A recent analysis highlights the ongoing preference for understated vehicle hues among consumers, particularly in the United States. Despite the introduction of an array of vibrant shades into the automotive market, buyers predominantly gravitate towards classic, less audacious options. This trend suggests a collective leaning towards practicality and timeless appeal over expressive and bold color choices in personal transportation.
According to comprehensive research conducted by Axalta, white maintained its leading position as the most sought-after car color in the US for the year 2025, commanding a substantial 29 percent of the total market. While this figure represents a slight decrease from the previous year's 33 percent, it nonetheless underscores the enduring popularity of white vehicles. Following this, black secured 23 percent of the market, with gray close behind at 22 percent. Silver captured a mere 7 percent, and blue, despite being the top non-neutral color, accounted for only 6 percent of sales, illustrating a clear inclination towards subdued palettes.
This preference for neutral colors is not confined to the US; it is a global phenomenon. In South America, white cars were even more prevalent, chosen by 35 percent of buyers. Europe saw gray taking the lead with 26 percent, while black dominated the Asian market, also at 26 percent. However, there are subtle indicators of a shift towards more diverse color selections. In Asia, there was a noticeable increase in demand for yellow and gold finishes by 6 percent, green by 3 percent, and both orange and purple by 2 percent. Similarly, in the US, red, brown/beige, green, and yellow/gold hues experienced modest but consistent growth, suggesting a potential future diversification in automotive aesthetics.
The automotive industry's color landscape, as observed, largely favors classic and neutral shades globally. However, the incremental gains seen in more dynamic colors suggest an evolving consumer taste that, while still rooted in tradition, is slowly opening up to more vivid expressions. This gradual shift reflects a subtle yet significant evolution in design preferences, hinting at a future where personal vehicles might more frequently showcase a broader spectrum of individuality and vibrancy.