From luxury to non-luxury cars, the UAE automotive industry has expanded tremendously over the years. With customer-centric policies and procedures, the government and financial institutes have made owning a car easier for people. Since the UAE government has introduced laws on traffic and general car maintenance, luxury and non-luxury pre-owned cars come in fairly good condition.
With several 2020 and 2021 models on sale, the non-luxury pre-owned vehicles in the UAE provided an equilibrium of prices, features and new technology. Speaking of features and technology, several non-luxury car brands have long introduced hybrid versions of their popular models, which has captured the interest of buyers looking for economical options.
dubizzle played a prolific role in the rise of the pre-owned car market. That said, dubizzle had more than 300,000 car listings with over 11 million leads in 2022 alone. These listings on dubizzle included more than 1000 car models from over 100 auto brands. Regardless of the SUV and sedan domination in these listings, other car body types also had a fair share. Users have many options to choose from with the availability of many vehicles ranging from luxury to non-luxury.
In this non-luxury pre-owned cars annual market report, we have analysed the market trends within the used car segment as per user preference on dubizzle to present a comprehensive picture of the non-luxury pre-owned cars segment in 2022.
NON-LUXURY PRE-OWNED CAR MARKET TRENDS IN 2022
A rise in the demand for pre-owned cars, especially non-luxury and economy cars, has been witnessed in 2022. Several factors have ignited the demand for used cars.
One of the crucial factors that have driven the customers’ demand in 2022 is global inflation, fluctuating fuel prices in the UAE, and rising environmental concerns have alleviated the general interest towards the popular non-luxury pre-owned cars that are generally more affordable than the brand-new models while ensuring fuel economy.
An increased interest in electric and hybrid cars has also been observed, which can be linked to the fuel price hike. That said, 2022 has seen a five times rise in EV demand as per the dubizzle data. While many factors shaped the users’ demand towards electric vehicles, some preferences remained the same. For instance, according to the dubizzle date, many users preferred white colour and GCC specs cars in 2022.
Another factor can also be linked to the interest in pre-owned cars in 2022. While buying a new car is exciting, waiting for its delivery can become exhausting. Issues in logistics and supply chain continued into 2022. The automotive market experienced delayed deliveries across the globe, and the UAE was no exception. Uncertainties caused by such issues have also shifted the tempo towards the used car market.
dubizzle Cars also played a significant role in establishing confidence in pre-owned cars. Not only did it offer a safe and trustworthy platform for online car buying and selling, but it also introduced new products and features to facilitate buyers and sellers on the platform. For instance, finance, insurance and value-added services by dubizzle Cars eased buying and selling processes of used cars.
Let’s delve deeper into the details of how the non-luxury pre-owned car market has fared in 2022 and take a look at the most popular makes and models of the year.
POPULAR MAKES FOR PRE-OWNED NON-LUXURY CARS IN 2022
When it comes to the non-luxury segment in the pre-owned car market, Japanese car makes have maintained their dominance. Over the years, Japanese auto brands have introduced affordable car options with better fuel efficiency and decent features, which establish these makes as the finest across the globe. However, their lineups boast many high-end sports and luxury models as well.
Toyota leads as the most popular auto make in the non-luxury pre-owned cars segment in the UAE. The globally-renowned Japanese auto giant has topped the list for the third consecutive year. Toyota was also among the top five auto manufacturers in the retail and managed selling options by dubizzle Cars in 2022.
Besides offering a wide range of affordable models. Toyota has hybrid trims available for most of its sedans, including the Camry and Corolla, making them a fitting choice in this time of high fuel prices. Toyota’s dominance, however, isn’t limited to the non-luxury segment. Toyota Landcruiser has been among the top choices for people looking for luxurious and high-performance SUVs.
Following Toyota, Nissan has maintained its rank from last year. Yet another Japanese giant, Nissan features an extensive sedan and SUVs lineup. Alongside decent infotainment and modern car safety features, Nissan has always focused on bringing innovation. Speaking of innovation, Nissan was among the first brands to mass-produce electric cars, such as Nissan Leaf. Not lagging in the luxury segment, Nissan Patrol has remained popular as a premium and luxury SUV in the UAE.
Making its way to the top three, Volkswagen has surpassed its previous ranking in terms of popularity. The German auto brand captured buyers’ attention in the pre-owned non-luxury car market in the UAE mainly due to its affordable electric car series, ID. packed with state-of-the-art technology. Alongside its electric car, Volkswagen offers an impressive lineup of small and midsize cars packed with the latest safety and infotainment systems.
