Adapting to the dynamics of evolving consumer demand and mobility trends, the UAE automotive industry has witnessed impressive year-on-year growth. The consistent influx of people relocating to the UAE has resulted in a heightened demand for pre-owned vehicles. Additionally, the UAE government’s strategic policies and regulations have played a pivotal role in boosting used car sales. Regular checks and balances based on a holistic scrutiny system have made it mandatory for motorists to keep their vehicles well-maintained. As a result, used cars for sale in the UAE have been available in considerably good condition. These factors have made owning a pre-owned car an attractive and financially viable option.
A key indicator pointing towards the positive pre-owned auto market growth is the massive influx of new listings on dubizzle. Over the last year, a record addition of 300k listings has graced the platform. The presence of dubizzle, UAE’s foremost and reliable online auto marketplace, paired with a host of other reasons, has contributed to the ongoing upward trajectory.
To learn more about the latest market trends, we have compiled some valuable data-backed insights. Reflecting on dubizzle’s user search trends, here’s the comprehensive report on the non-luxury pre-owned car market in the UAE for 2023.
Non-luxury Pre-owned Car Market Trends in 2023
The increased flexibility of choices has bolstered the momentum of used car sales in the UAE. In addition to petrol cars, the popularity of hybrid cars in the UAE has also made significant strides. For used 2021 and 2022 models, the market has seen a decent share of hybrid cars. Market interest has been gradually shifting from conventional to hybrid and electric cars in the wake of rising fuel prices and the broader transition towards sustainable mobility.
Another noteworthy factor contributing to the growth of used car sales is the steeper price depreciation of new cars. Market trends suggest that car prices depreciate significantly during the first three years of purchase. This makes pre-owned vehicles a more feasible option for buyers with a budget-savvy approach. Moreover, the performance of the non-luxury pre-owned market has been influenced by the popularity of connected cars in the UAE, which has also registered significant growth.
Catalysing the auto industry’s growth, dubizzle has been facilitating online transactions between car buyers and sellers in various ways. Alongside various value-added services by dubizzle Cars, the platform has a range of inspected used cars for sale. The transparency and instantaneous services have made used car buying and selling hassle-free.
Based on the year’s most popular makes and models, let’s learn more about the performance of the non-luxury pre-owned car market in 2023.
Popular Makes for Pre-owned Non-luxury Cars in 2023
In the non-luxury pre-owned car market, Japanese brands have remained significantly popular. These brands have garnered significant attention from buyers because of their durable and fuel-efficient vehicles. Aside from their efficiency, Japanese automobiles are also reputed for their user-centric and technologically advanced features.
For the third consecutive year, Toyota has topped the chart as the most popular car brand in the UAE’s non-luxury used car market for 2023. Design focused on automotive aerodynamics, durability and higher driveability are core features that make Toyota stand apart from its peers. Tackling the rising fuel prices and shifting market preferences, the Japanese brand has hybrid car trim levels available for some of its top-ranking models.
Following Toyota’s popularity, another Japanese car brand, Nissan, has secured the second spot. Similar to that of Toyota, Nissan has also retained its rank for two straight years. Nissan has many top-of-the-segment models in its lineup available in different car body types. Given the rising trend of connected cars, the Japanese brand has also introduced NissanConnect in its newer models. Aside from the affordable category, Nissan also has a significant foothold in the luxury auto segment.
Ford has gained significant popularity in the last year alone and has jumped a rank, securing the third spot on the list. The popularity trail of this leading American automaker starts from its high-performing models. With diverse car line-ups such as Mustang and Explorer, Ford is a recognised name among car buyers seeking both performance-oriented and practical vehicles.
Following Ford’s popularity trail is another famous Japanese automaker – Honda. It has appeared as the fourth most popular non-luxury car brand for used cars in 2023. With an array of budget-friendly models, Honda has given close competition to other top brands in both sedan and SUV categories. According to the history of Honda, cars made by Japanese brands have long been known for their reliability, fuel efficiency and affordable price.
Hyundai has occupied the fifth spot on the list. The Korean brand is popular for producing a range of daily-driven vehicles. Throughout the history of Hyundai, the carmaker has mainly targeted sedan buyers until the introduction of the SUV series at the turn of the 21st century. Offering practicality and comfortable drives, Hyundai’s midsize SUV ‘Tucson’ has remained significantly popular throughout the year.
Chevrolet has taken the next spot on the list of popular used non-luxury makes in 2023. The American car brand enjoys immense popularity due to its high-performing vehicle and SUV models. The next one is Kia, another celebrated Korean brand. Offering value for money, the diverse range of car models by Kia cater to different budgets. In fact, Kia cars have also made the list of popular used hatchbacks under 50k in the UAE.
