Many automotive manufacturers target Millennials who are currently in their early 30s to their mid-40s, but only a select few are the most popular car brands among this generation. Millennials tend to favor these brands because they offer a comprehensive package of features, whether that’s a fuel-efficient family car, a powerful yet durable pickup, or a sophisticated city car. These particular makes and models also cater to other generations, albeit with varying success. 

The article below lists seven of the most popular car brands among Millennials, including several reasons why these automakers rank higher than others. While these brands don’t appear in any specific order, they all cater to different sectors of Millennials based on driver lifestyle, budget, and priorities. Every automaker also shares one other feature: its ability to benefit from a signature Drift car freshener. 

What Millennials Look for in a Modern Vehicle

Technically defined as the generation born between 1981 and 1996—who would be anywhere from 29 to 44 years old in 2025—Millennials grew up in a time when much of the world we know today was still evolving. Innovations have advanced to their benefit, especially in the automotive industry. Although individual needs vary, many millennials seek out the following features (in no particular order):

• Modern in-car technology

• Fuel efficiency

• Cargo space

• Reliability

• Creature comforts

• Advanced safety features

• Reliability

• Longevity

• Eco-friendly
  
  

While no “perfect” car exists in the eyes of every Millennial, some fit different lifestyles better than others. For example, the Millennial who has started a family may prioritize safety features, while another who is advancing their career might prefer a car with greater technological capabilities. It’s up to the most popular car brands to respond accordingly. 

Top 7 Most Popular Car Brands Among Millennials (And Why)

The following brands rank among the most popular to a generation that grew up with Hot Wheels, monster trucks, and countless car-chase action sequences. Here are the seven most popular car brands Millennials prefer, in no particular order. 

Chevrolet

Among many of the oldest automotive brands, Chevrolet earns high marks for technological advancements, fuel efficiency, cargo space, and advanced safety features. Chevy models feature large touchscreens that incorporate Apple CarPlay, along with plenty of models with industry-leading cargo space, like the Equinox, Traverse, and Suburban. Chevy Safety Assist comes standard on many models to protect their occupants, and the Bolt and Silverado EV models offer Millennials eco-friendly options.

Toyota

Toyota leads the pack when it comes to favorite car brands among Millennials, ticking several key boxes like technology, fuel efficiency, cargo space, advanced safety, and more. Most Toyota models feature smooth connectivity, excellent reliability, practical cargo space, and high resale values. While the best creature comforts are available on the brand’s upscale counterpart, Lexus, Toyota is known as an industry leader in advanced safety features and EV models. 

Jeep

When it comes to rugged terrain and crawling over anything life throws at you, a Jeep (Wrangler) knows no match. Millennials often prefer this iconic brand because it offers them a respectable level of technology, reliability, cargo space, advanced safety features, and creature comforts. The beauty—and value—of a Jeep is that you can customize it to your lifestyle, whether you want a doorless weekend warrior or a classy SUV that rivals any upscale three-row model. 

Honda

Not far behind Toyota lies Honda, a brand that also checks several boxes for the average Millennial. Honda’s technology remains reliable and intuitive, its fuel efficiency ratings trail Toyota’s only slightly, and it offers longevity on par with the best in the industry. Cargo space, creature comforts, and eco-friendly models can also be found under the capital “H” brand. 

Ford

Millennials have seen the Ford lineup of vehicles evolve from the miniature Ford Ranger to the new Maverick, Mach-E, and F-150 Lightning. Besides these electric models, Ford also excels in technology with its BlueCruise hands-free feature, cargo space, creature comforts, and advanced safety features under the Ford CoPilot360 umbrella. While reliability and longevity may trail some of the foreign brands on our list, Ford remains a solid American-made favorite among Millennials.

Kia 

The Kia Carnival has taken the Millennial car market by storm, a key player in Kia’s pitch to secure more customers in this age group. The model exemplifies the brand’s dedication to advanced technology, safety features, reliability, and cargo space. Additionally, the EV6, Niro, and Sportage Hybrid are also popular Kia models that demonstrate excellent fuel efficiency. 

GMC

For those Millennials who want just a little more class from their Chevrolets, GMC is happy to oblige. The modern and sophisticated model lineup features technology, fuel efficiency, and reliability equal to the rest of the brands on this list. However, GMC models excel in creature comforts, advanced safety features, and cargo space—and the Hummer and Sierra EVs are no slouch, either. 

Car Scents That Pair Well With the Most Popular Car Brands

Whether you own a vehicle from these popular car brands or prefer a model from another manufacturer, the six mainstay scents that characterize Drift premium car fresheners are a perfect match for any Millennial—and all generations, for that matter. Our signature car fresheners feature sustainably sourced alder wood, organic stone, and alloy metal infused with essential and fragrance oil blends with the following scent note pairings:

• Amber: Eucalyptus, golden amber, vanilla, French lavender

• Cabana: Bergamot, coconut, cedarwood, sea salt

• Grove: Juicy citrus, vanilla sugar, mountain greens, blond wood

• Open Air: Fresh air, crisp linen, morning dew, white wood 

• Pine: Mountain pine, moss, cedarwood, musk

• Teak: Cedar atlas, amber, teakwood, oakmoss

Drift’s sophisticated car fresheners are free from phthalates, parabens, and other harsh chemicals. Safe for use around pets and children, the Wood, Stone, and Metal car fresheners are vegan and cruelty-free. Get expert recommendations on which fragrance best suits you by taking our Scent Quiz now!

Why All Generations Love Luxury Car Fresheners From Drift

You don’t have to be a Millennial to recognize and appreciate the indulgent scents Drift premium car fresheners emit. Designed to enhance your car’s interior and elevate your driving experience, these signature car fresheners redefine what it means to infuse your vehicle with style. If you can’t get enough of these distinctive fragrances, join the Scent of the Month Club for exclusive access to limited-edition scents sent straight to your door, once per month.