Tesla maintained its lead in the used electric vehicle market throughout 2025, though competitors like Ford, Volkswagen, and Hyundai made significant gains. Models such as the Model 3 and Model Y accounted for nearly 40% of sales in one- to five-year-old used EVs. The market is set to become even more diverse in 2026 with increased off-lease inventory.
The used electric vehicle sector saw notable shifts in 2025, as reported by auto research firm iSeeCars. Tesla vehicles, excluding the Cybertruck, topped the charts for popularity among buyers seeking affordable options amid rising new-car prices. The influx of off-lease models from recent years has broadened choices, offering lower maintenance costs and access to extensive charging networks.
Tesla's Model 3 held the top spot, capturing 19.5% of sales for one- to five-year-old used EVs, closely followed by the Model Y at 19.3%. These figures underscore Tesla's enduring appeal, driven by seamless integration with the largest fast-charging infrastructure and advanced software updates. However, the gap with rivals is closing, signaling greater awareness of alternatives among shoppers.
The Ford Mustang Mach-E secured third place with 5% market share, praised for its mature ride quality, over 300 miles of range on select trims, and compatibility with Tesla Superchargers. Volkswagen's ID.4 followed at 3.9%, while the Tesla Model S rounded out the top five at 3.0%. Hyundai's Ioniq 5 showed the most dramatic rise, climbing nine positions from 17th in 2024 to eighth in 2025, thanks to its 800-volt architecture enabling rapid charging.
Looking ahead, Edmunds predicts a surge in off-lease vehicles in 2026, particularly from 2023 leases ending this year, which could further lower prices and expand options for budget-conscious buyers. Despite the end of federal tax credits for new and used EVs and revised fuel economy rules favoring gasoline models, the used EV market remains robust. Gasoline vehicles still dominate overall used-car sales, with the Ford F-150 leading the top 20, but EVs are steadily gaining traction.
