The Most Popular New Car Colors

The Most Popular New Car Colors

In a world where automobiles double as personal statements, car color is more than a simple aesthetic preference—it’s a subtle yet revealing portrait of consumer behavior and trends. We at Bumper.com, have reviewed the rich palette of the automotive market to bring you insights into the most coveted hues of the new car scene. From the timeless chic of grayscale tones to the bold whispers of pastel purples. As you’re about to see, the trends in car colors reflect a fascinating interplay between tradition, innovation, and the ever-shifting tastes of car buyers.

Neutrals may rule the roads for now, but the colorful undercurrents show that the palette of consumer preferences is anything but monochromatic.

The numbers are in, and the conclusion is crystal clear: neutral colors reign supreme when it comes to new car colors. But it’s not just a tale of monochrome dominance; even among the champions, subtle shifts hint at changing consumer desires and market dynamics.

White cars lead in popularity, evidenced by the highest volume, painting 25.89% of new cars. They balance a quicker sale period with modest discounts over 30 days. Their widespread acceptance underscores white as a safe and preferred choice for many.

White

  • Average odometer reading: 880.15 miles
  • Average listing price:$51,082
  • Average sale price: $49,756
  • Price change last 30 days: -3.99%
  • Vehicles on market today: 233,692
  • Percent of list price at sale: 97.40%

With an average price change of -3.99% over the last 30 days, white cars show a strong market presence with a quick turnover.

Gray

Gray cars also dominate the market in sheer volume, claiming a staggering 24.10% of today’s Bumper Marketplace vehicles, and signifying a widely accepted color choice among buyers. They also sell relatively quickly and maintain a value close to their listing price.

  • Average odometer reading: 802.79 miles
  • Average listing price: $47,081
  • Average sale price: $45,907
  • Price change over the last 30 days: -4.69%
  • Vehicles on market today: 217,544
  • Percent of list price at sale: 97.50%

The high number of listings indicates both a strong supply and perhaps a consistent demand. With an average of just 78.99 days on the market and a minor price reduction of -4.69% over the past 30 days, gray vehicles move quickly and are priced to sell. It’s a color that exudes professionalism and sophistication, without veering into the starkness often associated with its close relative, black.

Black

Speaking of black, this classic color doesn’t fall far behind. Accounting for 20.64% of the number of vehicles on the market, black cars retain a significant share of the market.

  • Average odometer reading: 899.25 miles
  • Average listing price: $52,094
  • Average sale price: $50,727
  • Price change over the last 30 days: -4.35%
  • Vehicles on market today: 186,313
  • Percent of list price at sale: 97.40%

Black vehicles, synonymous with sophistication and choice, have a significant market presence with a high volume of vehicles. It seems that while black cars are sought after for their sleek and elegant appearance, the market saturation could be leading to slightly longer sales periods.

Blue

What about the colors that splash outside the lines of the grayscale spectrum? Blue cars, seemingly the choice for those wanting to combine a dash of personality with widespread appeal, make up 10.18% of the market. They typically sell at around 97.60% of their original list price, indicating that the hue’s tranquil and universally appealing nature resonates with buyers and sellers alike.

  • Average odometer reading: 751.65 miles
  • Average listing price: $46,488
  • Average sale price: $45,388
  • Price change over the last 30 days: -3.90%
  • Vehicles on market today: 91,873
  • Percent of list price at sale:  97.60%

Silver

Silver cars, consistent performers, hold a steady place in the market, with an 8.16% market share and a slight average price decline of -1.20% over 30 days. Silver remains a favorite for its resilience to showing dirt and its neutrality.

  • Average odometer reading: 921.19 miles
  • Average listing price:$47,440
  • Average sale price: $46,168
  • Price change over the last 30 days: -1.20%
  • Vehicles on market today: 73,620
  • Percent of list price at sale: 97.30%

Silver cars, often chosen for their sleek and timeless appeal, possess a strong foothold in the marketplace. Their relatively fast turnover and minimal price decrease over time reflect a sustained demand. This color’s market performance underlines its established desirability among buyers.

Red

Other colors like red and green represent the middle ground, with 7.31% and 2.14% of the market volume, respectively. These colors reflect a balanced choice for those who seek both distinction and market acceptance.

  • Average odometer reading: 808.94 miles
  • Average listing price: $47,410
  • Average sale price: $46,026
  • Price change over the last 30 days: -3.33%
  • Vehicles on market today: 66,025
  • Percent of list price at sale: 97.10%

Red cars attract attention with their bold color, reflected in a considerable market presence. They endure the longest days on the market but sustain a fair price retention. This indicates that while red cars catch eyes, converting interest into a sale may take longer.

Green

Green cars, representing a blend of personality and nature, enjoy a solid standing in the market. They sell moderately quickly and see a lesser price adjustment compared to more mainstream colors. This color could appeal to those seeking a car with character without straying too far from the norm.

  • Average odometer reading: 813.09 miles
  • Average listing price: $51,286
  • Average sale price: $50,304
  • Price change over the last 30 days: -2.43%
  • Vehicles on market today: 19,305
  • Percent of list price at sale: 98.10%

The underdogs of the color chart, such as orange and brown, while not as popular in terms of volume, showcase noteworthy trends. Orange cars, with their vivacious and unique appeal, maintain a high percentage of their original listing price (98.40%) and spend relatively fewer days on the market (77.06 on average). Brown cars follow a similar trend, with a price retention of 98.40% and even fewer days on the market (73.74).

