Countless factors affect which cars are sold throughout the United States. Did you know that Subarus dominate the northern coasts? What about the most popular style of car in Utah? Often, culture, geography, and climate influence consumer choices in the automotive industry. Our search data here at UsedCars.com reveals fascinating state-level car preferences across the United States. Let’s start with drivetrain preferences across the United States.
Drivetrain Preferences
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) in Snowy States
All-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles dominate searches in states where winter weather demands enhanced traction. Vermont leads the pack, with 62% of all searches focusing on AWD vehicles. Neighboring New England states, such as Maine (58%) and New Hampshire (55%), also show strong AWD interest, far exceeding the national average. This preference is driven by a combination of harsh winter conditions, hilly terrain, and the practicality of AWD for navigating the varied terrain in the northeast.
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) in Southern States
Southern states prefer Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) vehicles, which are well-suited for warm, dry conditions. Florida leads RWD searches at 28%, with Texas (25%) and Georgia (23%) not far behind. These figures surpass the national RWD search average of 18%. The appeal of RWD vehicles in these regions is linked to their performance-oriented design, particularly in states where weather conditions rarely demand the added traction of AWD or 4x4 and most of the driving is on flat terrain.
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) in Urban States
Urban states such as New Jersey and Illinois show the highest interest in Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) vehicles, with 45% and 43% search rates above the 35% national average. FWD vehicles are favored for their lower production costs, fuel efficiency, and easier handling in rainy or slippery conditions, making them ideal for urban dwellers navigating crowded streets and constant commutes.
4x4 Vehicles in Mountain States
Mountainous regions, where rugged terrain and outdoor lifestyles are prevalent, see elevated interest in 4x4 vehicles. Colorado leads with 35% of searches for 4x4 options, followed by Montana (33%) and Wyoming (31%), compared to the 22% national average. These preferences underscore the necessity of off-road capabilities and reliability in handling challenging terrains.
Brand Preferences
American Brands in the Midwest
The Midwest remains loyal to American automakers. Michigan tops the list, with 68% of searches focused on brands like Ford, Chevrolet, and Dodge. Ohio and Indiana follow closely at 65% and 63%. The enduring popularity of American brands in this region is bolstered by a legacy of local manufacturing, strong dealership networks, and cultural pride in supporting domestic products.
Japanese Brands on the Coasts
Japanese brands such as Toyota and Honda dominate the coasts. In California, 45% of searches are for these brands, while Washington (42%) and New York (40%) also show high interest. Their reputation for reliability, fuel efficiency, and advanced technology resonates with environmentally conscious and tech-savvy coastal consumers. The ease of importing these vehicles to local ports also contributes to this popularity.
Subaru’s Stronghold in the Northeast and Northwest
Subaru maintains a strong regional presence in the Northeast and Northwest, thanks to its AWD capability and practicality. Vermont leads Subaru searches at 22%, with Maine (20%) and Washington (18%) close behind. Subaru’s consistent focus on safety, fuel efficiency, and outdoor-friendly features resonates particularly well in these regions, where consumers prioritize vehicles that handle diverse weather and road conditions.
Luxury German Brands in Affluent Areas
Affluent states like Connecticut lead in searches for luxury German brands, with 18% of queries focused on brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. New Jersey (16%) and California (15%) also show significant interest, above the national average of 10%. The appeal of these vehicles in wealthy areas stems from their status, engineering excellence, and emphasis on comfort and innovation, aligning with the values of high-income consumers.
Body Type Trends
Pickup Truck Dominance in the South and Midwest
Unsurprisingly, pickup trucks reign supreme in rural and agricultural states. Texas leads with 43% of searches for pickups, while Oklahoma (40%) and Arkansas (38%) also show strong interest, well above the national average of 25%. The versatility and reliability of pickup trucks in handling heavy loads and off-road tasks make them an essential choice for residents in these areas.
SUV Popularity in Suburban States
Suburban states like New Jersey and Connecticut favor SUVs, reflecting family-focused lifestyles. New Jersey leads with 48% of searches, followed by Connecticut at 46%, both exceeding the national average of 40%. SUVs’ spacious interiors, safety features, and adaptability for various terrains make them a popular choice for families and commuters in suburban settings.
Sedan Preference in Urban Areas
Urban areas show a preference for sedans, which are practical for navigating city streets. New York leads sedan searches at 35%, with Illinois (33%) and California (32%) following closely. The compact size, fuel efficiency, and affordability of sedans cater to the needs of city dwellers facing limited parking and high fuel costs.
Minivan Interest in Utah
Minivans remain popular in family-focused states like Utah, where searches reach 12%, and Minnesota at 10%, both well above the 7% national average.
Sports Cars in Warm Weather States
Warm-weather states dominate sports car searches. Florida tops the list at 8%, with California (7%) and Arizona (6%) following,
Hatchbacks in Urban Coastal Areas
Hatchbacks, known for their compact versatility, are most popular in Oregon (15%), Washington (14%), and Massachusetts (13%), compared to the 9% national average.
For consumers, these trends offer A look into popular options nationwide. For industry professionals, understanding these nuances can guide marketing strategies and inventory management, ensuring the right vehicles reach the right markets.