Social media isn’t just about staying in touch with friends and family. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram and TikTok have a huge influence on how consumers spend. The auto industry is no exception, with certain models and manufacturers making serious waves in the digital space.

So, what’s trending on social media? Read on as we spotlight the top 9 most popular cars on social media. Yes, you’ll see Teslas. But there are also some wild cards thrown into the mix.

1. Mercedes Vision AVTR

Sleek, sexy and surprisingly blue, it’s no wonder the Mercedes Vision AVTR is one of the most popular cars on TikTok. The model looks stunning on film and is tailormade to dazzle social media feeds.

While the Mercedes Vision AVTR isn’t available to the public, it hasn’t stopped social media users from falling head over heels for the concept car. Between the fluid curves, next-generation technology and Avatar-inspired aesthetic, it’s made quite the impact.

“The groundbreaking Mercedes-Benz VISION AVTR blurs the boundaries between luxury vehicle and living being in an entirely new way,” reads the Mercedes-Benz website. “This feat of forward-thinking design is the result of a global partnership with the AVATAR team, inspired by the world of Pandora and embodying the vision of Mercedes-Benz designers, engineers and trend researchers across the world.”

2. BMW

In terms of hashtags, BMW runs circles around other manufacturers. The German car company has global appeal and is synonymous with luxury. According to recent data, BMW has more than 60 million related posts on Instagram. Can you blame drivers for wanting to brag when they’re behind the wheel of a Series 3, M2 Coupe or X Range?

3. Honda

Honda may not be the most exclusive auto manufacturer, but it’s racked up a huge 51 million posts on Instagram. Reliable and affordable, the company offers a stellar range of SUVs, sedans and small cars.

4. Ford

With iconic models like the Mustang helping to boost popularity, Ford comes in with an impressive 37 million posts. The American company manufactures some of the top-selling models in the world, including the Fiesta, Focus and Ranger. And, of course, let’s not forget the legendary Ford Mustang, which has been turning heads since the 1960s.

5. Toyota

Who can blame social media users for loving Toyota? Bloomberg crowned it one of the top-selling car makers in the world in 2020 and for good reason. Models are reliable, safe and often seem to run forever. If you’re looking for value for money, Toyota is a fantastic choice.

6. Jeep

Jeep is another manufacturer that’s made waves on social media. Models like the Compass, Renegade and Cherokee are built for adventure. And yes, they’re pretty photogenic, which makes them a favourite on social media. From close-up snaps of mud-splattered tyres to drone videos framed by rugged peaks and shimmering lochs, Jeep’s sense of adventure has made it a firm favourite on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. 

7. Nissan GT-R

The Nissan GT-R is another model that’s made a splash on social media. Millions of #nissangtr posts have flooded Instagram, making it one of the most popular social media cars. Engineered for speed and performance, the track-inspired model looks and feels amazing. The steering wheel is designed for precision and the 6-speed dual-clutch transmission promises velvet-smooth gear changes. Pair this with a crystal-clear 8” touchscreen in the cockpit, plus a next-gen infotainment system and it’s a recipe for a social media buzz.

8. SEAT

Interestingly, Spanish auto manufacturer SEAT has done far better on TikTok than other platforms like Instagram. Could it be because of the fun and down-to-earth designs that appeal to the youthful nature of TikTok? The SEAT Ibiza supermini is a bona fide bestseller and perfect for city driving. The evocatively named Leon is another model that’s helped drive SEAT’s popularity on TikTok. Sporty, modern and packed with high-tech features, it’s been hugely popular with European drivers.

9. Tesla

No surprises here. Tesla has had its fair share of shoutouts on social media. Could this be partly fuelled by Elon Musk’s strong presence on platforms like Twitter? Possibly. But love him or hate him, there’s no denying Tesla has transformed the face of the auto industry. The American-owned brand is driving the global transition to sustainable transport, with models like the Model 3 saloon and Model Y mid-size SUV pushing the boundaries of what fully electric vehicles are capable of.

Teslas have an air of exclusivity, which means people are keen to share when they’re interacting with the brand. Whether it’s an exciting milestone like getting the keys to a brand-new Model X or simply snapping a selfie inside your Tesla Model Y Uber, Tesla experiences are worth sharing on social media. The long wait lists for new models also helps to drive intrigue. 

That said, the latest research suggests motorists on the hunt for EVs can expect shorter wait times in 2023. Timelines are down from 35 weeks to just 28 weeks, which is good news if you’re planning to buy an all-electric vehicle.

Get behind the wheel of a popular social media car

Thinking about upgrading to one of these social media darlings? We don’t blame you. Whether you’re in the market for a luxurious BMW for city driving, a compact Honda with amazing mileage or an adventure-ready Jeep, we can find the right car finance for you.

How much does car finance cost? Rates vary depending on a few factors, including your down deposit amount, preferred repayment terms and your personal credit score. Not to worry, we also have the number crunching covered. Use our purpose-built car finance calculator to punch in your numbers and get a quote.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 11.9%

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£

X monthly repayments of
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Total payable

X% APR*

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£X

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Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 11.9%, annual interest rate (fixed) 11.87%, 47 monthly payments of £194.81 followed by 1 payment of £204.81 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,860.88, total amount payable £9,360.88.

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