California is home to some popular cities, so public transportation in the state is on a different level than others. Most residents rely on their own vehicles to go from place to place. As a result, the state records the most car sales in the US. The most common cars in California range from fuel-efficient daily runners to robust pickup trucks that can survive the harsh weather. Also, if you like going on road trips often, California is the place to be. Let’s find the best car to help you blend in quickly.
The Most Popular Cars in California
We reviewed the most common cars in California, from full-size pickup trucks to comfortable family sedans. Check which one suits your preferences.
1. Tesla Model Y
It is no surprise that a Tesla is among the most common cars in California since the automobile company has its headquarters in the state. The Model Y records these insane sales figures because it serves a wide range of buyers. The car is based on the Model 3 with massive improvement in driving range. Its high-riding body style offers more interior room but adversely affects handling. Inside, the Model Y offers two rows of seats but you can add a third row for only $2,500. You get a giant feature-rich infotainment screen on the dash.
Driving range and performance differ across the three trim levels. The entry-level Standard Range has a rear-wheel drive setup and 260 miles of driving per charge. Its single-motor powertrain delivers 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque with a 15.7 kWh per 100 km consumption. Meanwhile, the Long Range trim offers 310 miles, an all-wheel drive setup, and 13.8 kWh per 100 km power consumption. Both trims run on the same 19-inch wheels and accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds with a 135-mph top speed.
The Performance trim is the way to go if you want more zest. It uses all-wheel drive and dual-motor powertrain with the Long Range trim. For this setup, you get 384 horsepower, 3.6 seconds to smash 60 mph, 155 mph top speed, and 285 miles of range. This trim features a special Track mode thanks to its 20-inch wheels and lowered suspensions. The EPA-estimated city/highway ratings are 127/117 MPGe for Long Range and 115/106 for the Performance trim. A new 2024 Tesla Model Y ranges between $44,630 and $54,130.
2. Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 has maintained a spot among the best-selling SUVs in the US for over a decade. It is practical yet efficient and, in recent years, rugged. The latest models are family-friendly inside and ideal for long road trips, which is popular among California residents. You also get lots of cargo space with decent materials and single-zone manual climate control standard. A 7.0-inch display is standard for digital gauges, while an 8.0-inch serves for infotainment.
The base RAV4 engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that delivers 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission and powers an AWD or FWD, depending on the trim. The setup accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 8.0 seconds, has a top speed of 130 mph, and has an EPA-estimated gas mileage of 31 MPG combined. Eco-conscious California residents usually prefer hybrid powertrains. These pair the base four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to boost the zero-to-60 mph time to 7.4 seconds.
For this setup, you get a continuously variable transmission and 219 horsepower. The plug-in hybrid RAV4 Prime adds an 18.1-kWh battery pack to deliver 42 miles of electric-only range. This trim also accelerates faster, taking only 5.6 seconds to smash 60 mph. Recharge time using a 6.6-kWh charger with a 240-volt outlet is only 2.5 hours. Depending on the trim level, you can get a new 2024 Toyota RAV4 for between $30,025 and $48,910.
3. Honda CR-V
The CR-V is another fuel-efficient midsize SUV. It is also among the common cars in California and offers many standard modern-day technologies, such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The entry-level 7.0-inch infotainment display and dashboard controls are intuitive. You also get a partially digital gauge control. There is ample headroom, legroom, and cargo space, and the front seats are well-suited for long trips.
All gas-only CRVs run on the same turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 190 horsepower. The hybrid powertrain comprises a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with two electric motors combined to generate 204 horsepower. This trim is one of the best hybrid cars of 2022. Depending on the trim, a CVT automatic is standard for both setups and pairs with an AWD or FWD. Upgrading to AWD costs only $1,500, and all CRVs have the same 18-inch wheels.
