Recently, the China Passenger Car Association released its latest monthly market report. Data shows that in October, national retail sales of passenger cars reached 1.643 million units, of which overall SUV sales were 948,000 units, down 17% from 1.142 million units in the same period last year, but up 3.5% from 916,000 units in September. The rankings of the top ten SUVs by sales in October underwent considerable changes.

Among them, BYD Yuan UP replaced Tesla Model Y, which had long dominated the list, and topped the rankings with 28,514 units that month. Leapmotor A10 followed closely with 27,247 units sold in October, a month-on-month increase of 25.1%, ranking second. Fangchengbao Tai 7 and Changan Qiyuan Q05 ranked third and fourth respectively. Among other new energy models, XPeng MONA L03 entered the list at eighth place with 16,563 units sold in October; Xingyue L performed even more strongly, surging 145.9% month-on-month in October with 16,376 units sold, becoming the fastest-growing dark horse of the month. In addition, three fuel vehicles—RAV4 Rongfang, Xingyue L, and Corolla Cross—made it into the top ten that month.

First place: Yuan UP, 28,514 units

In October, Yuan UP performed impressively, selling 28,514 units, up 25.2% month-on-month, taking the SUV sales championship. Relying on BYD's mature blade battery supply chain and three-electric system, plus pricing that fits the first-purchase budgets of ordinary families, and a nationwide network of maintenance outlets that further reduces users' concerns about vehicle use, Yuan UP naturally became a choice consumers could not avoid.

Second place: Leapmotor A10, 26,424 units

In October, Leapmotor A10 sales reached 26,424 units, up 25.1% month-on-month, achieving monthly sales of over 20,000 units for six consecutive months. The costs saved by Leapmotor's full-domain in-house development were all invested in the equipment list. The 86,800 yuan version already offers lidar, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295P+8650 dual chips, and 505 km pure electric range, maxing out both cost-effectiveness and intelligence—making it hard for first-time buyers not to be tempted.

Third place: Tai 7, 23,663 units

Ranking third, Tai 7 sold 23,663 units in October, a slight month-on-month decline of 14.1% compared with 27,544 units in September. This vehicle quickly gained volume initially through hardcore off-road capability and accessible pricing. Now, with new products continuously launching in the rugged SUV segment, some intended customers of Tai 7 have been diverted, and combined with internal preheating of new products within the brand, many potential users chose to wait and see. Under multiple factors, the vehicle's sales fell back somewhat in October. However, sales of more than 20,000 units still give it strong competitiveness in the 200,000-yuan-class off-road SUV market.

Fourth place: Changan Qiyuan Q05, 20,022 units

In October, Changan Qiyuan Q05 sold 20,022 units, breaking the 20,000-unit mark for the first time. This is also the vehicle's fifth consecutive month entering the top ten SUV sales list, showing very steady market performance. The vehicle is equipped with CATL batteries across the lineup, and with class-leading space plus balanced and enduring interior and exterior design, its overall strength is notable. More importantly, it brings lidar and highway NCA advanced driver assistance down to the 90,000-yuan-class version. For young buyers with limited budgets who do not want to compromise on smart driving and space, the appeal of the Q05 is self-evident.

Fifth place: RAV4 Rongfang, 17,750 units

RAV4 Rongfang sold 17,750 units in October, up 6% month-on-month, and is the only fuel vehicle in the top five of the list. Under the encirclement of new energy vehicles, being able to stabilize at this sales level is already a decent result for a Japanese fuel vehicle. RAV4 Rongfang does not rely on a new cabin or advanced smart driving, but on reputation built up over many years: durable and tough, stable resale value, cheap maintenance, and no need to worry about charging. Family users who value long-term worry-free vehicle use still recognize this brand.

Sixth place: Seal 06, 16,902 units

In October, Seal 06 sold 16,902 units, up 14% month-on-month, with steady and slightly rising sales. This vehicle uses the product strength of a mid-size SUV to enter the price range of compact models. It has no obvious shortcomings in space, equipment, or energy consumption, exactly matching the car-buying mentality of many family users: "want a little of everything, but the budget is only so much."

Seventh place: Song Ultra, 16,844 units

Song Ultra sold 16,844 units in October, a slight month-on-month decline of 1.7%, ranking just behind Seal 06 by a narrow margin of 58 units. This vehicle focuses on what families value most: recharging, space, and driving experience, satisfying family users who value comfortable travel but do not want to wait a long time for charging. Even though the vehicle's sales fell slightly this month, its overall volume remains stable, maintaining good competitiveness among 150,000-yuan-class pure electric SUVs.

Eighth place: XPeng MONA L03, 16,563 units

In October, XPeng MONA L03 sold 16,563 units, up 38% month-on-month, entering the top ten of the list for the first time. This vehicle has a youthful and sporty exterior, harmonious body proportions, a sufficiently tech-simple interior design, and solid materials. At the same time, it has sufficient premium capability in intelligent experience. Whether it is the leading advantage in driver assistance or the in-car system experience, the L03 is more attractive to young people than some traditional brands.

Ninth place: Xingyue L, 16,376 units

Xingyue L delivered 16,376 units in October, surging 145.9% month-on-month, successfully entering the top ten SUV sales. With solid class-leading space, stable power performance, and user reputation built up over many years, it stands relatively firmly among independent fuel SUVs.

Tenth place: Corolla Cross, 16,190 units

In October, Corolla Cross sold 16,190 units, ranking tenth on the list. Corolla Cross is able to maintain certain sales at a time when new energy vehicles are prevalent, which is inseparable from its joint-venture brand positioning, lower price threshold, powertrain that does not require charging, and improved in-car entertainment and autonomous driving functions. For people accustomed to refueling their vehicles and wanting to buy an SUV, this veteran fuel vehicle remains a good choice.

Final thoughts:

Overall, new energy models have firmly occupied the mainstream of the list. Lidar, highway smart driving, and high-voltage fast charging, which once appeared only on high-end cars, are now being rolled out to entry-level models priced around 100,000 yuan. Competition among independent brands has already intensified into the entry-level family market. But fuel vehicles have not completely exited the stage either. RAV4 Rongfang, Xingyue L, and Corolla Cross still hold their ground. For some consumers, the habit of not needing to plan charging and being able to refuel and go at any time, plus long-term stable and reliable vehicle reputation, means fuel vehicles still have advantages that cannot be completely replaced.

(Images are from the internet; deleted if infringing)