The Ford F-150 remains the best-selling vehicle in the United States, with over 765,000 units sold last year. However, vehicle preferences vary dramatically across the country, reflecting regional needs and consumer priorities. A new analysis by MotorTrend reveals which vehicle dominates in each state, highlighting a mix of trucks, crossovers, and electric vehicles.
Heartland Trucks: The F-150’s Dominance
States in the central and western U.S. overwhelmingly favor full-size pickup trucks. The Ford F-150 leads in states such as Texas, Oklahoma, and Michigan, where utility, towing capacity, and ruggedness are highly valued. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 also performs strongly in states like Alaska and Kentucky. This reflects the working-class and rural demographics in these areas.
Urban Crossovers: The Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4
In densely populated states with extensive highway systems, crossovers are the top choice. The Honda CR-V dominates in states like New York, Illinois, and Pennsylvania, while the Toyota RAV4 is favored in Florida, Georgia, and Oregon. These vehicles offer practicality, fuel efficiency, and a comfortable ride for daily commutes.
Electric Vehicles: Tesla’s West Coast Lead
Electric vehicle (EV) adoption varies significantly by state. The Tesla Model Y leads in states with robust charging infrastructure and EV incentives, including California, Colorado, and Washington. This trend suggests that EV popularity is directly linked to government policies and charging accessibility.
One-State Wonders
Some vehicles maintain a strong hold in specific states due to local manufacturing ties or unique regional preferences. The Nissan Rogue dominates in Tennessee (Nissan’s headquarters), the Toyota Camry leads in Alabama (Toyota’s manufacturing presence), the GMC Sierra 1500 leads in Arkansas, and the Toyota Tacoma is the clear favorite in Hawaii.
This data underscores the fact that vehicle preferences are not uniform across the country. Geographic, demographic, and economic factors all play a role in determining which vehicle reigns supreme in each state.
The U.S. automotive market is far from monolithic. While the Ford F-150 remains nationally popular, localized demand reveals the diversity of American driving habits. Whether it’s the practicality of a crossover, the utility of a pickup, or the eco-friendliness of an EV, vehicle choice is shaped by where people live and how they work.
