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The used car market in Europe is experiencing a steady growth, with the B-SUV segment leading the charge. This subcompact SUV segment, known for its practicality and affordability, is gaining popularity and performing strongly compared to other segments and the overall used-car market.
The B-SUV market's resilience is evident in several key indicators. For instance, demand for 3 to 5-year-old vehicles, which includes many B-SUVs, remains robust due to the availability of well-maintained ex-lease vehicles with residual warranties, making this segment attractive to buyers.
Moreover, petrol and diesel vehicles, which largely include B-SUVs, have shown resilience with rising price indices. The AUTO1 Group's Price Index, for example, rose 2.7% in Q1 2025, reflecting sustained demand amid shifting fuel trends.
In contrast to newer vehicle registrations, which have declined in some countries, the used car market remains more stable. For instance, in Germany, where new vehicle registrations declined by 13.8% in June 2025, the used car market continues to show signs of stability.
While electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining traction in new car sales, the used B-SUV market is still predominantly fueled by petrol and diesel models. This market dynamic is maintaining stronger market prices and turnover, positioning the B-SUV segment favourably within the broader used-car market.
In countries like Austria, Switzerland, Spain, and Italy, B-SUVs are retaining a higher percentage of their value compared to the wider used-car market, especially the C-SUV segment. This trend is contributing to the B-SUV segment's stability and healthier turnover rates.
In terms of performance, used petrol B-SUVs sell for a higher price than LPG models but perform worse in residual value (RV) terms. Hybrids, on the other hand, have the highest RVs on average in the UK B-SUV segment, followed by diesel and petrol-powered cars.
Despite these trends, both EV technologies (PHEVs and BEVs) in the B-SUV segment retain the lowest amount of value. This could be due to rising list prices, as indicated by the significant declines in %RVs seen in Austria and Switzerland.
Carmakers such as Kia, Volvo, and Jeep offer B-SUV models, catering to the growing demand for these vehicles. Germany's B-SUV market is the most dynamic, with the highest growth and turnover speed. France and the UK also exhibit strong demand for B-SUVs due to their practicality for city driving and affordability compared to larger SUVs.
In conclusion, while the new car market is seeing a shift towards electric vehicles, the used B-SUV segment in Europe is holding up well with steady demand, stable pricing, and better availability of mid-age inventory compared to other segments. This positions it favourably within the broader used-car market.
The resilience of B-SUVs in the used car market is not limited to Europe, as they remain attractive to buyers in key segments of the finance and transportation industries, such as the automotive sector. The demand for 3 to 5-year-old B-SUVs, which often include well-maintained ex-lease vehicles with residual warranties, continues to outperform other segments, leading to stable pricing amidst shifting fuel trends.
