Choosing the color of a new vehicle is an exciting part of the car buying process. While factors like price, fuel efficiency, and performance are likely top priorities, the color makes a strong first impression and will be a defining characteristic of your new ride. So what colors are most popular among today’s car buyers? The answer may depend on vehicle type and change over time with trends and consumer preferences. In this article, we’ll examine new vehicle registration data to determine which colors are hottest for various models. Read on to see if your favorite hue is en vogue.
Most Popular Colors Overall
When looking at all vehicles types together, white, black and gray are perennially the top three most popular car colors, year after year. According to annual color popularity data compiled by Axalta Coating Systems, a leading supplier of automotive paints, white took the top spot for overall color preference in 2021 at 25% of vehicles produced globally. Black and gray rounded out the top three at 19% and 18% respectively. Silver and blue make up the next tier of popular colors, while red continues to decline in preference in recent years. Here’s a look at the 10 most popular vehicle colors in 2021 across all models worldwide according to Axalta:
| Color | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 25% |
| Black | 19% |
| Gray | 18% |
| Silver | 11% |
| Blue | 9% |
| Red | 8% |
| Brown/Beige | 6% |
| Green | 2% |
| Orange/Yellow | 1% |
| Other | 1% |
The popularity of white cars has increased dramatically over the past decade, overtaking more traditional black and gray to become the top choice globally. The crisp, clean look of white provides versatility to match any style. Black remains iconic and timeless for its sleek, sophisticated look. Gray cars have also grown in favor as an elegant neutral that hides dirt well. Buyers seem to gravitate toward these more conservative hues, with bolder reds and greens falling out of fashion. But preferences can vary based on geography, vehicle segment and demographic factors.
Most Popular Truck Colors
While neutral whites, blacks and grays lead among all vehicles, truck color preferences tell a slightly different story. Truck buyers tend to be more expressive with their color choices. Looking at 2021 North American truck registration data from Axalta, white, black and gray still take the top three positions. But brighter blues, reds and oranges feature more prominently among the truck crowd. Here are the most popular colors for trucks in North America:
| Color | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 25% |
| Black | 19% |
| Gray | 15% |
| Red | 12% |
| Blue | 9% |
| Silver | 7% |
| Brown/Beige | 4% |
| Orange | 3% |
| Green | 2% |
| Yellow | 1% |
While white still dominates for its versatile appeal, truck owners are more likely to make a bold statement with red, orange, yellow or even green. High-contrast colors like these increase visibility on the road which can be a key factor for safety. Regional preferences vary too, with warmer climates showing more affinity for vibrant colors than snowy regions where white prevails to hide winter road grime. Overall truck colors skew a bit bolder than other vehicle segments.
Most Popular SUV Colors
Like trucks, the color story for SUVs diverges a bit from overall vehicle trends. Looking again at 2021 North American registration data, white, black and gray still take the top three positions. But blue displaces silver for the number four spot when it comes to SUV color preferences. Here are the top 10 SUV colors last year:
| Color | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 23% |
| Black | 20% |
| Gray | 17% |
| Blue | 11% |
| Silver | 8% |
| Red | 7% |
| Brown/Beige | 5% |
| Orange | 3% |
| Yellow | 2% |
| Green | 2% |
The top three neutrals maintain their stronghold for versatility, while blue scores well as a distinctive but still conservative choice suited to the SUV market. SUV buyers want comfort yet also a family-friendly vehicle that makes a positive impression shuttling kids around. Blue is perceived as dependable and high quality, fitting the SUV lifestyle.
Most Popular Sports Car Colors
Sports cars beg to be shown off in bold, expressive colors. While neutrals still claim a share of the sports car market, brighter colors take more prominence according to 2021 registration data. Red unseats gray for the number three spot while orange edges into the top 10. Yellow and green also see more play among sports car enthusiasts. Here are the most popular sports car colors:
| Color | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Black | 24% |
| White | 20% |
| Red | 16% |
| Gray | 14% |
| Silver | 8% |
| Blue | 6% |
| Yellow | 3% |
| Orange | 3% |
| Green | 2% |
| Brown/Beige | 2% |
While black and white maintain top positions, sports cars give drivers license to choose more aggressive reds, oranges and yellows. Vivid colors complement the bold, speedy character of sports cars. Regional preferences apply too, with warmer southern climates again embracing bright colors more readily than the north. Overall sports car colors skew much bolder than SUVs and trucks.
