Ukrainian Car Market Sees 40% Surge in Gasoline Vehicle Purchases

Rising Vehicle Registrations in Ukraine

According to ХВИЛЯ: In January 2026, 11.4 thousand new internal combustion engine vehicles were registered in Ukraine. This figure represents a significant 40% increase compared to the same period last year. The primary driver of this market expansion has been the used car segment, which saw a substantial rise in registrations.

Imports of used vehicles grew by 49%, reaching 9.7 thousand units. Meanwhile, new gasoline-powered passenger cars experienced a more modest 5% growth, totaling 1.7 thousand units. This trend highlights a notable shift in the Ukrainian automotive market, particularly favoring gasoline models. This growth occurs as the country continues its post-war economic recovery, influencing consumer spending patterns.

Most Popular Car Models

Among new gasoline cars registered in January, the Hyundai Tucson led the market with 183 units. It was followed by:

• Mazda CX5 - 139 units
• Skoda Kodiaq - 75 units
• Skoda Octavia - 70 units
• Suzuki SX4 - 67 units

In the used gasoline vehicle segment, the most popular models were:

• Volkswagen Golf - 649 units
• Volkswagen Tiguan - 560 units
• Nissan Rogue - 553 units
• Audi Q5 - 542 units
• Skoda Octavia - 337 units

Therefore, the January 2026 surge in gasoline car sales marks a key trend for Ukraine's automotive sector, potentially reflecting shifts in consumer preferences and economic conditions.

The increase in registrations for both new and used gasoline-powered vehicles may indicate a restoration of consumer confidence in Ukraine's car market, as well as an improvement in the country's economic situation.

Strong demand for reliable models like the Hyundai Tucson and Volkswagen Golf suggests that consumers are prioritizing dependability and quality when making a purchase. This consumer behavior is likely to influence future market development and the strategies of importers operating in Ukraine.