Once considered the ultimate workplace status symbol, the company car is making a quiet comeback. With inflation driving up the cost of vehicle ownership, more employees are rethinking what they value most in a job, and a free ride is climbing the list.
To find out how U.S. workers really feel about the perk today, American Trucks surveyed 1,000 full-time employees across generations. The results reveal a shift in priorities and show that even in the age of remote work, the allure of the company car still runs strong.
Key Takeaways
- Over 3 in 5 full-time employees (61%) want a company car as a perk today.
- More than 1 in 3 employees (37%) would choose an employer-covered car payment over a raise of the same value.
- BMW, Audi, and Lexus rank as the top three most desired company cars overall.
- The Ford F-150 ranks as the most desired company truck, topping drivers’ wish lists ahead of the Chevrolet Silverado and RAM 1500.
- Nearly 3 in 4 full-time employees (71%) would be more likely to stay long-term if their employer offered a company car or stipend.
- More than 3 in 4 employees (77%) say a company car perk would help reduce their stress about commuting costs.
- Nearly 9 in 10 full-time employees (89%) want a car stipend as a workplace perk today, with the average desired amount at $325 per month.
Employees Still Want the Keys
Even as remote and hybrid work become more popular, the company car is proving it still has plenty of mileage left as a desirable workplace benefit.
More than 3 in 5 employees (61%) said they'd take a company car if offered one today, and rising costs are fueling that demand. Nearly 7 in 10 (69%) said inflation and increasing ownership expenses have made the perk more appealing. That trend cuts across generations, with 70% of baby boomers and Gen X, 69% of millennials, and 68% of Gen Z in agreement.
BMW topped the list as the most desired company car, followed by Audi, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, and Tesla. When broken down by category, Audi led the luxury lineup, the Toyota Camry ranked as the top sedan, the Toyota RAV4 was the most popular SUV, and the Ford F-150 claimed the top spot among trucks.
For many, the appeal is practical rather than flashy. Nearly half (48%) reported seeing a company car primarily as a financial benefit, while 28% viewed it as both financial and symbolic. Only 11% consider it a pure status symbol, showing that for most workers, it's less about luxury and more about savings.
Generationally, Gen Z (63%) and millennials (60%) were the most eager for the perk, and 71% across all age groups said they'd be more likely to stay long-term if a company car or stipend were offered. Add in the fact that 77% said it would ease commuting cost stress, and it's clear the company car is far from outdated. It's simply evolved into a more practical priority.
Cash or Car? What Employees Would Trade for the Perk
If they had to choose between a raise and a car payment stipend from their employer, many Americans didn't hesitate to put the keys first.
Nearly 9 in 10 employees across all generations (89%) said they'd want a car stipend as a workplace perk. It may even be a catalyst to bring people back to in-person work. Over half of remote employees (57%) said they'd be more willing to return to the office full-time if offered a company car or stipend.
On average, workers' ideal stipend amount was $325 per month, although baby boomers/Gen X and millennials aimed slightly higher at $330, compared to $280 among Gen Z.
Most employees said they'd use a stipend for fuel or charging costs (63%), followed by insurance (43%), lease payments (27%), and maintenance or repairs (25%), showing that car-related expenses remain a major financial pressure.
More than 1 in 3 employees (37%) said they would rather have their employer cover their car payment than receive a raise of the same value. Millennials (39%) were the most likely to want to make that trade, followed by baby boomers and Gen X (34%) and Gen Z (33%).
Still, for most workers, salary remains the ultimate motivator. When asked to choose between a $5,000 raise and a company car, 85% of Gen Z, 80% of millennials, and 77% of baby boomers/Gen X said they'd take the raise.
And when raises aren't possible, car-related perks take the top spot. Employees ranked their most desired alternatives to a pay bump as follows:
- Monthly car payment support: 31%
- Additional PTO: 24%
- Remote work option: 22%
- Commuter gas stipend: 11%
- Childcare support: 5%
The Future of the Company Car
The company car may no longer define corporate status, but it still holds value in a changing world of work. As employees weigh flexibility against financial relief, perks that ease everyday costs are gaining new traction. Whether it's a fully covered vehicle or a monthly stipend, employers looking to boost retention and morale might find that bringing back the company car — in some form — is a move worth revisiting.
Methodology
We surveyed 1,000 full-time American workers to explore whether the company car still carries value in 2025. The average age of respondents was 39; 62% were female, 37% were male, and 1% were non-binary. Generationally, 32% were baby boomers and Gen X combined, 52% were millennials, and 15% were Gen Z. Percentages in this study may not total 100% exactly because of rounding.
About American Trucks
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