Coast to coast, the American landscape stretches from cityscapes to deserts. It’s no surprise that car preferences vary wildly across state lines. What might be a dream ride cruising the California coast—a sleek convertible with the latest tech—wouldn’t quite conquer the snowy peaks of Vermont. But one thing unites car owners everywhere: a deep affection for their four-wheeled rides. 

Join us on a road trip unlike any other, as we explore the “dream car” of each state! We’ll delve into the features, styles, and comforts that Americans dream of, revealing what truly gets their engines revving. Buckle up, gearheads – this data-driven journey across the U.S. of A. is about to take you from coast to coast in search of the ultimate American dream car!

Under the Hood of State Preferences: Mapping Car Dreams

Colorful Choices in a Sea of Black 

While black remains the most popular color choice overall and in 38 U.S. states, several states buck this trend. New Mexico stands out with its preference for blue vehicles, perhaps inspired by its famous clear skies. Meanwhile, Colorado opts for shades of green in their automotive choices – maybe as a testament to its forested landscape. Though the majority of states favor the classic black, these pockets of color diversity demonstrate the varied tastes of American drivers.

Sedan Strongholds 

While SUVs dominate the dreams of many Americans, some states still show a preference for the classic sedan. Connecticut and Massachusetts stand out as sedan enthusiasts in our survey. This could be attributed to the region’s older cities, which have narrower streets and tighter parking spaces, making sedans a more practical choice for urban dwellers.

Comfort is King in the North 

While many cars are tricked out with countless features, we asked Americans to rank the number one feature that’s most critical in their dream car. The importance of heated seats can’t be overstated for some northern states. Maine, New York, and Rhode Island all list heated seats as their top priority. This preference is likely driven by the harsh winters these states experience, making warm seats a daily necessity rather than a luxury.

Beyond heated seats, northern states also strongly prefer other comfort-enhancing features. For instance, New Hampshire and Massachusetts prioritize 4-wheel drive, likely a necessity for navigating snowy roads. Meanwhile, states like Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Nevada all list remote start as their most desired feature, allowing drivers to warm up their cars from the comfort of their homes during the winter months.

Eco-Conscious Choices 

21 states show a strong preference for hybrid vehicles, indicating a growing environmental consciousness. States like California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Washington all dream of hybrid cars. Interestingly, these states represent both coastal regions, suggesting that eco-friendly transportation might be a priority in these areas. However, many inland states, such as Illinois, Minnesota, and Nevada, also prefer hybrids, showing that this trend isn’t limited to the coasts.

Beyond State Lines: Decoding the DNA of America’s Dream Cars

The average American’s automotive aspirations come with a surprisingly specific price tag: $47,823. This figure suggests that most people’s dream cars fall squarely in the luxury or high-end market, but aren’t quite in supercar territory. In fact, 63.2% believe their dream car is attainable within their lifetime, and 2.7% say they already own it.

When it comes to color, Americans seem to prefer their dreams in darker shades. Black leads the pack at 28.8%, with blue following at 20.2%. White and grey round out the top four, suggesting a preference for classic, understated colors.

SUVs dominate the dream car landscape, with 45.2% of respondents putting them at the top of their list. This preference for larger vehicles aligns with the growing trend towards spacious, versatile cars. Sedans come in second at 21.1%, followed by hatchbacks and sports cars.

While minivans might not be winning any cool contests, they have a dedicated fan base. Only 3.6% of overall respondents dream of minivans, but here’s where it gets interesting: those living in households of 5 or more are 6.5% more likely to fantasize about the minivan life. Minivans have the most fans in Indiana, with 1 in 10 Hoosiers saying it’s their dream car. It seems that practicality can indeed be the stuff of dreams for larger families. 

Dark interiors are the clear winner, with 71.1% preferring them over lighter options. When it comes to seating, leather reigns supreme, with 62.2% opting for this luxurious touch. Interestingly, parents are even more likely to prefer leather seats (68.3%), possibly valuing their durability and ease of cleaning.

The shift towards more eco-friendly options is evident, with 45.2% choosing hybrid vehicles as their ideal. Traditional gas vehicles follow closely at 39.5%. There’s a notable gender divide when it comes to electric vehicles: men are 8.4% more likely than women to dream of an electric car. 

Automatic transmissions are overwhelmingly preferred, with 89.2% of respondents choosing them for their dream cars. This preference for convenience extends to the most desired features: heated seats top the list, followed closely by 4-wheel drive, remote start, cruise control, and keyless entry.

Driving Dreams: The Road Ahead

Our journey through America’s automotive aspirations reveals a nation of diverse dreams, practical considerations, and evolving preferences. From the sun-soaked convertibles of Nevada to the heated seats prioritized in the Northeast, it’s clear that our ideal vehicles are as varied as the landscapes we drive them through.

