Teenagers Are Looking Forward to Vehicle Ownership—But Are Automakers Ready for Teens’ Preferences?

Teenagers still strongly expect to own and drive their own vehicles in the future, but their preferences differ from today’s market — with many favoring sedans, advanced in-vehicle technology, and showing openness to hybrid and electric powertrains even though gas vehicles remain most familiar.

Automotive brands, dealerships, lenders, insurance providers, and driver-training programs have an opportunity to start building relationships with this next generation of buyers whose expectations around vehicle type, technology, and purchase experience could reshape the future car market.