Used EV Prices Increase Nearly 10% as Electric Vehicles Sell Faster Than Gas Cars

Used electric vehicle (EV) prices increased nearly 10% over the past year, significantly outperforming hybrids and gasoline-powered vehicles, while used EVs are also selling faster than either category. The findings come from an October 28, 2026 study by iSeeCars examining more than 1.5 million used vehicles between 1 and 5 years old, comparing September 2025 and September 2026 market data.

The study found that average used EV prices increased 9.8%, compared with a 4.9% increase for hybrids and just 0.3% for gasoline vehicles. Used EVs also moved from selling slightly slower than gasoline cars to selling nearly two weeks faster, indicating a substantial change in consumer demand.

Used EV Prices Rise Nearly 10%

The average asking price for a used EV reached $32,533 in September 2026, an increase of $2,896 from $29,637 a year earlier.

Used hybrids remained the most expensive drivetrain category, averaging $34,476, up $1,625 or 4.9% from $32,851 in September 2025.

Gasoline-powered vehicles experienced almost no price movement. Their average price increased just $90, from $31,864 to $31,954, representing a 0.3% increase.

Used EVs now cost an average of $579 more than gasoline vehicles. That represents a significant reversal from September 2025, when used EVs averaged $2,227 less than gasoline cars.

iSeeCars Executive Analyst Karl Brauer attributed the changing prices partly to higher fuel costs, which are encouraging consumers to consider electric vehicles, as well as the recovery of EV demand following the disruption caused by the expiration of federal incentives.

Used EVs Sell Nearly Two Weeks Faster Than Gas Cars

The study also found a substantial difference in how quickly used vehicles are selling.

Used EVs averaged 41.9 days on the market in September 2026, down from 46.6 days a year earlier. That represents a 10.1% reduction in selling time.

Gasoline vehicles experienced the opposite trend. Their average time on the market increased 19.9%, from 45.7 days to 54.8 days.

Used hybrids averaged 48.6 days on the market, slightly better than the 49.2-day average recorded a year earlier.

In September 2025, gasoline vehicles sold slightly faster than EVs. One year later, EVs were selling 12.9 days faster.

Brauer said the combination of rising used EV prices and shorter selling times demonstrates how dramatically the used vehicle market has changed across drivetrain categories.

Fastest- and Slowest-Selling Used Vehicles

The Lexus IS 500 was the fastest-selling used vehicle overall in September 2026, averaging just 24.3 days on the market. The Audi A4 Allroad followed at 29.5 days, while the Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron ranked third at 29.8 days.

Other vehicles among the 10 fastest sellers included the Honda Civic Hybrid hatchback at 30.9 days, Lexus ES 300h at 33.1 days, Kia Niro at 33.1 days, Toyota bZ4X at 33.3 days, Lexus LC 500 at 33.4 days, Lexus RZ 300e at 34.3 days, and Lexus RX 350h at 34.7 days.

Three EVs and several hybrids made the overall top 10, demonstrating strong demand for multiple electrified vehicle models.

However, the three slowest-selling vehicles overall were hybrids. The Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid averaged 154.5 days on the market, followed by the Lincoln Corsair Hybrid at 142.4 days and Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid at 129.4 days.

The Cadillac Escalade iQ was fourth among the slowest-selling vehicles at 128.7 days, followed by the Maserati Grecale at 108.3 days, Acura MDX at 102.5 days, Lexus LX 700h at 98.9 days, Dodge Hornet at 96.7 days, Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid at 94 days, and GMC Sierra EV at 93.2 days.

Brauer noted that although EVs and hybrids are selling faster overall, individual models can still struggle to attract buyers. Higher fuel prices alone cannot guarantee strong demand for every electric vehicle.

Fastest- and Slowest-Selling Used EVs

Among electric vehicles, the Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron was the fastest-selling model, averaging 29.8 days on the market. The Toyota bZ4X followed at 33.3 days, and the Lexus RZ 300e averaged 34.3 days.

Other fast-selling EVs included the Honda Prologue at 35 days, Polestar 2 at 35.5 days, Audi Q4 e-tron at 35.8 days, BMW iX at 36.2 days, Kia EV6 at 36.7 days, BMW i4 at 36.7 days, and Chevrolet Equinox EV at 36.7 days.

The average used EV took 41.9 days to sell, compared with 53.4 days for all used vehicles.

Several large electric SUVs and pickup trucks were among the slowest-selling EVs. The Cadillac Escalade iQ averaged 128.7 days, followed by the GMC Sierra EV at 93.2 days and Chevrolet Silverado EV at 89.1 days.

The Volvo EX90 averaged 80.2 days, Dodge Charger 80.1 days, GMC Hummer EV SUV 78.9 days, Mercedes-Benz EQE sedan 77.2 days, GMC Hummer EV pickup 76.6 days, Porsche Macan 62.6 days, and Cadillac Optiq 61.6 days.

