Prices for used electric and hybrid vehicles continue to decline, marking the fifth straight quarter of drops. The average cost of the top searched models fell 1.7% in the first quarter of 2026, reaching £16,553—a 7.1% decrease from the previous year. Demand surges, with searches for EVs rising 26.4% in the three weeks from February 28 to March 21, driven by climbing fuel costs at the pumps.
Sharp Declines in Popular EV Models
The Nissan Leaf leads the price drops among high-demand models, plummeting 24.6% year-on-year to £8,308. Other significant reductions include the Toyota Prius at -14.0%, Renault Zoe at -14.1%, and Ford Puma hybrid at -14.5%.
While most models trend downward, select hybrids buck the pattern. The Lexus RX climbs 7.3% year-on-year, with the Honda Jazz hybrid up 1.3% and Lexus CT hybrid gaining 2.0%.
The Toyota Yaris hybrid remains the most sought-after low-emission option, followed by the Nissan Leaf and Toyota Prius, underscoring demand for affordable, practical vehicles.
Top 10 Most Searched Used EVs and Hybrids (Q1 2026)
- Toyota Yaris (hybrid): £14,847 (-1.7%)
- Nissan Leaf: £8,308 (-24.6%)
- Toyota Prius (hybrid): £8,620 (-14.0%)
- Nissan Qashqai (hybrid): £19,114 (-11.5%)
- Honda Jazz (hybrid): £17,187 (+1.3%)
- Toyota Corolla (hybrid): £18,287 (-0.6%)
- Toyota C-HR (hybrid): £18,277 (-3.4%)
- Kia Niro (hybrid): £16,531 (-10.7%)
- Lexus RX (hybrid): £27,129 (+7.3%)
- Hyundai Kona (hybrid): £16,220 (+7.3%)
Petrol Cars See Modest Price Uptick
In contrast, used petrol car prices for top models rise 1.6% to £10,348 in Q1 2026 compared to late 2025, though still 3.4% below last year’s levels. The Ford Fiesta holds the top spot despite a 10.8% annual drop. Other declines hit the Nissan Micra (-12.3%), Honda Jazz (-11.8%), and Toyota Aygo (-11.6%).
Notable risers include the Nissan Juke, up 8.7% year-on-year, and Volkswagen Golf, increasing 3.3%.
Top 10 Most Searched Used Petrol Cars (Q1 2026)
- Ford Fiesta: £7,725 (-10.8%)
- Vauxhall Corsa: £8,960 (-2.3%)
- Volkswagen Polo: £11,902 (+1.9%)
- Ford Focus: £10,046 (-4.5%)
- Vauxhall Astra: £8,248 (-0.8%)
- Volkswagen Golf: £15,162 (+3.3%)
- Fiat 500: £6,721 (-1.7%)
- Nissan Qashqai: £12,098 (-7.0%)
- Audi A1: £14,924 (-4.4%)
- Toyota Aygo: £7,028 (-11.6%)
Expert Analysis on Market Trends
James Hosking, managing director of AA Cars, notes: “Used EV and hybrid prices continued to soften in Q1, extending the gradual reset over the past year. This makes low-emission cars more attainable for a wider group of buyers, particularly those who previously saw them as out of reach.”
He highlights sustained demand: “The Toyota Yaris hybrid tops search rankings, with strong interest in affordable EVs like the Nissan Leaf and Renault Zoe. For many, the used market offers the most realistic entry into electric and hybrid driving.”
Hosking adds: “EV searches rose over a quarter in the three weeks after February 28 amid higher fuel prices. While short-term, it aligns with patterns where rising fuel costs prompt reevaluation of EVs for daily savings.”
“Affordability drives the market. Petrol cars draw strong interest, with prices ticking up from late 2025 but lower than last year. Buyers prioritize value, reliability, and total ownership costs across fuel types. Trends offer more choices at accessible prices—research vehicle condition, history, and running costs before buying.”