Regarding performance, the hybrid tows a maximum payload of 1,000 pounds, while the gas-only tows up to 1,500. Meanwhile, the time they take to go from zero to 60 mph is 7.9 and 8.1 seconds, respectively. The EPA estimates that the turbo-four earns 28 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway, while the hybrid adds 9 MPG to these figures. Leather upholstery, a power passenger seat, and a larger display are optional. The Honda CR-V Hybrid ranges between $30,850 and $41,550, depending on your preferred trim and optional features.
4. Ford F-Series
Ford’s F-series trucks record an insane number of sales annually. This is a reward for their versatility and power. As expected, the F-150 is among the most common cars in California. This modern luxury pickup truck can handle heavy-duty jobs and still comfortably take you around the city. In terms of safety and reliability, this car’s got your back. It also boasts a standard 12.0-inch display and many practical tech features.
The available gasoline engine options are a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 good for 325 horsepower, a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 making 400 horsepower, and a 5.0-liter V8 also pushing 400. Ford offers the twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 for hybrid freaks paired with an electric motor. All trims deliver fantastic performance, relying on the same ten-speed automatic transmission. Buyers can choose between RWD and 4WD for all F-150 trims.
The 3.5-liter V6 accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, while the Hybrid does it in 5.4 with a common top speed of 133 mph. Furthermore, the maximum towing capacity across all trims is 13,500 pounds. The Hybrid is the most efficient, with a gas mileage of 25 MPG in the city and 26 on the highway. Whichever F-series truck you pick, you get a comfortable interior and off-road-worthy performance. The 2024 Ford F-150 ranges between $38,960 and $84,495. There are lots of optional features you can add for extra bucks.
5. Chevrolet Silverado 1500
The Silverado 1500 is another cool pickup truck offering power and great handling. It is a full-size truck and works as it looks. The vehicle offers a spacious four-door cabin adorned in leather surfaces and faux-suede accents. You get a comfortable crew cab, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and a 13.4-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system comes standard with a Google-powered voice assistant, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and available Amazon Alexa integration.
The base Silverado engine is a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder that delivers 385 horsepower. The other gasoline engines are 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter V8s, boasting more power. You can opt for a Duramax diesel 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder trim for better gas mileage. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard, with optional 4WD, AWD, and RWD configurations.
All Silverado trims have great ground clearance and agile handling. The brake pedals return firm feedback. Furthermore, the most powerful trim can tow a maximum payload of 13,300 pounds. According to the EPA, the diesel powertrain, which is more economical than others, earns 26 MPG in the city and 33 on the highway. A new 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ranges between $37,445 and $64,695, depending on your favored trim level and extra features.
6. Mazda 3
The Mazda 3 is a compact sedan that serves perfectly for daily driving. Since residents mainly use their cars to go around daily, cars in this category are among the most common cars in California. The 3’s cabin features premium materials. It is spacious for tall occupants and still has tangible trunk space. An 8.8-inch infotainment display stands nicely on the dashboard, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard.
The base trims get a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 191 horsepower with a standard FWD and an optional AWD. Meanwhile, the Turbo trims get a turbocharged version tuned to push up to 250 horsepower. For this engine, the AWD pairs with the standard six-speed automatic transmission and the FWD, a six-speed automatic. All Mazda 3s are responsive with chassis, which makes handling feel even better. The base setup takes 5.6 seconds to accelerate from zero to 60 mph, while the Turbo does it in 5.0. The top speed for all trims is the same, 131 mph.
Regarding fuel economy, the EPA-estimated gas mileages for the base engine are 28 and 37 MPG for city and highway driving conditions, respectively. The turbocharger takes 5 MPG each for extra power and torque. Additionally, the car adds precise steering to its long list of driving qualities. A new 2024 Mazda 3 ranges between $25,355 and $36,635.
7. Nissan Altima
The Altima is a popular choice for US families. Its five-seater interior boasts many attractive properties, including a standard 8.0-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Higher-end trims feature a more intuitive 12.3-inch screen with built-in navigation and wireless phone charging pads. There’s also a lot of trunk space for luggage.
