The Most Popular Cars In 40 U.S. States
In the vast landscape of American automotive culture, the choices we make when buying a new vehicle often reflect not just our personal preferences, but also the unique characteristics and values of the states we live in.
Have you ever wondered what the most popular vehicle in each US state is? From the bustling streets of California to the rugged terrain of West Virginia, each state has its own distinct automotive landscape shaped by various factors. Buckle up as we unveil the nation's most popular vehicles – that’s the vehicles that drive America forward – one state at a time.
Alabama: Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry reigns supreme in Alabama, capturing 5.4% of total new vehicle sales in the state. The reason this sleek sedan is so popular in the Heart of Dixie is simple – its reputation for reliability precedes it. Alabama residents value a car they can depend on, whether they're commuting to work or exploring the scenic backroads.
Moreover, the Camry's fuel efficiency is also a big draw for Alabamians. With rising gas prices, many drivers appreciate its ability to go up to 39 mpg on the highway. This is why despite SUVs making 42.8% of total vehicles in the state, the Camry is the most popular vehicle there.
Arizona: Ram Pickup 1500
Arizona is home to numerous landscapes, including the Grand Canyon. The state's diverse terrain, from deserts to mountains, demands a vehicle that can handle various driving conditions, and the Ram Pickup 1500 fits the bill perfectly. Its robust build, powerful performance, and impressive 4WD make it well-suited for navigating both urban roads and rugged off-road trails.
Outdoor enthusiasts in Arizona also appreciate the Ram 1500's towing capacity, which allows them to haul trailers, boats, or other equipment with ease. All in all, the pickup provides the versatility and reliability that Arizona residents require in a vehicle, which explains why it has a 3.1% share in new automotive sales.
Arkansas: GMC Sierra 1500
Arkansas is not just home to cultural attractions and historic sites, it also boasts a number of picturesque landscapes, including the Ozark mountains. The diverse terrain of Arkansas demands a vehicle that can handle it all, and the GMC Sierra 1500 does just that.
With a 5.4% share of total new vehicle sales in the state, this rugged and reliable pickup truck is perfect for all sorts of outdoor adventures the state has to offer. The Sierra 1500 is not just powerful and capable, it also has a spacious bed and impressive towing capacity that further add to its appeal.
California: Honda Civic
As the nation's most populous state with over 30 million registered vehicles, California faces significant traffic congestion, day or night. Los Angeles and San Francisco are, in fact, the first and the third worst cities for traffic in the US. Moreover, the average gas price in California stands at $2.96/gallon, the second-highest in the country.
All of this explains why California is one of the few states that have more cars than SUVs. As for the most popular new car, the Honda Civic makes up 3.9% of all new vehicles sold in the Golden State. The Civic's reliability and fuel efficiency makes it a practical choice for commuters battling frequent gridlocks.
Colorado: Ford F-150
Colorado is known for its outdoor lifestyle, with opportunities for hiking, skiing, mountain biking, and more right on its doorstep. Even though SUVs make up 50.5% of total vehicles in the Centennial State, the Ford F-150 is the state’s most popular vehicle with a 4.1% share of new automotive sales.
It is because the F-150 embodies the spirit of adventure and resilience that resonates with many Coloradans. With a capable powertrain, class-leading towing capacity, and ample cargo space for gear and equipment, the F-150 is the perfect companion for outdoor enthusiasts in the state.
Connecticut: Honda CR-V
With just 0.84 deaths per million vehicle miles traveled (way below the national average of 1.13), Connecticut is safer than many other states when it comes to driving safety, so it makes sense why the Honda CR-V is in high demand here, making up 3.2% of all new vehicle sales.
Besides safety, the CR-V accommodates the needs of Connecticut families and adventurers alike with its spacious interior and ample cargo capacity. All in all, the compact SUV offers a perfect blend of comfort, versatility, and fuel efficiency that resonates with most of the residents of the Constitution State.
