December 2025 Used Car Market Report
December 2025 Used Car Market Report: Year-End Pricing Surge Defies Expectations
Canada's used car market closed out 2025 with a surprising reversal. After months of declining prices, December saw a significant 11.2% increase in average pricing to $47,317, accompanied by fresher inventory as average odometer readings dropped nearly 10%. This comprehensive analysis of 154,284 listings reveals a market that defied traditional year-end clearance expectations.
The simultaneous price increase and odometer decrease suggests dealers strategically introduced newer, lower-mileage inventory to close out the year, rather than aggressively discounting aged stock as in November.
Executive Summary
Key December 2025 Findings:
- National Average Price: $47,317 (up 11.2% from November's $42,553)
- Median Price: $39,885 (up 8.7% from November's $36,695)
- Total December Listings: 154,284 new active listings
- Average Odometer: 49,193 km (down 9.5% from November's 54,374 km)
- Market Leaders: Ford F-150 (4,755 listings), GMC Sierra (3,586), Chevrolet Silverado (3,049)
December vs November
$47,317
Avg Price
$47,317
Median
$39,885
Listings
154,284
Avg Mileage
49,193 km
December marked a dramatic shift from the year's pricing trajectory. Rather than continuing November's aggressive clearance pattern, dealers introduced fresher inventory to the market, pushing prices higher. The 9.5% decrease in average odometer readings (from 54,374 km to 49,193 km) indicates a fundamental shift in inventory composition.
National Market Overview
Monthly Pricing Context
December's price surge interrupts what had been a consistent downward trend since September:
| Month | Average Price | Median Price | MoM Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 2025 | $47,426 | $40,747 | - |
| October 2025 | $45,493 | $38,994 | -4.1% |
| November 2025 | $42,553 | $36,695 | -6.5% |
| December 2025 | $47,317 | $39,885 | +11.2% |
Analysis: The December reversal appears driven by inventory refresh rather than demand surge. Dealers who cleared aged stock in November introduced newer vehicles in December, naturally lifting average prices. This pattern suggests strategic inventory management ahead of 2026 rather than market demand recovery.
For detailed October market analysis, see our October 2025 Used Car Market Report. For November's decline trajectory, reference our November 2025 Used Car Market Report.
Market Composition
By Body Style
Market breakdown by vehicle type
December Body Style Trends:
- SUV dominance continues at 53.9% market share with $45,993 average price
- Pickup trucks hold 17.8% at $65,967 average—premium segment remains strong
- Sedans represent 12.4% at $32,519—entry-level opportunity persists
- Hatchbacks at $28,374 average offer the best value proposition
By Fuel Type
December 2025 powertrain distribution
Total
154,284
Hybrid/EV
10.8%
Avg Gas Price
$43k
Fuel Type Analysis:
- Gasoline maintains 60.8% dominance at $43,238 average
- Hybrid vehicles command 7.8% share with $54,329 average—electrification premium holding steady
- Electric at 3.0% share with $60,326 average—EV depreciation continues but stabilizing
- Diesel commands highest average at $88,388—commercial vehicle premium
Provincial Market Breakdown
Regional Pricing Analysis
| Province | Listings | Avg Price | Avg Odometer | Market Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | 67,232 | $48,018 | 46,699 km | 43.6% |
| Quebec | 25,430 | $39,802 | 45,024 km | 16.5% |
| Alberta | 21,733 | $52,171 | 48,256 km | 14.1% |
| British Columbia | 21,255 | $51,912 | 43,136 km | 13.8% |
| Saskatchewan | 5,764 | $48,415 | 57,676 km | 3.7% |
| Nova Scotia | 4,545 | $37,401 | 57,953 km | 2.9% |
| Manitoba | 3,220 | $47,229 | 168,440 km | 2.1% |
| New Brunswick | 2,397 | $38,193 | 47,845 km | 1.6% |
| Newfoundland | 1,956 | $51,719 | 24,747 km | 1.3% |
| PEI | 375 | $35,089 | 36,554 km | 0.2% |
Average pricing by province compared to national average
Regional Insights
Ontario commands 43.6% market share with 67,232 listings averaging $48,018. The province's prices rebounded significantly from November, reflecting the national trend of fresh inventory introduction. Browse inventory in Toronto, Ottawa, or Mississauga.
Quebec offers the best major-market value at $39,802 average—16% below national average. With 25,430 listings and low 45,024 km average odometer, Quebec presents exceptional opportunity for value-conscious buyers.
Alberta and British Columbia maintain premium pricing at $52,171 and $51,912 respectively, both approximately 10% above national average. Western provinces continue commanding premiums for pickup trucks and SUVs.
Atlantic Canada (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI) remains value leader with averages 19-26% below national pricing, though inventory selection is more limited.
Newfoundland shows an unusual pattern: highest Atlantic pricing ($51,719) but lowest average odometer (24,747 km), indicating geographic isolation supports premium pricing for low-mileage units.
