101+ Most Popular Car Colours in the World

The most popular car colours globally tend to be neutral tones such as white, black, silver, and grey. However, all of them are general colours and don’t offer a WOW factor – isn’t it?

These colours have widespread appeal due to their versatility, timeless aesthetic, and ease of maintenance.

With each vehicle launch, automakers also try different shades of colours – some sell and others don’t.

White, in particular, has consistently held its position as one of the top choices, associated with a clean and modern look. Black and silver are favoured for their sophistication, while grey offers a balanced and versatile option.

While trends may vary by region and cultural preferences, neutral colours dominate the automotive landscape, often chosen for their broad appeal and potential impact on factors like resale value.

In this researched article, I’ve delved into factors shaping choices and popular colour trends, highlighting the impact a chosen colour can have on a vehicle’s overall appeal and individual expression. Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Most Popular Car Colours According to Sales

Colours	Percentage Share
White	26%
Black	22%
Gray	18%
Silver	12%
Blue	10%
Red	9%
Brown	1%
Green	1%
Orange	1%
Beige	1%
Purple	0%
Gold	0%
Yellow	0%

Famous Car Colours

Black Shades

Jet Black
Obsidian Black
Midnight Black
Onyx Black
Ebony

White Shades

Pearl White
Diamond White
Arctic White
Cream White
Pure White

Silver Shades

Silver Metallic
Platinum Silver
Ice Silver
Bright Silver
Sterling Silver

Gray Shades

Charcoal Gray
Gunmetal Gray
Slate Gray
Ash Gray
Steel Gray

Blue Shades

Deep Blue
Sapphire Blue
Electric Blue
Cobalt Blue
Royal Blue

Red Shades

Ruby Red
Crimson Red
Cherry Red
Fire Engine Red
Burgundy

Green Shades

Emerald Green
Forest Green
Olive Green
Lime Green
Racing Green

Yellow Shades

Canary Yellow
Sunflower Yellow
Lemon Yellow
Mustard Yellow
Gold Yellow

Orange Shades

Tangerine Orange
Burnt Orange
Coral Orange
Sunset Orange
Mango Orange

Brown Shades

Chocolate Brown
Caramel Brown
Coffee Brown
Walnut Brown
Chestnut Brown

Gold Shades

Champagne Gold
Antique Gold
Amber Gold
Bullion Gold
Harvest Gold

Purple Shades

Violet
Lavender
Mauve
Grape Purple
Plum

Pink Shades

Bubblegum Pink
Rose Pink
Salmon Pink
Blush Pink
Coral Pink

Beige Shades

Tan Beige
Desert Beige
Sand Beige
Biscuit Beige
Champagne Beige

Burgundy Shades

Wine Burgundy
Maroon
Claret Burgundy
Merlot Burgundy
Bordeaux

Turquoise Shades

Aqua Turquoise
Teal Turquoise
Cyan Turquoise
Caribbean Turquoise
Tiffany Blue

Bronze Shades

Antique Bronze
Metallic Bronze
Copper Bronze
Burnished Bronze
Rustic Bronze

Charcoal Shades

Dark Charcoal
Graphite Charcoal
Smoky Charcoal
Ashen Charcoal
Carbon Charcoal

Cream Shades

Vanilla Cream
Ivory Cream
Alabaster Cream
Parchment Cream
Linen Cream

Indigo Shades

Dark Indigo
Royal Indigo
Navy Indigo
Sapphire Indigo
Deep Purple Indigo

Top 5 Easy to Maintain Car Colours

Below is the list of car colours that are generally considered easier to maintain and tend to show less dirt and scratches:

Silver: This colour is known for its ability to hide dirt and scratches well. It’s a popular choice for those looking for a low-maintenance option.
White: White cars also hide dirt and minor scratches effectively. Additionally, they reflect sunlight, which can help maintain a cooler interior temperature.
Gray: Lighter shades of grey, similar to silver, can be forgiving in terms of showing dirt and scratches.
Beige: Beige or tan colours can be good at concealing dirt, although they may show scratches more than some other light colours.
Champagne: A light, muted gold or champagne colour can be relatively low-maintenance and is good at hiding minor imperfections.

