Jul 15, 2026

8 Surprisingly Common Cars Driven by Millionaires

Written by Caitlyn Moorhead
|
Edited by Cory Dudak
8 Surprisingly Common Cars Driven by Millionaires

Just because it’s fun to yell “Lambo” when people ask you what kind of car you drive, that doesn’t mean your dream car is even the practical choice for the uber-rich. Sure, you'd probably guess Lamborghinis, Bentleys and Rolls-Royces to be lining the driveways of your average millionaire, but the data on what wealthy Americans actually drive paints a different picture.

Spoiler alert: The brunt of millionaires are driving the same cars as everyone else. Most research state that the majority of Americans earning $250,000 or more are driving Hondas, Fords and Toyotas.

Simply put, it comes down to making the right financial choice. Here’s a look at eight surprising cars millionaires tend to choose over luxury alternatives.

  • 2026 MSRP (starting sticker price): $30,495

Nothing says nonchalant frugality quite like a midsize family sedan. Sure, one driver’s boring is another driver’s booming bank account, but maybe rich people know how to stay rich. In fact, the car experts at Motor1 reported that the landmark “Millionaire Next Door” research by Thomas Stanley and William Danko found wealthy Americans overwhelmingly preferred practical, reliable vehicles.

That pretty much sums up the Toyota Camry, which is known for being reliable as well as cheap to insure and maintain. The point is you don’t need to stop looking to get the most value for the dollars you spend, even when you have a lot of dollars.

  • 2026 MSRP (starting sticker price): $40,085 to $81,800

For Americans earning more than $200,000 a year, the Ford F-150 is one of the most popular vehicles. It's versatile, tough and available in high-end trims that rival luxury vehicles. For wealthy buyers who own multiple cars, it often becomes the go-to daily driver.

  • 2026 MSRP (starting sticker price): $29,200

Honda's reputation for long-term reliability and low cost of ownership makes it a recurring choice for high earners who'd rather put money into investments than depreciation. With a base price starting under $30,000, you can get that new car smell without the sticker shock of it costing more than the average national salary.

  • 2026 MSRP (starting sticker price): $41,380 to $61,380

Even though the world’s first trillionaire owns the company, even poor millionaires can still grab a Tesla to save face while driving. For perspective, Mobility Global’s analysis of ultra-wealthy households found Tesla registrations accounted for almost one in every five new vehicle purchases among their highest-income tier.

  • 2026 MSRP (starting sticker price): $49,350 to over $65,650

According to auto experts at Autoinsurance.com, BMWs are one of the most popular vehicle brands, specifically in high-income households. This one may not be as surprising, as BMW is synonymous with luxury vehicles. The 3 Series (and 5 Series) hit the sweet spot between performance, prestige and everyday practicality.

Unlock Better Banking
  • 2026 MSRP (starting sticker price): $35,245

Subarus rank among the top car brands for wealthy Americans. Even Consumer Reports ranked Subaru as the No. 1 most reliable brand last year. Wealthy buyers who prioritize dependability over flash gravitate toward Subaru's all-wheel-drive reliability, especially in wealthier suburban and mountain markets.

  • 2026 MSRP (starting sticker price): $120,600

OK, so this one isn't a surprise either, but a Mercedes-Benz is confirmed as one of the top four brands among ultra-wealthy households. Not only is it fancy, but also beloved for its balance of cutting-edge technology, safety features and comfort. Keep in mind, though, it comes with higher maintenance costs.

  • 2026 MSRP (starting sticker price): $93,955

A fixture in wealthy family garages everywhere (probably in a soothing shade of champagne), the Escalade isn’t cheap. Though it starts at around $94,000, many 2026 models are over six figures. However, that doesn’t stop the rich from being drawn to its spacious interior, reliability and ability to double as both a family hauler and a status symbol.

David Nadelle contributed to the reporting for this article.

Editor's note: All pricing information was sourced from Kelley Blue Book and is accurate as of July 15, 2026.

This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.

More From MoneyLion:


Written by
Caitlyn Moorhead
Edited by
Cory Dudak