In the world of best car colors, you can count on the old standbys that never go out of style.
White, Black, Gray, and Silver continue to top the list of best colors for cars. Based on consumer choice, these car colors jockey back and forth for position like a bunch of thoroughbreds. But does color really matter?
Kelley Blue Book takes a look. We ask the experts about the best car colors and take a deeper look at resale value. We also look at what futurists say about car colors in the next three to five years.
Car Colors and Resale Value
So, you might ask, “Does color really matter?” Like many vehicle features, color plays a role in determining the residual value of your car.
Put simply, today’s popular car color will probably make your vehicle more popular to a buyer five years from now. But as color trends change, there is a chance the color you chose five to seven years ago might not be so popular today.
Blame that on changing trends, the economy at that moment, and other factors. But by playing it safe when it comes to color choice, you could actually be helping out your bottom line when it comes time to sell your car.
Choosing the “wrong” color, in some cases, could cause depreciation of your vehicle as well. How much depreciation will your car see? That depends on several factors and can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
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For instance, Chevy’s Corvette Stingray C8 was introduced in a bright orange metallic color known as “Sebring Orange Tintcoat.” During the first year of this new C8 Corvette model, it would likely retain value because of its first-of-its-kind status.
On the other hand, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata featured “Glowing Yellow” as one of its colors. Brighter than bright, it may not find favor on the new and even the pre-owned market if you are not a “look at me” type of driver.
Sticking to neutral colors like white, black, gray, and silver are your safest bets. But if you feel inclined to expand your palette, remember that bright yellow, orange, or purple vehicles could put you at a disadvantage when selling or trading in your vehicle.
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Top Car Colors
In BASF’s 2021-2022 Automotive Color Trends report, experts predict trends for the top car colors for the 2024 to 2026 models years. In North America, the experts “looked to the concept of balance that strikes a chord with human steadfastness,” to come up with:
Lambent Earth
“We found the equilibrium between the natural and the synthetic world to create calming, unwavering, and thought-provoking colors,” said Paul Czornij, head of Automotive Design for the Americas, when describing lambent earth, a coppery, dark brown color.
BASF experts pulled inspiration from industry, fashion, consumer products, nature, and more.
In another car color trend report by PPG, experts noted that gray has grown in popularity in recent years.
In another trend, PPG experts said two-tone paint treatments are coming into style. New finish techniques make them easier to mass-produce than in years past, and they lend a certain sophistication to vehicle design.
“It’s fitting that two-tone finishes would come back into favor during this time when we as a society are looking to the past,” said Misty Yeomans, color styling manager for PPG. “Along with special-order colors, tinted clearcoats, tri-coats, and matte finishes, two-tone finishes better reflect vehicle owners’ individual preferences and personalities.”
In addition to the rising popularity of grays, other colors from blues, greens, and violets seem to hit a high note with car shoppers. PPG experts said the vibrant new colors are more likely to debut on sporty models rather than SUVs and pickups.
Popular Colors for SUVs, Minivans, and Trucks
In the latest PPG study, gray overtook white (which includes pearl and metallic) as the most popular color for SUVs. White is still the first choice of most shoppers buying a minivan or light truck, as has been the case for more than 10 years. But gray is surging in all three categories.
SUVs
- Gray (25%)
- White (24%)
- Black (18.5%)
- Silver (11%)
- Blue (10%)
- Red (7.5%)
- Green (2.5%)
- Gold/Beige, Orange, and Brown (tied at 0.5%)
Minivans
- White (34%)
- Gray (23.5%)
- Silver (14.5%)
- Black (11%)
- Red (7.5%)
- Blue (7%)
- Green (2%)
- Brown (0.5%)
Pickup Trucks
- White (27%)
- Gray (21.5%)
- Black (17%)
- Silver (12.5%)
- Red (9.5%)
- Blue (6%)
- Brown (1%)
- Orange (tied at 0.5%)
Popular Colors for Luxury Cars
White pearl and metallic overtook black as the color of choice for luxury vehicles two years ago, and that hasn’t changed this year. It’s so popular that white is seen on nearly one-third (or 31.5%) of the new luxury cars on the road today, according to PPG’s report. Brown and orange are now rare enough that they don’t even make the chart.
- White (31.5%)
- Black (25%)
- Gray (14%)
- Blue (11%)
- Silver (10.5%)
- Red (5%)
- Gold/Beige, Green (tied at 1%)
Popular Colors for Sedans, Wagons, and Hatchbacks
In midsize passenger vehicles, which include sedans, wagons, and hatchbacks, the same colors dominate. In this category, white, in both solid and metallic, accounts for the most buyers at 21.5%, according to PPG.
