What Cars Are Ukrainians Buying: Top New and Used Models in 2026
29 April 04:44
In the first quarter of 2026, tens of thousands of passenger cars were added to Ukraine’s vehicle fleet. According to data from “Ukravtoprom, ” from January to March, Ukrainians purchased 15,400 new cars and 50,100 used passenger cars imported from abroad, reports "Komersant Ukrainian"
The passenger car market in Ukraine continues to show a clear trend: demand for used cars significantly exceeds sales of new cars. In the first quarter of 2026, the number of imported used passenger cars was more than three times greater than the number of new cars.
The Toyota RAV4 remains the most popular new model, while the Volkswagen Golf leads the used car market.
How many cars did Ukrainians buy in the first quarter of 2026
According to data from “Ukravtoprom,” during the first quarter of 2026, Ukraine’s vehicle fleet was expanded by:
| Segment | Number of cars |
|---|---|
| New passenger cars | 15,400 |
| Used passenger cars | 50,100 |
This means that Ukrainians are much more likely to choose used cars.
The reason is obvious: used cars are usually more affordable, offer a wider range of trim levels, and often allow buyers to purchase a higher-class model for the price of a new budget car.
The most popular new cars in Ukraine
In the new passenger car segment, the Toyota RAV4 took the lead in the first quarter of 2026. This model has remained one of the favorites among Ukrainian buyers for several years now, thanks to its reputation as a reliable crossover, good resale value, and a wide range of trim levels.
Top 5 new cars in Ukraine in the first quarter of 2026
| Rank | Model | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toyota RAV4 | 1,159 units |
| 2 | Renault Duster | 1,150 units |
| 3 | Hyundai Tucson | 636 units |
| 4 | Toyota Land Cruiser Prado | 603 units |
| 5 | Skoda Kodiaq | 429 units |
The Toyota RAV4 and Renault Duster are almost neck and neck
Interestingly, the difference between the two most popular new models is minimal. The Toyota RAV4 outsold the Renault Duster by just 9 units.
This shows that Ukrainian buyers are actively choosing crossovers, but in different price segments. The Toyota RAV4 is a more expensive and higher-status model, while the Renault Duster remains one of the most practical options for those looking for a new car at a relatively affordable price.
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Crossovers dominate the new car market
The top five new cars consist entirely of crossovers and SUVs. This once again confirms the main trend in the Ukrainian car market: buyers prefer vehicles with higher ground clearance, a spacious interior, and versatility for city driving, highways, and rough roads.
The top list includes both compact and midsize crossovers, as well as the large Toyota Land Cruiser Prado SUV, which traditionally holds a strong position among buyers in the premium segment.
The Most Popular Used Cars in Ukraine
In the used car market, the Volkswagen Golf took the lead in the first quarter of 2026. It is one of the most popular models among Ukrainians thanks to its affordability, ease of maintenance, fuel efficiency, and the large number of options available on the European market.
Top 5 used cars in the first quarter of 2026
| Rank | Model | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Volkswagen Golf | 2,448 units |
| 2 | Volkswagen Tiguan | 2,010 units |
| 3 | Audi Q5 | 1,886 units |
| 4 | Skoda Octavia | 1,726 units |
| 5 | Nissan Rogue | 1,716 units |
Volkswagen remains the favorite among Ukrainians
Two Volkswagen models— the Golf and the Tiguan—are in the top 5 used cars. This demonstrates Ukrainian buyers’ consistent trust in German cars.
The Volkswagen Golf is chosen as a practical city hatchback, while the Tiguan is selected as a versatile family crossover. Both models hold strong positions in the used car market, are well-known to Ukrainian service centers, and are relatively easy to resell.
Why Ukrainians Buy Used Cars More Often
Demand for used cars remains significantly higher for several reasons.
First, price. For the cost of a new budget car, a buyer can often purchase a used crossover or a higher-class vehicle.
Second, choice. The European and American markets offer a wide variety of models, trim levels, and engine types.
Third, resale value. Models such as the Volkswagen Golf, Skoda Octavia, Audi Q5, and Nissan Rogue sell well on the Ukrainian used car market.
What the 2026 car rankings reveal
The ranking of the most popular models reveals several important trends:
- Ukrainians are actively buying crossovers;
- Among new cars , Toyota, Renault, Hyundai, and Skoda hold strong positions;
- Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, and Nissan lead the used car market;
- the used car market remains significantly larger than the new car market.
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