Cars with Combustion Engines Now Represent Over 60% of Ukraine’s New Vehicle Market

Ukraine’s Auto Market Landscape: May 2026

According to ХВИЛЯ: In May 2026, vehicles powered by traditional engines-petrol and diesel-accounted for more than 60% of all new passenger car sales in Ukraine. This marks a notable rise in demand for conventional models, as their share stood at 54.3% in 2025. The top-selling petrol model was the HYUNDAI Tucson, with petrol cars making up 39.9% of May sales, up from 36% in the previous year.

Market Segment Breakdown

Turning to other powertrain types, hybrids captured 30.8% of the market, also increasing from 27.1% in May 2025. Diesel vehicles held a 20.7% share, compared to 18.3% a year earlier. In contrast, electric vehicles saw a sharp decline: their market share dropped from 18.4% in May 2025 to just 8.5% in May 2026. Cars equipped with LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) systems accounted for less than 1% of sales.

Leading models by segment included:

• Petrol: HYUNDAI Tucson
• Hybrid: TOYOTA RAV-4
• Diesel: RENAULT Duster
• Electric: BYD Sea Lion 06EV
• LPG: HYUNDAI Tucson

The base version of the HYUNDAI Tucson starts at 1.219 million UAH, while top-tier trims reach 1.794 million UAH. The diesel RENAULT Duster begins at 1.064 million UAH, with premium versions priced at 1.119 million UAH.

The growing dominance of traditional vehicles in Ukraine’s market may reflect shifting economic conditions or evolving consumer preferences.

The declining popularity of electric cars, despite rising interest in petrol and diesel models, could be linked to insufficient charging infrastructure or higher upfront costs. These trends are likely to shape future developments in Ukraine’s automotive industry and influence policies regarding eco-friendly transportation.

The surge in new vehicle sales coincides with a remarkable trend in the used car market as well. In April, Ukrainians purchased a record number of pre-owned vehicles, indicating a shifting preference among consumers. This growing interest in used cars may provide insights into the factors driving the demand for traditional combustion engine models. To explore this phenomenon further, read more about the record used car purchases here.