What types of cars do young Americans drive?
Data from YouGov CategoryView reveals how 18 to 29-year-olds in the United States engage with car ownership, highlighting the types of vehicles they prefer, how they use them, and what powers them. As urban mobility trends and climate concerns continue to shape transportation behavior, these insights offer a clearer view of how young adults navigate automotive decisions in 2025.
Number of vehicles owned and type
A majority of 18- to 29-year-olds (61%) own one car. Another 27% report owning two vehicles, while only 12% say they own three or more.
Among vehicle types, sedans are the most common choice, with 37% of respondents citing them as their primary automobile. SUVs and crossovers follow closely behind at 30%. Convertibles and coupes are the primary vehicles for 10% of young drivers, another 10% primarily drive pickup trucks.
Hatchbacks account for 8%, while vans or minivans are selected by 3%. Only 2% report using a station wagon as their main vehicle.
Gasoline Still Leads, But Electric Vehicles Show Momentum
Gas-powered vehicles continue to dominate among 18 to 29-year-olds, with 69% naming gas as their primary engine type. Diesel vehicles are used by 20%, while hybrids account for 8%. Electric vehicle (EV) adoption is currently low, at just 3% overall, though recent monthly trends suggest some potential movement. Between October 2024 and April 2025, the share of young adults driving electric vehicles fluctuated, peaking at 6% in April 2025. Hybrid vehicles also saw some variation, rising to 13% in December 2024 and 9% in April 2025. Gasoline usage reached its highest point in March 2025 at 77% before settling to 67% in April.
Ownership preferences among this age group show a nearly even divide between new and used cars. About 53% of respondents report owning a new vehicle, while 47% drive used ones.
Commuting and Social Use Drive Vehicle Activity
Transportation habits among young Americans show a heavy emphasis on practical and social uses. The most common reason for using a car is commuting to and from work, reported by 68% of respondents. Social activities and short-distance travel are also major use cases, each cited by 65% of young drivers. In addition, 51% use their vehicles for long-distance trips, and 49% say they use them to pick up or drop off family members. While fewer respondents use their cars for work-related tasks, 16% perform deliveries for business, and 12% report using their vehicles to drive for ridesharing platforms.
Data indicates that young Americans continue to rely on traditional forms of vehicle ownership, favoring sedans and gas-powered engines. At the same time, signs of change are emerging in their engagement with electric vehicles and a noticeable shift in the types of automobiles being used.
Methodology: YouGov Automotive CategoryView collects data on brands & consumers across the US every month. The data is based on the interviews of more than 26,000 adults aged 18+ between October 1, 2024, and April 30, 2025.
Image: Getty Images