These results show that demand varies considerably across electric vehicle segments, with several more affordable and midsize models selling substantially faster than larger, more expensive EVs.

Tesla Models Record Some of the Largest Used Vehicle Price Increases

Tesla accounted for three of the five largest used vehicle price increases across all drivetrain categories.

The BMW X2 led the overall rankings with a 24.3% increase, reaching an average price of $33,425, up $6,524 year over year.

The Tesla Model S ranked second, increasing 22.5% to $57,862, a gain of $10,636. The Model X increased 18% to $61,309, up $9,336.

The Lexus ES 300h hybrid increased 15.5% to $42,836, while the Tesla Model 3 rose 15.4% to $28,931, an increase of $3,870.

Other vehicles among the 10 largest price increases included the Lexus ES 350, up 14.8% to $41,251; INFINITI QX80, up 14.1% to $48,135; Nissan Murano, up 12.3% to $27,574; Honda Pilot, up 12.1% to $36,449; and MINI Countryman, up 11.5% to $29,234.

The average used vehicle price increased just 0.9%, or $275, to $32,096.

At the other end of the market, the Chrysler Voyager experienced the largest price decline, falling 17.3% to $22,466, a decrease of $4,713. Other significant declines included the Lincoln Corsair Hybrid, down 9% to $37,259; Audi A6, down 7.7% to $32,122; and Porsche 911 convertible, down 7.7% to $126,195.

Used EV Prices Recovered After Declining Earlier in 2026

The study also tracks monthly changes in used vehicle prices, revealing that EVs experienced a significant turnaround during 2026.

Used EV prices declined year over year during the first three months of 2026. March recorded a 3.4% decrease, with average prices falling $1,061 to $30,535.

The market reversed in April, when used EV prices increased 2.7% year over year to $31,984. Annual increases continued through the summer, reaching 5.2% in May, 7.4% in June, 8.7% in July, and 10.3% in August.

September recorded a 9.8% increase, marking the sixth consecutive month of positive year-over-year price growth.

Used hybrid prices followed a similar recovery. After declining 2.1% in February, hybrid prices returned to positive territory in May, increasing 0.4%. Gains continued through September, when prices reached $34,476, up 4.9% year over year.

Gasoline vehicle prices remained considerably more stable. They recorded annual declines throughout most of the first seven months of 2026 before returning to positive territory in August, with a 0.6% increase. September followed with a 0.3% gain.

Brauer said the monthly trends indicate that higher fuel prices during the preceding seven months have contributed to changing used vehicle shopping behavior, with growing interest in EVs and hybrids relative to gasoline vehicles.

What the Findings Mean for the Used EV Market

The iSeeCars findings point to a changing used vehicle market in which electric vehicles are gaining ground in both resale prices and selling speed.

Higher gasoline prices appear to be encouraging more consumers to consider used EVs, while the expiration of federal incentives initially disrupted demand and pricing. The subsequent recovery suggests that used EV values are responding to changing operating costs and consumer purchasing decisions.

However, the results also demonstrate that individual models perform differently. Several EVs are selling quickly, while large electric trucks and luxury SUVs are spending considerably longer on dealer lots.

Study Methodology

iSeeCars analyzed more than 1.5 million used vehicles between 1 and 5 years old sold in September 2025 and September 2026. Researchers compared average listing prices and days on the market for individual models across the two periods.

The analysis excluded heavy-duty vehicles, low-volume models, vehicles discontinued before the 2025 model year, and models that had been in production for fewer than four of the previous five model years.

EVinfo.net’s Take: Used EVs Are Selling Faster as Skyrocketing Gas Prices Drive Demand

Rising gasoline prices are giving Americans another reason to consider used electric vehicles (EVs), and the latest market data shows that buyers are responding. Used EVs are selling faster than gasoline-powered vehicles, while their prices are rising significantly faster.

Used EVs are still a good bargain despite the higher prices. Gas prices won’t be coming down soon, but when they do, used EVs will still be great bargains.

Higher fuel costs are only part of the story. Consumer education is making electric vehicles easier to understand and own. Buyers have more choices, better access to charging information, and growing confidence in EV technology.

Lectrium and AVILOO Offer Valuable Services For The Used EV and Hybrid Markets

Dealerships also have new tools to help customers make informed decisions. Lectrium offers AI-powered merchandising that answers vehicle-specific questions about driving range, charging, incentives, and savings directly on dealership vehicle listings. Its Lumi AI assistant helps shoppers understand how an EV fits their everyday needs.

Battery health is another important consideration in the used EV market. AVILOO provides independent, AI-powered battery diagnostics that give dealers objective information about battery condition. Its FLASH Test can produce a battery health assessment in approximately three minutes, helping replace uncertainty with documented information.

As gasoline prices rise and consumer EV education improves, used EVs are becoming an increasingly attractive option. Better dealership technology and independent battery testing further accelerates adoption by making electric vehicles easier to understand, evaluate, and purchase.