Most Popular Compact Car Colors
For compact and subcompact cars, consumers again resort to more conservative neutrals according to 2021 registration data. White, black, gray and silver take the top four spots as with overall vehicle trends. Red hangs on to remain the fifth most popular color, with blue and brown/beige rounding out preferences. Here are the top compact car colors last year:
| Color | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 28% |
| Black | 22% |
| Gray | 16% |
| Silver | 11% |
| Red | 7% |
| Blue | 6% |
| Brown/Beige | 4% |
| Orange | 2% |
| Green | 2% |
| Yellow | 1% |
Buyers of affordable compact cars tend to choose basic, timeless colors like white, black and silver. These pragmatic choices disguise wear and tear well, important for high-mileage drivers and families with kids and pets. Compacts see the least colorful expression compared to other vehicle types.
Trends Over Time
Vehicle color preferences clearly evolve over time as consumer tastes and styles change. A few interesting trends emerge looking at yearly color popularity data over the past decade.
White has surged dramatically in preference across all vehicle segments, taking over the top spot starting around 2014. As white grew hot, silver declined in popularity through the 2010s after being a top pick in the prior decade. Black and gray have held steady in the top three for years, but red continues to fade from favor. Blue has made gains across most vehicle types too.
Vibrant colors like green, orange and yellow tend to ebb and flow based on current trends. Greens were hot in the early 2000s, while oranges and yellows saw upticks around 2010. Gold has entered the chat recently as well. These expressive colors often start in sports cars and eventually filter to trucks and SUVs over time.
Regional differences also evolve across years. In 2021, white continued its top popularity in Europe, Japan and China. Black led in South America, silver in South Korea, and gray in India. So color preferences vary worldwide based on local tastes and styles.
Gender Preferences
Vehicle color preferences also differ along gender lines. Looking at Axalta’s 2021 consumer color popularity data, women prefer blue and red substantially more than men. The top five colors for women were blue (24%), black (23%), white (16%), red (15%) and silver (7%). For men, the order shifted to white (33%), black (24%), gray (15%), blue (10%) and silver (8%).
This aligns with broader color psychology trends where blue and red are considered more feminine colors, while white, black and gray skew masculine. Women may be more inclined to choose a vehicle to coordinate with their personal style and wardrobe. While men gravitate toward conservative hues that project understated class. Of course, regional, demographic and personality differences exist among both genders as well.
Age Group Differences
Vehicle color preferences also shift with age demographics. Looking again at Axalta’s 2021 consumer data, younger buyers under age 36 prefer much bolder colors than older consumers. For those 18-25, the top five colors were red (31%), black (22%), blue (17%), orange (7%) and white (7%). Ages 26-35 chose red (27%), black (24%), blue (15%), white (10%) and orange (6%) as their top five.
White only reached the top for consumers over age 35, many of whom had white as their top choice. Beyond 35-55, the top colors were white, black, gray and silver in neutral territory. So younger buyers tend to be more expressive, while older consumers revert to conservative classics. Regional differences play a role here too, as warmer southern regions tend to have more youthful populations who embrace vivid colors.
Conclusion
While personal color preference is highly subjective, a few key trends emerge from the data across vehicle segments and demographics. Overall, white, black, gray and silver continue to dominate across all models with their classic, versatile appeal. But truck and sports car owners are more likely to get colorful with reds, blues, oranges and yellows. Compacts see the most neutral palettes. Vibrant colors ebb and flow but permeate sports cars first, then trucks and SUVs over time. Whites and grays prevail in colder climates, while warm regions embrace vivid colors. Women skew toward softer blues and reds, while men prefer rugged white, black and gray. And younger buyers express themselves more boldly than older consumers. So color preference varies widely based on vehicle type, buyer demographics, geography and personality. While neutral may be the easiest choice, don’t be afraid to get colorful with your next new car. The palette of options offers something for every driver’s style.