The German car brand with widely acclaimed hatchback models and compact SUVs, Volkswagen, has maintained its standing among the top ten pre-owned car brands in 2023. Following Volkswagen, Mitsubishi has also secured a position among sought-after non-luxury used cars in 2023. Known for its celebrated models, such as Pajero and Lancer, the Japanese brand has been retaining its position on the list for quite some time.
Continuing its legacy as an iconic 4X4 car brand, Jeep has introduced the 2023 Grand Wagoneer. With a substantial increase in popularity over the last year, the American automotive marque has made it to the list of popular pre-owned car brands in the UAE for 2023.
Most Popular Pre-owned Models for Top Non-luxury Makes in 2023
With a huge share in the auto market, non-luxury car brands enjoy a noticeably high demand. The ‘value for money’ plays a pivotal role in the wide-ranging popularity of non-luxury automakers. These auto brands have a host of pocket-friendly options for car buyers.
Here are the most popular models by the top three auto brands of 2023 in the UAE pre-owned car market.
Securing the top spot on the list of leading non-luxury automakers, Toyota is recognised for its wide range of models. Like last year, the Camry, Corolla and RAV4 have retained their ranks as top-used non-luxury Toyota cars. The Camry and Corolla sedans have remained popular for their responsive suspensions, comfortable interiors and fuel efficiency. Similarly, the RAV4 is offered with exceptional off-roading capabilities attributed to its four-wheel drivetrain system. Moreover, the availability of hybrid variants of these models further contributes to their widespread popularity.
Following closely on the list are Nissan’s popular pre-owned models in 2023. Altima, Sunny and Pathfinder have led the list. As midsize sedans, the Altima and Sunny offer a driving experience complemented by user-centric features and impressive fuel economy. Likewise, the Nissan Pathfinder is a powerful full-size SUV with noteworthy towing capacity and exceptional off-roading capabilities.
The top-performing Ford models in the pre-owned market during 2023 were the Mustang, Explorer and Pickup truck series. Revving on powerful engine specs, the Ford Mustang has remained a popular choice for car enthusiasts. Suitable for long drives and off-roading adventures, the Ford Explorer’s high performance based on a twin-turbo V6 engine has added to the SUV’s popularity. The Pickup models of the auto brand are also equipped with the Ford Ecoboost engine for enhanced acceleration and horsepower. Ford F-Series has also made the list of top pre-owned pickup trucks in the UAE.
Accord, Civic and CR-V have remained the most preferred models among pre-owned Honda cars. The long-tailed evolution of the Honda Civic hints at the car’s practicality and reliability. Built to offer a premium experience, the Accord features hands-free connectivity for multimedia and navigation for added convenience. Similarly, the CR-V is a midsize SUV with ample in-cabin space, well-appointed exterior and notable performance specs.
Moving forward, Sonata, Elantra and Tucson have been the top pre-owned Hyundai models in 2023. Brand’s popular sedans, Sonata and Elantra are known for their well-appointed designs and fuel efficiency. Whereas, Tucson, the compact crossover, is considered a good choice by buyers looking for a practical SUV with decent specs. It comes with hill-start assist and downhill brake control systems for improved handling.
Non-luxury Pre-owned Car Models by Body Type
In terms of body type, SUVs and sedans remain the most preferred choices. The SUV’s appeal is associated with off-roading capabilities, agile handling and ample seating and cargo space. Conversely, non-luxury sedans have remained a default choice for car buyers looking for an everyday vehicle with higher fuel efficiency and affordable price tags.
Here are more insights on the average price trends observed for top SUVs and sedans in the non-luxury pre-owned car market in 2023.
Most Popular Pre-owned SUVs with Average Prices in 2023
The Ford Explorer has stood out as the foremost choice among pre-owned non-luxury SUVs. A high-performing 3.0-litre EcoBoost engine powers the latest model of the Explorer mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. It allows the car to produce up to 400 horsepower and 563 Nm of torque. Looking at the latest price trends, the cost for a 2019 Ford Explorer has averaged AED 99,600, while the 2022 model was around AED 181,500 in 2023.
Claiming the second spot among 2023’s sought-after pre-owned SUVs, the Toyota Prado exhibits prowess in offroading with a robust 4.0-litre V6 engine producing 271 horsepower. Adding to its off-road capabilities, the SUV has a differential lock, which elevates the off-roader’s performance on different terrains. Beyond these noteworthy mechanical features, Prado has a bold exterior complemented by a sophisticated interior. The average prices for used Toyota Prado in 2023 for the 2019 to 2023 models have ranged between AED 144,300 and AED 201,000.
