Bentayga

Make
Bentley
Segment
SUV

There are many ways to customize our cars these days, from various trim levels to packaged features and standalone accessories, not to mention aftermarket modifications. However, one of the most expressive methods of customization is choosing the paint color of your car. This will more often than not come down to personal taste or, at the very least, what the dealership has available if you are buying used.

But, there are some popular colors for different types of cars, from traditional sedans to flashy sports cars or convertibles with many manufacturers developing unique paints that are recognizable as model-specific or brand-specific hues. In general, basic colors are no-cost options, while the more glitzy - and even personalized - colors can cost a few thousand extra. But when it comes to figuring out the best car paint color, there's a lot to consider. Certain colors are harder to maintain than others, and there are subjective views that some car paint colors are insurance liabilities. Let's take a closer look.

The Most Common Car Paint Colors

While you can choose from a range of colors on new cars, a look at the second-hand market often shows what the most popular car color choices have been for specific models. It's always a good idea to look at in-person examples of paint colors available on the car you're wanting to buy - some of the coolest colors may be something that looks quite bland on paper and actually stands out much better in real life.

That being said, certain body types seem to lean more towards specific colors to accentuate their lines. Depending on the car and its style, the available list of car colors will range from basic solid hues to some wildly eclectic options. And a range of metallic automotive paint colors is generally available for those who don't want to draw too much attention. Here is just a quick look at the different color cars you are likely to find in each classification.

  • Sedan: The most classic of car types is quite popular in the traditional white or black. However, gray is extremely popular, too. To add a splash of pizazz to the otherwise monochromatic palette, you will usually find a few red or blue hues and occasionally some sort of gold - but for the sensible segment in which it competes, these tend to have demure palettes.
  • Hatch: Though declining in numbers in the USA, the hatch still appeals to some buyers, and these small, spunky cars often get a more vibrant selection of car colors. Especially when it offers some sporting aspirations, you can expect light and dark colors that stand out. Orange, yellow, red, and even green punctuate the monotony of black and white.
  • SUV: These practical family haulers stick with tried and true colors for vehicles, ensuring their appeal to the largest market. There are usually several shades of white, black, or grey on offer, but also brown, green, silver, and blue. Those with slightly sportier aspirations also offer red and gold as options, and those with a premium focus tend to have more mature selections.
  • Truck: Though white is a popular choice, dark colors are also very prevalent in the pickup truck category. Black, grey, and brown all emphasize the large and imposing nature of these vehicles. They also help to camouflage the consequences are off adventurous off-roading more easily than flashier tones.
  • Sports cars: Speaking of flashy, coupe and convertible performance models love these eye-catching hues. Black is still extremely popular due to how it complements a more aggressive stance, but bright reds, blues, greens, and even wilder shades like purple or gold are likely to accentuate any sports car showroom. Muscle cars tend to have thrilling palettes with even more exciting names, too, for example, Hellraisin Purple on the Dodge Challenger.
  • Luxury cars: These stately cruisers come in a variety of sizes and shapes, so it makes sense that their car color palette is equally diverse. However, more regal colors like silver, blue, and even gold are more common than in other segments, and the colors often represent the car's philosophy. The latest Bentley Bentayga in its Rose Gold hue is the perfect example.

How Different Car Colors Affect Perception

It's no surprise that we choose paint colors for our vehicles based on how they make us feel, but there is a subconscious bias that needs to be taken into account, too. We may think that red looks cool, but it is also one of the car colors to avoid if you choose to follow some of the commonly held beliefs and myths about car insurance. Since it is seen as a racy and daring color, there is the belief that drivers of such cars are irresponsible and more likely to be stopped by the police or charged a higher insurance premium. This is hokum, of course, but the fear still lingers.

Meanwhile, black and white are considered conformist colors, and while some will choose them to blend in, others will spurn them in order to stand out. Those with a more practical worldview might also choose grey for the color of their new car, or even brown. And those who specifically choose a car that will make a statement are more likely to choose colors that follow suit. These are all good car colors, mind you, but each also says something about the type of person driving the car.

Which Is The Best Car Paint Color and Which Colors to Avoid On Your Car

As established, car color is a deeply personal but also perception-biased topic. And while the top car colors can be calculated simply based on the numbers, that may not mean it is the best color for you. In terms of the former, black, white, and silver far outstrip just about any other paint in terms of popularity, although this could be simply because these are often no-cost options. But, if you are thinking of the best color car to buy, or how it may affect resale, here are some things to consider:

Good for hiding dust, dirt, and mud

  • Grey
  • Brown
  • Beige
  • Green
  • Silver

Good for hiding scratches and dents

  • White
  • Silver
  • Light grey

Because of the way light colors reflect the sunlight, they are considerably better at hiding minor scratches and tiny dents. However, if you're buying new, we suggest that you consider a paint protection film to protect your investment - particularly if you've spent money on a flashy paint job.

It is also worth noting that bright colors like white, yellow, gold, or orange are considered safer since they are easier to see. Meanwhile, black, blue, grey, and even dark red hard harder to see at night or in inclement weather.