Vermont is known for eco-conscious hipsters driving Subaru crossovers. So you might think the Forester would be the best-selling car in the state. Surprisingly, that’s not the case. Instead, another vehicle is the most popular car in Vermont. We’ll give you a hint: It’s not a hatchback, sedan, station wagon, or SUV. 

The most popular car in Vermont is a pickup truck

Vermont and other New England states have a reputation for their environmentally conscious residents. Many drive practical vehicles like the Subaru Forester and Outback. Although we see one Subaru model among the five most popular cars in Vermont — the Crosstrek — it isn’t the best-selling.

That distinction goes to the Ford F-Series. These full-size light-duty and heavy-duty trucks cost about $41,000 to over $100,000. They’re followed by the Toyota RAV4 compact SUV and Toyota Tacoma midsize pickup. Ram 1500/2500/3500 trucks round out Vermont’s five most popular cars. 

The Ford F-Series is the top seller in many other states, including Michigan, Montana, Idaho, Utah, Colorado, and Texas. Looking at the New England states, we notice the F-Series is also No. 1 in Maine. In Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire, the top seller is the RAV4. 

How are Subaru sales numbers looking?

Recent figures show overall Subaru sales are up this year. The automaker has sold 194,390 vehicles so far in 2023. That’s a 9.2% gain over the 178,094 units sold in the same period last year. Subaru says it has seen increases for the past nine months. The brand also boasts a nod in Forbes’ “The Best Brands for Social Impact in 2023.”  

Subaru’s best-selling model so far this year is the Crosstrek subcompact SUV. It has seen a 4.8% gain, from 49,480 to 51,872 units sold year-to-date as of April. The Outback midsize SUV is the second-best-selling Subaru model, with 48,030 units sold year-to-date. However, that figure is down by 2.9% from last year, when 49,482 Outbacks moved in the same timeframe. The third most popular model, the Forester compact SUV, saw a 6.9% gain, selling 40,059 units versus 37,488 year-to-date.

By contrast, Ford F-Series trucks continue to sell like hotcakes. They saw a nearly 25% April year-to-date jump from 192,218 units sold in 2022 to 239,972 in 2023. Within the series, the Ford F-150 is wildly popular, thanks to the light-duty truck’s innovative features, comfort for everyday use, and overall utility. 

What are the most popular cars in other states?

The Chevrolet Silverado is the top-selling vehicle in several states, including Arizona, New Mexico, Missouri, Wisconsin, and Kentucky. Consumers spent about $39,500 to $67,600 on this pickup.

And three states — Alaska, Nevada, and Wyoming — spent the most on Ram 1500/2500/3500 trucks, ranging from $39,200 to $78,790. Although Ram isn’t nearly as popular as Ford and Chevy, Edmunds thinks it’s gaining ground. 

New Jersey is the only state where the Honda CR-V is the most popular. This compact SUV cost residents anywhere from $31,110 to $38,600.

In addition, the Toyota Corolla takes the top spot in Florida and Puerto Rico. This affordable compact car ranges from $21,550 to $26,700.

You might think Subaru would be the top brand in Vermont and other New England states, but that’s not the case. The Ford F-Series is Vermonters’ vehicle of choice. Subaru is still a decent seller, but not as impressive as Toyota or Ford.