Neutral colors dominated vehicle production in 2023, but blue and red offered recognizable color with broad appeal, while less common hues such as green, orange, and yellow stood out. This editorial top 10 combines 2023 production data and trend context with a separate used-car depreciation study; it is not an official industry ranking, and color alone cannot predict a vehicle’s resale value.
For global production context, Axalta reported white at 31%, gray at 22%, black at 18%, silver at 10%, and blue at 7%. BASF reported white at 36%, black at 21%, gray at 15%, silver at 9%, and blue at 8%. Their figures differ because the reports use different datasets, category definitions, and methods; both show neutral colors leading, with blue the leading or near-leading chromatic color. (Axalta 2023 Global Automotive Color Popularity Report; BASF 2023 Color Report)
How this 2023 car-color list was chosen
This is an editorial synthesis, not a statistical ranking. It weighs visual impact, market relevance, trend leadership, and practical ownership considerations. Axalta and BASF provide production context; Axalta’s Techno Blue designation provides trend context; BASF adds regional context; and iSeeCars provides separate used-car depreciation findings. Those measures describe different things and should not be treated as interchangeable.
Axalta named Techno Blue its 2023 Global Automotive Color of the Year, describing it as a vivid blue associated with energy and the transition between physical and virtual worlds. This was a trend designation, not a claim that every 2023 vehicle offered that factory paint. (Axalta Techno Blue announcement)
#1 Best Overall
- Effective Car Scratch Remover – Our black touch up paint for cars, made with premium materials and advanced technology, is thick enough for a smooth, even, and glossy finish. It quickly repairs scratches and paint damage, blends seamlessly with the original paint, covers marks invisibly, and restores your car to like-new condition.
- Exact Match Car Paint - Our car touch up paint extracts the color from the original auto paint, after countless comparisons and adjustments, to achieve a indistinguishable match.
- Durable Car Protection - Untreated minor scratches can lead to rust and more expensive repairs. Our car paint pen, unlike fading products, is waterproof and UV-resistant, and holds up in harsh conditions, providing durable protection for your car. A must-have accessory for long-term care!
- Quick and Easy – Applying our black car paint scratch repair is a breeze. Just clean the area, remove loose paint, shake for 30 seconds, and apply evenly in one direction. For deeper scratches, add layers until filled. It dries in 10 minutes, your car is ready to use after 10 minutes. Save lots of time and money compared to 4S stores.
- Versatile 2-in-1 Solution – Unlike traditional hard-to-control black spray paint, our black car paint filler has a metal tip for small paint chips and a brush for larger scratches, providing precise and easy repairs. It’s not only effective for cars but also works on motorcycles, boats, bicycles, furniture, and any white surface, it meets all your needs for white surface repairs.
Top 10 head-turning car colors of 2023
- Blue. Blue pairs noticeable color with meaningful production presence: Axalta reported 7% globally and BASF 8%. It was North America’s most popular chromatic family, according to BASF, and Axalta’s Techno Blue designation reinforced its trend relevance. Blue ranges from vivid metallic finishes to deep navy, so the exact shade makes a difference. (Axalta report; BASF regional and global findings; Axalta Techno Blue announcement)
- Red. Red is a familiar, high-impact choice. BASF reported that North America had the highest regional production share of red vehicles, although blue remained the most popular chromatic color there. Red’s regional relevance does not mean it led global production. (BASF report; BASF regional findings)
- Black. Black ranked third in Axalta’s global figures at 18% and second in BASF’s at 21%. BASF reported that black gained share in 2023, primarily from white. Metallic or effect finishes can give black paint more depth than a plain solid finish. (Axalta report; BASF report)
- Gray. Gray was a major 2023 choice, but its reported share varies: Axalta placed it second globally at 22%, while BASF reported 15%. The reports use different data and methods, so neither figure should be presented as a universal exact share. Graphite, cement, warm gray, and metallic finishes give the broad category distinct looks. (Axalta report; BASF report)
- Silver. Silver accounted for 10% in Axalta’s global data and 9% in BASF’s. BASF also reported that silver overtook gray as North America’s third-most-popular color. Its metallic appearance can emphasize body surfaces while keeping to a widely chosen color family. (Axalta report; BASF report; BASF regional findings)
- White. White led both global production reports, at 31% for Axalta and 36% for BASF, despite reported share losses or declines. Pearl and metallic finishes can make white look more distinctive than a plain finish, but white’s place here reflects market relevance as well as appearance. (Axalta report; BASF report)
