Used-car buyers in the US are putting Toyota, Honda and Subaru first
Toyota, Honda and Subaru dominate US used-car searches
Used-car buyers in the US are putting Toyota, Honda and Subaru first
The US used-car market has grown beyond 38 million annual transactions, with three-year-old crossovers leading buyer interest as new-car payments remain high.
2026-04-28T10:45:02+03:00
2026-04-28T10:45:02+03:00
2026-04-28T10:45:02+03:00
The US used-car market has surpassed 38 million transactions a year, more than twice the size of the new-car segment. With average new-car payments near $750 a month, buyers are increasingly turning to three-year-old models with clear histories and more predictable ownership costs.Search leaders: buyers trust proven reliabilityThe clear favorite remains the 2022–2023 Toyota RAV4. The model combines fuel efficiency, all-wheel drive and strong residual value. On the used market, these vehicles are priced roughly between $24,000 and $31,000, depending on the version.The Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester are consistently among the most sought-after models. Buyers value their cabin space, reliability reputation and low operating risks. Similar demand continues for the Subaru Outback and the three-row Toyota Highlander among family buyers.Why crossovers dominateSUVs and crossovers account for more than 43% of all used-car transactions. Of the 20 most viewed models, 14 belong to this segment.The reason is straightforward: versatility and liquidity. Three-year-old vehicles often come off lease, have relatively low mileage and still retain warranty support. That reduces risk for buyers and makes the choice more rational.Price and predictability matter more than technologyNotably, the top rankings are not led by the most advanced models, but by those that have proved dependable. The Mazda CX-5 is valued for its balance of handling and quality, the Ford Escape for affordability, and the latest-generation Nissan Rogue for improved efficiency.Even the Ford F-150 holds its place on the list thanks to its wide range of configurations and reputation as a versatile work tool.ConclusionUsed-car buyers in 2026 are choosing with calculation rather than emotion. Toyota, Honda and Subaru lead the field — brands with established reputations and strong residual values. Rising new-car prices are only strengthening the trend: the used-car market is becoming the main battleground for the rational buyer.
used cars, US car market, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, crossovers, SUVs, residual value
2026
Michael Powers
news
Toyota, Honda and Subaru dominate US used-car searches
The US used-car market has grown beyond 38 million annual transactions, with three-year-old crossovers leading buyer interest as new-car payments remain high.
Michael Powers, Editor
The US used-car market has surpassed 38 million transactions a year, more than twice the size of the new-car segment. With average new-car payments near $750 a month, buyers are increasingly turning to three-year-old models with clear histories and more predictable ownership costs.
Search leaders: buyers trust proven reliability
The clear favorite remains the 2022–2023 Toyota RAV4. The model combines fuel efficiency, all-wheel drive and strong residual value. On the used market, these vehicles are priced roughly between $24,000 and $31,000, depending on the version.
The Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester are consistently among the most sought-after models. Buyers value their cabin space, reliability reputation and low operating risks. Similar demand continues for the Subaru Outback and the three-row Toyota Highlander among family buyers.
SUVs and crossovers account for more than 43% of all used-car transactions. Of the 20 most viewed models, 14 belong to this segment.
The reason is straightforward: versatility and liquidity. Three-year-old vehicles often come off lease, have relatively low mileage and still retain warranty support. That reduces risk for buyers and makes the choice more rational.
Price and predictability matter more than technology
Notably, the top rankings are not led by the most advanced models, but by those that have proved dependable. The Mazda CX-5 is valued for its balance of handling and quality, the Ford Escape for affordability, and the latest-generation Nissan Rogue for improved efficiency.
Even the Ford F-150 holds its place on the list thanks to its wide range of configurations and reputation as a versatile work tool.
Conclusion
Used-car buyers in 2026 are choosing with calculation rather than emotion. Toyota, Honda and Subaru lead the field — brands with established reputations and strong residual values. Rising new-car prices are only strengthening the trend: the used-car market is becoming the main battleground for the rational buyer.