A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine powers every Altima aside from the VC-Turbo trim. This engine makes 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. Meanwhile, the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in the SR vC-Turbo makes 248 horsepower. A CVT automatic is also standard across all trims with FWD and AWD options. This sedan delivers fantastic driving dynamics thanks to the precise steering and firm brakes. The general engine accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds, while the faster one does it in 5.9.
According to EPA estimation, the four-cylinder has a gas mileage of 27 and 39 MPG for city and highway driving, respectively. Meanwhile, the turbo is rated at 25 MPG in the city and 34 on the highway. The car offers many safety and driver assistance tech, making it ideal for long journeys. The 2024 Nissan Altima starts at $27,510 and goes up to $37,210, depending on the trim you choose.
8. Hyundai Sonata
The Sonata is famous for its cost efficiency. It is a top-tier family sedan that saves you money at the gas and auto shop. Inside, the latest models feel luxurious with a new steering wheel, dashboard, infotainment, driver-info screens, and an upgraded center console. The exterior also enjoys some makeup and a facelift. A pair of 12.3-inch displays spread across half the dash from the driver’s end. One handles driver info, and the other is infotainment, with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The two gas-only engines are a 2.5-liter four-cylinder making 191 horsepower and a turbocharged variant making 290. You can also get the Sonata with a hybrid combo of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a motor-generator. This powertrain generates up to 192 horsepower and provides decent acceleration. All trims share the same eight-speed automatic transmission, offering standard FWD and optional AWD.
This car earned good scores on reliability tests. The base trim accelerates from zero to 60 mph in just 7.5 seconds, while the turbo-four does it in 5.9. Also, all trims have a common top speed of 130 mph. For city/highway gas mileage, the hybrid records 44/51 MPG, 25/36 for the base four-cylinder, and 23/32 for the turbocharged variant. A new 2024 Hyundai Sonata ranges between $28,650 and $38,350.
9. Volkswagen Jetta
The Jetta is the people’s favorite in many US states. Most European car lovers prefer the Jetta GLI, but it isn’t available in the US. Aside from its insane ride quality, many buyers appreciate the roomy cabin and exceptional fuel economy. The car also offers good cargo space in the trunk. Inside, you get a lot of safety and driver assistance tech features. One of them is the new standard 10.3-inch infotainment screen with a fully customizable setup. An 8.0-inch intuitive digital gauge cluster is also standard for all trims.
Under the hood, the 2025 Jetta sports a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers up to 158 horsepower. It pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds. The chassis, braking system, and suspensions are tuned for a comfortable and safe ride.
According to the EPA, the base Jetta earns 31 MPG in the city and 41 MPG on the highway. Higher-end trims lower these ratings to 29 and 40 MPG, respectively. The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta ranges between $23,220 and $31,000, depending on the trim and optional features.
10. Kia K5
The K5 is another midsize family sedan with great interior features. Thanks to its sleek handling and comfortable interior, it is one of the most common cars in California. Many buyers appreciate the new interior upgrades, such as neatly designed ambient interior lighting, heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a wireless charging pad. The exterior also enjoys some modifications.
Its standard 12.3-inch infotainment interface features Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. You can also opt for a 12.0-inch digital gauge display and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The entry-level engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces up to 191 horsepower. For more zest, opt for the turbocharged variant that produces 290 horsepower.
All K5s use the same eight-speed automatic transmission to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. Also, the common top speed is 155 mph. According to the EPA, the base four-cylinder earns 24 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway. A new 2024 Kia K5 ranges between $28,145 and $35,645, depending on the trim and optional features.
Let’s Wrap Up…
The US automotive industry enjoys the most patronage from California, among other states. This is because most residents use their personal cars for transportation, and weekend road trips are popular in the state. Various categories of cars are popular in the state, but some models stand out for obvious reasons. Also, since the state promotes zero-emission vehicles and is home to the Tesla headquarters, electric vehicles now rank among the most common cars in California.
