Newsweek 2024 Autos Awards

Find The Best Vehicle For Your Lifestyle

Goal Getters

I’ve worked hard and I want a new car that shows off how much I have achieved.

Goal Getters want a vehicle that is connected to their daily lives via apps and a high-speed internet network that allows for over-the-air updates. Their ideal model offers the latest driver assistance technology, looks good to be in, has a stylish interior, and is chock full of premium and luxury features. Whether they lease or buy their vehicle, Goal Getters want something they can use as a daily driver or a weekend getaway that will impress those around them both in looks and performance. And, it needs to have good storage space, whether for golf clubs, luggage or a shopping spree.

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Enthusiasts

I love cars. My next car will be a reflection of that, one that I want to show off and drive all over.

When Enthusiasts shop for cars, they’re looking for things that most other buyers are not. They prioritize performance alongside a cool factor.The exterior styling is important, and they are willing to go a bit more eccentric with color, graphics and wheel styling to show off. Enthusiasts don’t mind ordering a car to get exactly what they want.They also consider accessory availability and modification possibilities. Seating and interior quality may not matter as much to Enthusiasts, but younger buyers in this category are looking for higher quality and technology than older buyers are.

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Suburbanites

The best car for my family is one that fits the kids and their stuff without costing me an arm and a leg in gas and repairs.

Suburbanites shop for new vehicles based on the needs of their family, practical decisions that consider how much storage space the vehicle has and how easy it is to get in/out of the second- and third-row of seats.Beyond that, they want plenty of cupholders for all family members and an abundance of charging ports.Buying an electric vehicle can mean that they would have to invest in at-home charging infrastructure so that cost is considered as well.They want their family to be connected to each other and the vehicle at all times and prioritize safety features.

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Tomorrow Seekers

I want a new car that is tech-forward, climate-friendly and doesn’t feel like a compromise.

Technology is top of the list for Tomorrow Seekers when they’re shopping for a new vehicle. Like Goal Getters, they want a model that is connected to the world around them, and seamlessly and easily integrates what is on their phone.Tomorrow Seekers are early adopters. They want their new car to use artificial intelligence to maximize user experience.Driver assistance features, including hands-free, eyes-off technology captures their attention and they weigh electric vehicle charging speed, availability of regenerative braking and ease of charging as they look for their new electric vehicle.

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Empty Nesters

We can spend a little more now that the house is paid off, but we don’t want a sports car. Sometimes we have to car the grandkids around so it needs to be able to accommodate them.

Older shoppers who don’t have full-time parenting responsibilities have new car shopping criteria that emphasizes comfort and ease of use.Empty Nesters want a well-made vehicle without a long recall history. They want easy ingress/egress as their mobility needs may change.The latest technology is not important to Empty Nesters, who are easily annoyed by modern safety interventions while driving, but they do need to be able to understand it without repeated trips to the dealership.Storage, interior space and efficiency are important. Empty Nesters may drive from their winter home to their summer house, and pick up the grandkids

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New Parents

Our growing family needs space to accommodate people and stuff. Safety is also really important.

Many expectant parents shop for a new vehicle on the same timeline as crib and stroller shopping. They’re looking to keep their expanded family safe while at the same time putting new expectations front and center.New Parents want a vehicle that has good storage space, is easy to get children and stuff in and out of and has easily operable LATCH connections.A model that is easy to clean with flat floors is a bonus.

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Urbanites

Living in the city means small parking spaces and lots of sitting in traffic. I need a new car that’s efficient and easy to park.

City dwellers aren’t as focused on some of the amenities that their Suburbanite counterparts want. Instead, they’re living in more cramped quarters where the size and efficiency of a vehicle are considered.Urbanites also check to see how easy the car is to park, taking into account visibility and technology assistance.They want to be connected to the world around them via popular apps as they sit in traffic. And, they need a model that is easy on the pocketbook to repair, with a strong dealer network to boot.

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Outdoor Adventurers

Capability, on- and off-road, is important. I plan to modify my new rig so I can take it camping and am intrigued by models that enhance the outdoors experience.

Getting off the beaten path is an important task for Outdoor Adventurers. They want to go there, and they want a vehicle that will easily take them there, and beyond.Outdoor Adventurers may spend the night in their rig, modify it for more clearance, or add accessories to accommodate their active lifestyle. Off-road life can get dirty, so they want something that is easy to clean inside and out.Practicality is important, even more so than technology, for these buyers, but they want the model to offer assurance in tough terrain so having a variety of drive modes is ideal.

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Single, Powerful Women

I’ve worked hard to get where I am and I want to treat myself to new car that reflects that.

Self-reliant female business leaders want a model that pairs confidence with style. They’ve earned their status in the world and want to show it off.A vehicle’s interior and exterior style are important, as is the brand of the model. These business women need to stay connected while on the road so app availability is essential. And, they’re not afraid to try out new-to-market technology, including electric vehicles.Safety and the ability to load and unload easily also are considered during the car buying process.

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Luxury Lifestylers

I want a new car that matches my lifestyle. I need to be able to personalize it and make it unique.

For these buyers, their new vehicle purchase is about showing off their wealth and status. While they’re willing to compromise on some things, like choosing to ignore historic recall and repair data, they aren’t willing to settle for less when it comes to style. They target lifestyle over practicality.Luxury Lifestylers want a car that is seen as desirable and somewhat exclusive, either because of rarity or high cost. And, they don’t want to be outdone by their neighbors.Appointments and features are important, as is the ability to customize those options.

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First-Time New Car Buyers

I need something practical that doesn’t break the bank and connects to my phone. Bonus points if it comes in a cool color.

Upgrading from the new-to-you vehicle to a new car is a big step. First-Time New Car Buyers tend to be younger and starting out their careers so they have a unique set of criteria.They want a model that delivers good bang for the buck and has a relatively low starting price. Many of these buyers are self-reliant so they require a strong dealer network and long warranty to make repairs and service as painless as possible.Connectivity and styling are also important.

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Commuters

I need to get to work efficiently and economically, and stay connected and comfortable during the journey.

Commuters need to be connected to the office now more than ever. The models they shop reflect this, and the sheer number of hours they spend in the car.Efficiency, price and connectivity rank highly for them, as so low repair costs. These buyers want a vehicle that is comfortable to sit in while in traffic.Price is also key. Many families with a commuter have one vehicle nearly exclusively dedicated to that task while another “family car” takes priority for suburbia’s errand running.

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Double Income, No Kids (DINKs)

We work hard and play hard, and want a vehicle that shows both those sides.

Not having children in their lives presents DINKs with the opportunity to explore a wide variety of the vehicle market, and their buyer characteristics show that.DINKs want a stylish car that comes equipped with advanced technology and is connected to the world. It must be the right size for them, whatever that means for their individual lifestyle.They aren’t afraid of shopping premium and luxury brands, or upgrading to sportier or more luxurious trim and accessory packages once they’ve found the right model.

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