- Green. Green represented about 2% of global production in both reports, making it a less common way to add color. BASF noted rising interest in natural colors, especially green, in Asia Pacific. A later iSeeCars study also found green among the colors with lower average depreciation, but that observation does not establish that a particular green car will retain value better. (Axalta report; BASF regional findings; iSeeCars study)
- Orange. Orange is an uncommon, high-visibility choice often associated with performance-oriented and specialty vehicles. In an analysis of more than 1.2 million three-year-old used vehicles, iSeeCars ranked orange second for overall value retention and first among SUVs. Those averages may reflect which models and trims are offered in orange, as well as supply and demand; they are not a guarantee for any vehicle. (iSeeCars study)
- Yellow. Yellow is rare in ordinary production and conspicuous on the road. In the same iSeeCars analysis, yellow had the lowest average depreciation: 24.0%, compared with a 31.0% average. That later used-car result is evidence that rarity can sometimes coincide with demand, not a prediction for an individual car or a measure of 2023 new-car popularity. (iSeeCars study)
- Brown or beige. Earth tones offer a more understated alternative to brighter hues. Axalta reported brown and beige together at about 3% globally; BASF reported beige and brown separately at about 1% each. Bronze, mocha, copper-brown, and warm beige can look very different depending on undertone and finish. (Axalta report; BASF report)
What the 2023 data says about color choices
The production reports show that white, black, gray, and silver dominated globally, while blue led or nearly led the chromatic colors. Regional patterns varied: BASF reported that silver surpassed gray in North America, red had its highest regional production share there, and blue remained the leading chromatic family. In EMEA, BASF reported that Germany favored blue, Spain and the United Kingdom favored red and orange, France had a notable green share, and Italy had the largest chromatic share among the five major EMEA countries. South America remained especially conservative, while Asia Pacific became more color-diverse. (Axalta report; BASF regional findings)
The order of this list is editorial: blue and red lead for color identity and market relevance; black, gray, silver, and white combine visual options with production prevalence; and green, orange, yellow, and brown or beige stand out through relative rarity, regional context, or earth-tone appeal. The ranking is not a claim that one color is objectively best for every buyer.
Rank #2
- Effective Car Scratch Remover – Our white car paint touch up pen, made with premium materials and advanced technology, is thick enough for a smooth, even, and glossy finish. It quickly repairs scratches and paint damage, blends seamlessly with the original paint, covers marks invisibly, and restores your car to like-new condition.
- Exact Match Car Paint - Our white touch up paint for car extracts the color from the original auto paint, after countless comparisons and adjustments, to achieve a indistinguishable match.
- Lasting Car Protection - Untreated minor scratches can lead to rust and more expensive repairs. Our car touch up paint pen, unlike fading products, is waterproof and UV-resistant, and holds up in harsh conditions, providing durable protection for your car. A must-have accessory for long-term care!
- Quick and Easy – Applying our car paint scratch repair is a breeze. Just clean the area, remove loose paint, shake for 30 seconds, and apply evenly in one direction. For deeper scratches, add layers until filled. It dries in 10 minutes, your car is ready to use after 10 minutes. Save lots of time and money compared to 4S stores.
- Versatile 2-in-1 Solution – Unlike traditional hard-to-control white spray paint, our scratch remover filler has a metal tip for small paint chips and a brush for larger scratches, providing precise and easy repairs. It’s not only effective for cars but also works on motorcycles, boats, bicycles, furniture, and any white surface, it meets all your needs for white surface repairs.
Resale value: treat color findings as a guide, not a promise
Color is only one factor in a used car’s price. iSeeCars analyzed more than 1.2 million three-year-old vehicles and found lower average depreciation for yellow, orange, and green, while white, black, and gold depreciated more in its analysis. The study’s results can reflect vehicle segment, trim, body style, mileage, condition, original price, and the supply of each color. They should not be read as a rule that a rare paint color will raise the value of any specific vehicle. (iSeeCars study)
Choosing and matching a car color
Choose a color by considering the exact shade and finish, how it looks on the vehicle’s body, and how much you value broad market familiarity versus distinctiveness. For paint repair, a broad label such as “blue” or “red” is not enough: use the vehicle’s exact paint code and account for its finish. Pearl and metallic paints can be more complex to match and may require blending; ask a qualified repairer how they will match the paint before ordering touch-up paint or arranging a respray.
