Study: Tesla, Jeep & Trucks Lead US Car Talk on Reddit Forums

Reddit forums show America’s relationship with cars is practically cultural. Whether it’s the rise of electric vehicles, loyalty surrounding long-running pickup lines or heated debates about off-roading versus daily commuter practicality, online car talk never stops.

If there’s one place drivers love sharing unfiltered opinions, it’s Reddit. The platform has become a living focus group for real drivers, future buyers, mechanics and armchair critics, making it a goldmine for spotting which U.S .car models truly capture the public’s attention.

A new study from social casino site Pulsz shines a light on the discussions. By tracking activity across the subreddits r/cars, r/whatcarshouldibuy and r/idiotsincars, the research team analyzed overall subreddit followers, model-specific subreddit followings and the number of new comments to reveal which vehicles get the most attention.

Tesla Dominates By a Mile

According to the study, the Tesla Model 3 is the most talked-about car on Reddit, earning an engagement score of 97.47. With 3.4 million followers on the main Tesla subreddit and 223,000 followers on the Model 3 forum, the all-electric sedan has sparked 645 new comments across major car communities. Redditors frequently debate charging habits, long-term maintenance, software updates and whether Tesla’s latest model refreshes deliver enough bang for the buck.

Close behind is the Tesla Model Y, which shows fewer model-specific followers (193,000) but even more new comments (661), indicating a surge in active discussions, especially around family use, winter performance and Autopilot reliability. Its high engagement score of 95.96 proves it is keeping pace with its sedan sibling, and may even be outpacing it in real-time conversation.

Jeep Enthusiasts Have Opinions

In third place sits the Jeep Wrangler, one of America’s most iconic vehicles. Despite having a much smaller subreddit footprint (56,000 model followers), it still generated 641 new comments, earning a score of 55.47 and showing that off-road lovers are some of the loudest voices on Reddit.

The Wrangler’s community thrives on customization talk, durability stories and head-to-head comparisons with 4Runner and Bronco fans. Much of the conversation revolves around where the Wrangler performs best—rocky climbs, muddy trails or endless road trips.

Fourth place goes to the Jeep Grand Cherokee, supported by 33,000 model followers and 625 comments. Redditors often weigh in on towing capabilities, winter stability and whether certain trims are worth the upgrade proce. With a score of 49.85, the Grand Cherokee remains a top choice for drivers who need a mix of ruggedness and daily comfort.

Ford, Ram & GMC are Strong Contenders

The Ford Escape takes fifth place, backed by 17,000 followers and 632 new comments, earning a score of 48.40. The interest likely stems from its reputation as a practical, reliable family SUV. Redditors frequently discuss cost of ownership, hybrid versions and long-term durability.

In sixth is the Ram 1500, boasting 627 comments and a steady following to match. Pickup drivers often look for real-world towing experiences, engine performance comparisons and common repair issues—topics that naturally fuel active discussions.

Seventh place goes to the GMC Sierra, which has 43,000 model followers and 595 comments for a score of 45.38. Sierra owners tend to be loyal, praising comfort upgrades, V-8 performance and towing reliability.

Coming in eighth is the heavy-duty Ram 2500, a standout example of engagement not matching follower count. Despite only 1,500 model followers, it produced 625 new comments, one of the highest activity levels in the top 10. Diesel engine debates, towing power and the truck’s work-ready design create a deeply passionate niche community.

Luxury & Family Favorites

In ninth place, the Cadillac Escalade secures a score of 29.36, with 529 new comments and a small-but-dedicated model subreddit (362 followers). Redditors frequently discuss its high-end tech, luxury interior and long-term maintenance costs—the sort of conversations that come with a premium SUV price tag.

Rounding out the top 10 is the Chrysler Pacifica, a minivan that proves practicality still has a place in the spotlight. With 8,800 followers, 502 new comments and a score of 26.03, the Pacifica’s community focuses on family-friendly design, interior comfort, hybrid options and the daily realities of road-tripping with kids.

The study analyzed follower counts from major car-related subreddits, including brand-wide forums and model-specific communities. It then tracked new comments across r/cars, r/whatcarshouldibuy, and r/idiotsincars. Each metric was indexed from 0 to 100 and weighted to create a final engagement score. The approach shows which U.S. car models generate the most active conversations on Reddit rather than simply measuring general popularity.