Naming the best-selling car in Nigeria depends entirely on how you define the market. For new car sales in 2024, the Toyota Hilux leads by a wide margin. It dominates dealer showrooms and official sales figures. But when you consider the broader landscape, especially the used car market that accounts for about 90% of imports, the Toyota Corolla still holds the crown.
So, the answer shifts based on context. Are we talking about new units moved by dealers, or the cars Nigerians drive every day? This post covers both angles to paint a complete picture of the country’s auto trends.
Let’s break down why the Toyota Hilux holds the top spot in new car sales and why the Corolla might still be the most driven car on Nigerian roads overall.
Nigeria’s Car Market in Context
Nigeria’s vehicle market is shaped heavily by economic challenges and consumer preferences. In Q1 2025 alone, new car sales dropped by 22.3%. Inflation hit 34.8% at the end of 2024. The naira depreciated by 42.1%. And interest rates rose to 27.5%. In short, cars got more expensive, and fewer people could afford brand-new ones.
As a result, about 90% of the cars on Nigerian roads are imported used vehicles, mostly from the US and sometimes via Benin Republic. These Tokunbo vehicles offer better deals and more flexibility. Toyota, Honda, and Lexus lead the pack in terms of parts availability and resale value.
Automatic transmissions dominate (94% of buyers prefer them), and black is the most common car colour. New vehicle sales are sluggish, with only 6,358 light vehicles sold in 2024, a tiny number given Nigeria’s massive population.
New Vehicle Sales: Toyota Hilux Takes the Lead
Based on multiple reports, the Toyota Hilux is the clear leader in new car sales.
- Best Selling Cars Blog reported that in 2024, more than 1 in 4 new vehicles sold in Nigeria were Toyota Hilux. That’s a 25%+ market share.
- Daily Trust confirmed that Toyota Nigeria Limited sold over 3,000 vehicles in 2024, with the Hilux, Hiace, and Rush being the top-selling models.
- Carlots.ng backed this up in their July 2025 review, noting that the Hilux remains one of the most popular choices due to its durability, off-road capabilities, and reliability in Nigeria’s rugged road conditions.
- Focus2Move data shows Toyota as the dominant brand in Q1 2025, despite a slight -13.7% decline. MG was the only top brand to grow in that period, but it hasn’t dethroned Toyota.
The Hilux works well for both private and commercial use. Farmers, government agencies, and corporate fleets all love it for its rugged build and performance.
Supporting New Models
Besides the Hilux, two other Toyota models dominated new sales:
- Toyota Hiace: Popular with transport companies and logistics firms.
- Toyota Rush: A budget SUV that’s small, reliable, and easy to maintain.
Combined, these three models make up a significant share of Toyota’s local sales.
Used Car Market: The Reign of the Toyota Corolla
Here’s where things get interesting. In the used car (Tokunbo) market, the Toyota Corolla holds the crown.
- Carlots.ng ranks the Corolla as the best-selling car in 2025 when combining both new and used vehicles.
- The Corolla is praised for being affordable, reliable, fuel-efficient, and easy to fix. It’s the go-to car for many first-time buyers.
- Historical data from 2014 shows over 53,900 registered Corollas in Nigeria, a number that continues to grow.
Other used car favourites include:
- Toyota Camry: Known locally as “Muscle” and “Big Daddy,” depending on the model year.
- Toyota Highlander: For families looking for more space.
- Honda Accord: Stylish and durable.
Comparative Table: New vs Used Best-Sellers
| Rank | Model | Category | Key Highlights |
| 1 | Toyota Hilux | New | Over 25% of new car sales in 2024; top for businesses and rugged use cases |
| 2 | Toyota Hiace | New | Leading choice for transport/logistics firms |
| 3 | Toyota Rush | New | Budget SUV, reliable and compact |
| 1 | Toyota Corolla | Used/Overall | Top pick for affordability and ease of repair |
| 2 | Toyota Camry | Used/Overall | Still popular among private buyers |
| 3 | Toyota Highlander | Used/Overall | Ideal for larger families |
Toyota’s Overall Dominance
Whether you’re looking at new or used cars, one thing is clear: Toyota owns the Nigerian market. From the Hilux to the Corolla, Toyota offers something for every type of buyer.
Toyota Nigeria Limited’s 2024 report and performance metrics reinforce their market dominance. Meanwhile, the growing used car economy ensures that older Toyota models stay in circulation far longer than most other brands.
Even with the MG 5 growing in popularity, it’s still early days before we see any significant shift. Other brands like Hyundai and Kia are trying to make a dent but are still behind Toyota.
Why It Matters
For car dealers, importers, fleet managers, and even government procurement agencies, understanding which cars dominate helps with inventory planning and customer targeting.
If you’re investing in the Nigerian auto space or just looking to buy your first car, here’s the simple takeaway:
- Want a brand-new vehicle that’s rugged and fits Nigerian roads? Go for the Hilux.
- Looking for a reliable, cheaper used car? You can’t go wrong with a Toyota Corolla.
Final Verdict
In 2025, the Toyota Hilux is the best-selling new car in Nigeria, based on industry reports, market share, and Toyota’s own sales data. But in terms of cars on the road and overall popularity, the Toyota Corolla still leads, especially among Tokunbo imports.
The Nigerian car market is nuanced. But one thing remains certain: Toyota is winning on all fronts.