Ford, one of the big three American automotive manufacturers, has given tough competition to the top three contenders in the non-luxury pre-owned vehicle segment. The American auto brand has gained popularity for its powerful pony car, Mustang, and long-running lineup of light-duty pickup trucks.
Hyundai has secured fifth place on the list of popular non-luxury pre-owned car makes in the UAE. The South Korean auto manufacturer is known mainly for its affordable sedans and crossovers. Hyundai is followed by Honda, another Japanese make. Honda has maintained widespread popularity by providing decent value for money to Honda owners. Despite being budget-friendly, Honda cars come equipped with a full suite of safety features, a comfortable interior and a brilliant infotainment system.
Mitsubishi has also made it to the list of the most sought-after auto brands in the pre-owned car segment in the UAE. It stayed on the list with its ever-popular models like Pajero and Lancer. Chevrolet follows Mitsubishi with a high demand for its mid-size sedans and powerful pickup trucks.
Next on the top ten list of popular non-luxury pre-owned cars in the UAE are Kia and Suzuki. While Kia impresses with its fuel-efficient sedans and crossovers, Suzuki is known as a practical option for those looking for lightweight SUVs and hatchbacks.
MOST POPULAR PRE-OWNED MODELS FOR TOP NON-LUXURY MAKES IN 2022
Non-luxury car brands are highly sought after due to their prices and feature equilibrium. These auto brands bring reliable yet budget-friendly cars to their consumers. Aside from affordable prices and better fuel economy, most of the popular models in the non-luxury segment are easy and affordable to maintain.
Here are the top three models by the top three makes of 2022 in the UAE pre-owned car market.
Ranking first in the list of top auto makes, Toyota is known for its diverse lineup ranging from large SUVs to compact sedans. Camry, Corolla and RAV 4 are the most popular used non-luxury cars by Toyota. The sedans, Camry and Corolla, feature a compact interior with Toyota Safety Sense. Meanwhile, the RAV 4 provides extraordinary offroading capabilities with its four-wheel drive. Furthermore, the availability of hybrid trims has become a reason behind the popularity of these car models.
Nissan is next on the list with its Altima, Sunny and Pathfinder leading the list of its popular pre-owned models in 2022. Altima and Sunny boast a compact sedan body with driver-centric features. Meanwhile, Nissan Pathfinder boasts a powerful performance alongside decent fuel economy. Although Nissan skipped the Pathfinder’s 2021 model, the SUV models prior to 2021 have still managed to hold their position mainly due to their popularity among dune lovers in the UAE.
Volkswagen has seen a rise in its popularity due to its ID series. Alongside Tiguan and Passat, the electric car ID.4 has played a significant role in the popularity of this German auto brand. Tiguan, the SUV, has been famous for its responsive handling and comfortable ride, whereas Passat has been among the top-selling midsize sedans by VW. ID.4 has seen a rise in popularity due to a surge in fuel prices and it is the only EV model in the list of popular used non-luxury cars.
Ford is fourth on the list of the top makes with its evergreen Mustang model. Alongside, Ford Explorer and Pickup models have added to the brand’s popularity. Following the American car manufacturer, Hyundai is next on the list with its fuel-efficient sedans and SUVs, Sonata, Tucson and Elantra. While Sonata features a hybrid trim, the other two Hyundai models also provide excellent fuel economy.
Accord, Civic and CR-V models have made Honda popular among the pre-owned non-luxury car brands in the UAE. Civic history marked its 50th year of quality, reliability and excellence in 2022. Meanwhile, Accord boasts assistive technology that qualifies it as a top sedan among the used Hondas in the UAE. Alongside, CR-V offers a decent exterior design with exquisite road performance.
NON-LUXURY PRE-OWNED CAR MODELS BY BODY TYPE
The trends have represented the domination of SUV and sedan car body types in the automobile market. SUVs are popular due to their off-roading performance, better handling and seating capacity. Meanwhile, sedans have always been people’s choice for fuel efficiency and comparatively affordable prices than SUVs.
The following section will provide detailed insight into the average prices of top SUVs and sedans in the non-luxury pre-owned car market in 2022.
MOST POPULAR PRE-OWNED SUVS WITH AVERAGE PRICE IN 2022
SUVs have gained immense popularity owing to off-roading activities in the UAE. Ample seating capacity and cargo space, high ground clearance, powerful powertrains, and sporty exteriors have increased the popularity of SUVs in the last few decades. Here are some of the most popular pre-owned SUVs in 2022.
Ford Explorer is in the lead as the most popular used non-luxury SUV. The latest Explorer model boasts a powerful 3.0-litre EcoBoost engine and an intelligent 4WD system with terrain management. In 2022, the average prices of the Ford Explorer are AED 97,400 and AED 209,900 for the 2018 and 2022 models, respectively.
