06.03.202614:12:48UTC+00Used Car Prices in the US Continue to Rise

The U.S. Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index rose 0.8% month-over-month in February 2026, following a 2.4% increase in January. Prices for EVs were up 0.8%, while non-EVs gained 0.9%. On a year-over-year basis, used-vehicle prices climbed 4%, marking the strongest annual increase since June of last year.

By segment, luxury vehicles posted a 4.1% annual gain, SUVs rose 2%, and midsize cars advanced 1.3%. Compact cars (0.6%) and pickups (0.8%) continue to show relatively subdued price growth compared with the same period a year earlier. EV prices increased 1.8% year-on-year, while non-EVs rose 3.7%.

“We had planned for a stronger January from a pricing perspective, but wholesale values moved even faster than we expected on the back of strong retail demand, driving the MUVVI to its highest reading since September 2023. With tax refund season officially starting last week, we are expecting that more consumers will be getting refunds – and that the size of those refunds will hit a new record,” said Jeremy Robb, Chief Economist at Cox Automotive.