Florida: Toyota RAV4
As a state known for outdoor adventures, from beach outings to camping trips, the Toyota RAV4 with its spacious interior and ample cargo capacity perfectly caters to the needs of Florida residents, making up 3.3% of all new vehicle sales there.
The RAV4 offers just the right mix of reliability, versatility, and fuel efficiency. Moreover, its agile handling and compact size also makes it ideal for maneuvering through both the city traffic and exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations. However, you need to proceed with caution, as the Sunshine State ranks the worst for bad drivers, with 1.42 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled – the highest in the nation.
Georgia: Ford F-150
In the heart of the South, Georgia's drivers have a clear favorite: the Ford F-150. Making up 4.3% of all new automotive sales, this iconic pickup embodies the rugged spirit of the Peach State, offering the power, versatility, and reliability that Georgians demand from their vehicles.
The F-150's off-road capabilities, rugged design, and available four-wheel drive can defeat any terrain, from muddy trails in the Chattahoochee National Forest to rocky riverbeds in the Appalachian foothills. Moreover, its impressive 14000lbs towing capacity and spacious cargo bed make it well-suited for both work and play, whether hauling equipment on the job site or towing a boat for a weekend getaway.
Hawaii: Nissan Frontier
Made up of 137 islands spanning over 1500 miles, Hawaii is known for its water sports and vibrant outdoor lifestyle. The Nissan Frontier, with its spacious cargo bed and decent towing capacity, perfectly fits here. The mid-size pickup has a 4.1% share of all new vehicle sales in the Aloha State.
Whether cruising along the scenic Hana Highway or tackling the rugged trails of Kauai's Waimea Canyon, the Frontier offers the perfect blend of comfort and capability for island living. But keep your foot light on the pedal as the gas price is $3.06 per gallon here, which is the highest in the nation.
Idaho: Ford F-150
Idaho, the Gem State, is famous for its mountainous landscapes and vast swaths of wilderness, which explains why 41.2% of vehicles here are SUVs. The Ford F-150 pickup, however, is the vehicle of choice for most Idahoans, with a 6.7% share in new vehicle sales in the state.
The F-150's spacious cargo bed and remarkable towing capacity make it well-suited for transporting heavy loads, camping gear, and other outdoor essentials, enabling residents to make the most of their weekends. Luckily, Idaho is one of the few states that permit up to 80-mph on highways.
Illinois: Hyundai Tucson
Illinois – aka the Land of Lincoln – is known for deep-dish pizza, iconic buildings like the Sears Tower, and as the launching point for Route 66, the mother of all American roads. The Hyundai Tucson is the most popular new vehicle here, as the compact SUV offers a perfect balance of practicality and efficiency.
With its comfortable ride, fuel-efficient engine options, and affordable price point, the Tucson appeals to Illinoisans looking for a reliable daily driver. Additionally, its compact size makes it easy to maneuver through city streets and crowded parking lots.
Indiana: Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Indiana is known for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which held the first Indy 500 race more than 100 years ago. Even though residents of the Hoosier State have a thing for sports cars, it’s the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 pickup that’s most in demand here, with a 3.2% share of total automotive sales.
The state also has numerous state parks and recreational areas with plenty of outdoor activities including camping and hiking. The Silverado is not just versatile and rugged, but it also has a spacious bed and a remarkable towing capacity to fulfill the needs of all such enthusiasts.
Iowa: Ford F-150
Iowa is celebrated for its agricultural heritage, rolling plains, and friendly locals. With its vast cornfields and charming small towns, Iowa offers a picturesque backdrop for leisurely drives and outdoor adventures. The Ford F-150's ruggedness and versatility make it a popular choice among Iowans, who often need a dependable vehicle capable of handling farm work, outdoor recreation, and everyday tasks.
The F-150's robust towing capacity and spacious bed are well-suited for the diverse needs of Iowa residents, whether for work or play… and this is why the iconic pickup makes up 4.7% share of new vehicle sales in the Hawkeye State.
Kansas: Ford F-150
Famously known as the Sunflower State, Kansas boasts diverse landscapes ranging from vast fields of golden sunflowers to flat plains and rolling hills. The residents here value durability and reliability in their vehicles, and prefer a dependable workhorse that they can use to enjoy outdoors on the weekend.
