In this article, we will be taking a look at the 15 most underrated car brands in the world. Before we dive into the list, let’s take a look at the current automotive landscape and recent market trends.
The Shifting Landscape of the Global Automotive Industry
The global automotive industry is constantly changing, driven by technological advancements, environmental concerns, and economic pressures. The industry is currently navigating significant challenges. Some of the biggest automakers in the world have reported declines in sales and revenue due to a combination of factors, including intense competition, high costs, and weak consumer demand. On April 30, Reuters reported that European car giants like Volkswagen AG (ETR:VOW3), Mercedes-Benz Group AG (ETR:MB), and Stellantis N.V. (NYSE:STLA) all posted lower first-quarter sales. Weakness in car sales is affecting both mass-market and premium models. Automakers are working to hold car prices steady while promising improvements as new models are introduced. Europe’s legacy carmakers are making significant investments to develop electric vehicles and compete with Chinese automakers that are bringing lower-cost EVs to the European market. Volkswagen AG’s (ETR:VOW3) chief financial officer, Arno Antlitz, described the market as very competitive. However, Volkswagen AG (ETR:VOW3) reported an uptick in orders towards the end of the first quarter and it plans to introduce 30 new models in 2024, which should help boost sales.
According to a report by AlixPartners, Chinese automakers are poised to significantly expand their global market share, aiming to capture 33% of the global automotive market share by 2030. This growth is expected to occur largely outside of China, with sales in international markets projected to surge from 3 million vehicles in 2024 to 9 million by 2030, representing an increase from 3% to 13% of the market share. The rapid expansion of Chinese automakers is causing concern among automakers and policymakers worldwide, as competitively priced Chinese vehicles could flood the markets and impact domestically manufactured models, particularly electric vehicles. AlixPartners predicts a broad expansion of Chinese brands across global markets, with the exception of Japan and North America, including the US, where vehicle safety standards and tariffs on Chinese EV imports could limit expansion. China is the largest automotive market in the world and China’s domestic automotive brands are expected to capture a dominant 72% share in their home market by 2030, up from 59% currently.
Responding to Industry Challenges
To navigate industry challenges, automakers are investing heavily in new technologies and product lines to stay competitive in a rapidly changing market. This includes renowned American automakers like Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F). As one of the world’s biggest car manufacturers by revenue, Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) designs, manufactures, and sells a diverse range of vehicles, including cars, trucks, and SUVs, catering to a wide customer base around the world. It offers luxury vehicles under its Lincoln brand. While the company’s business model is primarily focused on the production and sale of vehicles, it also provides financing and leasing services through its Ford Credit division. Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) is one of the best car stocks to buy right now.
Through its Ford Model e business segment, the company is focused on the development and production of breakthrough electric vehicles and innovative technologies. Ford Motor Company’s (NYSE:F) EV sales witnessed impressive growth in the US, with a 61% increase in the second quarter of 2024 to reach 23,957 units sold. The company’s EV sales are up 72% compared to the same period last year. As a result, Ford’s EV lineup has achieved a total of 44,180 sales in the first half of 2024.
Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) is focused on addressing the high costs associated with electric vehicles, a key challenge facing the automotive industry. The company has established a dedicated “Skunk Works” team in California to develop a smaller, low-cost, and flexible EV platform capable of underpinning multiple vehicles at high volumes. Such a platform could allow Ford to offer a range of lower-priced EVs to mainstream consumers.
As Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) navigates industry challenges, it is also ramping up its efforts in the European market. On June 4, Ford reported that the mass production of the all-new, all-electric Ford Explorer has started at its Cologne Electric Vehicle Center in Germany. Following a $2 billion investment, this historic plant has been transformed into a state-of-the-art facility equipped with cutting-edge AI and a symphony of robots to deliver a new generation of high-quality EVs to European customers. The new electric Ford Explorer, with its impressive 600 km driving range, combines German engineering and American attitude, marking the beginning of a new era for Ford in Europe. Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) will also be revealing a second EV, a new sports crossover, with production starting at the Cologne facility later this year.
Now that we have discussed what’s going on in the global automotive industry, let’s take a look at the 15 most underrated car brands in the world.
Methodology
In this article, we compiled a list of the 15 most underrated car brands in the world. To collect data for our list of the most underrated car companies and brands, we went through multiple Reddit threads and used search terms like “most underrated car brands”, “underrated car companies”, and “car brands that don’t get enough recognition” to find relevant threads. To ensure the authenticity and relevance of our research, we focused on car brands that were most frequently mentioned by Redditors across various threads and discussions. We analyzed as many as 5 different Reddit threads and reviewed all the comments before shortlisting car brands that had at least 100 upvotes in total. This approach allowed us to compile a list of the 15 most underrated car brands in the world according to Reddit, which are listed below in ascending order of the upvotes they received.
Please note that this list is not exhaustive and does not reflect our opinion. The opinions expressed on Reddit provide a good representation of the general perception and sentiment towards different car brands among enthusiasts and the general public.
