4 Car Brands That Are Most Popular With New York’s Middle Class

You might think that in a place like New York, people drive small vehicles that can squeeze into tight spaces. You might also think they primarily drive luxury vehicles , particularly if you equate New York with Wall Street.

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But while wealthier residents of New York City might be more likely to drive these types of vehicles, the middle class tend to favor economical choices instead. To be considered “middle class,” you need a yearly household income that’s between two-thirds and double the median income. For New York, that means anyone earning between $54,257 and $162,772 a year is “middle class.”

Not only that but New York is a big state — the 27th largest state by size. It also has some extreme weather conditions, particularly in the winter, that make it necessary to drive something that can handle the environment.

So, what are the top car brands New York’s middle class tend to drive? According to 24/7 Wall St., these four are favorites of the middle class .

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Chevrolet

Chevrolet is one of the most popular car brands in the Empire State, especially for the working or middle class. The top Chevy vehicles in the state are:

• Chevrolet Silverado 1500: With a starting MSRP of about $37,000, this truck is quite common amidst the middle class. It gets about 23 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway, so there are more gas efficient options, but that’s not the only priority. Having a truck is vital for those who need to frequently transport large loads. Plus, the Silverado has four-wheel drive, which is essential for driving in New York’s extreme winter weather conditions.
• Chevrolet Equinox: A crossover SUV with a starting MSRP of about $31,000, the Equinox is perhaps the most popular vehicle amongst New York’s middle class. It gets an average gas mileage of about 30 MPG on the highway, but many New Yorkers choose it because it’s an “all-American” brand. Besides, it’s safe, reliable and will get you from point A to point B — even in harsh winter conditions.

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Jeep

Jeep is another American automobile company that’s popular nationwide, but especially amongst middle-class New Yorkers.

One particularly common option is the Jeep Grand Cherokee. It has a starting MSRP of about $38,000. It only gets 22 MPG (combined), but that’s not necessarily a problem for those with shorter commutes or who prioritize cargo space, affordability and a sleek aesthetic.

Honda

Honda is a well-known brand that’s not only economical but reliable. It tends to score high in safety tests.

Take the Honda CR-V as an example. The 2025 model has a starting MSRP of $31,450, and it has a fuel economy of 28 to 30 MPG (combined). It also gets an overall 5-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

It’s also a compact crossover SUV. This is a major plus for New Yorkers who need a spacious vehicle they can still drive anywhere in the state. It even comes with an all-wheel drive option for snowy and icy terrain.

Nissan

It might come as no surprise that many of New York’s middle class residents favor midsize or crossover SUVS or trucks. Nissan, particularly the Rogue, is one such vehicle that tops the list of popular vehicles.

The 2025 Rogue’s starting MSRP is $30,620, though it can easily go up to about $40,000. Even the more expensive option might well be worth it for what you get, though.

The turbocharged three-cylinder engine version gets 30 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway. This does drop down to 28 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway if you get the all-wheel drive option, but that also means extra safety on winter roads.

Like other Nissan SUVs, the Rogue is also spacious and comfortable to drive. For New York residents with families or long road trips in mind, this is essential.

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com : 4 Car Brands That Are Most Popular With New York’s Middle Class