Rank #3
- Tiny rust causes substantial damage: SYOAUTO touch up paint for cars can seal away the scratch to prevent future rust. If you have a black vehicle, this product will save you a lot of heartaches. We know ugly white chip will mark drive you crazy. This black car touch up paint is suitable only for black cars that have not faded. If the car paint has slightly faded, it may result in a mismatch or a shadowing effect
- The daily drive gets rock chips and scratches: Rock chips on the bumper, road rash on rims, the front and passenger side all get many scratches. You will prefer SYOAUTO black car touch up paint to the white dings in your black paint. If the car paint pen has been opened and the cap was not tightened properly, it can evaporate and dry out. Ensure the cap is tightly closed after use
- Quick and easy scratch fix: This automotive touchup paint is easy to use. Just clean and degrease the surface, shake it for about 2 minutes to really mix it well. The pen works well for small chips, the brush can cover larger dings. It will dry within 10 minutes. Due to the properties of car paint, it needs to be thin and evenly flowing. When using it, it is necessary to patiently apply a few layers in order to achieve a good repair effect
- Apply advice: You can practice on some scrap metal or cardboard, to master steadying your hand and allow the correct amount of paint you need to be applied. No rush, take your time, will find this is the economical way to stop the metal from rust. Note: The black paint has a glossy finish, not a matte finish
- About the color match: The black auto touch up paint is pure gray, which can match 90% black cars. If the black car paint scratch repair can't work well for your car, just reach us, we will take our responsibility
- Choose white, gray, silver, or black if you prefer one of the most common global color families.
- Choose blue or red for a recognizable chromatic option with notable 2023 market or regional relevance.
- Consider green, orange, or yellow if distinctiveness matters more than choosing a common production color.
- Compare the actual paint and finish on the model you want rather than relying on a color-family name or screen image.
- Before repair, check the vehicle’s exact paint code and confirm how the finish will be matched.
FAQ
What was the most popular car color in 2023?
White led both reports in the dossier: Axalta reported 31% of global builds and BASF reported 36% of global passenger-vehicle production. The figures differ because the reports use different datasets, category definitions, and methods. (Axalta report; BASF report)
What was the most popular chromatic car color in 2023?
Blue was the leading or near-leading chromatic color in the global reports, at 7% in Axalta’s data and 8% in BASF’s. BASF also identified blue as North America’s most popular chromatic color. (Axalta report; BASF regional findings)
Rank #4
- Formulated to help restore your vehicle’s body paint in the GM Genuine Parts shade: Summit White/Olympic White (WA8624) Four-In-One Touch-Up Paint
- Four-in-one applicator with a piston style pen-tip for small fixes and a brush applicator for larger scratches and chips
- These paint applicators are perfect for a variety of uses associated with body damage caused by every day wear
- Include a Clear Top Coat to provide a nice finish
- Each paint contains a GM factory original color matching code that ensure an exact color match to your GM vehicle’s paint code
Did Axalta’s Techno Blue come on every 2023 car?
No. Techno Blue was Axalta’s 2023 Global Automotive Color of the Year, a trend designation and coating concept—not a factory paint option universally available across vehicle makes and models. (Axalta announcement)
Which car color has the best resale value?
There is no color that guarantees the best resale value. In its analysis of more than 1.2 million three-year-old used vehicles, iSeeCars found lower average depreciation for yellow, orange, and green, but results vary by vehicle and market conditions. (iSeeCars study)
Recommended Free Tools
Best Value
- Instantly Restores Black Wheels' Mirror Shine: Quickly repairs car curb rash, scratches, scuffs, dings & even corrosion marks, easily hiding any wheel damage with strong coverage; our wheel paint for rims restores natural black luster of any glossy black alloy wheels
- Seamlessly Matches Original Gloss Black: For wheel rims, spokes and hubs, our gloss black paint pen blends seamlessly with the original wheel paint, no color difference at all; at the same time, adds a mirror-like shine, keeping wheels sleek and uniform
- Long-Lasting Finish: With excellent adhesion, waterproof formula against car washes & rain, bonds firmly to the wheels, no peeling or fading; forms a dense, smooth surface with high hardness, resisting heat, brake dust scratches & coastal corrosion
- 2-in-1 Precision Application: With unique 2-in-1 applicator, the fine pen tip mends tiny chips with precision, while the brush head covers larger dents; just clean the surface, shake then apply, dry quickly, restoring glossy black wheel finish effortlessly
- Get Peace of Mind Purchase Experience: cocomfix patient service team will serve wholeheartedly; if our curb rash repair kit below your expectations, we will solve your misgiving includes resupply flawless product or make up all value of your order
How do I match paint for a repair?
Use the vehicle’s exact paint code, not just a general color name. Metallic and pearl finishes may need additional matching and blending, so confirm the repair approach with a qualified body shop.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