- White (21.5%)
- Gray (20.5%)
- Black, Blue (17%)
- Silver (16.5%)
- Red (5%)
- Beige/Gold (2%)
- Orange (0.5%)
Popular Colors for Compact Cars
Buyers tend to get more playful with the least-expensive cars on the market. White still wins this category, but candy-colored blues and reds are more common among small cars than any other segment.
- White (25%)
- Blue (21.5%)
- Gray (18.5%)
- Black (13%)
- Red, Silver (tied at 10%)
- Brown, Orange (tied at 1%)
Popular Colors for Convertibles and Coupes
Convertibles, coupes, and sports cars encompass everything from Camaros, Mustangs, and Challengers to European luxury models and more. According to PPG statistics, the color black takes the lead in this category. White, so dominant in other categories, slips to fourth among sportier cars. And while a brown sports car may sound strange, the Chevy Corvette Stingray’s Caffeine hue has won over some buyers.
- Black (21%)
- Gray (tied at 19.5%)
- Blue (16%)
- White (14.5%)
- Red (12%)
- Silver (7%)
- Orange (4.5%)
- Green (3%)
- Brown (2%)
- Beige/Gold (0.5%)
As in fashion, some colors work better on certain vehicles than others. A small orange or yellow convertible is much more desirable than a bright yellow or orange minivan.
Car Colors That are Hard and Easy to Maintain
Some cars look amazing in certain colors. However, this is the list to pay attention to and the reasons why some colors stay cleaner longer than others.
- Black: Sleek black looks amazing on almost any car. But the color is a double-edged sword. It looks best when fresh from the car wash. Just give it a few minutes and it will likely be covered with pollen, dirt, and dust.
- Gray: This color is easiest to clean, according to various studies. Dirt and dust can hide nicely on these surfaces and look cleaner for longer.
- Silver: Like gray, silver hides dust and dirt longer. They also tend to hide mud buildup near the rocker panels of cars.
- White: Also in the easy-to-care-for group is white. But this color tends to show mud and splashes easier than gray and silver. White, however, does hide swirl marks that result from automatic car washes and this car color tends to look newer, longer.
- Green: Who knew that green is easy to keep cleaner longer. But the color shows imperfections easier than gray, silver, and white.
- Orange: This bright color not only commands attention but it’s easy to clean.
- Yellow: This car color definitely stands out on highways and other roadways but not dust and pollen. Yellows easily hide those elements. However, yellows do emphasize mud splashes when you find yourself driving in the rain.
- Red: This flashy car color tends to hide mud easier than other colors but becomes dull if dirty.
- Blue: This color may be rising in popularity. It’s just harder to keep clean. Blues tend to show water spots easily. Scratches and swirl marks also appear easily with this color.
Safest Car Colors
Some colors may be safer than others. Australia’s Monash University Research Centre once studied the relationship between color and crash risk. Its data come from Australian crashes, so they may not translate perfectly to the conditions of American roads. But their conclusions make sense. Their most recent report says white is the safest color.
Consider these safe car colors when buying your next car.
1. White: In a white vehicle, you would have a 12% lesser chance of accident involvement than a black vehicle in all types of weather and lighting.
2. Yellow: Drive in a yellow vehicle and the car makes it easier for other drivers to spot them quickly. Yellow, though, doesn’t look good on all vehicles.
3. Orange: Driving in an orange vehicle reduces your accident risk. Since the color is not used on many cars, it stands out for its rarity as much as its high visibility.
4. Gold: Go for the gold because these vehicles keep you safer as well. They tend to stand out for the same reason as orange.
Top 8 Colors for 2022
Each year, Pantone puts out a list of popular colors. For 2022, Pantone’s Color of the Year is “Very Peri,” a soft blue with a violet-red undertone. Pantone says it “displays a sprightly, joyous attitude and dynamic presence that encourages courageous creativity and imaginative expressions.”
There’s no trend report for 2022 just yet. However, check out PPG’s PPG’s 2021 list of the top car colors in North America for all vehicle categories shows a few changes compared to 2020 data:
- Silver/Gray (34% – up 3%)
- White (24% – down 2%)
- Black (18% – down 1%)
- Blue (12% – up 2%)
- Red (7.5% – down 1.5%)
- Red (9%)
- Green (2%)
- Natural (1.5% – down 1%)
- Other, Two-Tone (1% – up 0.5%)
Best Cars and Top 10 Lists
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Editor’s Note: This article has been updated since it was originally published.