Top Safest Car Colours

Lamborghini Urus in white color — Lamborghini Urus in white colour

A vehicle’s colour isn’t directly related to the safety of the vehicle. However, certain colours may offer better visibility and be more easily seen on the road (especially in evening and night driving), contributing indirectly to safety. Below are some considerations:

White: A white colour vehicle is often considered more visible, especially during daylight hours. They reflect light well and are easily spotted on the road.
Yellow: Yellow is a highly visible colour, making it easier for other drivers to see the car. Many emergency vehicles are painted yellow for this reason.
Orange: Similar to yellow, orange is a bright and attention-grabbing colour that enhances visibility.
Silver: Silver cars may have better visibility due to their reflective properties. They can stand out in various lighting conditions.

Note: A light-coloured car such as white, silver, and light shades of other colours may be more visible than darker tones, especially in low-light conditions. You can consider these factors before choosing a final colour.

Top Car Colour to Hide Dirt

To avoid unnecessary washing, buyers often prefer car colours that tend to hide dirt and road grime. Below are some car colours that are known for hiding dirt effectively:

Silver: Silver is a popular choice as it tends to mask dirt and minor scratches, keeping the car looking cleaner for longer periods.
Gray: Lighter shades of grey can be forgiving when it comes to showing dirt, making it easier to maintain a clean appearance.
White: White cars often hide dirt well, and any accumulated dust or road grime may be less noticeable.
Beige: Beige or tan colours can be good at concealing dirt, although they may show scratches more than some other light colours.
Champagne: A light, muted gold or champagne colour can be relatively low-maintenance and is good at hiding minor imperfections.

Top Car Colour Combinations

Car colour combinations often depend on personal preferences. However, some classic and popular combinations that are often well-received include:

Black and Chrome: A black car with chrome accents or trim can exude a sleek and sophisticated look.
White and Black: White cars with black accents or detailing, such as black rims or a black roof, can create a clean and modern appearance.
Silver and Blue: Silver as the main colour with blue accents or detailing can provide a stylish and elegant combination.
Red and Black: Red cars with black accents, like black mirrors or a black grille, can create a bold and sporty look.
Gray and Red: A grey car with red accents or detailing can strike a balance between sophistication and a touch of vibrancy.
Two-Tone Combinations: Two-tone paint jobs, where the top and bottom halves of the car are different colours, can create a distinctive and retro appearance.
Metallic Colors with Matte Black: Combining a metallic colour with matte black accents can add a modern and edgy touch to the vehicle.

Top Car Colour for Best Resale Value

When it comes to choosing a car colour for resale value, it’s generally advisable to stick with popular and neutral colours. This is because neutral colours have a broader appeal and may attract a larger pool of potential buyers.

In addition, popular colour body parts are easily available in the market. Below is the list of best car colours for resale:

White: White is a popular and versatile colour that often maintains good resale value. It gives a clean and timeless appearance.
Silver: Silver cars are known to have broad appeal and can hide dirt and scratches well. They tend to be popular in the used car market.
Black: Black is a classic and sophisticated colour that can also hold its value well if well-maintained. Keep in mind that black cars may require more frequent cleaning to maintain their appearance.
Gray: Light to medium shades of grey are considered neutral and can be attractive to a wide range of buyers.
Blue: While not as neutral as some other colours, a popular shade of blue can still be appealing and hold resale value.

Car Colours Based on Body Type

Best Colours for 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%)

Best Colours for Minivans

White (34%)
Gray (23.5%)
Silver (14.5%)
Black (11%)
Red (7.5%)
Blue (7%)
Green (2%)
Brown (0.5%)

Best Colours for Pickup Trucks

White (27%)
Gray (21.5%)
Black (17%)
Silver (12.5%)
Red (9.5%)
Blue (6%)
Brown (1%)
Orange (tied at 0.5%)

Best Colours for Luxury Cars

White (31.5%)
Black (25%)
Gray (14%)
Blue (11%)
Silver (10.5%)
Red (5%)
Gold/Beige, Green (tied at 1%)

Best Colour for Sedans, Wagons, and Hatchbacks

White (21.5%)
Gray (20.5%)
Black, Blue (17%)
Silver (16.5%)
Red (5%)
Beige/Gold (2%)
Orange (0.5%)

Best Colour for Compact Cars

White (25%)
Blue (21.5%)
Gray (18.5%)
Black (13%)
Red, Silver (tied at 10%)
Brown, Orange (tied at 1%)

Best Colour for Convertibles and Coupes

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%)

Popular Car Colours in India

Indian automobile market works differently. We look for value for money in addition to looks, trends & climate considerations. Below are some of the popular car colours in India:

White: White cars are generally popular in India due to their clean and modern appearance. White is also known for its ability to reflect sunlight, helping to keep the interior of the car cooler in hot climates.
Silver: Silver is a classic and versatile colour that tends to be well-received in India. It’s easy to maintain and can hide dirt and scratches to some extent.
Gray: Light to medium shades of grey are preferred by many Indian car buyers. Gray is considered sophisticated and can complement various car designs.
Blue: Blue cars, especially shades like sky blue or navy blue, are chosen by those who want a more vibrant and stylish appearance.
Red: Red cars are popular among individuals looking for a bold and eye-catching colour. It’s often associated with a sporty and dynamic look.
Black: Black cars have a timeless and elegant appeal. While they can be challenging to maintain, many car buyers in India appreciate the sophistication that black offers.
Beige: Beige or light brown colours are chosen for a classic and refined look. They can also be practical in the Indian climate.

Popular Car Fading Colours

Dark colours, especially black and related families, tend to absorb more sunlight and heat, which can accelerate the fading process. Below are some general considerations:

Black: Black cars are notorious for showing scratches and fading more quickly due to their ability to absorb and retain heat.
Red: Red cars may also experience fading over time, as the pigments used in red paints may be less resistant to UV rays.
Blue: Dark blue colours may be more prone to fading, especially if they contain pigments that are less resistant to UV radiation.
Green: Some shades of green can be susceptible to fading, depending on the specific pigments used in the paint.

Note: Advancements in automotive paint technology have made modern paints more resistant to fading. In addition, this paint fading is a process of over 15 years or more.

Related Facts

Neutral colours like white, black, silver, and grey are among the most popular car colours globally due to their versatility and wide appeal.
White has consistently been a popular car colour worldwide. It’s associated with cleanliness, modernity, and reflects sunlight, helping to keep interiors cooler.
Car colour preferences can vary by region and culture. For example, certain vibrant colours may be more popular in some countries than in others.
Neutral colours, such as white, silver, and black, are often considered to retain better resale value.
Bright colours like yellow, orange, and red can enhance visibility on the road, contributing to safety.
Some car manufacturers like Rolls Royce & Bentley offer custom colour options, allowing buyers to personalize their vehicles with unique shades.
Darker colours may show scratches and dirt more prominently, requiring more frequent cleaning and maintenance.
Car colours can influence perceptions. For example, red is often associated with energy and excitement, while blue is associated with calmness.

FAQs

What are the most popular car colours in 2024?

Commonly favoured car colours in 2024 include classic black, sleek silver, and vibrant shades of blue and red.

Do car colours affect resale value?

Yes, car colours can impact resale value. Neutral colours like white, silver, and black often have broader appeal, leading to higher resale values compared to unconventional or niche colours.

Are certain car colours more prone to fading or damage from the sun?

Darker colours, such as black and deep blues, are generally more prone to fading due to prolonged sun exposure. Regular maintenance, such as waxing and parking in shaded areas, can help mitigate this.

How does car colour impact the temperature inside the vehicle?

Darker colours tend to absorb more heat, making the interior warmer on hot days. Lighter colours reflect more sunlight and can help keep the interior cooler.

Are there any trends in car colours for electric vehicles?

Many electric vehicles feature futuristic and eco-friendly colour options, including shades of green, blue, and metallic finishes. Some manufacturers also offer unique colours to distinguish their electric models.

Can you customize the colour of your car during the purchase process?

Some car manufacturers offer a range of customizable options, allowing customers to choose from various colour palettes. However, this may be limited to certain models or trim levels.

Are matte finishes becoming more popular for car colours?

Matte finishes have gained popularity in recent years for their unique, non-reflective appearance. Some car enthusiasts opt for matte wraps or factory matte paint options for a distinctive look.

How do car colours impact visibility and safety on the road?

High-visibility colours like white and yellow can enhance safety on the road by improving visibility, especially in low-light conditions. However, this doesn’t replace the importance of proper lighting and reflective materials.

Are there any cultural or regional preferences in car colours?

Cultural and regional preferences can influence colour choices. For example, certain regions may favour lighter colours to combat the heat, while others might prefer darker colours for a more sophisticated look.

Are there any maintenance tips specific to certain car colours?

Light-coloured cars may show dirt and stains more prominently, requiring more frequent cleaning. Dark-coloured cars may require extra care to prevent swirl marks and scratches from being highly visible. Regular washing and proper maintenance can help preserve the appearance of any colour.