Brown

Brown vehicles, often seen as unconventional, have a surprisingly quick market exit. Despite their uncommon color, they maintain their value well over time. This suggests that for a select group of buyers, brown cars have a distinct appeal.

  • Average odometer reading: 1,037.6 miles
  • Average listing price: $47,483
  • Average sale price: $46,703
  • Price change over the last 30 days: -2.57%
  • Vehicles on market today: 3,777
  • Percent of list price at sale:98.40%

Orange

Orange cars, with their vibrant hue, cater to a niche yet enthusiastic market segment. They show a quicker sale time and a slight price drop, indicating a consistent but specific demand. The color’s uniqueness might be driving its relatively high value retention.

  • Average odometer reading: 957.73 miles
  • Average listing price: $45,274
  • Average sale price: $44,560
  • Price change over the last 30 days: -3.92%
  • Vehicles on market today: 3,455
  • Percent of list price at sale: 98.40%

Beige

Beige cars, few in number, show a modest age and a slight decline in price over 30 days. They linger a bit longer on the market, which could indicate a niche appeal or smaller demand. Its tiny presence in today’s market underscores its narrower buyers’ pool.

  • Average odometer reading: 1,706.11 miles
  • Average listing price: $52,092
  • Average sale price: $51,163
  • Price change over the last 30 days: -6.20%
  • Vehicles on market today: 3,436
  • Percent of list price at sale: 98.20%

Yellow

Yellow cars, often associated with sports or unique models, are on the younger side and see a decent retention of their original listing price. Despite a significant reduction in price over a month, they have a niche market presence. Their average days on the market suggest a specific demand that doesn’t translate to quick sales.

  • Average odometer reading: 899.6 miles
  • Average listing price: $47,085
  • Average sale price: $45,872
  • Price change over the last 30 days: -5.62%
  • Vehicles on market today: 1,758
  • Percent of list price at sale: 97.40%

Gold

Gold cars offer a dash of luxury, communicated by their higher average price. They spend a similar time on the market as beige vehicles, and have experienced a notable price drop the last 30 days. This color’s rarity and diminished presence today might make it a unique find for the right buyer.

  • Average odometer reading: 840.49 miles
  • Average listing price: $59,763
  • Average sale price: $58,413
  • Price change over the last 30 days: -5.83%
  • Vehicles on market today: 1,365
  • Percent of list price at sale: 97.70%

Purple

Let’s not overlook the less common, yet intriguing choices. Purple cars may sit longer on the market, for an average of 97.89 days, but they experience the smallest average price drop over 30 days. It’s a niche color with a niche audience, but those drawn to its regal charm are often willing to pay a premium.

  • Average odometer reading: 923.72 miles
  • Average listing price: $65,954
  • Average sale price: $64,484
  • Price change over the last 30 days: -0.25%
  • Vehicles on market today: 432
  • Percent of list price at sale: 97.80%

Purple cars, undoubtedly the unicorns of the car world, command attention with their rarity and higher price points. This eye-catching color caters to car buyers seeking to make a bold statement on the road.

Pink

Pink cars are also making an unexpected splash. It’s certainly not for everyone, but typically selling higher than the original listing price at a remarkable 102.70%. Pink cars boast a certain exclusivity and command a higher resale value. Accounting for only one percent of the vehicle market, the rarity of pink vehicles may be contributing to their ability to fetch higher prices.

They sell significantly faster than any other color, suggesting a potent albeit niche appeal. These vehicles cater to a very specific demographic that values distinctiveness above all.

  • Average odometer reading: 171.06 miles
  • Average listing price: $32,105
  • Average sale price: $32,970
  • Price change over the last 30 days: -2.12%
  • Vehicles on market today: 119
  • Percent of list price at sale:102.70%

Safe color choices dominate the car market

The current state of the car color market is one where the safer choices lead the pack. Grayscale colors—gray, black, white, and silver—combine for a dominant 68.39% of the market volume, underpinning their continued popularity. However, for the daring at heart, vibrant and less common colors are available, often fetching prices closer to their initial listing due to their rarity and personality.

For the discerning buyer or the curious observer, understanding these chromatic currents is more than a matter of taste—it’s about perceiving the subtle language of modern motoring culture. Whether you’re drawn to the refined elegance of grayscale or the spirited flair of more vibrant tones, the narrative remains the same: color is, and always will be, a defining feature of our vehicular landscape.

* Sale price as referred to in this article, refers to the last price seen before the vehicle was no longer in the marketplace. This price may or may not be the final price, including taxes, fees, discounts, or other price changes.

AI Disclaimer: The images presented here were created using artificial intelligence (AI) technology. While we strive for accuracy, they are artistic representations and may not depict exact or true-to-life details. We do not guarantee the accuracy, relevance, or completeness of any information in these images. For accurate and detailed representations, we recommend consulting the vehicle manufacturer directly.


About Bumper

At Bumper, we are on a mission to bring vehicle history reports and ownership up to speed with modern times. A vehicle is one of the most expensive purchases you'll likely make, and you deserve to have access to the same tools and information the pros use to make the right decisions.


About Bumper Team

At Bumper, we are on a mission to bring vehicle history reports and ownership up to speed with modern times. Learn more.


Disclaimer: The above is solely intended for informational purposes and in no way constitutes legal advice or specific recommendations.