Needless to say, the Ford F-150 – with its comfy interior, rugged build, robust powertrain, massive bed, and impressive towing capacity – makes for the ideal vehicle in Kansas. The pickup captures a 5.1% share of the state’s total new vehicle sales, even though SUVs make 44.4% of the vehicles here.
Kentucky: Ram Pickup 1500
Kentucky is famous for horse racing (Kentucky Derby horse race is the longest-running sports event in the US), bourbon distilleries, and obviously, fried chicken. But that’s not all. Kentucky is also known for its picturesque countryside, rugged off-road trails, and scenic drives.
With vast outdoor recreational opportunities, Kentucky demands a vehicle that can handle heavy loads as well as all kinds of drive conditions. The Ram 1500’s durability and towing capacity make it ideal for hauling equipment for camping and weekend getaways… so much so that it claims a 4.2% share of total automotive sales in the Bluegrass State.
Louisiana: Ford F-150
The crawfish capital of the world, Louisiana boasts a rich cultural heritage, vibrant jazz music, and delicious Cajun and Creole cuisine. It also has a diverse landscape ranging from marshy swamps to bustling cities, necessitating a ride that can handle it all. Luckily, the Ford F-150 with its capability, ruggedness and towing prowess does just that, and makes up 5.2% of total automotive sales here.
But when in the Pelican State, you might need to be more careful on the road, as the state's 1.51 road deaths per million vehicle miles traveled is way above the national average of 1.13. It’s because Louisiana has the highest percentage of drivers distracted by their cell phones in the nation.
Maryland: Honda CR-V
Maryland boasts a diverse landscape, from the Chesapeake Bay to the Appalachian Mountains. The state is also home to bustling cities like Baltimore and Annapolis. The residents here prefer SUVs, which make up 46.6% of all vehicles in the Old Line State. The most popular vehicle is the Honda CR-V, capturing 3.1% of the state's total new vehicle sales.
The CR-V's versatility and practicality, along with its reputation for reliability and fuel efficiency, make it an ideal choice for Marylanders. And since the state has 0.89 road deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (well below the national average of 1.13), the comprehensive safety suite offered by the compact SUV is also highly appreciated by the residents here.
Massachusetts: Toyota RAV4
Blending colonial charm with modern sophistication, Massachusetts is an iconic state, thanks to its historic landmarks, vibrant cities, and top-tier colleges. The residents of this state don’t just value education, they also value SUVs. Making up 52.1% of all vehicles in the state, SUVs outnumber all other vehicle types combined.
The Bay State also ranks first in road safety in the US, with just 0.52 deaths per million vehicle miles traveled. As far as the most popular car is concerned, the Toyota RAV4 sells like hot cakes here, claiming 3.2% of total automotive sales in the state. It’s all thanks to the reliability, adaptability, practicality and safety offered by the compact SUV.
Michigan: Ram Pickup 1500
Synonymous with the automotive industry for being home to the "Motor City," Detroit, Michigan is known as the car capital of the world. As the birthplace of American automobile manufacturing, one out of every five of the nation's auto-manufacturing jobs exists here. It's no surprise this state has a deep-rooted automotive culture and heritage.
The most popular new vehicle here is the Ram 1500, which captures 4.7% of total sales of the Great Lakes State. With its powerful performance and versatility, the Ram 1500 embodies the spirit of innovation and endurance that defines the state's automotive legacy.
Minnesota: Ford F-150
Known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes (even though the state has more than 14,500 lakes), Minnesota is famous for its abundant natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and harsh winters. The state ranks second-best when it comes to distracted-driving, with just 0.72 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled.
The most popular vehicle here is the Ford F-150, which claims 4.6% of the total automotive sales due to its rugged reliability and versatility. The F-150 is not just well-suited for navigating snowy roads and rugged terrain, but it also has a stellar hauling and towing capability that makes it perfect for both outdoor adventures and practical work purposes.
