Most Popular Car Colors of 2022: Trends, Insights, and Expert Tips

The automotive world is constantly evolving, not just in terms of technology and performance, but also in the aesthetics that captivate buyers and set trends. Among the most visible aspects of a vehicle’s appeal is its color—a decision influenced by design, psychology, and even economic factors. Looking back at the 2022 car colors, we find that global preferences, industry shifts, and consumer psychology all contributed to a fascinating spectrum of automotive hues. This article explores the most popular car colors of 2022, the factors behind these choices, expert recommendations, and the myths surrounding car color selections.

Popular 2022 car colors: global trends and regional differences

The analysis of car color popularity in 2022 reveals interesting international and regional patterns. Industry observers such as BASF, PPG, and Axalta—leading paint and coatings manufacturers—track color trends each year to inform both manufacturers and consumers. According to these reliable sources, several color themes dominated the market in 2022.

The rise of neutral tones

• White: For more than a decade, white has ranked as the most popular car color worldwide. In 2022, the trend continued with approximately 35–39% of all new cars sold globally sporting a shade of white. This is especially prevalent in Asia and parts of Europe, where white’s association with purity, modernity, and resale value holds strong.
• Black: Black maintained its prestige, particularly in luxury and executive vehicles. Approximately 16–20% of cars produced in 2022 were black, favored for its sophisticated, timeless appeal.
• Gray and silver: Both gray and silver continued to capture significant market share, together accounting for around 20–22% of global sales. Gray gained traction for its contemporary and tech-centric vibe, while silver is often appreciated for hiding minor scratches and dirt.

Emergence of bold and personalized choices

• Blue: Blue remained the leading non-neutral color, chosen by about 8–10% of buyers worldwide. Its popularity was higher in Europe and North America, and often linked to its calming yet dynamic qualities.
• Red: Red is a perennial favorite for sports cars and vehicles aiming for a striking look. In 2022, approximately 6% of cars featured red, with a slight increase in North American and Asian markets.
• Green and other unique hues: While less common, green, orange, and other specialty colors (such as matte finishes and two-tone designs) gained modest attention among enthusiasts and premium buyers seeking individuality.

Factors shaping car color preferences in 2022

Consumer choices for car colors are influenced by multiple factors—both practical and psychological. Manufacturers also consider broader social, economic, and technological trends when planning their color palettes each model year.

Practical considerations

• Resale value: Neutral colors like white, gray, black, and silver are consistently chosen by buyers concerned about resale value. Cars in these common shades are easier to sell on the used market, explaining their sustained popularity.
• Maintenance: Silver and gray are appreciated for their ability to conceal dust, scratches, and road grime better than darker shades like black or showy colors like red.
• Climate: In warmer regions and tropical climates, white and light colors are favored for their heat-reflecting properties, keeping cabins cooler compared to dark-colored vehicles that absorb more sunlight.

Psychological and cultural influences

• Perceived status: Black is often associated with luxury and authority, making it a staple among executive cars and high-end brands.
• Personality expression: Blue and red often appeal to buyers seeking to showcase a cool, energetic, or passionate personality. Green and unique colors are chosen by those wishing to make a distinctive statement.
• Regional symbolism: In certain cultures, car colors may have meanings or connotations that shape preferences. For example, white is traditionally associated with new beginnings in many Asian cultures, while in others, red represents prosperity.

Industry and technology trends

• Electric and hybrid vehicles: Automakers often introduce exclusive color options or distinctive hues for electric and hybrid models to differentiate them from conventionally powered cars. In 2022, many new EVs featured bold greens, blues, or unique matte finishes.
• Advances in paint technology: New pigments, metallics, and pearlescent finishes have enabled more daring color experimentation, especially in the premium market. Matte, satin, and special effect paints became more accessible in 2022 for mainstream vehicles.

The science and psychology of car color

The fascination with car color is not just about fashion. Multiple studies in color psychology and aesthetics have explored how color choices affect both owner satisfaction and the perception of a vehicle on the road.

Visibility and safety

• White and yellow: These colors are consistently associated with higher visibility in daylight, and some studies link them to a lower risk of accidents.
• Black and dark colors: Less visible in low-light conditions, these colors can be linked—albeit modestly—to increased accident risk, especially at dawn, dusk, or in poor weather.

Emotional associations

• White: Cleanliness, simplicity, and technological edge.
• Black: Power, formality, sophistication.
• Gray: Professionalism, neutrality, balance.
• Blue: Calm, reliability, trustworthiness.
• Red: Passion, energy, confidence, sportiness.
• Green: Nature, tranquility, originality.

While these generalizations are informative, individual tastes, cultural context, and brand image play major roles.

Expert tips for choosing the right car color

Deciding on the perfect car color can be influenced by current trends, but experts recommend considering several key aspects to ensure long-term satisfaction.

• Resale potential: If you plan to sell your vehicle within a few years, opting for a high-demand neutral color can retain resale value and make the car more appealing to a broader range of buyers.
• Climate considerations: In regions with hot climates, lighter colors can keep interiors cooler and reduce energy usage for air conditioning.
• Maintenance and upkeep: Black and very dark colors show dust, water spots, and scratches more readily. Lighter or mid-tone colors are usually easier to maintain, especially if you do not plan to wash your car frequently.
• Personal expression: If you value individuality, do not hesitate to explore less common colors. Modern paints are more durable and better at retaining vibrancy than ever before, allowing for more creative expression with less concern for fading.
• Safety: For added peace of mind, consider a color with high daytime and nighttime visibility, especially if you often drive in challenging conditions.

Common myths about car colors

Misinformation about car colors is widespread. Here are some of the most persistent myths, clarified by experts:

• “Red cars are more expensive to insure.” Insurance companies do not base rates on color but rather on vehicle make, model, engine size, driver history, and location. No direct evidence supports the claim that red cars cost more to insure.
• “Dark colors always overheat in the sun.” While black and dark vehicles do absorb more heat, advancements in manufacturing have improved interior insulation. The difference in cabin temperatures is less dramatic with modern vehicles, although still noticeable.
• “Bright colors draw more attention from law enforcement.” There is no scientific basis showing increased traffic stops based on vehicle color. Most citations are related to driver behavior.
• “White cars never show dirt.” White does conceal dust and minor scratches well, but mud and road grime can be highly visible, especially in regions with frequent rain or muddy conditions.

2022 car colors: looking ahead

The palette of 2022 car colors reflects broad societal and market trends—leaning toward practicality, yet embracing increased personalization and innovation. As vehicle technology continues to advance and new materials become available, we can anticipate further shifts and diversification in automotive color offerings. Ultimately, the best car color is a combination of personal taste, practical considerations, and future-proofing your investment. Whether you lean toward a classic white or black, or embrace the vibrant individuality of blues, reds, or even greens, industry experts recommend making an informed and thoughtful decision that you’ll be happy with for years to come.