FAQs
Best Car Colors for 2022 - Kelley Blue Book? ›
Yellow, Orange
While it may be among the least popular color choices, yellow is the vehicle color that holds its value best overall, depreciating 70 percent less than the average vehicle. You'll typically find it on sports cars and low volume vehicles that typically hold their value relatively well.
Yellow, Orange
While it may be among the least popular color choices, yellow is the vehicle color that holds its value best overall, depreciating 70 percent less than the average vehicle. You'll typically find it on sports cars and low volume vehicles that typically hold their value relatively well.
America's Most Popular Car Colors (according to iSeeCars.Com) Grayscale colors (white, black, gray, and silver) represent a total of 78.5% of all vehicles on the road in the United States. White sits atop the list as the most popular choice.
What color car is in most demand? ›Interestingly, the most popular colors aren't associated with a typical rainbow. No offense to red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, or violet, but most car buyers prefer neutral car colors, according to our data. In fact, if you're looking for the best-selling colors, the answer is right here in black and white.
What color car is hard to sell? ›Car Colors and Their Average Depreciation Value
A spokesperson from BASF tells us that purple, yellow, gold, and orange are the colors dealers are least likely to keep in stock. However, “people who buy these colors seem to keep their vehicles for a long time.
Brown, a shade that is uncommon across most vehicle types, also happens to lose its value faster than any other color, depreciating at a rate 1.2 times faster than the industry average.
What color makes a car look expensive? ›Neutral colors like white, black, silver, and gray are consistently associated with luxury and elite social status. They are elegant and often considered “classy,” at least compared to “loud” car colors like yellow and red. When considering practicality, sliver and gray hues are much easier to keep clean.
What car paint color lasts the longest? ›White is the longest lasting colour among all car paint options. Or, if you choose to pick faster fading car paints such as red and blue, keep the vehicle shaded to protect it from dust, dirt and UV rays.
What is the safest color for a car? ›We've referenced the safest color car on the road. That color is white. White cars are 12 percent less likely to be involved in an accident than black cars at any time of the day under any conditions. This is because there is often a lot of contrast between white cars and its surroundings.
What is the easiest color car to keep clean? ›The cleanest of all colors
While all colors on vehicles look stunning in their own way, it is a simple fact that some are easier to take care of than others. The colors white, silver, gray, and other light colors are typically the easiest colors to keep clean.
What is the hardest car color to keep clean? ›
Black is the hardest car color to keep clean.
The reason black is often the hardest car color to keep clean is that it shows dirt, grime and stains more than other colors. It's popular in part because it looks good but also because it hides imperfections well.
No matter the type of vehicle you're considering, the most popular color choices are white, black, silver, and gray. Red and blue occasionally break into the top four, but white and black have an iron grip on the top two spots.
What color car sells the least? ›What are the least popular car colors? Alternatively, while Americans love neutral, naturally elegant cars, they're immediately turned off by more gaudy and exciting colors. According to car color statistics, the least popular car colors include gold, yellow, and purple.
What color cars sell fastest? ›As a rule of thumb there are specific colors that are more popular. Near the head of the pack are always white, black, gray and silver vehicles. But people often choose vehicles and colors based on personal preference.
What color car hides dirt the best? ›Silver. Of the 3 most popular, silver is the best car color to hide dirt and scratches. It can save you on the time and money spent regularly maintaining your car's stylish appearance because you can visibly go longer without needing a wash.
What color car stays the coolest? ›White, silver, and other light colors are coolest, reflecting about 60 percent of sunlight but there are dark "cool" colors that can also stay cooler than traditional dark colors.
What is the most beautiful color on a car? ›White tops our list as the hottest color for cars 'cause it's just so fresh and clean. The reason why white works so well is that it can be used to create the most visually-appealing contrast between the main body of the car and smaller parts like the wheels, grill, or windows.
What color makes you look expensive? ›7. Color combinations of black, beige, brown, gray, white and pastel colors. We believe that the colors listed above can be the easiest way to instantly change your outfit so that it looks more expensive.
What color car ages the best? ›Gray. Lighter shades of gray, as opposed to black, age nicely, helping to preserve resale value. Grey cars are also straightforward to keep clean because the shade easily conceals dirt, dust, and minor damage.
What color car fades the least? ›Despite all the myths and legends, it turns out that your car's paint will fade no matter what color it is. You might see fading more apparently on darker, or more vibrant colored cars, but a white or light-colored car will fade just as much.
