Revealed: the car brands that make drivers happiest
Newly released research has revealed which cars make drivers happiest. The study from Autotrader used AI technology to unveil which car brands are most likely to make drivers smile.
Using AI-powered facial recognition software, Autotrader analysed over 47,000 Instagram car selfies from across the globe, focusing on expressions and smiles to determine which brands sparked the most joy. Topping the list is Smart, scoring an impressive ‘Car Happiness Score’ of 88.65 out of 100, thanks to its compact, city-friendly design. Volkswagen came a close second (87.73), followed by Cadillac (77.83), Audi (77.07), and Toyota (73.34).
The study also showed that German carmakers dominate the happiness rankings, with six brands appearing in the top 25, including Smart (1st), Volkswagen (2nd), Audi (4th), Porsche (12th), Mercedes-Benz (15th) and BMW (17th). Japanese manufacturers were not far behind with five places in the top 25, including Toyota (5th), Subaru (6th), and Honda (22nd).
Interestingly, luxury and supercar brands didn’t dominate as much as you may. Lamborghini only just scraped into the top 25 at position 21, while Porsche narrowly missed the top 10 in 12th place, proving you don’t need to break the bank to get satisfaction behind the wheel.
The Top 15 Car Brands That Make Drivers Smile the Most
Whether it’s the drive quality, brand identity, or the simple fact that your car fits your lifestyle, it’s clear that the right car can put a serious smile on your face. Here at Autotrader we share the enthusiasm for cars that so many others do, which is why it’s been lovely to see the rise of #carselfies on social media. So, next time you’re looking to lease a make and model that you’ve been dreaming know, don’t just think about fuel efficiency or boot space. Think about the car that will make you happy every time you sit in the driver’s seat, which you can find available to lease on Autotrader.
To see the full research, visit here.
Methodology
Autotrader analysed over 47,000 Instagram selfies tagged with 77 of the most popular car brand hashtags. Brands with fewer than 100 relevant selfies or competition-based images were excluded. Facial expressions were analysed using AWS Rekognition software to determine an average happiness score per brand.
Data correct as of April 2025.
Media Contacts
Propellernet: auto-trader-pr@propellernet.co.uk
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