Toyota RAV4 has ranked as the third most preferred SUV model. The latest RAV 4 comes equipped with a 2.5-litre engine paired with an efficient 8-speed automatic transmission. The RAV4 distinguishes itself with an impressive fuel economy of 14.9 km/l coupled with a suite of performance-oriented features. As per 2023 price trends, the average prices of the Toyota RAV4 have ranged from AED 83,300 to AED 128,500 for model years between 2019 and 2023 models.
Reserving the fourth spot on the list is the Mitsubishi Pajero. The nameplate of Mitsubishi Pajero was discontinued in 2022, but the SUV has remained quite popular in the UAE’s pre-owned car market during 2023. The seven-seater SUV boasts a comfortable and spacious interior. The newest Pajero model features either a 3.5 or 3.8-litre V6 engine. The high-tech safety features, such as stability and traction control, ensure Pajero’s top-notch off-road and on-road performance. The average prices of Mitsubishi Pajero ranged from AED 75,700 to AED 102,400 for the 2019 to 2020 models in 2023.
Kia Sportage has ranked fifth on the list of UAE’s top-performing pre-owned car models in 2023. The newest model of the Kia Sportage is offered in multiple trims with 4WD and AWD drivetrains. For a bespoke driving experience, the SUV comes with the ‘Drive Select Mode’ feature The popular Korean SUV revs on a Smartstream 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine that produces up to 180 horsepower. The asking prices of Sportage in 2023 have ranged from AED 58,700 to AED 105,500 for its 2019 to 2023 models.
Occupying the next spot on the list of popular pre-owned non-luxury SUVs is the Jeep Wrangler. Equipped with a host of safety and performance features, the SUV has remained a popular choice among off-road enthusiasts in the UAE. A noteworthy fact about the Jeep Wrangler is its economical price range, which has made it a value-pack pick. In 2023, the asking prices of the 2019 to 2023 models of the Wrangler averaged between AED 130,800 and AED 193,100, respectively.
Following the popularity of the Jeep Wrangler is another Korean midsize SUV – Hyundai Tucson. Under the hood, the car has a 2.4 litre, 4-cylinder engine, ideally designed for both urban cruising and offroad adventures. Similar to other models of the segment, the car has a roomy interior with a seating capacity of five passengers. The exterior profile of the car is complemented by its sporty design. In 2023, the average asking prices of pre-owned Tucson have ranged from AED 61,200 to AED 101,000 for the 2019 to 2023 model.
Appearing in the eighth spot on the popularity list is Nissan Pathfinder. According to Pathfinder’s history, the model has remained a popular choice for those seeking a compact family SUV in the UAE. Equipped with a V6 engine, the Pathfinder produces up to 284 horsepower. The latest model of the SUV comes with a next-gen CVT transmission called X-tronic that further enhances the SUV’s performance. In 2023, the average prices of Pathfinder have ranged between AED 78,800 and AED 186,300 for the 2019-2023 models.
Concluding the list of popular used non-luxury SUVs in 2023 is the Toyota Fortuner, followed by the Nissan X-Trail. During 2023, the asking prices of the Toyota Fortuner have been observed between AED 96,800 and AED 132,200 for 2019 to 2022. On the other hand, the pre-owned Nissan X-Trail have average prices between AED 70,000 and AED 119,800 for the 2019 to 2023 model years in 2023.
Most Popular Non-luxury Pre-owned Sedans with Average Price in 2023
A multitude of factors contribute to the popularity of sedan cars. Firstly, they come in a variety of sizes, including small, sub-compact, compact, mid-size and full-size, providing buyers with ample options. Secondly, the body weight of sedans is lighter than that of SUVs, which facilitates easier handling during both city driving and highway cruising. Here’s the list of 2023’s top-performing pre-owned sedans in the used car market for model years between 2019 and 2023 in the Emirates.
Heading the list, we have the Nissan Altima. The popular non-luxury sedan car is powered by 2.0 or 2.5-litre turbo engines. Adding to the driver’s convenience is the availability of Nissan ProPilot which makes driving easier. In 2023, the average prices of the Nissan Altima have been recorded between AED 51,100 and AED 99,500 for the 2019 and 2023 models, respectively.
Toyota Camry appeared as the second most popular pre-owned non-luxury sedan in the UAE in 2023. Recognised for its high performance, the car is available with 2.5 and 3.5-litre V6 engine options. Besides conventional petrol-powered drivetrains, the Camry is available in a hybrid variant too. A noteworthy fact about the Camry is that the sedan comes with a tuned suspension, which results in smooth, bump-free rides. According to the price trends observed in 2023, the pre-owned Camry in the UAE has average asking prices between AED 71,000 and AED 114,400 for the 2019 to 2023 models.
