Auto Paint Shades Buyers Love in 2025
Car colors aren’t just about paint - they’re about personality. A gray SUV whispers “responsible adult,” while a red minivan screams “midlife doubts with cupholders.” According to BASF’s 2024-2025 Automotive Color Trends, these shades are dominating driveways this year.
SUVs: Gray (25%)
Gray is the undisputed SUV king, accounting for a quarter of sales. It’s sleek without being showy, modern without looking fragile. Buyers see it as versatile: easy to keep clean, hard to date. It’s basically the sweatpants of car colors: comfortable, respectable, and acceptable.
SUVs: White (24%)
Close on gray’s heels, white is still a powerhouse. On SUVs, it gives off a crisp, premium vibe; think minimalist Apple product on wheels. Buyers love the clean look, even if every dirt splash shows up instantly. White SUVs project confidence, even when the owner is just conquering school pickup lines.
SUVs: Black (18.5%)
Black SUVs remain timeless. They ooze power, prestige, and the occasional “mafia boss” aesthetic. At 18.5%, plenty of buyers are happy to trade extra car washes for that slick, commanding presence. Black says “I’ve got this handled” regardless of what “this” actually is!
SUVs: Silver (11%)
Silver SUVs make up 11% of the field, proving the shade is still a safe bet. It hides scratches, ages gracefully, and sparkles just enough in the sun to feel lively. Buyers choosing silver are usually practical types who want a hint of flair.
SUVs: Blue (10%)
At 10%, blue gives SUVs a pop of personality. Ranging from navy sophistication to sportier shades, blue is where drivers let a little individuality peek through. It’s the “fun uncle” of SUV colors - still responsible, but ready to lighten the mood.
Minvans: White (34%)
Minivans in white dominate at 34%, which makes sense: it’s family-friendly, high-visibility, and easy to match with every juice box stain. White minivans don’t shout for attention; they calmly state, “We’re efficient, organized, and possibly running late.” For buyers, it’s the blank canvas of parental practicality.
Minivans: Gray (23.5%)
Second place goes to gray at 23.5%. Parents love it because it looks sharp without requiring weekly washes. It’s a color that shrugs off fingerprints, crumbs, and the occasional spilled sippy cup. Gray minivans say: “We’ve given up chaos, but we’re stylish about it.”
Minivans: Silver (14.5%)
Silver finds its groove at 14.5%. Like its SUV counterpart, it’s dependable and forgiving, perfect for families juggling more important battles than swirl marks. Silver minivans blend practicality with just enough shine to keep things cheerful.
Minivans: Black (11%)
Black minivans may not be common, but at 11% they’re carving out a niche. They bring a touch of cool to a vehicle known more for cargo than charisma. Black minivans feel polished, professional, almost mysterious (until the doors open and a family of five tumbles out).
Minivans: Red (7.5%)
At 7.5%, red minivans are for the bold. They inject life into the school run and make carpool lanes just a little more exciting. Buyers choosing red are signaling they want fun, even in family duty. It says: “Yes, I’m a parent, but I still have flair.”
Pickup Trucks: White (27%)
White rules the pickup scene at 27%. It’s practical, work-ready, and looks sharp with a company logo slapped on the side. Buyers love it because it stays cooler in the sun and hides scratches surprisingly well. White pickups don’t brag; they just get the job done.
Pickup Trucks: Gray (21.5%)
Gray grabs 21.5% of pickup buyers, delivering that tough-yet-modern look. It balances rugged utility with a bit of polish, like a construction worker who owns a tailored suit. Gray pickups suggest durability without looking too flashy, which makes sense for drivers who want to look serious while hauling.
Pickup Trucks: Black (17%)
At 17%, plenty of buyers want that glossy, intimidating presence. They look fantastic… until dust or mud turns them into chalkboards. Still, black pickups carry swagger, projecting “weekend warrior” vibes even when they’re mostly parked outside the local hardware store.
Pickup Trucks: Silver (12.5%)
Silver takes 12.5% of the pickup share. It’s versatile, hides road grime, and always looks presentable, even after a long week of hauling. Silver pickups split the difference between practical gray and showy white. They’re reliable, approachable, and just shiny enough to catch stoplight attention.
Pickup Trucks: Red (9.5%)
Red pickups are for buyers who don’t mind standing out! They’re bold, fiery, and impossible to miss (especially in a sea of neutral tones). Red says “I’m hauling, but I’m also here to party.” From farm roads to Friday night parking lots, these trucks bring some spice.
Luxury Cars: White (31.5%)
Luxury buyers love white. It’s sleek, timeless, and showcases a car’s body lines beautifully. White on a luxury sedan or coupe projects elegance and wealth without needing to shout. The downside? Every speck of dirt shows. The upside? You’ve got staff to handle the car wash.
Luxury Cars: Black (25%)
Black is classic luxury - It’s dramatic, commanding, and pairs perfectly with chrome accents. A black luxury car says: “I’m important enough that scratches and heat don’t concern me.” Whether it’s a limo, coupe, or SUV, black is the power suit of the automotive palette.
