What is the most popular car colour in the UK?

What is the most popular car colour in the UK?

According to the latest figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the most popular car colour is grey.

This is the sixth consecutive year that grey has come out on top as the UK’s favourite car colour.

With a market share of more than a quarter (26.8%), more than half a million (509,194) grey cars were registered in 2023.

While grey topped the list of the most popular car colour in the UK, black and white were second and third respectively, also for the sixth straight year, and recorded their best volumes since 2019.

Almost two thirds (63.5%) of all new cars joining UK roads in 2023 were grey, black or white.

The British regions were unanimous in a preference for grey, with white ranking as the second most popular in the Channel Islands, Northern Ireland and Scotland. Black was the second most popular in England, Wales and the Isle of Man.

As for the least popular car colours in the UK, maroon, pink and cream remained at the niche end of the colour palette – comprising just 604 registrations combined last year.

At Arnold Clark, we stock thousands of new and used cars with a variety of colour options for you to choose from.

The 10 most popular car colours in the UK in 2023

What car colours do our customers search for?

At the time of writing, white is the car colour our customers have searched for most on ArnoldClark.com so far this year.

Behind that, perhaps unsurprisingly and on trend, grey and black were the most searched for car colours on our website. Blue and red then make up the top five respectively.

What colours of cars do Arnold Clark currently have in stock?

We have a great selection of colours to choose from when it comes to picking your next car.

Currently, 23.49% of our cars in stock are white, followed closely behind by the UK’s favourite colour, grey. Grey-coloured cars equate to 18.51% of our current stock. Black is third with 17.60%.

Niche colours like Cream, Maroon and Mauve equated to just 0.08% of our stock! Choosing one of these colours will ensure you’re turning heads out on the road, as there are so few of them!

What do car colours typically mean and what does your car colour say about you?

A study commissioned by Carmoola and esteemed colour psychologist Karen Hall took an in-depth approach to what car colours mean and how they represent our individual personalities. We will reference this study as we discuss a few different car colours.

White

A colour that has certainly been a favourite over the last few years in the UK. There's no denying that a clean white car looks fresh and attractive on the road.

The research suggests that choosing a white car can represent a need for calm, routine and order in your life. It is a clean, crisp colour which resonates with minimalists. The only downside of a white car is that it can be a nightmare to keep clean in the winter months!

Black

There's a reason black is such a popular car colour choice. It's sleek, stylish and classy. It's a classic choice for those who don't want to show off and would rather blend in while still being bold.

Those with black cars portray a certain level of sophistication and authority. Choosing a black car signifies to others that you are confidently decisive and most likely a perfectionist.

Grey

Grey is the most popular car colour of the moment. It is a neutral colour which is readily available for drivers on many models because of its demand in the UK.

According to the study, those who choose a grey car are said to be conservative or reserved. Grey on a car signifies a collected, balanced and sensible car owner who won’t make rash decisions.

Red

Arguably one of the most iconic car colour choices, it is synonymous with racing cars. If you shut your eyes and think of a Ferrari, you'd most likely be thinking of the colour red!

People who choose red cars are often said to be confident, extroverted, risk-takers. People in red cars like to stand out from the crowd and capture attention.

Blue

Described as the colour of stability and safety, a blue car may suggest you’re a cautious driver. The study breaks blue down into light and dark blue.

If you choose a light blue car, it seems that you strive for peace and serenity in life. You will most likely have a calm and comforting outlook.

Choosing a dark blue car signifies to others that you represent dependability, credibility and positivism out on the roads. You are confident in your abilities behind the wheel.

Yellow

In the way you'd match Ferrari with red, Lamborghini is usually linked with yellow A bright and positive colour, yellow is definitely a good colour choice if you're driving a sporty number.

Choosing a yellow car says that you embrace life and don’t take yourself too seriously. You like to spread cheer and positivity wherever you go. Think of how many kids have played ‘the yellow car game’ by spotting your car, it never gets old!

Green

If we are talking about traditional British Racing Green, then your car colour choice is steeped in history! Choosing this colour of green for a car signifies a level of knowledge, class, experience and maturity.

A lime green or lighter green is the opposite, illustrating youthfulness, spontaneity and energy.

Interesting car colours facts for 2023

• Grey recorded the biggest volume growth of the year, registering more than half a million vehicles (509,194) registered in this shade.
• 210 pink cars were registered in 2023, with Berkshire home to more than one in 10 of them.
• Strathclyde proved the best place to play the ‘yellow car’ game with 677 registrations.
• The nation’s least favourite car colour was cream, with buyers registering just 151 units.
• Wales recorded the highest proportion of new red and green cars, while Northern Ireland was home to the highest proportion of blue cars and Scotland boasted the highest number of white motors.
• Red recorded its lowest market share since 2005, posting a steady decline in popularity since 2019.

Your questions answered

What is the best-selling car by colour in the UK?

In 2023, a grey Ford Puma topped the list for best-selling car by colour, followed by a grey Nissan Qashqai. A white Vauxhall Corsa was third on the list.

Why is grey the most popular car colour?

Similar to white and black, grey is one of the most popular car colours due to its neutral tone, which means it isn't too loud or won’t stand out from the crowd.

Typically, monochrome colours are seen as reliable and stable, while they are easy to clean and can hide dirt and scuffs better than other colours of cars.

What is the best-selling car by colour in the UK?

In 2023, a grey Ford Puma topped the list for best-selling car by colour, followed by a grey Nissan Qashqai. A white Vauxhall Corsa was third on the list.

What is the least favourite car colour?

According to statistics, the least popular car colours are gold, yellow and purple.

What is the most attractive car colour?

If we’re basing it on popularity, then grey would arguably be the most attractive car colour.

However, someone’s favourite car colour will be totally based on their own personal preference.

What car colour has the highest resale value?

Again, if we look at the list of most popular car colours in the UK, then it would be fair to assume that the shades that top the list, such as black, grey, silver and white, would most likely command strong second-hand prices.