Mississippi: Ford F-150
Known as the Magnolia State, Mississippi hosts one of the most important rivers in the US, and has an abundance of forests, hills, prairies, lowlands, and plains. Considering the state’s diverse landscapes, it makes sense why the Ford F-150 is the top choice among new vehicle buyers here.
Whether it's for work on the farm or recreational adventures in the countryside, the F-150 can do it all, thanks to its rugged build, towing capacity and off-road capabilities. Mississippians can also pedal harder since the gas price here is among the cheapest in the nation ($2.09/gallon). But drivers need to be extra careful as the state is the nation's second-worst when it comes to driving safety, with 1.7 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled.
Missouri: Chevrolet Silverado 1500
The birthplace of Budweiser and home to thousands of caves, the Cave State boasts a rich history, diverse landscapes, and vibrant culture. When it comes to the most popular new vehicle in the "Show Me" state, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 takes the lead, making up 3.8% of the state's total automotive sales.
The Silverado's popularity in Missouri is attributed to its versatility and durability, making it a reliable choice for both work and leisure. With its robust towing capacity, spacious bed, and rugged build, the Silverado is well-suited for navigating Missouri's highways, back roads, and rural landscapes… and taking all the stuff you need while you're at it.
Nevada: Ram Pickup 1500
Nevada's largest city Las Vegas is known for its vibrant nightlife and savory dining options. Drawing in a staggering 40 million visitors annually, the city boasts over 150,000 hotel rooms to accommodate its massive influx of guests. The Vegas Strip is, in fact, the brightest spot on Earth due to the concentration of lights on its hotels and casinos.
Nevada also has vast desert landscapes that necessitates a rugged, capable, and versatile vehicle like the Ram Pickup 1500. As the most popular new vehicle, this full-size pickup truck captures 2.8% of the total automotive sales in the state.
New Jersey: Honda CR-V
Dubbed as the Diner Capital of the World, New Jersey features Italian, Mexican, Greek, and various other cuisines. The Garden State is one of the safest destinations for drivers, with just 0.75 road deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled.
New Jersey offers a unique blend of urban excitement and natural beauty with its bustling cities and beautiful beaches, necessitating a versatile and practical ride like the Honda CR-V – the most popular new vehicle in the state. With its spacious interior, fuel-efficient engine, and advanced safety features, the CR-V is perfect for everything, be it commuting to work, running errands around town, or embarking on weekend getaways with family.
New Mexico: Ford F-150
The Land of Enchantment, the Green Chile Capital of the World, and home to the site of the Manhattan Project, New Mexico is known for its stunning desert landscapes. The Ford F-150's popularity in New Mexico is driven by its rugged durability, versatile performance, and capability to handle various terrains, ranging from mountain paths to desert highways.
Moreover, with its spacious bed and class-leading towing and hauling capacity, the full-size pickup truck perfectly meets the demands of New Mexico residents, whether for work on the ranch, outdoor adventures, or everyday commuting, capturing 4.6% of the state's total new vehicle sales.
New York: Honda CR-V
Renowned for its bustling cities, picturesque landscapes, and diverse culture, the Empire State is one of the world's most frequented destinations. Given its densely populated urban areas, it's no surprise that the average one-way commute time here is 33.3 minutes, among the lengthiest in the nation. New York City, in fact, ranks second for the most congested traffic in the US, trailing just behind Los Angeles.
So, it makes total sense that the Honda CR-V reigns as the most popular new vehicle here. The CR-V's popularity in New York mainly stems from its practicality and fuel efficiency. The compact SUV also has a spacious interior, advanced safety features, and comfortable ride, making it a great family-friendly vehicle.
North Carolina: Toyota Camry
Hosting Nascar’s Hall of Fame and the Charlotte Motor Speedway, North Carolina is the epicenter for American stock-car racing. So it makes sense for a sedan – the Toyota Camry – to take the crown as the most popular new vehicle here.