Tailing the popularity of the Camry, the Toyota Corolla has ranked third as the most popular non-luxury sedan in the pre-owned market. From impressive fuel efficiency to comfortable rides and durability, all such factors have played a significant role in the continued popularity of pre-owned Toyota Corolla cars in the UAE. According to pre-owned market trends, the asking prices of a Toyota Corolla in 2023 averaged from AED 47,400 to AED 72,400 for the model years 2019-2023.
Competing quite closely with the aforementioned Toyota Sedans are the Honda Accord and Civic. The Honda Accord has claimed the fourth spot, while the Civic came fifth on the list of popular non-luxury used sedans in the UAE. With more high-end features, the Accord is popular for its sporty exterior and higher agility. Available with 1.5 and 2.0-litre engine options, the car ensures robust on-road performance. The latest Honda Civic model, on the other hand, sprints with the power of a 1.5-litre VTEC turbo engine.
The average prices of a pre-owned 2019 to 2023 Accord model have ranged from AED 76,800 and AED 97,400. Similarly, Civic’s average prices have varied from AED 62,100 to AED 180,000 for its 2019 to 2023 models. Note that the average price of the sedan has increased significantly after the introduction of the all-new Honda Civic Type R 2023 in the UAE.
Retaining its popularity, the Dodge Charger has also made the 2023 list of the most popular pre-owned non-luxury car models. According to the history of the Dodge Charger, the car has long been known for its powerful performance, thanks to the Hemi V8 engine. Going from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds, the car possesses ultra-fast sprinting capabilities. In 2023, the Dodge Charger’s average asking price has been recorded at AED 79,700 for the 2019 model and AED 452,700 for the 2023 model. A steeper price trend has been observed for the later model years with the addition of the Dodge Charger’s high-performance Hellcat trim level.
The next two contenders that have made the list of top pre-owned sedans in 2023 are the Sonata and Elantra sedans by Hyundai. The latest model of Sonata features a sleek exterior, comfortable interior and higher driveability making it users’ favourite. The car’s overall performance is complemented by a 2.5-litre engine and a host of advanced driver assistance systems. Conversely, the latest Elantra line-up boasts advanced accessibility specs, allowing the car to be locked, unlocked and started using a smartphone.
In 2023, the Sonata’s average prices ranged from AED 39,400 for the 2019 model to AED 92,300 for the 2023 model. Likewise, the average asking prices of the Hyundai Elantra 2019 to 2023 have been observed between AED 35,900 and AED 68,800, respectively.
Sunny and Sentra, the two popular Nissan sedans, have ranked ninth and tenth on the list. In 2023, the average prices of a used Nissan Sunny ranged between AED 27,700 and AED 46,300 for the 2019 to 2023 model years. Similarly, for a pre-owned Nissan Sentra, the average prices have been recorded from AED 31,700 to AED 53,000 for 2019-2023 models.
Concluding Remarks
The demand-supply ratio of pre-owned automobiles has played a significant role in shaping the growth and sustenance of the UAE’s auto market. The market trends for pre-owned cars observed in 2023 have revealed a significant uptick in the prices across various car makes and models compared to last year. The upward price trends have been observed due to the rise in popularity and demand for particular car models as well as the expansion of vehicle line-ups by popular makes and technological innovation.
Credible online platforms like dubizzle have played a crucial role in fostering trust between pre-owned car sellers and buyers. The digital realm has expanded the reach of the used car market to a wider audience. Furthermore, opting for older car models with similar features to newer ones has been widely recognised as a more practical and financially viable option for car buyers.
The key highlights of the 2023 pre-owned auto market trends observed in the UAE are:
- The UAE has experienced a surge in non-luxury pre-owned car sales, driven by a continued influx of new residents, lower price depreciation rates, value-for-money factor and increased options.
- Toyota leads as the most popular non-luxury brand in 2023, followed by Nissan, reflecting a continued preference for Japanese carmakers.
- SUVs and sedans have remained the most preferred vehicle body types in the non-luxury used car market.
- Non-luxury SUVs, including Ford Explorer and Toyota Prado, appeared as the top choices, whereas the Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry led the ranking of pre-owned sedans.
Stay tuned to dubizzle Cars’ blog for more data-backed market insights.
Disclaimer: The above report is based on data from dubizzle listings. It is not an actual representation of automotive transactions in the UAE. Moreover, the popularity figures mentioned in the report are based on the platform’s pageviews. The quoted average prices in AED are for the non-luxury pre-owned models ranging from 2019 to 2023. The market price of the said models may also differ from the advertised prices on dubizzle.
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