What does your car colour say about you?

Picking the right car colour might be more important than you think

Choosing the colour of your new car can be one of the most exciting elements of your car-leasing journey. And, once you’ve chosen the specific model you would like, it's one of the biggest choices you have to make.

Depending on the manufacturer, you could have an endless amount of colours to choose from. It could be bright, dark, metallic, matte, or simply your favourite colour. 

But how important is the decision you make?

While it might feel like an inconsequential decision at the time, there are lots of key factors to consider when choosing the colour of your next car beyond just personal taste. We’ve taken a look at why car colour matters, some key facts and figures and some of the most popular car colour choices on the market right now.

Does car colour matter?

You may not realise it, but there are some important factors to consider when choosing the colour of your car. While picking a red car over a blue car may not make you a better driver, the choice you make at this stage could help you further down the line.

Cars are designed with visibility in mind, but that can change in certain environments, depending on their colour.

For example, a white car is not going to appear as visible is a snowy environment. Meanwhile, studies have shown grey cars are more likely to suffer damage in foggy weather.

Despite being a popular colour, red cars are often listed among the least safe options on the market. Not only can they merge with things like brake and traffic lights, but they are also less visible at night.

Does car colour matter?

You may not realise it, but there are some important factors to consider when choosing the colour of your car.

While picking a red car over a blue car won't make you a better driver, the choice you make at this stage could help you further down the line.

Cars are designed with visibility in mind, but that can change in certain environments, depending on their colour.

For example, a white car isn't going to appear as visible in a snowy environment. Meanwhile, studies have shown grey cars are more likely to suffer damage in foggy weather.

Despite being a popular colour, red cars are often listed among one of the least safe options on the market. Not only can they merge with things like brake and traffic lights, but they're also less visible at night.

Does a car’s colour affect its resale value?

When you lease, you don't have to worry so much about your car losing value over time.

However, a car's colour can go some way to determining its future value, both positively and negatively.

Stereotypically, dealerships are known to prefer neutral colours as they're easier to sell due to high demand and higher supply.

The value of a car will ultimately depend on the model and the market it's trying to reach. You might think that a lime green Porsche 911 looks like the coolest car on the planet, but the market for that car in years to come might be a little too niche if you're hoping for a quick sale.

That being said, the rarity factor can also work in your favour and add value to your car. If you can find the right buyer, that same lime green Porsche could become very valuable if there's less supply.

What does your car colour say about you?

We all have favourite colours, but what do they say about us?

Colour psychology plays its role here and can say a lot about your personality. Do you think it’s right?

• White – Drivers of white cars are perfectionists who enjoy the simple things in life. You're modern and honest, boasting a sense of purity.
• Silver – You're a business-minded driver, who works hard at their job. You're practical but also sophisticated.
• Black – Such is their popularity in the executive market, drivers of black cars are empowered and classy.
• Red – People who drive a red car simply love life. You're outgoing and are a bundle of energy to be around.
• Blue – Driving a blue car can show that you're a compassionate, caring and easy-going character.
• Brown – You don't want anything flashy, just a car that'll get you from A to B and that's all that matters.
• Grey – You're mature and appreciate tradition. You know there's an element of class that comes with driving a grey car.
• Orange – You're not afraid to be a little different and we like that. You know your car is different and you embrace it.
• Green – Drivers of green cars may not keep up with the latest trends, but you don't mind that. You're confident in your choice and you embrace your colour.
• Yellow – Yellow car drivers combine energy and intelligence. You're a happy and bouncy kind of character.

What car colour is the easiest to maintain?

Different car colours can have varying levels of demands when it comes to how difficult they can be to maintain.

If you're somebody who doesn't mind whipping out the bucket and sponge every now and then, you may prefer darker coloured cars.

Blue cars and black cars will typically show more of the scuffs and bumps that may occur over time, meanwhile lighter colours do a better job of masking them.

If you don't want to be washing your car every weekend, we recommend that you opt for a silver or grey car colour.

What car colours are the most popular in the UK?

Looking at the latest data from 2024, it's clear that British drivers are still playing it safe with their colour choices, but there are some interesting shifts happening.

Grey dominated the market in 2024, accounting for 27.8% of all new car registrations – its highest ever share. That's 543,464 grey cars hitting British roads, marking a 6.7% increase from the previous year.

Black held onto second place, but blue made a surprise appearance in third , which is its first time in the top three since 2010. This shift represents the first change in the top three colours in seven years, and the first non-monochromatic colour to make the podium during that time.

Together, these top three colours made up 64.5% of all new cars registered in the UK in 2024. White dropped to fourth place, falling by 7.2%, while red held steady in fifth but saw a 4.1% decline, reaching its lowest market share since 2003.

But here's where it gets interesting – green and yellow both saw increases in popularity within the top 10, with green rising by 27.7% and yellow by 0.5%.

Could this signal a shift towards brighter, more adventurous choices?

Despite nearly two-thirds of new cars being grey, black, or blue, a total of 93 colours were available in 2024, offering plenty of choice for those wanting to stand out from the crowd.

At the other end of the spectrum, pink, maroon, and turquoise vehicles together accounted for just 747 registrations – so if you want to be truly unique, these might be your colours.

What are the top-selling car colours at Carparison?

We've had a sneak peek at our own data to see what colours you've been choosing for your lease cars in 2025 so far.

And the results? You're clearly a bunch of trendsetters.

Grey takes the crown with over 600 leases – proving that sophistication never goes out of style. Black slides into second place, with blue rounding out the top three.

Sound familiar? These results mirror the national trend perfectly, which means our customers have their finger firmly on the pulse of what's popular on British roads.

It seems like when it comes to car colours, great minds really do think alike.

Whether you're drawn to grey's understated elegance, black's executive appeal, or blue's fresh take on classic, you're in excellent company.

What colour car is most likely to be involved in an accident?

Black cars have previously been named as the most likely to be involved in an accident.

A study from Monash University found that black cars are 12% more likely to have an accident compared to white cars.

It was stated by Monash University that the similarities between the dark car colours and elements like the road surface and nearby buildings could hinder visibility, even in daylight hours.

White cars are deemed to be among the safest on the road. According to the same study, white, yellow and beige cars are the least likely to be involved in an accident.

Food for thought when considering the colour of your next car lease.

What colour car is most likely to be stolen?

The AA has previously reported that there's no correlation between car colours and their theft levels.

However, they do note that figures can often match up with the most popular car colours on the road at that time.

In theory, common colours like black, white and silver may not stand out as much given their popularity.

Your perfect car colour is waiting

Whether you're drawn to a sophisticated silver saloon, a vibrant red hatchback, or a classic white SUV, the colour of your next lease car is just one of the exciting decisions you'll get to make.

The most important thing? Finding a car that makes you smile every time you see it on your driveway.

After all, you'll be spending plenty of time together.

At Carparison, we've got lease deals across every colour of the rainbow – from understated greys to eye-catching oranges.

Whatever your personality, budget, or practical needs, we'll help you find the perfect match.

We're here to make your next car lease as easy as choosing your favourite colour.