The Camry's popularity in the Tar Heel State can be attributed to its reputation for reliability, fuel efficiency, and comfortable ride. Additionally, the Camry's spacious interior, advanced safety features, and affordable pricing make it an attractive option for families and commuters alike. It is a highly dependable and practical vehicle, perfectly suited to the driving needs of North Carolinians.
Ohio: Ram Pickup 1500
Known as the Buckeye State, Ohio is famous for its industrial heritage, scenic landscapes, and numerous landmarks including the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and Cedar Point. Even though Ohio residents spend the least on purchasing their cars compared to any other state, (with an average of just $17,453), the most popular new vehicle in the state is the Ram Pickup 1500.
The Ram Pickup 1500's popularity in Ohio can be attributed to its versatility, durability, and capability. Whether used for work on farms, construction sites, or for family adventures, the full-size pickup truck does a great job, thanks to its rugged design, stellar performance, and incredible towing capacity.
Oklahoma: Ford F-150
Known as the Sooner State, Oklahoma boasts a rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse landscapes, ranging from forests and mountains to prairies and canyons. Given that, it’s natural for the residents of Oklahoma to seek a vehicle like the Ford F-150 that can handle both work and recreational activities.
Thanks to its reputation for toughness, reliability, and versatility, the F-150 is used by the state residents for hauling equipment on ranches, navigating rough terrain, or simply cruising down the open road. The full-size pickup truck claims a remarkable 5.5% of the state's total new vehicle sales.
Oregon: Toyota RAV4
Known as the Pacific Wonderland, Oregon features a number of towering mountains, scenic valleys, deep lakes, and evergreen forests. The state is also famous for its quirky yearly traditions and for being a part of the Wild West.
The vehicle that takes the crown as the most popular automotive here is the Toyota RAV4, which captures 3.0% of the state's total new vehicle sales. The RAV4's popularity in the Beaver State is attributed to its reliability, fuel efficiency, and versatility, making it an ideal choice as a family-friendly vehicle. The RAV4 also offers all-wheel drive and ample cargo space for outdoor enthusiasts.
Pennsylvania: Honda CR-V
Known as the Keystone State, Pennsylvania boasts a rich history, mainly due to its role in the American Revolution. The state is also known for its iconic Liberty Bell, its coal and railroad industry, its diverse landscapes, and its scenic countryside.
The residents of Pennsylvania value safety and comfort before everything else, which is why the Honda CR-V reigns as the most popular new vehicle here, with 3.1% of the state's total sales. The CR-V's versatility, fuel efficiency, spacious interior, and all-weather performance make it a top pick for both families and commuters navigating the state's varied terrain.
Rhode Island: Toyota Highlander
Despite being the smallest state in the US, Rhode Island boasts a rich history, beautiful coastline, and vibrant culture. The state's diverse terrain, from urban areas to scenic landscapes, makes the Toyota Highlander's all-wheel-drive capability and comfortable ride highly desirable for drivers seeking both performance and comfort.
Making up 4.1% of the state's total new vehicle sales, the Highlander's popularity in Rhode Island can be attributed to its versatility to handle different terrains, its spacious interior, and its advanced safety features. Moreover, it’s also a reliable vehicle, perfect for family travel.
South Carolina: Toyota RAV4
South Carolina offers a blend of coastal charm with its stunning beaches and delightful climate, along with a number of historical landmarks. The state has the cheapest gas in the US, with prices as low as $2.09 per gallon, but tops the charts as the most perilous in the nation, with 1.89 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled.
When it comes to the most popular new vehicle in the Palmetto State, the Toyota RAV4 takes the spotlight, capturing 3.5% of the state's total automotive sales. The RAV4's popularity here stems from its practicality, reliability, and versatility. The compact SUV has a robust all-wheel-drive system and ample cargo space that makes it well-suited for a weekend trip to the beach.
Tennessee: Ford F-150
Hosting the Music City, Nashville, Tennessee is a storming ground for all things music. It is home to both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Country Music Awards… and is also known for its versatile landscapes with numerous scenic sites.
