Which car body types do Europeans prefer the most?

What unites drivers across Europe? Whether you’re cruising the autobahn in Germany or navigating the narrow streets of Italy, chances are you’ve got your eye on the same thing: an SUV – or at least its smaller cousin, the crossover.

Our latest research into Europe’s favorite car body types confirms it: bigger is better in the eyes of many drivers. Automakers have clearly taken note, reshaping their lineups to lean heavily toward bulkier, more spacious rides.

But here’s where it gets interesting: while SUVs dominate overall, their popularity isn’t evenly spread across the continent. Each country shows its own quirks and preferences, painting a diverse picture of what Europeans really want from their cars.

To dig into these trends, we surveyed more than 20,000 drivers across Europe. The goal? To uncover which body styles are steering hearts and wallets in each market.

What you need to know

• SUVs lead the pack – 30.6% of Europeans prefer SUVs and crossovers, making them the most popular body type.
• Ukraine tops the SUV charts – 43.2% of drivers there named SUVs and crossovers as their favorite.
• France and Germany break the trend – sedans are still king, with 30.2% of French and 25.5% of German drivers choosing them over SUVs.
• Wagons haven’t vanished – they remain popular in Finland (21.9%), Poland (21.8%), and Germany (21.5%).
• Scammers love SUVs too – high demand and higher prices make SUVs prime targets for mileage tampering and fraud.

3 out of 10 European drivers prefer bigger cars

Research revealed that 30.6% of drivers prefer SUVs and crossovers, 21.3% prefer sedans, 17.3% wagons, 11.9% hatchbacks, and 9.7% coupes. But why do drivers desire bulkier cars?

Car body preferences have shifted dramatically over the past two decades, with SUVs and crossovers replacing sedans as the default choice for many drivers. This trend reflects changing lifestyles – people now prioritize cargo space, higher ride height, and perceived safety over the lower profile and fuel efficiency of sedans. Meanwhile, niche segments like wagons and coupes continue to attract loyal enthusiasts who value utility or driving dynamics over mainstream appeal.

Our research revealed that SUVs and crossovers are valued the most in Ukraine: 43.2% of surveyed drivers in the country named them as their most desired body type. Lithuanians (36.7%) and Italians (35.9%) also show high enthusiasm for SUVs and crossovers, followed by Finns (33.7%) and Portuguese drivers (32.9%).

The lowest preference for bigger cars was found in Germany (24.4%), France (25.6%), and Poland (27.3%).

German and French drivers resist the SUV craze

Among the surveyed countries, France and Germany stood out – these are the only two countries in the study where SUVs and crossovers aren’t the most desired body types.

According to the survey, the French prefer sedans the most (30.2%), followed by SUVs (25.6%) and coupes (16%). Germans also value sedans (25.5%), with SUVs and crossovers in second place (24.4%), and wagons (21.5%) in third. So, why are Germans and the French not following current automotive trends?

Vast road networks in these countries make fuel-efficient vehicles more practical for long-distance driving, giving sedans a clear edge over heavier SUVs. Combined with strict weight- and emission-based taxes, owning an SUV often results in significantly higher annual costs, prompting German and French drivers to opt for lighter, more economical cars.

Old favorites: sedans and wagons aren’t going anywhere

Not every driver thinks that owning a bulky SUV or a stylish crossover is a dream come true. Some refuse to follow this trend and stick to tried-and-true car body types. In most surveyed countries, a significant portion of drivers still favor sedans and wagons.

While we’ve already mentioned that the French love sedans (30.2%), we didn’t point out that this is the highest share in the whole study. No other country can compete with this. Romania is another country that prefers sedans, with a share of 29.6%.

Meanwhile, wagons are most valued in Finland (21.9%), Poland (21.8%), and Germany (21.5%).

Surprisingly, hatchbacks, which should be the go-to body type in cities, are only somewhat popular in the UK (20.3%), Poland (15.2%), Portugal (19.6%), and Romania (12.3%). In other surveyed countries, hatchbacks don’t even exceed a 10% share.

Several countries also showed a preference for coupes, with Portugal (17%), Italy (15.8%), and the UK (15.1%) leading the way.

Do scammers love SUVs? Yes, they do.

Fraudulent actors who tweak the mileage of used cars and hide damage keep a close eye on automotive trends. When a car is in high demand, there’s a much higher chance of finding an unsuspecting buyer and making a profit.

When a scammer manipulates the history of more expensive cars, they can expect to earn more. Another study we conducted showed that buyers overpay 26.3% on average for a used car. Since SUVs are costlier, they often become a target for scammers. Are there ways to mitigate risks when shopping for a second-hand vehicle?

To give yourself peace of mind, check the car’s history on carVertical. Once you enter the VIN, you’ll get a detailed report within a minute, including the vehicle’s mileage records, damage history, ownership changes, technical specifications, and more.

This will help you understand whether the car is worth checking more thoroughly at a service center. A history report also works as a bargaining chip, helping you address any issues the vehicle may have and lower the asking price.

Methodology

The carVertical study is based on an online survey of nearly 20,000 customers from April to July 2025. The vehicle body type statistics were aggregated, converted into percentages, and ranked.