America’s Favorite Vehicles: A State-by-State Look at Top Sellers
Last year, the Ford F-150 continued to outperform all other vehicles in the U.S., with sales surpassing 765,000 units and projections indicating similar figures for 2025.
However, despite the F-150’s national dominance, vehicle choices vary significantly from state to state. According to a recent analysis by MotorTrend, trucks are prevalent in many central states, crossovers are favored in urban hubs, and electric vehicles enjoy substantial popularity along the West Coast.
State Leaders in Vehicle Popularity
The study examined sales data to identify each state’s most purchased vehicle. For instance, the Ford F-150 reigns supreme in states like Texas and Oklahoma, while the Toyota RAV4 is the top pick in Florida and Georgia. In Hawaii, the Toyota Tacoma holds a strong position. Below is a detailed list of the leading vehicles by state:
- Honda CR-V — Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, Wisconsin
- Ford F-150 — Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Wyoming
- Toyota RAV4 — Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont
- Tesla Model Y — Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Jersey, Utah, Washington
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 — Alaska, Iowa, Kentucky, West Virginia
- Nissan Rogue — Tennessee
- Toyota Camry — Alabama
- GMC Sierra 1500 — Arkansas
- Toyota Tacoma — Hawaii
The Honda CR-V, ranking fourth nationally in 2024 sales, stands out in highly populated states like New York, Illinois, and Pennsylvania, where urban lifestyles and practicality intersect.
Meanwhile, the Ford F-150 excels in regions where rugged capability is essential. States such as Michigan, Montana, and Texas see buyers gravitate toward its towing strength, payload capacity, and off-road performance.
The Toyota RAV4, America’s leading crossover, dominates in states with extensive commuting and traffic challenges, including Florida and Georgia. Meanwhile, the Tesla Model Y leads in seven states, notably those with strong electric vehicle infrastructure like California and Washington.
Unique Favorites Across the Nation
A few states showcase distinct vehicle preferences. Tennessee favors the Nissan Rogue, home to Nissan’s U.S. headquarters. Alabama prefers the Toyota Camry, reflecting its automotive manufacturing heritage. Arkansas chooses the GMC Sierra 1500, while Hawaii sticks with the Toyota Tacoma.
Although pickups maintain significant popularity, this data highlights how geography, population density, and local infrastructure influence Americans’ automotive choices. The top-selling vehicle nationally may be the F-150, but regional tastes paint a more nuanced picture.