From the sun-soaked shores of California to the rugged mountains of Alaska, it’s clear that the American dream car is as diverse as the nation itself. While these automotive aspirations may vary by state, one thing remains constant: the need for reliable, efficient, and powerful machinery. 

At MRO Electric, we understand the importance of keeping operations running smoothly. Our expertise in providing top-tier controls and automation solutions is essential for industries across the country. Just as drivers rely on their vehicles to get them where they need to go, businesses depend on our products to achieve their goals. Let MRO Electric be your partner in powering progress. Contact us today to see how our solutions can support your automation needs. 

Methodology

These insights are based on a survey of 2,230 Americans. The survey was run in July of 2024. Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, Washington, D.C., and Wyoming were omitted from our research due to insufficient sample sizes. 

The game is almost over, and your team is losing. You can feel the crowd’s energy dropping as you look around at sad faces painted with team colors. But just as you’re about to give up hope, someone comes out to pump up the crowd and save the day: the mascot.

For any team, mascots are crucial for boosting morale and keeping fans engaged. They’re famous symbols of team spirit that appear on merchandise, inspire game-day outfits, and become iconic figures with big personalities. It’s easy to see how beloved mascots are while they’re on the field, but many do just as much off the field to keep fans entertained. In this blog, we’ll explore which college mascots are the most popular based on their social media followings. Read on to see if your favorites made the cut!

College Mascots with the Highest Social Media Following

So who takes the cake, Biff, the Michigan Wolverine or Brutus Buckeye? The Duke Blue Devil or Rameses the Tar Heel? We turned to X, Instagram, and TikTok to analyze followers of mascots at over 70 major universities across the U.S. So, lay the debates to rest because we crunched the numbers. 

Fans of Brigham Young University or the University of Oregon are in luck thanks to Cosmo the Cougar and The Oregon Duck. These mascots are leagues ahead of their social media competition, and we can see why. They both keep up with trends and maintain consistent posting schedules—and people love to watch Cosmo dance. 

Although The Ohio State University’s Brutus Buckeye is in third place, the contest isn’t very close. The Duck’s combined follower count is almost double that of Brutus Buckeye’s, while Cosmo’s count is over triple.

The three highest-followed mascots can attribute much of their success to TikTok. Fourth-ranked Mike the Tiger of Louisiana State University, on the other hand, is best known for his purple and gold-themed Instagram page. Mike is joined by other Instagrammers like Aubie (Auburn University), Reveille (Texas A&M University), Jonathan the Husky (University of Connecticut), and Big Al (University of Alabama). These mascots are in the majority, as Instagram is the biggest platform for most of the mascots we researched.

While most mascots tend to do their best on TikTok and Instagram, others thrive on X. That’s where Bucky Badger, Golden Gopher, and Cocky all boast their biggest platforms. Even so, Brutus Buckeye has the most X followers of any college mascot, followed closely by The Oregon Duck.

Conferences with the Highest Social Media Following

Next, we wanted to see how the conferences stack up to each other, all mascots considered. 

The Big 12 Conference might have the highest social media following, but it only has one mascot in the 20 highest-followed list. That just goes to show the sheer social media power of the most popular college mascot overall, Cosmo the Cougar.

The Big Ten Conference and the SEC have the next highest social media followings. As the oldest NCAA Division I conferences today, it’s no surprise that together they contain 16 of the 20 highest-followed mascots.

Following in fourth place is the ACC, with Sebastian the Ibis leading the conference in social media followers. Hailing from the University of Miami, Sebastian holds the ACC’s only spot on the top 20 list. Similarly, UConn’s Jonathan the Husky is the only mascot from an NCAA football-independent school to appear on the list.

Representing Washington State University, Butch T. Cougar has the most followers in the Pac-12 Conference. He may not have enough followers to make it on the top 20 list, but he has enough to beat Oregon State University’s Benny Beaver, the only other mascot in the conference.

Closing Thoughts

So there you have it! Whether your mascot made our list or not, we can all agree that game days wouldn’t be the same without them. 

College mascots are an essential part of any team, bringing fans together both on the field and online. At MRO Electric, we understand the importance of a solid team. Without a collective effort, we wouldn’t be able to deliver our electric supplies on time and intact to keep your operations running smoothly. Contact us today to see how our team can help you find the right industrial automation supplies!

Methodology

Our analysis of the most popular collegiate mascots includes schools in the Power 5 conferences, as well as FBS independent schools. We analyzed each of the primary mascots’ accounts on Instagram, TikTok, and X in July of 2024. Secondary mascots or school spirit accounts that feature the mascot were not included in this analysis.