The second-ranking SUV, Mitsubishi Pajero, has a comfortable and ergonomic interior design. Besides, the latest Pajero models feature 3.5 and 3.8-litre V6 engines paired with 5-speed automatic transmission. Equipped with safety features such as stability and traction control, Pajero provides excellent off-road and on-road performance. In 2022, the average prices of Mitsubishi Pajero ranged from AED 73,000 to AED 98,600 for its 2018 to 2020 models.
Taking over Prado as the third most preferred SUV model, Toyota RAV 4 has gained eminent popularity in 2022. The latest RAV 4 models boast a 2.5-litre engine paired with 8-speed automatic transmission. Excellent fuel economy of 14.9 kilometres per litre has been one of the factors behind its popularity in this time of high fuel costs. During 2022, the average prices of the Toyota RAV 4 range from AED 67,700 to AED 124,100 for its 2018 and 2022 models, respectively.
Toyota Prado has secured the fourth position among the most popular pre-owned SUVs. The latest Prado model features a 4.0-litre V6 engine generating 271 hp. Additionally, it comes with a differential lock classifying it for even better off-road performance. Its comfortable and sophisticated interior and athletic body have always attracted off-road enthusiasts, with the average prices ranging between AED 135,400 to 155,800 for its 2018 to 2020 models.
Following the Prado model, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage rank fifth and sixth, respectively in 2022. Powered by the Smartstream 2.0-litre engine producing 154 hp and Smartstream 1.6-litre turbocharged engine generating 178 hp, the latest Kia Sportage and Tucson models provide an enhanced urban commuting experience with the same engine capabilities.
The average prices of Tucson’s 2018 to 2022 models range between AED 55,900 and AED 97,900. Meanwhile, Sportage’s average prices vary from AED 62,100 to AED 81,300 for its 2018 to 2022 models.
Jeep Wrangler has secured the seventh rank among the most popular pre-owned non-luxury SUVs. Wrangler has provided a powerful off-road performance with its 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine in the latest model. Used Jeep Wranglers in the UAE are still available at affordable costs in 2022, with average prices ranging from AED 120,500 to AED 198,900 for 2018 to 2022 models.
Although the 2021 Nissan Pathfinder model didn’t launch, and the 2022 model made its way recently, it has still maintained its position in the non-luxury pre-owned SUVs. That said, the average prices of this popularly used SUV range between AED 79,900 and AED 102,400 for the 2018 and 2020 models, respectively, in 2022.
Furthermore, Toyota Fortuner and Hyundai Santa Fe have made it to the most popular affordable SUVs list. During 2022, Fortuner’s average prices for 2018 to 2022 models have ranged from AED 100,800 to AED 128,900, whereas Hyundai Santa Fe has an average price of AED 54,800 and AED 125,300 for 2018 and 2022 models, respectively.
MOST POPULAR NON-LUXURY PRE-OWNED SEDANS WITH AVERAGE PRICE IN 2022
Easy maintenance, better fuel economy, decent safety features, and parts availability have contributed to the sedan’s popularity. Here are the most popular pre-owned non-luxury sedans and the average prices of their pre-owned cars for model years 2018 – 2022 in 2022 in the UAE.
Nissan Altima tops the most affordable used sedan models in the UAE. Equipped with 2.0 and 2.5-litre turbo engines and Nissan ProPilot technology, the latest Altima models offer intelligent mobility to the drivers. In 2022, the average prices of the Nissan Altima range between AED 42,700 and AED 96,900 for the 2018 and 2022 models, respectively.
Next on the list is Toyota Camry, which boasts 2.5 and 3.5-litre V6 engines. Alongside, Camry hybrid car model adds to the popularity of this sedan in the affordable pre-owned car market. During 2022, used Camry in the UAE has average prices ranging from AED 69,300 to AED 124,500 for the 2018 to 2022 models.
Following the Camry, Toyota Corolla ranks third as the most popular affordable sedan in the pre-owned car market. Better fuel efficiency, excellent ride quality and a hybrid version have contributed to the sedan’s third rank. A lower and wider body style with a sleek exterior and spacious interior embarks its strong design heritage. Toyota Corolla’s average prices in 2022 vary from AED 48,000 for the 2018 model and AED 77,300 for the 2022 sedan model.
