If you’re shopping for a used vehicle, you might notice that the lot looks a little different than it did a decade ago. The traditional sedan is becoming an endangered species, replaced by rows of pickup trucks and SUVs.
A new study confirms that this isn’t just a feeling — it’s a dominant trend.
According to recent data from car search and research company iSeeCars, the American love affair with larger vehicles has completely reshaped the resale market. The study analyzed over 9.2 million car sales from the last five model years to determine which vehicles are changing hands the most.
The results are clear: Drivers want size and utility.
The three most popular used vehicles in the country are all full-size pickups. These vehicles have evolved into family haulers, offering the same tech and comfort as luxury SUVs but with the added utility of a truck bed.
While trucks and SUVs surge, the traditional passenger car is losing ground. In fact, only four sedans managed to crack the top 20 list of most popular used cars.
Karl Brauer, iSeeCars executive analyst, explains:
“The ever-popular truck and SUV segments continue to resonate with used car buyers. This means only four actual ‘cars’ are among the 20 most popular used cars.”
The 20 most popular used vehicles
If you are looking for a vehicle that is in high demand, these are the most popular used cars in America right now, according to iSeeCars:
- Ford F-150: 2.8% share
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500: 2.5% share
- Ram 1500: 1.8% share
- Chevrolet Equinox: 1.8% share
- Nissan Rogue: 1.7% share
- Toyota Camry: 1.7% share
- Ford Explorer: 1.5% share
- Chevrolet Malibu: 1.5% share
- Toyota Corolla: 1.5% share
- Toyota Tacoma: 1.5% share
- Toyota RAV4: 1.5% share
- GMC Sierra 1500: 1.4% share
- Nissan Altima: 1.3% share
- Honda Civic: 1.3% share
- Honda CR-V: 1.1% share
- Jeep Grand Cherokee: 1.0% share
- Hyundai Tucson: 1.0% share
- Ford Escape: 1.0% share
- Ford Edge: 1.0% share
- Toyota Highlander: 0.9% share
Competition for these popular models can be stiff, so if you spot one in good condition, you might not want to wait too long to make an offer, as iSeeCars explains:
“The rising cost of new vehicles will keep demand for used cars high in 2026, though prices will likely moderate and lower fuel costs should keep truck and SUV transactions on the leading edge of used car activity.”
You may also want to think about when you make your purchase. Learn how to better time buying a used vehicle in “The 3 Best Times of the Year to Buy a Used Car — and the 4 Worst.”
In the market for a new-to-you ride? Don’t forget to shop around for insurance too. This online comparison tool is free and can help you find the best rate in just a few clicks.
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