America’s Hybrid Hype Has Hit the Used Market
Demand is so high that some used cars are selling for more than new ones.
Used vehicles are selling for up to $3,000 to $6,000 more than their brand-new counterparts, according to data from CarGurus, an online automotive marketplace. This unusual situation is causing a reversal of typical price trends, with used cars commanding higher prices. Kevin Roberts, a CarGurus expert, likens this to the chip shortage during the pandemic, when both new and used car prices soared.
Toyota, a major manufacturer, is struggling to keep up with the demand for its hybrid vehicles, which have seen a 29% increase in sales in the third quarter of 2026. Kia has even reported a more than doubling of its hybrid sales. Now, nearly one in six new US cars sold is a hybrid, highlighting a shift in consumer preferences. The primary driver behind this change is the recent surge in gas prices, which have increased by 40 percent since the start of the Iran war.
Americans are gravitating towards more fuel-efficient cars when prices rise, and hybrids often don't force drivers to leave their gas station routines. Additionally, the electric vehicle market struggles, with new EV sales down almost 50% year-over-year due to a reduction in federal tax credits. However, hybrids benefit from the increased availability of various types of passenger vehicles, including SUVs, pickups, minivans, and luxury cars.
Used hybrids typically cost more than used EVs or gas-powered cars, with the average price reaching $34,500. Used buyers are particularly interested in long-term fuel savings. Hybrid technology has been around for decades but is now gaining more prominence. Karl Brauer, an iSeeCars executive analyst, believes hybrids make the most sense for both philosophy and cost.
Several hybrid models have already outperformed their gas counterparts, such as the Toyota Highlander and the Ford Maverick. Experts predict that most US cars will eventually come standard with a hybrid drivetrain. General Motors, once focused on electric vehicles, is now recognizing the importance of hybrids in its lineup. A recent executive stated that hybrids "are part of the plan" and that the company is committed to providing customers with the vehicles they desire as quickly as possible.
Written by urgent.news from Wired's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
