The most common type of car on roads today can vary greatly depending on location and other factors. However, some car models consistently top the charts for popularity and ubiquity. Understanding the most prevalent vehicles on the road provides interesting insights into consumer preferences, manufacturing trends, fuel efficiency standards, and more. Examining registration data, sales figures, automotive surveys, and other statistics can reveal the car models that drivers are most likely to encounter during their daily commutes.
Leading Cars in the United States
In the United States, the best-selling car for decades has been the Ford F-Series pickup truck line. As of 2021, the F-Series has been the top-selling vehicle in America for 40 consecutive years. Beyond its consistent popularity among consumers, the high sales of the F-Series and similar full-size pickups like the Chevrolet Silverado, RAM Pickup, and GMC Sierra reflect the continuing market dominance of domestic trucks and SUVs.
According to Experian’s automotive registration analysis, the most common vehicles on the road in the United States as of 2022 are:
| Rank | Make/Model | registrations |
| 1 | Ford F Series Pickup | 6,371,752 |
| 2 | Chevrolet Silverado | 3,316,276 |
| 3 | RAM Pickup | 3,123,365 |
| 4 | Toyota RAV4 | 2,665,694 |
| 5 | Honda Civic | 2,329,976 |
The Toyota RAV4 crossover SUV and Honda Civic small sedan were the only two non-trucks in the top five. Geography plays a role as pickup trucks are extremely popular in the Midwest, South, and more rural parts of the country.
Sales Trends for the Most Common Cars
The Ford F-Series pickup has been America’s undisputed best-selling vehicle since the start of the Reagan administration. Contributing factors to its multi-decade sales dominance include:
- Brand loyalty – Many Ford truck owners stick with the brand when purchasing a new vehicle.
- Performance upgrades – Ford has continually improved the capabilities and towing capacities of the F-Series.
- Expanded model range – Various light-duty, heavy-duty, and specialty models appeal to diverse buyers.
- Commercial use – Businesses purchase the pickup for fleet vehicles and work applications.
Between the F-Series, Silverado, and RAM trucks, the full-size pickup category accounts for a full 15% of total vehicle sales in the U.S. Domestic brands also benefit from a 25% import truck tariff, which boosts demand for American-made pickups.
The Toyota RAV4 claimed the “best-selling SUV” title in 2019 and has not relinquished its lead. Factors driving growth in small crossover SUV sales include:
- Fuel efficiency – Crossovers deliver better mileage than trucks and traditional SUVs.
- Comfort and utility – The higher ride height appeals to families.
- Safety ratings – Crossovers perform well in accident testing and reviews.
- Affordability – Cheaper than full-size SUVs and most pickup trucks.
Honda has kept the Civic near the top of the sales charts through its combination of affordability, efficiency, and reliability. The Civic typifies the continuing consumer appetite for compact sedans and hatchbacks.
Regional Differences in the USA
Automotive tastes and trends across the United States differ between regions. Full-size pickups are extremely common throughout the South and Midwest but are significantly less prevalent on coastal roads. In Los Angeles, for example, the most common vehicles are smaller, more fuel-efficient cars and crossovers like the:
- Honda Civic
- Toyota RAV4
- Tesla Model 3
- Honda Accord
- Toyota Prius
Emissions regulations also accelerate California’s adoption of hybrid and electric vehicles compared to other states. Pickup trucks are still popular, but represent a lower percentage of vehicles than in heartland regions.
In the Northeast, inclement winter weather boosts sales of all-wheel drive crossovers, SUVs, and Subarus:
- Toyota RAV4
- Honda CR-V
- Subaru Outback
- Subaru Forester
- Ford Escape
New England drivers need the extra traction and ground clearance these vehicles provide during snow and ice. Pickup trucks are common but comprise a smaller portion of northeast vehicles than in other areas.
Factors Impacting the Popularity of Vehicle Types
Many dynamics influence what models of car dominate America’s roads in a given year:
- Gas prices – As fuel costs fluctuate, demand shifts between larger and smaller vehicles.
- Economic conditions – Truck sales are closely tied to construction, farming, and other economic sectors.
- Incentives and financing deals – 0% interest promotions can drive sales surges for certain models.
- Consumer preferences – Within segments like pickups and SUVs, brand mystique and loyalty sway buyers.
- New model introductions – Redesigned versions spur sales jumps before tapering off again.
Automotive analysts watch these metrics closely to forecast which vehicles will be most prevalent on the roads in coming years. As economic, environmental, and technological changes unfold, America’s top-selling cars will continue evolving.
The Most Common Vehicles Worldwide
On a global scale, the best-selling passenger vehicles align more closely with trends in developing markets. According to 2021 worldwide sales data, the top five models were:
| Rank | Make/Model | Global Sales |
| 1 | Toyota Corolla | 1,150,000 |
| 2 | Honda Civic | 810,000 |
| 3 | Toyota RAV4 | 760,000 |
| 4 | Ford F-150 | 701,000 |
| 5 | Toyota Hilux | 648,000 |
The Toyota Corolla compact sedan has been the globally dominant car for decades. Factors driving Corolla sales include affordability, Toyota’s reputation for reliability, and the popularity of sedans in Asia. The Hilux, a midsize pickup, is another overseas best-seller for Toyota.
While Asian automakers account for four spots in the top five, the Ford F-150 pickup continues to earn the best-selling vehicle title worldwide thanks to U.S. demand. Among passenger cars, the Corolla and Civic lead globally due to being practical, inexpensive choices for international markets.
Conclusion
On American roads, full-size pickup trucks like the Ford F-Series and Chevrolet Silverado are the vehicles drivers will most commonly encounter. Their ubiquity reflects buyer loyalty, commercial use cases, and the enduring prominence of domestic brands in the truck segment. Small crossover SUVs and compact sedans also rank highly, appealing to diverse demographics with their affordability and practicality. Regional variations exist, however, favoring smaller cars on the coasts while trucks dominate the middle of the country. Factors like gas prices, economic conditions, and model redesigns continually shuffle the rankings. But trucks have topped the sales charts for decades, cementing their status as the quintessential American vehicle.