Top 20 Models by Inventory Volume
| Rank | Make | Model | Listings | Avg Price | Avg Odometer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ford | F-150 | 4,755 | $63,055 | 70,019 km |
| 2 | GMC | Sierra 1500 | 3,586 | $72,199 | 44,241 km |
| 3 | Chevrolet | Silverado 1500 | 3,049 | $65,363 | 47,162 km |
| 4 | Nissan | Rogue | 2,574 | $37,787 | 45,036 km |
| 5 | Ford | Escape | 2,493 | $30,727 | 55,378 km |
| 6 | Honda | CR-V | 2,340 | $32,538 | 82,412 km |
| 7 | Hyundai | Elantra | 2,250 | $22,210 | 48,486 km |
| 8 | Volkswagen | Tiguan | 2,227 | $35,584 | 44,276 km |
| 9 | Mazda | CX-5 | 2,205 | $40,094 | 50,129 km |
| 10 | Toyota | RAV4 | 2,120 | $33,404 | 63,308 km |
| 11 | Ram | 1500 | 2,058 | $56,742 | 90,672 km |
| 12 | Hyundai | Tucson | 2,034 | $30,003 | 50,361 km |
| 13 | Nissan | Kicks | 1,875 | $37,202 | 21,246 km |
| 14 | Kia | Sportage | 1,807 | $37,416 | 30,241 km |
| 15 | Ford | Bronco Sport | 1,724 | $41,284 | 17,742 km |
| 16 | Subaru | Crosstrek | 1,665 | $33,473 | 24,926 km |
| 17 | Volkswagen | Taos | 1,660 | $38,760 | 16,029 km |
| 18 | Jeep | Compass | 1,645 | $37,892 | 23,678 km |
| 19 | Hyundai | Kona | 1,584 | $28,130 | 40,230 km |
| 20 | Honda | CR-V Hybrid | 1,501 | $50,153 | 7,369 km |
December 2025 market share leaders
Model Analysis
Full-Size Truck Dominance: Ford F-150, GMC Sierra, Chevrolet Silverado, and Ram 1500 collectively represent 13,448 listings (8.7% of market). Average truck pricing ranges from $56,742 (Ram) to $72,199 (GMC Sierra), reflecting trim-level distribution differences.
Compact SUV Sweet Spot: The $30,000-$40,000 range offers exceptional variety—Nissan Rogue ($37,787), Ford Escape ($30,727), Honda CR-V ($32,538), Toyota RAV4 ($33,404), Hyundai Tucson ($30,003). This segment provides optimal balance of utility, efficiency, and value.
Fresh Inventory Indicators: Models with sub-25,000 km average odometers include Nissan Kicks (21,246 km), Ford Bronco Sport (17,742 km), Volkswagen Taos (16,029 km), and Honda CR-V Hybrid (7,369 km)—evidence of recent-model-year inventory influx.
Value Leaders: Hyundai Elantra at $22,210 average represents the most affordable high-volume option. Explore Hyundai Elantra listings or check our Best Honda Civic Years guide for comparable alternatives.
Electric Vehicle Market
EV inventory leaders and average pricing
EV Market Highlights:
- Chevrolet Equinox EV leads with 561 listings at $55,479 average—GM's EV push showing inventory results
- Ford Mustang Mach-E maintains strong presence (557 listings, $54,209)
- Tesla Model 3 offers value at $29,393 average, though higher mileage (86,491 km average) reflects depreciation
- F-150 Lightning commands premium at $78,544—electric truck category remains expensive
- EV share at 3.0% shows continued adoption, though still niche
Price Distribution Analysis
Inventory breakdown by price segment
Price Segment Analysis:
- Under $35,000: 39.8% of market (down from November's 51.4%), reflecting upward price shift
- $35k-$50k: 25.4% represents largest single segment—mass-market sweet spot
- $50k-$75k: 21.4% reflects SUV and truck pricing concentration
- $100k+: 4.5% premium/luxury segment holding steady
The rightward shift in price distribution compared to November reflects the introduction of newer, lower-mileage inventory rather than demand-driven price increases.
Market Outlook
January 2026 Expectations
Post-Holiday Inventory Adjustment: January typically sees 10-15% inventory expansion as dealers restock after holiday closures. Expect broader selection but relatively stable pricing.
Tax Season Demand: Late January through March brings tax refund-driven demand, particularly for vehicles under $25,000. Budget segment may see modest price firming.
2026 Model Year Transition: Dealers will continue balancing new 2026 inventory against 2024-2025 used stock. Watch for clearance opportunities on older units.
Strategic Recommendations
For Buyers:
- Value opportunity: Quebec offers 16% discount versus national average with comparable inventory quality
- EV consideration: Tesla Model 3 at $29,393 average represents compelling value if range/charging infrastructure suits your needs
- Sedan strategy: With focus on SUVs, sedans remain undervalued—Hyundai Elantra at $22,210 offers exceptional transportation value
- Timing: Early January typically offers stable pricing before tax-season demand kicks in
For Sellers:
- Price confidence: December's market strength suggests no rush to undercut pricing
- Low-mileage premium: Fresh inventory's success indicates buyers will pay for lower odometer readings
- Truck market: Full-size trucks maintain pricing power—no aggressive discounting necessary
How Cardog Provides Market Intelligence
Navigating December's unexpected price dynamics requires real-time market context. While traditional year-end clearance assumptions proved wrong this month, Cardog's AI-powered platform continuously analyzes over 900,000 active listings to identify whether specific vehicles represent fair value or outlier pricing.
The platform tracks granular market movements—when Honda CR-V averages $32,538 with 82,412 km while CR-V Hybrid averages $50,153 with just 7,369 km, understanding these distinctions matters. Cardog surfaces these insights automatically, alerting users when listings price below market or when newly listed inventory creates fresh opportunities.
Whether you're comparing CarGurus vs AutoTrader vs Clutch or searching specific models, Cardog provides comprehensive market intelligence. Explore live market data to see real-time pricing across popular models like the Ford F-150, Toyota RAV4, and Honda CR-V.