Color & Design Preferences in Oman’s Car Market| Top Car Colors, Resale & Style Trends
Color & Design Preferences in Oman’s Car Market (2025 Report)
By OmanWheels Research Desk | Published: November 2025
In Oman’s 2025 automotive market, car color has become more than just an aesthetic choice—it’s a reflection of practicality, climate adaptation, and long-term value retention. White, silver, and grey continue to dominate new and used vehicle sales, accounting for over 85% of registrations nationwide. Luxury SUV Resale Drops Oman.
Top Vehicle Colors in Oman (2025)
Based on OmanWheels Market Data 2025, the three leading car colors in Oman remain consistent with the previous decade:
| Rank | Color | Market Share (2025) | Primary Appeal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | White | 45% | Heat reflection, resale value, clean aesthetic |
| 2 | Silver | 35% | Durability, modern look, easier maintenance |
| 3 | Grey | 20% | Luxury appeal, subtle elegance |
Figure 1: Dominant Car Colors in Oman (2025)
Figure 1: Dominant Car Colors in Oman (2025)
Why White Dominates Oman’s Roads
White remains the undisputed leader in Oman’s car market for one main reason—heat reflection. In regions where summer temperatures frequently exceed 45°C, color choice directly impacts cabin comfort and air-conditioning efficiency. Vehicle Colour & Engine-Size Trends in Oman 2025.
Key factors behind white’s popularity:
- Thermal advantage: White reflects 60–70% of sunlight compared to black cars, reducing interior heat.
- Easy resale: Buyers consistently prefer white when purchasing used cars, making it a safer investment.
- Perceived cleanliness: Despite dust exposure, white hides scratches and imperfections better than dark shades.
Silver and Grey: Modern Yet Practical
Silver and grey tones represent the growing demand for cars that combine sophistication with practicality. In 2025, automakers in Oman increasingly feature metallic finishes that offer both aesthetic appeal and low maintenance.
Design and Market Insights:
- Silver (35%) symbolizes innovation and technology—often favored in mid-size sedans and electric vehicles.
- Grey (20%) reflects understated luxury, prominent in premium SUVs and executive cars.
- Automakers like Toyota, Nissan, and Lexus report higher showroom retention for silver/grey trims among business buyers.
Color Trends by Vehicle Type
While passenger cars lead in white finishes, SUVs and pickup trucks show greater color diversity, influenced by brand identity and off-road appeal.
| Vehicle Category | Most Common Colors | Consumer Preference Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Sedan / Compact | White, Silver | Clean design, easier to maintain, better fuel efficiency perception |
| SUV / 4×4 | Grey, Silver, White | Premium aesthetic, dust camouflage, resale consistency |
| Commercial / Fleet | White | Uniform branding, low repaint cost, better temperature control |
Impact of Color on Resale Value
According to the OmanWheels Used Car Index 2025, vehicles with neutral tones (white, silver, grey) maintain higher resale values, often outperforming non-traditional colors by 10–15% over three years.
Resale Value Table (3-Year Retention)
| Color | Average Retained Value | Relative Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| White | 78% | Highest resale potential |
| Silver | 74% | Stable demand |
| Grey | 70% | Luxury segment resilience |
| Black | 63% | Higher depreciation due to heat and maintenance |
| Red / Blue | 58% | Lower demand in used car market |
Climate & Heat Reflection: Science Behind Color Choice
Car color directly influences temperature control and long-term paint durability. Studies show darker vehicles can be up to 8°C hotter under Oman’s midday sun, leading to faster aging of interior materials and increased fuel consumption from higher AC use.
Paint durability comparison (Oman climate simulation):
| Color | Temperature Increase vs. White | UV Fading Resistance |
|---|---|---|
| White | Baseline (0°C) | High |
| Silver | +2°C | Very High |
| Grey | +4°C | High |
| Black | +8°C | Medium |
Influence on Design and Brand Strategy
Manufacturers and dealerships adapt to these preferences when determining local inventory mixes. Omani showrooms often feature 70% of stock in white and silver variants to align with consumer expectations and minimize aging inventory.
Trends among major brands:
- Toyota & Nissan: prioritize white and silver for core models (Camry, Patrol, Altima).
- Lexus & BMW: increase metallic grey offerings for luxury buyers seeking a sleek modern aesthetic.
- Mitsubishi & Isuzu: focus on white fleet editions for commercial users.
Future Outlook: Subtle Color Experimentation
While Oman’s market remains color-conservative, 2025–2026 will see gradual acceptance of muted tones like champagne gold, blue-grey, and pearl white in premium segments. EV manufacturers are also experimenting with matte finishes that reduce glare and improve thermal management.
Expected Market Shifts by 2026:
- 5–7% increase in metallic and dual-tone finishes.
- Introduction of factory ceramic coatings for UV resistance.
- More eco-friendly paint formulations to meet GCC environmental standards.
Conclusion: What Buyers Should Consider
When buying a car in Oman, color selection should balance personal taste with climate practicality, resale strategy, and maintenance cost. White remains the most future-proof choice, while silver and grey add sophistication without sacrificing value.
Oman’s 2025 car market shows that color isn’t just visual—it’s financial, environmental, and cultural. Manufacturers that align with these preferences stand to gain in customer loyalty and resale trust.
Source: OmanWheels Automotive Design & Resale Study, 2025. For permissions and citations, contact research@omanwheels.om
