driving (FSD) approval in China, with full rollout eyed for early 2026. Elon Musk noted at the 2025 Shareholder Meeting that approval could arrive by February or March. Meanwhile, BYD—last year’s top SUV contender with three models in the top four—saw Song Plus (200,276 units, #6), Yuan UP (189,277, #7), and Song Pro (180,661, #9) fall short of the top 5. Gasoline SUVs like Geely’s Xingyue L and Boyue L held #2 and #3, signaling hybrids and ICE models’ resilience as NEV sales growth slows.
Of 34 SUVs exceeding 100,000 units, 15 were NEVs and 19 gasoline-powered, but ICE sales trends downward. Tesla’s late-2025 surge, with Model Y sold out for the year and December wholesales at 97,171 units, highlights demand amid rival pressure from Xiaomi YU7 and others.
Key Specifications: Top 2025 China SUV Sales
The table below lists the top 35 SUVs by 2025 retail sales volume, sourced from CPCA via CarNewsChina.
| Rank | SUV Model | 2025 Retail Sales |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tesla Model Y | 425,337 |
| 2 | Geely Xingyue L | 244,068 |
| 3 | Geely Boyue L | 232,926 |
| 4 | Toyota RAV4 | 204,125 |
| 5 | Volkswagen Tiguan L | 202,904 |
| 6 | BYD Song Plus | 200,276 |
| 7 | BYD Yuan UP | 189,277 |
| 8 | Toyota Corolla Cross | 186,575 |
| 9 | BYD Song Pro | 180,661 |
| 10 | Chery Tiggo 8 | 179,465 |
| 11 | Changan CS75 Plus | 175,597 |
| 12 | Toyota Frontlander | 174,434 |
| 13 | Volkswagen Tayron | 173,329 |
| 14 | Honda CR-V | 171,207 |
| 15 | Li Auto L6 | 166,516 |
| 16 | Xiaomi YU7 | 153,673 |
| 17 | Aito M8 | 150,420 |
| 18 | Haval Big Dog | 149,708 |
| 19 | Volkswagen Taos | 148,416 |
| 20 | BYD Song L DM-i | 137,120 |
| 21 | BYD Sealion 06 | 136,166 |
| 22 | BYD Yuan Plus | 135,446 |
| 23 | Leapmotor C10 | 135,043 |
| 24 | Geely Coolray | 133,888 |
| 25 | Audi Q5L | 133,589 |
| 26 | Mercedes-Benz GLC | 130,610 |
| 27 | Buick Envision | 129,095 |
| 28 | Geely Galaxy E5 | 120,978 |
| 29 | Honda Breeze | 120,133 |
| 30 | Geely Galaxy Starship 7 | 119,214 |
| 31 | Aito M7 | 118,425 |
| 32 | Aito M9 | 118,124 |
| 33 | Toyota Wildlander | 112,730 |
| 34 | Jetour X70 | 101,378 |
| 35 | Deepal S05 | 94,263 |
Analysis: Tesla’s Model Y Dominance Amid Sales Headwinds
Tesla Model Y’s 425,337 units reflect strong brand pull, with Tesla China reporting sell-outs for 2025 across four variants by late year. Delivery timelines stretched to 13 weeks for Long Range models, signaling capacity strain despite a 4.8% overall domestic sales drop. This lead—nearly double Geely Xingyue L—highlights Model Y’s pricing, range, and partial Autopilot appeal in urban settings.
BYD’s Slip and Gasoline Resilience
BYD’s absence from the top 5, after dominating 2024, raises questions on pricing wars and model refreshes. Song Plus at #6 still moved 200,276 units, but rivals like Xiaomi YU7 (#16, 153,673) and Li L6 (#15, 166,516) chipped away. Gasoline leaders like Toyota RAV4 (204,125) prove ICE/hybrids retain share as NEV growth cools, with 19 ICE models in the top 35 vs. 15 NEVs.
Market Dynamics and Future Pressures
Giga Shanghai hit near-max December output at 97,171 wholesales, but exports diluted domestic gains. Tesla eyes FSD full approval in Q1 2026 for a boost, per Musk. Unanswered: Will 2026 incentives hold? How will Xiaomi and Deepal models erode Tesla’s lead?
Comparison: Model Y vs. Key Rivals
| Model | 2025 Sales | Powertrain | Key Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model Y | 425,337 | BEV | Brand, software |
| Geely Xingyue L | 244,068 | Gasoline | Price, space |
| BYD Song Plus | 200,276 | NEV (PHEV/BEV) | Battery tech |
| Toyota RAV4 | 204,125 | Gasoline/Hybrid | Reliability |
Model Y crushes on volume, but Geely and Toyota win on affordability/reliability; BYD lags despite NEV focus.
Verdict
Tesla Model Y’s top ranking affirms its benchmark status in China’s SUV arena, ideal for tech-forward buyers prioritizing range and updates over sheer volume plays like Geely. Yet Tesla’s domestic dip signals 2026 risks from BYD refreshes and Xiaomi aggression—watch FSD rollout closely. Strong pick for EV enthusiasts, but hybrid shoppers may favor Toyota’s proven durability.
