Our car leasing experts took a deep dive into the world of social media selfies to uncover which car brands truly spark joy. First, we sourced images of owners proudly showing off their cars for 77 manufacturers. Then, we utilised AWS Facial Recognition software to analyse over 47,000 car selfies, which used AI technology to assess the smiles and expressions in the images to calculate an overall 'Happiness Score' for each car manufacturer. By letting the smiles do the talking, we crafted the top 25 car brands that make us the happiest.
So, which manufacturer came out on top? Keep reading to find out…
| Rank | Car Brand | Car Happiness Score (out of 100) |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Smart | 88.65 |
| #2 | Volkswagen | 87.73 |
| #3 | Cadillac | 77.83 |
| #4 | Audi | 77.07 |
| #5 | Toyota | 73.34 |
| #6 | Subaru | 69.73 |
| #7 | Jeep | 69.33 |
| #8 | Bentley | 59.12 |
| #9 | Volvo | 58.31 |
| #10 | Tesla | 58.09 |
| #11 | Land Rover | 57.76 |
| #12 | Porsche | 49.68 |
| #13 | Kia | 48.94 |
| #14 | Jaguar | 48.57 |
| #15 | Mercedes-Benz | 48.53 |
| #16 | Saab | 47.49 |
| #17 | BMW | 46.71 |
| #18 | Peugeot | 45.15 |
| #19 | Ford | 39.77 |
| #20 | Fiat | 37.61 |
| #21 | Lamborghini | 37.33 |
| #22 | Honda | 37.13 |
| #23 | Mini | 36.45 |
| #24 | Mazda | 32.25 |
| #25 | Lexus | 29.28 |
Topping the list with an impressive 88.65, Smart proves that size doesn't matter when it comes to joy on the road. Their compact design might be made for city living, but it's clear that these cars make a big impact on their drivers' moods. There are a multitude of reasons why Smart owners may be among the happiest; they're zippy, easy to park, and surprisingly fun to drive, so it's no wonder Smart owners are all smiles.
Just behind in second place is Volkswagen - a brand that's been winning over hearts (and roads) for decades. Whether it's a trusty Golf or a bold new ID. Buzz, Volkswagen cars are renowned for their reliability, solid German engineering, and a stylish yet practical feel. And the smiles say it all, just narrowly missing out on the top spot by less than one point.
Coming in strong from across the pond, Cadillac drivers are clearly having a great time behind the wheel. The American luxury brand combines bold styling with a plush driving experience, making it good enough to be the car of choice for famous faces like Richard Burton, Ben Affleck and even Marilyn Monroe. For those lucky enough to own one, the sense of occasion delivers more than just comfort but also the biggest grin of your life.
Yet another German manufacturer to feature in the top five list, the sleek and stylish Audi claims fourth place with a happiness score just a whisker behind Cadillac. Known for balancing performance with premium quality, it's a brand that attracts drivers who love their cars as much as they love taking to the road. Our research proves how much they love to share their Audi appreciation online, too, with some serious smiles across the board.
Toyota rounds out the top five with a solid score that reflects the brand's long-standing reputation for reliability. Whether it's a hybrid for the eco-conscious or a tough 4x4 built for adventure, Toyota's diverse line-up delivers something for everyone, and the smiles show that drivers are more than satisfied.
Known for rugged reliability and go-anywhere capability, it's a firm favourite among adventure lovers and outdoorsy types. With that all-wheel-drive confidence, Subaru drivers smile through every twist, turn and trail.
Close behind in seventh place is Jeep, also known as the brand that practically invented off-road cool. Jeep owners can drive around happy knowing their wheels can comfortably cruise through the city or scale a muddy country hillside, which must be the recipe for a pleasing journey. With its iconic styling and adventurous spirit, it's no surprise these 4x4s are fuelling feel-good moments.
When luxury is the name of the game, Bentley delivers in spades. Sitting comfortably in eighth place, Bentley drivers clearly enjoy the finer things, and their smiles prove it. From handcrafted interiors to buttery-smooth engines, the British brand prides itself on designing 'the world's most desirable high-performance grand tourers.' And judging by the smiles, that is certainly working.
Considered to be the 'safe pair of hands' of the automotive world, Volvo has long been the go-to for drivers who like substance with their style. With minimalist interiors and a calm-yet-exciting driving experience, Volvo has earned its position as drivers' go-to happy place.
Breaking into the top 10 is Tesla, the modern motoring disruptor that's made electric cars exciting among the masses. With its sleek design, futuristic tech, and rocket-like acceleration, every journey can feel slightly more exciting in a Tesla. It's a car that gets people talking, as well as smiling, too!
Whether it's the drive quality, brand identity, or the simple fact that your car fits your lifestyle, it's clear that the right car can put a serious smile on your face. Here at Autotrader we share the enthusiasm for cars that so many others do, which is why it's been lovely to see the rise of #carselfies on social media.
So, next time you're looking to lease a make and model that you've been dreaming know, don't just think about fuel efficiency or boot space. Think about the car that will make you happy every time you sit in the driver's seat.
We analysed 47,000 Instagram selfies tagged with car brand hashtags. Only brands with 100+ selfies were included. Images related to competition entries were excluded. Facial expressions were measured using AWS Rekognition software to determine an average happiness score per brand.
Data correct as of April 2025