Ukrainian Used Car Imports from Europe Surge by 22% in January 2026

Ukraine's Second-Hand Car Market Continues to Expand

According to Главком: Ukraine's market for imported used vehicles saw further growth in January 2026. Compared to the same month last year, Ukrainians purchased 22% more second-hand cars from Europe, adding over 17,000 used vehicles to the national fleet. The primary source for these imports remains the European Union, a trend that persisted despite the reintroduction of a 20% VAT on imported electric vehicles which took effect in January 2026. This market is a key indicator of consumer preferences and economic resilience in the country.

The average age of a used car receiving Ukrainian license plates is 10 years. An analysis of the engine types in these imported vehicles reveals the following breakdown:

• 57% are gasoline-powered
• 22% are diesel
• 11% are electric vehicles
• 7% are hybrids
• 3% are equipped with LPG systems

These figures demonstrate that, despite new regulations, traditional combustion engines remain significantly more popular with Ukrainian buyers than newer technologies.

Most Popular Used Car Models

In January 2026, Ukrainians registered 4,789 new passenger cars. The ranking of the most popular imported used models was led by the Volkswagen Golf with 899 registrations, followed by:

• Volkswagen Tiguan (633 registrations)
• Audi Q5 (617 registrations)

The top ten also included the Skoda Octavia, Nissan Rogue, Renault Megane, Volkswagen Passat, Nissan Qashqai, Ford Escape, and Audi A4. The rising interest in pre-owned vehicles highlights the dynamic development of this market segment amidst broader industry changes.

The increase in used car sales in Ukraine may be linked to economic factors, such as the high price of new vehicles and adjustments to import duties.

Given the steep cost of new automobiles, used cars continue to be an attractive option for many Ukrainian consumers, which helps explain their sustained popularity. Furthermore, the continued dominance of traditional engines suggests that Ukrainians are not yet ready to make a full switch to electric cars, even with new financial incentives for their import.