What could possibly make a sunny afternoon even sweeter? How about discovering what ice cream reigns supreme in each state across the USA? Whether it’s the rich swirl of chocolate, a classic scoop of vanilla, or something a bit more adventurous like lavender honey, every state has its favorite ice cream flavor and brand that keeps the locals lining up, even on the chilliest of days.

In this frosty feature, we’re diving scoop-first into the cool world of ice cream preferences across America. Using the latest Google search trends, we’ve churned out a list that’s sure to surprise and delight. So, grab your spoons (and maybe a napkin or two), and let’s embark on a creamy journey to uncover each state’s favorite ice cream. Who knows? You might just discover your new go-to along the way!

The Most Popular Ice Cream Flavor in Every U.S. State

America has spoken, and the verdict is as sweet as it gets! At the top of the ice cream pyramid sits none other than the classic chocolate, capturing the hearts—and spoons—of 15 states. Is it the smooth, velvety texture or the deep, decadent flavor that has states such as Georgia, Kentucky, New York, Tennessee, Utah, and Wisconsin swooning? Whatever the reason, it’s clear that chocolate is the king of ice cream flavors in the U.S.

Strawberry swirls in at second place, painting five states –California, Kansas, North Carolina, South Carolina, and West Virginia– in its delightfully pink hue. This fruity favorite is more than just a summer fling; it’s a year-round love affair for those who prefer a tangy twist to their treat. 

Trailing closely behind, and never out of style, is vanilla, claiming four states –Arkansas, District of Columbia, Oregon, and Vermont– as its territory. While some might call it plain, aficionados know better. Vanilla’s subtle sweetness and creamy consistency make it a versatile base that plays well with almost any topping, from hot fudge to fresh fruit. It’s the canvas of the ice cream world, allowing imaginations to run wild with flavor combinations.

Some states, however, are drawn to the less conventional flavors. Michiganers, for example, love to order up a scoop that’s known for its bright hues of blue, red, and yellow which give it its namesake after the iconic superhero: Superman. Moving towards the east coast, Rhode Island residents have a love for the indulgent Moose Tracks– a scoop that typically consists of vanilla ice cream with added elements of chocolate fudge and peanut butter cups!

So, whether you’re a devotee of the rich and chocolaty, a fan of the fruity and fresh, or a purist who prefers the understated elegance of vanilla, there’s a flavor on this map for everyone. While each state’s preference may vary, our love for this frozen delight is a common thread that binds.

The Most Popular Ice Cream Brand in Every U.S. State

When it comes to ice cream brands, it seems America has found a true gem in Talenti. This beloved brand scoops its way to the top as the most popular choice in 17 states, winning hearts with its artisanal approach. Known for its rich, creamy texture and a wide array of innovative flavors, Talenti has become a household name from coast to coast. Whether it’s the smoothness of their Mediterranean Mint or the decadence of their Sea Salt Caramel, Talenti has a knack for turning every pint into a gourmet experience.

Hot on Talenti’s heels is the health-conscious yet indulgent Halo Top, the favorite in 12 states. This brand has managed to bridge the gap between indulgence and wellness, offering a low-calorie option that doesn’t skimp on flavor. With classic flavors like Birthday Cake and Peanut Butter Cup, it’s no wonder Halo Top has amassed a loyal following.

In a three-way tie for third place, we find the timeless classics: Baskin Robbins, Blue Bunny, and Dreyer’s (or Edy’s, depending on which side of the Rockies you reside). Baskin Robbins, with its iconic 31 flavors, continues to be a favorite for those who love variety and nostalgia. Blue Bunny, celebrated for its fun and playful approach to ice cream, delights fans with flavors that are as whimsical as they are delicious. And Edy’s/Dreyer’s offers a comforting range of family-friendly favorites that have been staples in American freezers for generations.

America’s top ice cream brands reflect a diverse palate that caters to every craving. Whether you’re a fan of the gourmet, the healthy, or the timeless, there’s an ice cream brand out there ready to make your day a little sweeter.

Closing Thoughts

From the most popular ice cream flavors to the top brands, this delicious treat is a universal joy that brings people together and adds a touch of delight to our days. Whether it’s the rich indulgence of chocolate, the fruity freshness of strawberry, or the classic appeal of vanilla, each state has its own unique favorite that has carved out a special place in the hearts (and freezers) of Americans. Just as MRO Electric services are essential to keeping your business running smoothly throughout the year, ice cream is the sweet fuel that helps us all power through the hot summer months. So, let’s raise our cones to a tour of America’s favorite ice cream—it’s been a delicious ride! 

Methodology

To find out which type of ice cream flavor and brand were the most popular in each state, we compiled a list of commonly eaten ice cream across the U.S. by looking at 29 ice cream flavor keywords and 16 ice cream brand keywords on Google Trends from June 2023 to 2024.