The last year has become a real test for car enthusiasts: car prices are breaking records, and growth graphs resemble mountain peaks. If in 2022 the rise in price was attributed to the pandemic and logistics failures, then in 2026 the situation was complicated by new factors - from geopolitics to technological revolutions. In this article we will look at how much have prices increased? for new and used cars, which models have risen in price more than others, and what the market expects in the coming months.
According to data Association of European Businesses (AEB), the average cost of a new passenger car in Russia increased by 28-35% from early 2023 to mid-2026. But the figures vary depending on the class: budget models have risen in price less (15-20%), and the premium segment - up to 40%. At the same time, used cars in some categories have jumped in price even more, especially when it comes to rare trim levels or cars with mileage up to 50 thousand km.
What was the trigger for such a jump? And most importantly, is it worth waiting for prices to drop or is it time to buy? "before it gets even more expensive"? The answers are below.
Price comparison: 2023 vs 2026 by car class
To understand the scale of the price increase, let’s compare the average prices for popular models at the beginning of 2023 and mid-2026. The data is based on an analysis of offers from dealers and sites like Avto.ru and Drome:
| Class/Model | Price in 2023 (₽) | Price 2026 (₽) | Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget (Lada Granta) | 850 000 | 1 020 000 | +20% |
| Middle class (Kia Rio) | 1 400 000 | 1 850 000 | +32% |
| Crossovers (Hyundai Creta) | 1 900 000 | 2 500 000 | +31% |
| Premium (Audi A4) | 4 200 000 | 5 800 000 | +38% |
| Electric cars (Tesla Model 3) | 3 500 000 | 4 900 000 | +40% |
As can be seen from the table, prices increased the most electric cars and premium models. This is due to the rising cost of batteries (lithium has risen in price by 18% over the year) and a shortage of chips for smart systems. But Lada and other domestic brands showed minimal growth - they were saved by local production and government subsidies.
Interesting fact: some models are on the secondary market more expensive than new ones. For example, 2021 Toyota RAV4 in good configuration in 2023 it cost ~2.1 million rubles, and now its price reaches 2.8 million rubles (+33%). This is due to a reduction in imports of new foreign cars and an increase in demand for reliable used cars.
5 key reasons for the rise in car prices in 2026
Car prices don't just go up. Behind each percentage increase are specific economic and political factors. Here are the main ones:
- 🔋 Rising cost of raw materials: Aluminum rose in price by 22%, steel by 15%, and copper (used in electrical wiring) by 18%. Manufacturers have to pass on these costs to buyers.
- 🚢 Logistics problems: Sanctions and container disruptions have increased the cost of delivering cars from Asia and Europe by 30-40%. For example, delivery Toyota from Japan now costs dealers 200-300 thousand rubles more.
- 💻 Microchip shortage: The semiconductor shortage that began in 2020 has still not been resolved. Automakers are forced to simplify configurations or raise prices.
- 💰 Exchange rate: The weakening of the ruble by 12% since the beginning of 2026 automatically raised prices for imported cars and spare parts.
- 🔌 Transition to green technologies: The European Union is tightening environmental standards, and manufacturers have to invest in the development of hybrids and electric cars, which affects costs.
Another hidden factor - reduction of discounts. If earlier dealers could offer bonuses of up to 100-150 thousand rubles for a trade-in or loan, now the maximum discount rarely exceeds 50 thousand rubles. This indirectly increases the final price for the buyer.
⚠️ Attention: If you are planning a purchase on credit, please note that car loan rates have increased from 8-10% to 12-15% per annum. This means that the real overpayment for a car could increase by 20-30% compared to 2023.
Which models have risen in price the most?