As strong competitors of Camry and Corolla, the Honda Accord and Civic rank fourth and fifth on the list of non-luxury pre-owned sedans in the UAE. Accord features a sportier appearance and boasts 1.5 and 2.0-litre engines providing a powerful road performance. Meanwhile, the latest Honda Civic model features a 1.5-litre VTEC turbo engine providing a sporty performance. Honda Accord has an average price of AED 77,200 and AED 89,500 for the 2018 and 2022 models, respectively, whereas the Civic’s average price in 2022 ranges between AED 53,000 and AED 77,300 for the 2018 to 2022 models.
Dodge Charger ranks seventh among the most popular pre-owned non-luxury car models. Known for its muscle car features and Hemi V8 engines, Charger has a prodigious fanbase in the drag racing communities. In 2022, the sedan’s average price for the 2018 model is AED 71,100 and AED 129,900 for the 2021 model.
Next on the list is Hyundai Sonata with an average price ranging from AED 42,000 to AED 95,900 for its 2018 to 2022 models. The latest model of Sonata offers a dynamic road performance with a 2.5-litre engine and Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS).
Following Hyundai Sonata, Nissan Sunny has secured the eighth position in the pre-owned non-luxury sedans category. In 2022, the compact sedan’s average price ranges between AED 26,400 and AED 44,800 for the 2018 to 2022 models. Additionally, the sedan provides modern safety and connectivity features.
Followed by Nissan Sentra, Hyundai Elantra is another popular and affordable used sedan. The latest Elantra model features a roomy cabin with innovative technology and systems. The average price of the 2018 Elantra model is AED 35,600, whereas it is AED 68,700 for the 2022 model. Last but not least, Nissan Sentra ranks tenth on the list. In 2022, it has an average price ranging from AED 33,300 to AED 59,000 for the 2018 to 2022 models.
CONCLUDING REMARKS
Following the increase in fuel prices, there has been an increase in interest in budget-friendly economy vehicles among used car buyers. There has been a significant shift towards general interest in cars that do not fully depend on conventional fuel. Due to the higher prices of brand-new hybrids and EVs, many users explored the options in the used car market.
Compared to the 2021 annual non-luxury used car market report, several pre-owned car models have seen a rise in prices in 2022 mainly due to inflation and demand. Besides, Volkswagen ID.4 became the only electric car model to feature in the list of popular pre-owned car models as 2022 witnessed fluctuation in fuel prices.
The availability of online platforms, such as dubizzle, for buying pre-owned cars has played an important role in establishing trust between pre-owned car sellers and buyers. Moreover, the latest used car models have similar features to the newer ones making them a viable option for buyers. Overall, non-luxury pre-owned cars in the UAE have provided better value for money to people looking to buy a car amid the current economic circumstances.
The following points summarise the non-luxury pre-owned cars annual market report for 2022:
- Japanese auto brands, such as Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Mitsubishi, and Suzuki, have ruled the non-luxury pre-owned car segment in the UAE.
- Volkswagen, the German automaker, has seen a rise in popularity due to its ID series, offering feature-laden EVs.
- American car brands, including Ford and Chevrolet, have secured a prominent rank in the affordable pre-owned cars segment.
- Altima, Camry, Corolla, and Accord continued to rule the affordable pre-owned sedan market with their features in equilibrium with prices.
- While Explorer and Pajero continued to dominate the affordable SUV segment, RAV4 got past Prado from last year due to its hybrid trim.
Haider Ali Khan, the CEO of Bayut & dubizzle and the Head of EMPG MENA shared his views on the UAE’s pre-owned car market in 2022 and said:
“Being pioneers and leaders in UAE’s pre-owned car market, our team at dubizzle Cars was able to successfully anticipate the higher demand this year, helping us to launch a lot of timely initiatives to cater to the higher influx of buyers and sellers. With the introduction of auctions, a specialized lead management platform, and digitized sign-ups, we’ve been able to bring in a lot of technological advancements for our clients.
One of the milestones we are incredibly proud of was the launch of ‘The dubizzle Cars hub’, our on-field facility where our team provides professional assistance and exclusive services like on-the-spot inspection, high-resolution car photography and auto insurance. We are also looking at other ways to make the car registration process easier for our consumers and will be sharing some updates with everyone fairly soon.
dubizzle Cars already enjoys the market leader status for car buying and selling, but our ongoing commitment includes our strategy to keep on improving the interaction between buyers, sellers, and dealers to make it as smooth as possible.
2022 has been another year of growth for the pre-owned cars sector in the UAE, and we don’t see this trend slowing down anytime soon!”
Disclaimer: The above report consists of data from the listings on dubizzle. It does not represent actual car transactions in the UAE. The average prices (AED) are for pre-owned models from 2018 to 2022. The non-luxury pre-owned models in the report have been identified based on advertised prices. These prices don’t reflect the auto brand’s quality.
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