Survey: Republicans prefer pickups, Democrats want SUVs

Americans are divided by more than politics. It isn't just candidates that set them apart, but their choice of vehicles.

Two companies have shared research on how Americans’ political affiliation corresponds to how they feel about what they drive.

Strategic Vision, which rates vehicle satisfaction, collated information from more than 170,000 vehicle buyers with political affiliation.

It found Democrats are more ethnically diverse and more likely to be college educated. Their most popular models are, in order: Subaru Outback, Honda CR-V, Honda Civic, Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Crosstrek. All but the Civic, a compact car, are crossover, SUV-style vehicles.

Democrats said they wanted their vehicle to be environmentally friendly, economical and cool. Republicans want vehicles that are powerful, rugged and prestigious. Independents sound a lot like the caricature of Birkenstock-wearing liberals, wanting vehicles that are functional, reliable and sensible

Republicans are more likely to be older, male, married and white. Their top five vehicles are Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, Ram 1500, Ford F250/350 and Ram 2500/3500. All are pickups.

Independents sort of went with a mix of pickups and SUVs. Their favorites are Subaru Forester, Honda CR-V, Kia Sorento, Toyota Tacoma and Toyota Highlander.

Autotrader polled online shoppers and found Democrats are more likely to consider a vehicle with autonomous features for their next purchase. Democrats like the idea of autonomous vehicles more: 46% are positive, compared to 29% of Republicans.

More than half — 58% — of Democrats think autonomous vehicles will make people better drivers. Only 44% of Republicans believe that.

Unsurprisingly, Democrats were more likely to be comfortable riding in an autonomous vehicle — 44% — compared to just 29% of Republicans. Democrats are also younger and more likely to have a vehicle with connectivity and entertainment features.