What time of year is best to paint a car? ›
Automotive Paint in Fall
With mostly dry, warm weather conditions in the fall months, and rain typically holding off until the latter part of November, autumn is an ideal time to apply a coat of paint to your car.
The most dangerous car colors
Besides black, which ranked as most dangerous, other dangerous car colors are grey (11 percent higher risk), silver (10 percent higher risk), blue (7 percent higher risk), and red (7 percent higher risk).
- Personal taste. Your color of choice should define your personality. ...
- Maintenance. Maintaining the color of your car can be quite a task. ...
- A scientific explanation behind heat and colors. ...
- It affects the resale value of your vehicle.
The color of your car doesn't affect your insurance rate. Instead, your insurance company uses other information, like your car's age, location, usage, and your driving record, to help determine insurance rates.
What car color is easiest to hide scratches? ›Silver. Similar to white, silver cars reflect light effectively, making it easier to conceal scratches. Instead of standing out, scratches in a silver car are more likely to blend into the paint.
What are the 5 color trends in 2023? ›Digital Lavender, Luscious Red, Sundial, Tranquil Blue and Verdigris are the color names for 2023. Who chooses the names of the new colors? Names are selected by the WGSN and Coloro color team, before being verified by our in-house Equality Vision Team to ensure a proper translation on a global scale.
What is the hottest color for 2023? ›The Pantone Color Institute named Viva Magenta as its official color of the year for 2023 for its joyous yet powerful nature. A red with subtle notes of purple, magenta flawlessly complements many different color palettes from those on the richer, jewel-tone side of the spectrum to even a lighter, earthy palette.
What is the best color this coming 2023? ›The boldest Color of the Year selection for 2023 is Benjamin Moore's Raspberry Blush. This lively red-orange is full of personality and aims to inspire dramatic transformations around the home. Go all-in and try this blazing hue on the walls of a living room for a look that's all together bright, warm and homey.
What color car do deer hit most? ›Some scientists also claim the color white is most visible to deer and can act as a repellent, while others say black is less easily seen, which could result in more crashes with dark-colored vehicles.
Why black cars are better? ›Case in point, this advantage of black car. Black cars sell much faster than other car colors because it's proof that you, as the previous owner, took good care of the vehicle. When your vehicle has a darker hue, it's easier to spot scratches and dents, unlike ones with lighter colors.
What color paint shows the least dirt? ›
Use Colors That Camouflage Dirt
While brown and gray are some of the more popular color choices for this purpose, and they certainly perform very well, they aren't your only color options. You could go with a warmer color tone, such as a burnt orange color, a spicy red, or you could even go with purple.
“Consumers looking for a deal on a car should consider looking at beige and gold cars, but deals can still be found on popular colors such as black, white, silver, and gray,” said Ly. “It's important to do some research before making any purchase to find out whether the car you're considering really is priced well.”
What color vehicles are cheaper? ›Some vehicle colors do have a higher list price (MSRP), but this will not impact your car insurance rate. Manufacturers tend to offer lower prices on standard vehicle colors like white, black, grey, and beige because they tend to be cheaper to make, less costly to repair, and more popular, making them easier to sell.
What color car hides scratches best? ›The best colour for hiding minor dents and scratches is white. The reason for this is because its bright colour helps minimize the appearance of scratches, especially when it's a bright day. While white is the best colour, you won't go wrong with other lighter colours, such as silver grey.
What is the easiest car color to maintain? ›The Easiest Colors to Care For
Most variations of gray or silver are the lowest maintenance colors, followed by whites and other lighter-shade hues. Gray and silver colors don't show dirt, swirl marks, or scratches.
We've referenced the safest color car on the road. That color is white. White cars are 12 percent less likely to be involved in an accident than black cars at any time of the day under any conditions. This is because there is often a lot of contrast between white cars and its surroundings.
What colors raise your car insurance? ›You may have heard red cars are more expensive to insure. But, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III), the color of the car you drive does not affect the price of auto insurance.
What color car paint fades the least? ›Despite all the myths and legends, it turns out that your car's paint will fade no matter what color it is. You might see fading more apparently on darker, or more vibrant colored cars, but a white or light-colored car will fade just as much.
What is the best color to choose car? ›Your safest bet is to stick to neutral colors like white, black, gray, and silver. But if you feel inclined to expand your palette, remember that bright blue, yellow, orange, or purple vehicles could put you at a disadvantage when selling or trading in your vehicle.