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15 Most Underrated Car Brands in the World
15. Genesis
Reddit Upvotes: 148
Genesis is the luxury vehicle brand of the South Korean automotive brand Hyundai Motor Company (KRX:005380). Genesis became an independent brand in 2015 and it released its first model, the Genesis G90, in 2017. Genesis boasts an impressive collection of luxury sedans, SUVs, and electric vehicles. It ranks among the top 15 on our list of the most underrated car brands in the world.
14. Subaru
Reddit Upvotes: 163
Subaru is the automobile manufacturing brand of the Japanese transportation conglomerate Subaru Corporation (TYO:7270). Subaru launched its first vehicle, Subaru 360, in 1958. Over the years, the company has continuously innovated, developing core technologies such as the horizontally opposed engine and symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD). Subaru has also created new technological value, including EyeSight, the world’s first driver assist system. In recent years, Subaru has strategically focused on the US market, concentrating resources in SUVs and sports models. Additionally, the company continues to develop cutting-edge technologies in battery electric and hybrid vehicles. With its impressive product lineup and commitment to providing high-value-added vehicles, Subaru has made it to our list of the most underrated car companies.
13. Ram Trucks
Reddit Upvotes: 167
Ram Trucks is an American brand of light to mid-weight pickup trucks and commercial vehicles, known for their power, towing capacity, durability, and reliability. The brand offers a range of models, including the Ram 1500, Ram 2500, and Ram 3500, each with varying performance, towing, and hauling capacities. Ram Trucks is also set to introduce electric trucks like the Ram 1500 REV and Ram 1500 Ramcharger in the near future.
12. Kia Corporation (KRX:000270)
Reddit Upvotes: 178
Kia Corporation (KRX:000270) is a South Korean multinational motor vehicle manufacturer that ranks 12th on our list of the most underrated car brands in the world. It produces a wide range of passenger cars, SUVs, and commercial vehicles to cater to diverse customer preferences. Kia Corporation (KRX:000270) offers models such as the Kia Sportage, Sorento, and Telluride SUVs, as well as the Kia K5 and Stinger sedans. As one of the most valuable Korean companies, the corporation produces over 1.4 million vehicles a year at 14 manufacturing and assembly operations in 8 countries.
11. Fiat
Reddit Upvotes: 198
Fiat is an Italian automobile manufacturer that is known for its small and medium-sized city and family cars and light commercial vehicles. It offers a range of models, including the new FIAT 500e electric vehicle. Fiat has built a reputation for producing affordable, stylish, and well-engineered vehicles.
10. Škoda Auto
Reddit Upvotes: 206
Škoda Auto is a Czech automobile manufacturer that ranks among the top 10 on our list of the most underrated car brands in the world. The company offers a wide range of passenger cars, including the Fabia, Octavia, Superb, and Enyaq – Škoda’s first electric SUV. Škoda Auto is known for its feature-rich offerings, exceptional safety standards, and reliable engineering.
9. Hyundai Motor Company (KRX:005380)
Reddit Upvotes: 214
Hyundai Motor Company (KRX:005380), or simply Hyundai, is a South Korean multinational automotive manufacturer that ranks among the most underrated car brands in the world. It offers a wide variety of passenger cars, SUVs, and electric vehicles. Hyundai Motor Company’s (KRX:005380) lineup includes popular models like the Hyundai Sonata, Elantra, Tucson, and Kona. It is the manufacturer of some of the cheapest electric cars and SUVs.
8. MINI
Reddit Upvotes: 273
MINI is a British automotive brand that ranks 8th on our list of the most underrated car brands in the world. It is known for its iconic small cars, such as the MINI Cooper. However, the car brand offers a range of models, including small cars, SUVs, hatchbacks, and electric vehicles.
7. Suzuki Motor Corporation (TYO:7269)
Reddit Upvotes: 340
Suzuki Motor Corporation (TYO:7269) is a Japanese multinational corporation that manufactures cars. It offers a diverse range of passenger cars, SUVs, and commercial vehicles. Suzuki Motor Corporation (TYO:7269) offers models like the Suzuki Swift, Alto, Vitara, Jimny, and Ciaz, catering to a wide variety of customer preferences with a focus on design, technology, and value-for-money.
6. Lotus Cars
Reddit Upvotes: 366
Lotus Cars is a British multinational automotive manufacturer of luxury sports cars and electric vehicles that ranks 6th on our list of the most underrated car brands in the world. In recent years, Lotus has unveiled a series of high-performance vehicles, including the all-new Emira, its final petrol-powered sports car and the brand’s most accomplished model to date. Additionally, the company launched the Evija, the world’s first all-electric British hypercar, in 2019, and more recently introduced the Eletre, Lotus’ first SUV and its first mainstream electric vehicle, in March 2022.
5. Alfa Romeo
Reddit Upvotes: 522
Alfa Romeo is an Italian luxury car manufacturer that ranks among the top 5 on our list of the most underrated car brands in the world. Known for its sports-oriented vehicles, strong auto racing heritage, and iconic design, the car brand offers a range of models, including the Giulia sports sedan, Stelvio SUV, and Tonale plug-in hybrid SUV. Alfa Romeo has built a strong reputation for its luxury and exotic cars through its innovative design and powerful engines, establishing the brand as a reliable choice among automotive enthusiasts.