Car shopping can feel like a maze, especially with men vs women car buying patterns shaping the results. In the U.S., women now buy over sixty percent of new cars, a major shift in the automotive industry. You’ll see how priorities differ on safety, price, interest rates, and tech like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. We’ll also touch on credit reports, loan terms, and luxury picks.
You’ll get quick tips you can use at dealerships to save time and stress on your next auto loan. A few of the facts may surprise you.
Key Takeaways
Women will buy over 60% of new cars in the U.S., leaning into safety features, smart budget habits, and practical picks by 2025.
Men often prioritize performance, horsepower, and tech upgrades like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, plus prestige brands such as BMW and Ferrari.
Female buyers are more price sensitive with electric vehicles, 34% want EVs under $30k, and many prefer plug-in hybrids for safety and everyday use.
Used car purchases among women will rise to 44%, compared to men at 27%, so stores will boost pre-owned inventory for female shoppers.
Interest in eco-friendly models is growing for both. Men account for most full-electric buys, about 67%, while women lean toward hybrids.
Table of Contents
Key Priorities in Car Buying
Men and women scroll listings at a Honda dealer Queens NY with different goals on safety and budget. Some start with warranty coverage or a FICO score, which is a common type of credit score. Others chase value in fuel use, insurance costs, and long-term reliability before signing anything.
What safety features do men and women prioritize when buying a car?
Safety sits near the top for almost everyone, but the spotlight shifts by gender. Use this side-by-side view to see what each group checks first.
| Safety Feature | Women’s Priority | Men’s Priority | Real-World Example |
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| Top Safety Ratings (Euro NCAP, IIHS, NHTSA) |
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| Automatic Emergency Braking |
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| Back-up Camera |
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| Space for Child Seats |
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| General Safety Features (lane keeping, blind spot monitoring, airbags) |
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How do budget and performance influence car choices by gender?
Price and power both matter, but they push different buttons. This table shows how each side balances budget, speed, and daily comfort.
| Aspect | Men | Women |
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| Price Sensitivity |
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| Beginning the Search |
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| Performance Factors |
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| Buying New vs Used |
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| Personal Angle |
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Gender-Based Trends in Vehicle Types
Some buyers choose big SUVs for a road trip, others stick with sedans for easier parking and lower costs. Luxury brands like Lexus draw shoppers who check a credit report from consumer credit bureaus like Equifax or TransUnion before a car loan. Loan-to-value ratio, the loan amount compared to the car’s price, can also affect the rate you get.
Which gender prefers SUVs and sedans more?
Think of this like choosing seats on a plane, aisle or window. The split is clear, but reasons differ.
| Vehicle Type | Men’s Preferences | Women’s Preferences |
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| Large SUVs |
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| Compact SUVs |
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| Sedans |
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For a deeper look at picks by taste and budget, check out this guide on best cars for men. Brand, model, and trunk space can change the whole decision.
What are the differences in sports car and luxury model preferences between men and women?
Sports cars make hearts race. Luxury models promise comfort and status. The split below shows what usually wins.
| Aspect | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Loyalty | Often choose European luxury names like Jaguar, Porsche, Ferrari, BMW. Prestige and performance history carry weight. | Favor reliable brands like Toyota or Honda, less focus on high-end badges. |
| Style and Tech | Chase the newest features and sleek looks. Will pay for high-performance trims. | Prioritize safety, durability, and budget-friendly tech upgrades. |
| Buying Process | Move quickly if a BMW or Ferrari hits the mark. Show confidence when negotiating favorites. | Take extra time to compare deals. More likely to face higher starting prices from stores. |
| Reasons for Purchase | Performance, engine power, and a status boost. Luxury equals thrill and social points. | Affordability, safety, and long-term reliability. Value often beats prestige. |
| Sports Car Interest | More likely to own or want a Porsche 911 or Ferrari F8. Millennial men fuel interest in flashy, tech-heavy rides. | Less likely to consider sports cars. Practical sedans and SUVs get the nod. |
| Negotiation Approach | Older generations show strong confidence. That often leads to better deals on favorites. | Women can face pricing bias. Millennial men admit women negotiate hard, but the process can take longer. |
Environmental and Technological Factors
Many buyers use edmunds.com to fact-check fuel claims and EV range. Some want the newest tech, others want simple value and a strong warranty. If you shop extended warranties, read the fine print, like what is covered and where you can get repairs.
How do men and women differ in their interest in fuel efficiency and electric vehicles?
Both groups care about saving gas. Their reasons split on tech thrills versus climate worries, and on budget limits.
| Aspect | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Interest in EVs |
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| EV Price Sensitivity |
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| Top Motivator |
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| Preferred Models |
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| First-Hand Experience |
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How Will Gender-Based Car Buying Trends Change in 2025?
Stores across the automotive industry will tweak marketing to match shifting priorities. Many women will double down on value, practicality, and safety features. That pushes sales teams to explain driver assists in plain English, then show you how they work during the test drive.
Men will still lean into speed and performance, though fewer will arrive with a locked choice. Expect men to decide in about 63 days while women average around 75 days. Millennials on both sides care more about eco-friendly models and flexible finance than five years ago.
The share of used buys from women is set to reach 44%, compared with 27% for men. That means more certified pre-owned stock on the lot. If you are planning a purchase, do three quick things before you go.
- Pull your credit score from a major bureau and fix errors first.
- Get preapproved for an auto loan so you know the real budget.
- Test key tech on the drive, from lane assist to Apple CarPlay, and make sure it is easy to use.
This guide is general information, not financial advice. If you have questions about loans or consumer credit, talk with a qualified pro or visit a trusted source like edmunds.com for car-specific research. Then head to dealerships ready to negotiate with confidence.
People Also Ask
How do millennials approach car buying differently from older generations in 2025?
Millennials often research online before stepping into a dealership. They value transparency and digital tools more than previous generations. Many want to avoid bias by comparing reviews and prices across platforms.
Are there clear differences between men’s and women’s priorities when buying cars?
Yes, studies show that men focus on performance features while women look for safety and reliability first. Both groups care about price, but their reasons differ; some seek status, others practicality.
Does bias still affect the car-buying process for men and women in 2025?
Bias remains an issue despite progress. Salespeople sometimes assume what each gender wants without asking questions or listening closely. Millennials push back against these old habits by demanding fair treatment.
Why do millenials rely so much on peer opinions during the car search?
Millennials trust friends’ experiences over ads or sales pitches because they crave honesty and real stories. This generation grew up with social media where word spreads fast if someone feels misled or finds a great deal.