The Ford F-150 reigns supreme as the most popular new vehicle here, commanding 3.3% of the state's total sales. It’s all thanks to the versatility, durability, capability, and ruggedness of this full-size pickup that makes it perfect for everything from working on farms and construction sites to outdoor adventures and leisure activities. And since the Volunteer State has one of the cheapest gas in the nation at $2.14/gallon, pedaling hard is not an issue.
Texas: Ford F-150
The second-largest state by both area and population, Texas is known for its scorching weather, vibrant music scene, rich cowboy culture, and mouthwatering barbecue. The state also has diverse landscapes ranging from deserts to mountains. In terms of vehicles, Texas boasts over 22.4 million vehicles, with SUVs accounting for 40.6% of the total.
However, it’s a pickup – the Ford F-150 – that’s most in demand in the Lone Star State. The F-150's popularity in Texas is no surprise, given its reputation for power, performance, and durability. Whether used for ranch work, long road trips, or everyday commuting, the F-150 can do it all. And fortunately, you can pedal up since Texas has the highest speed limit in the nation, at 85mph.
Utah: Ford F-150
Renowned for its national parks, copper hills, and outdoor recreation opportunities, Utah mesmerizes visitors with its abundance of natural wonders. It's no surprise that 39.9% of vehicles in the Beehive State are SUVs. However, it is the Ford F-150 that reigns as the most popular new vehicle here, capturing a significant 4.6% share of the total new auto sales.
The reason is quite simple: when it comes to rugged off-roading, no other vehicle even comes close. The F-150 fits the bill perfectly with its reputation for reliability, durability, and capability… whether navigating through jagged hills or hauling heavy loads.
Virginia: Honda CR-V
The Mother of States, Virginia, was the first colony to be settled. It also holds the title of the Mother of Presidents for being the birthplace of 8 U.S. presidents, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. In addition to its historic significance, Virginia is also renowned for its diverse landscapes (from beaches to mountains) that demand a versatile vehicle to handle various terrains and weather conditions.
The Honda CR-V fits perfectly here. Claiming 2.7% of the state's total new vehicle sales, the compact SUV is the most popular vehicle in Virginia. It offers all-wheel drive along with ample cargo space and has a strong reputation for reliability, fuel efficiency, and affordability.
Washington: Toyota Tacoma
Home to multiple national parks, numerous snow-capped volcanic mountains, and the first Starbucks coffee shop, the Evergreen State is truly evergreen! The state’s diverse landscapes range from glaciers to coastal areas, demanding a capable vehicle that can handle all kinds of terrain.
The Toyota Tacoma perfectly fulfills this condition and stands out as the most popular vehicle, commanding 2.8% of the state's total new vehicle sales. With its reputation for durability and off-road capability, the Tacoma is well-suited for both outdoor enthusiasts and adventure-seekers. You might need to be careful with the pedal since gas prices here, though. At $2.82 per gallon, rank as the nation's third highest.
West Virginia: Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Renowned for its rugged terrain, rolling mountains, picturesque valleys, and scenic roads, West Virginia is truly a state where adventure awaits around every corner. Understandably, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 reigns as the most popular new vehicle here, with 4.3% of the state's total new vehicle sales.
The Silverado 1500’s towing capacity, cargo space, and capability perfectly caters to the needs of residents involved in agriculture, construction, and outdoor recreation. Moreover, it’s a reliable and dependable off-roader with a number of advanced safety features. This is important because the Mountain State has a rate of 1.35 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled – much higher than the national average of 1.13.
Wisconsin: Ford F-150
Known as America's Dairyland, Wisconsin contributes to 30% of the nation's total cheese production. The state is also known for its diverse terrains, ranging from rolling farmlands to expansive forests, making the Ford F-150 a fitting choice. The F-150 cannot just endure Wisconsin's harsh winters, but it's also perfect to tackle the state’s rugged landscapes.
Moreover, the F-150 has an unparalleled reputation for durability, reliability, capability, and towing capacity – all of which make it perfect for both work and play. This is why the pickup has a whopping 5.2% share of the total new vehicle sales in the Badger State.