Luxury Cars: Gray (14%)
Gray luxury cars balance refinement with subtlety. Buyers who choose gray often want something understated yet classy; elegance without flash. It’s the color of quiet wealth, suggesting confidence without arrogance. Gray doesn’t demand attention, but it holds it well once noticed, like a perfectly tailored blazer.
Luxury Cars: Blue (11%)
Blue’s where buyers let personality peek through the leather and wood trim. Deep navy shades look regal, while brighter blues bring a youthful edge. It’s a color that softens the stiffness of luxury cars, proving prestige doesn’t always have to be monochrome.
Luxury Cars: Silver (10.5%)
Silver rounds out the popular color luxury list. It’s clean, contemporary, and effortlessly elegant. Buyers appreciate how it highlights design curves while staying timeless. Silver luxury cars suggest forward-thinking without losing tradition. It’s less flashy than white, less heavy than black.
Compact Cars: White (25%)
White tops compact cars, proving clean and simple never goes out of style. It makes small cars look sharp and modern, while also being easier to sell later. White compact buyers usually want their practicality with a dash of class.
Compact Cars: Blue (21.5%)
Blue is a popular way to inject some fun into compact cars. It feels youthful, fresh, and versatile, ranging from sporty cobalt to calm navy. Buyers picking blue often want individuality without being too loud.
Compact Cars: Gray (18.5%)
Gray grabs 18.5% of compact car sales, showing it’s not just for big SUVs. On smaller cars, gray looks smart and urban - practical without feeling boring. Buyers like that it hides dirt, resists fading, and always looks composed.
Compact Cars: Black (13%)
Compact cars in black offer a stylish contrast. They look sleek, formal, and sometimes even a little fierce. The catch? Black shows every scratch and smudge. Still, buyers love how it transforms a modest hatchback into something that feels a little more upscale.
Compact Cars: Red & Silver (tied at 10%)
Tied at 10%, red and silver serve two very different personalities. Red compact buyers want attention: bright, bold, and lively. Silver compact buyers lean practical, favoring a timeless color that’s forgiving and elegant.
Convertibles & Coupes: Black (21%)
Black’s the natural choice for drop-tops and sleek coupes. It screams sophistication and pairs beautifully with leather interiors. The downside? It turns every dust speck into a headline. But for buyers, the payoff is a dramatic, head-turning ride.
Convertibles & Coupes: Gray (19.5%)
Gray lands at 19.5% in convertibles and coupes, bringing understated elegance. It’s a modern, polished choice for buyers who want their sporty car to feel refined rather than flashy. Gray makes curves pop without stealing the show, like a tailored suit that never tries too hard.
Convertibles & Coupes: Blue (16%)
Blue convertibles and coupes feel playful yet classy. Deep navy suggests sophistication, while brighter shades highlight sportiness. Buyers love blue because it keeps things fresh; less serious than black, more noticeable than gray. It’s the weekend getaway color that still works Monday morning.
Convertibles & Coupes: White (14.5%)
White brings clean, crisp lines to sporty cars. It pops in the sunlight and photographs beautifully, which probably explains the popularity on Instagram feeds. White coupes and convertibles look futuristic yet timeless, appealing to buyers who want their ride to feel light, bright, and eye-catching without going overboard.
Convertibles & Coupes: Red (12%)
Few colors match a convertible or coupe as well as a bold red - it’s classic sports-car energy: loud, fiery, and impossible to ignore. Buyers choosing red don’t want to blend in; they want to turn heads at every intersection. It’s passion painted on the chassis.
Most Popular: White (34%)
White dominates the global charts at 34%. It’s crisp, modern, and works on everything from SUVs to sports cars. Buyers love its versatility: it hides small scratches, reflects heat, and sells well on the used market. White says, “I’m practical, but I’ve also got style.” No wonder it keeps winning!
Most Popular: Black (22%)
Black is the timeless classic; always sleek, always serious. It looks luxurious on sedans, dramatic on convertibles, and commanding on SUVs. However, black also demands constant cleaning. Still, for many buyers, nothing beats the bold statement of a car that’s basically wearing a tuxedo.
Most Popular: Silver (14%)
Silver’s a favorite for its mix of class and convenience. It shines without being too flashy and hides road dust better than most. Buyers who pick silver usually want a car that looks sharp but doesn’t need constant polishing. Think of it as the “always appropriate” color.
Most Popular: Gray (10%)
Gray rides the wave of modern minimalism. On SUVs and luxury cars especially, it’s a go-to choice for buyers who want sophistication without the glare. Gray whispers understated confidence - you don’t need bright colors when your car’s shape and performance do the talking.
Most Popular: Blue (9%)
Rounding out the top five at 9%, blue brings personality to the road. It ranges from sporty cobalt to classy navy, giving buyers room to express themselves. Blue cars stand out without being over the top - a perfect middle ground between serious and fun. It’s individuality wrapped in elegance.
