Most Popular Car Colours in the UK

Most Popular Car Colours in the UK – Are We All Playing It Safe?

Every year, we get a little peek into the nation’s car colour preferences — and while it’s not exactly shocking, it is kind of fascinating. Spoiler: grey is still number one, and black and white aren’t far behind.

If you’ve ever wondered what the UK’s favourite car colours are (or whether your silver hatchback is as common as you think), we’ve got the latest round-up — plus a few thoughts on what these choices might say about us.

The top 5 car colours in the UK (latest stats)

1. Grey

2. Black

3. White

4. Blue

5. Red

That’s right — more than half of all new cars registered in the UK are either grey, black, or white. That might sound a bit dull, but there’s a reason these shades stick around: they’re safe, smart, and easy to live with.

Why does grey keep winning?

Grey has held the top spot for a few years now. Why? Because it’s the ultimate in low-maintenance, high-resale value practicality. It hides dirt, looks modern, and doesn’t divide opinion. Whether you’re leasing or buying, grey is a safe bet — especially if you’re planning to hand it back or sell it on later.

What about bold colours?

They’re still around — just less common. Blue and red are the two most popular colours if you’re after something a bit more vibrant, but they’ve slipped down the rankings over the years.

Meanwhile, green, orange, and yellow are making a small comeback — especially in sportier models or custom orders — but they’re still rare on UK roads.

Do car colours affect resale or lease value?

They can, especially if you go for something very niche. Neutral colours like grey, black, white, and silver tend to hold value better because they appeal to a wider audience — which matters when it’s time to hand your lease car back or sell a used car.

If you’re choosing a car for yourself and you love a bold colour — go for it. But if you’re thinking ahead to resale or want to play it safe, sticking to the top three is usually a good move.

Is colour just about looks?

Not really — it can affect:

• Insurance quotes (some insurers factor it in)

• Visibility (lighter colours can be easier to see in poor conditions)

• Cleaning (white shows dirt, black shows swirl marks, grey hides most of it)

So while colour might seem like a purely personal choice, it does have some practical angles too.

The takeaway

Grey, black, and white still rule the road in the UK — and while they might not be the most exciting options, they’re popular for a reason. They’re smart, sensible, and future-proof — especially if you’re leasing.

But if you fancy standing out a bit? Go for that bright blue or racing red. At the end of the day, it’s your car — and colour is one of the easiest ways to put your stamp on it.

Want help picking your next lease car (in any colour you like)? Just give us a shout — we’ll find something that suits your taste and your lifestyle.