The Kelley Blue Book Brand Image Awards recognize automakers whose model lines of cars, trucks, and SUVs create enthusiasm among shoppers. Brand image isn’t just about consumers being aware that a brand exists. The automakers that are awarded here have brand images that can excite and attract new car shoppers. And doing this is essential when it comes to success in the marketplace.
Here are this year’s 13 Brand Image Award winners, based on Kelley Blue Book data from our annual Brand Watch Study.
Best Brands
Best Overall Brand: Honda
Honda’s impressive range of vehicles and terrific quality make it this year’s winner.
Most Trusted Brand: Subaru
Subaru is now an 8-time winner of the Most Trusted Brand Award.
Best Value Brand: Honda
Value has always been part of Honda’s DNA. Honda has won this award every year since 2015.
Most Refined Brand: Honda
Honda uses quality materials and excellent build quality to ensure top-notch refinement.
Best Performance Brand: Subaru
Subaru’s WRX, WRX STI, and all-new BRZ offer excitement at an affordable price.
Best Styling Brand: Dodge
Dodge provides retro-cool muscle car style for the next generation of car lovers.
Best Luxury Brands
Most Trusted Luxury Brand: Lexus
Lexus has been the Most Trusted Luxury Brand since 2016.
Best Value Luxury Brand: Tesla
Tesla continues its strong showing in the Brand Image Awards in the Value category.
Best Performance Luxury Brand: Porsche
Few brands are as focused on performance as Porsche.
Best Styling Luxury Brand: Porsche
Porsche offers classic design and sleek modern looks.
Best Overall Truck Brand
Best Truck Brand: Toyota
Toyota trucks are known for excellent reliability, capability, and resale value.
About the Brand Image Awards
New cars, trucks, and SUVs represent a lot more than mere transportation. They serve as ways for consumers to say something about themselves while going from Point A to Point B. For many drivers, the goal is to get away from it all. For others, an SUV is essential for an active outdoor lifestyle. And for others yet, having an all-electric vehicle is the ultimate goal.
With this wide variety of shoppers’ interests, gauging this popularity is no easy task. The Kelley Blue Book Brand Image Awards use the opinions from more than 12,000 in-market, new-vehicle shoppers. These are informed consumers who each extensively research their vehicle purchase on KBB.com. We follow this audience through our annual Brand Watch Study, which compiles consumer trends and attitudes on new vehicles available today.
