In a recent analysis by iSeeCars.com, an intriguing revelation has emerged about vehicle usage patterns in the United States. The study examined odometer readings from over one million three-year-old used cars sold between November 2024 and April 2025. Surprisingly, the Mazda MX-5 Miata, often considered an everyday sports car, topped the list as the least-driven vehicle, averaging just 5,073 miles per year. This figure is significantly lower than the average annual mileage of 12,307 miles. Following closely were the GMC Hummer EV and the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF, also recording notably low mileages.
A Closer Look at Driving Habits Across America
In a comprehensive evaluation conducted during the latter half of 2024, researchers at iSeeCars.com analyzed data from millions of vehicles to understand driving habits across the nation. Among the findings, the Mazda MX-5 Miata stood out as a peculiar case. Despite its reputation for being practical and reliable, this iconic sports car was driven less than half the national average, with owners covering merely 5,073 miles annually.
Among other notable entries on the list were electric models such as the GMC Hummer EV and the Mini Hardtop (2 Door EV). These vehicles, despite their cutting-edge technology, seem to be limited in use due to factors like range anxiety. Karl Brauer, Executive Analyst at iSeeCars, highlighted that utility-focused electric vehicles like the Ford F-150 Lightning and Volkswagen ID.4 also showed similar trends, suggesting that their electric powertrains might restrict their daily usability.
In contrast, the most-driven cars in America include familiar names like the Chrysler Pacifica and Chevrolet Suburban. These large, utilitarian vehicles are favored for their capacity to transport people and cargo efficiently. Interestingly, some high-mileage cars, such as the Chevrolet Malibu and Ford Mustang Convertible, owe their figures partly to extensive rental fleet usage.
From a journalistic perspective, these findings offer profound insights into consumer behavior and vehicle preferences. It seems that while sports cars and electric vehicles hold great appeal, they are often reserved for special occasions rather than serving as primary transportation. This trend underscores the importance of understanding how different types of vehicles fit into the lifestyles of their owners, highlighting the need for automakers to consider not only performance but also practicality when designing new models.