6 Affordable Cars That Will Be Even Cheaper in 2026

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Wholesale data from the Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index shows used car prices have been easing in 2025 after the record highs seen earlier in the decade.

As supply improves and depreciation patterns return to normal, several already-affordable models are positioned to get even cheaper in 2026, especially compact sedans and early electric vehicles (EVs).

Gas-Powered Cars Likely To Drop

Several gas-powered models below have characteristics that can contribute to softer used-car prices, including higher late-model supply, strong fleet turnover and faster early-year depreciation patterns. These factors often create more price flexibility as more vehicles enter the market.

Honda Civic

According to iSeeCars, the Honda Civic has a 5-year depreciation rate of 27.9%, one of the lower rates in the compact-car segment.

The reason for this is that Civics are among the highest-volume compact cars sold in the U.S., more used models return to the market each year, and spare parts are plentiful. Combine that with a nearly unkillable engine, and that steady supply often leads to competitive pricing, especially as depreciation patterns normalize across the used-car market.

Toyota Corolla

The Corolla is a staple in rental and fleet channels, which contributes to a predictable flow of used inventory. According to iSeeCars, the Corolla has a 5-year depreciation rate of 31.3%, higher than the Civic but typical for compact sedans.

When rental vehicles cycle out, they enter the used market in large batches, increasing supply and putting downward pressure on resale values during periods of cooling demand.

Hyundai Elantra

According to iSeeCars, the Hyundai Elantra has a 5-year depreciation rate of 40.6%, significantly steeper than the Civic or Corolla.

Compact sedans with historically faster depreciation tend to reach lower resale values sooner when the used-car market cools. That pattern makes late-model Elantras among the more budget-friendly options as pricing normalizes.

3 EVs With Documented Value Drops

EVs are facing steeper price pressure than gas cars as technology changes quickly and incentives shift. As Rob Delisa, Founder & Automotive Analyst at CarLeaseTips.com, puts it, “The biggest price drops in 2026 will likely come from EVs and plug-in hybrids. Once the federal EV tax credits expired, demand softened almost overnight.”

He added, “EVs already depreciate faster than gas cars due to rapid tech turnover, but losing the $7,500 new-EV incentive (and the $4,000 used-EV incentive) removed the main pricing cushion keeping values stable. Combine that with a massive wave of EV lease returns hitting the market in 2026, and you have oversupply plus weaker demand — a perfect recipe for falling prices.”

Below are three models that already show steep resale declines, backed by current data.

Tesla Model 3

The Model 3 has become a popular used EV in the U.S., and rising supply is putting downward pressure on resale values. According to Caredge, a Model 3 loses about 61% of its value over five years under average usage.

Earlier versions (particularly 2018 to 2021 models) with shorter ranges or older battery technology tend to see the fastest price drops as newer versions enter the market with longer range and updated features.

Volkswagen ID.4

The ID.4 has shown sharper-than-average value drops compared with other new SUVs. According to Kelley Blue Book, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 has depreciated about 30%, based on its current resale values.

KBB said that depreciation varies with mileage and condition, but a decline of that size places the ID.4 among the faster-depreciating models in its class, a sign that used prices may continue softening as more of these vehicles hit the market. KBB also names the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 as “the top 10% for depreciation among all 2023 SUVs.”

Nissan Leaf

According to iSeeCars data, the Nissan Leaf regularly ranks among the fastest-depreciating EVs, with a 5-year depreciation rate exceeding 64% in some trims.

Shorter range and older battery tech play major roles, and increased used supply pushes prices down further.

Buyer Tips for 2026

Gas models often offer the best value at 3 to 5 years old, when depreciation slows but reliability stays strong. For EVs, battery-health reports and charging history matter more than mileage. As inventory builds, comparing listings across multiple dealers can help buyers capture the best pricing.

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