Not all cars have risen in price at the same rate. For example, Chinese brands (like Changan or Geely) showed a minimal increase in prices - only 8-12%, thanks to the localization of production in Russia. But Japanese and European brands jumped in price by 30-45%. The leaders of the anti-rating were:
- 🚗 Toyota Camry — +42% (from 2.8 to 3.95 million rubles)
- 🚙 Volkswagen Tiguan — +38% (from 2.5 to 3.45 million rubles)
- ⚡ BMW i4 — +45% (from 5.2 to 7.5 million rubles)
- 🛻 Ford Ranger — +35% (from 3.1 to 4.2 million rubles)
They stand apart electric cars. For example, Tesla Model Y in the basic configuration in 2023 it cost 3.8 million rubles, and now its price starts from 5.1 million rubles (+34%). The reason is the rising cost of lithium-ion batteries and logistics costs.
Why are Chinese cars getting cheaper?
Chinese manufacturers are actively localizing production in Russia, which allows them to avoid import duties and logistics costs. In addition, they use cheaper components (for example, batteries of their own production instead of Korean or Japanese ones).
But domestic models (Lada Vesta, Moskvitch 3) have risen in price less - by 10-15%. This is due to state support and the fact that they were initially designed for the domestic market without dependence on imports.
How to save money when buying a car in 2026?
Even with rising prices, there are ways to cut costs. Here are proven strategies:
- Buying a used one with mileage up to 100 thousand km. Cars produced in 2020-2022 are now sold 15-20% cheaper than their new counterparts, but are still under warranty.
- Trade-in from official dealers. Some showrooms offer bonus programs where you can get a discount of up to 100 thousand rubles for a returned old car.
- Purchase at the end of the quarter. Dealers often lower prices to meet sales targets. The best time is March, June, September.
- Applying for a loan through partner banks. Some banks (for example, SberBank or VTB) offer preferential rates for certain models.
☑️ Checklist before buying a used car
If you are considering new car, pay attention to models with a minimum set of options. For example, Kia Rio in the basic configuration "Classic" is 200-250 thousand rubles cheaper than the top-end "Luxe", although in essence it differs only in multimedia and finishing materials.
⚠️ Attention: Be careful when purchasing cars imported from Kazakhstan or Belarus “in circumvention of sanctions.” Such cars may have problems with title, warranty or customs clearance. Check documents through the service GIBDD.RF.
Forecasts for 2026: what awaits the market?
Experts disagree on future price dynamics. Optimists (for example, analysts Autostat) believe that by the end of 2026 - beginning of 2026, growth will slow down to 5-10% per year due to:
- 🏭 Stabilization of supply chains (new logistics routes from China and India).
- 📉 A possible reduction in the Central Bank’s key rate, which will reduce the cost of loans.
- 🚗 Increased supply in the secondary market (many postponed sales due to instability).
However, pessimists (like specialists RBC) warn about new risk factors:
- 🛢️ Possible increase in fuel prices (gasoline may rise in price by 5-7% by summer 2026).
- 🔌 Tightening of economic regulations in Europe, which will increase the cost of new models.
- 💥 Geopolitical instability, which could hit logistics again.
The most likely scenario is stagnation of prices at the level of 2026 with a possible slight decrease (3-7%) for individual models by the end of 2026. But you shouldn’t count on a return to 2022-2023 prices.
If you are planning a purchase in the next 1-2 years, then it is more profitable to buy a car now - a further increase in prices is unlikely, but you should not expect a decrease.
Alternative options: car sharing, leasing, subscription
If buying a car seems too expensive, consider alternative transportation options:
- 🚗 Car sharing (for example, Delimobil or BelkaCar) - suitable for city trips. Average cost: 8-12 ₽/min + 200 ₽/hour.
- 📝 Leasing — allows you to “rent” a car with the right to buy it. The monthly payment is 15-20% lower than on a loan.
- 🔄 Car subscription (for example, at Volvo or Mercedes) - a fixed fee for using a car without the obligation to purchase.
Example: leasing Kia Rio for 3 years it will cost ~25 thousand ₽/month (including redemption), while a loan for the same car will require monthly payments of 35 thousand ₽.
However, each option has pitfalls:
- Car sharing is beneficial only for rare use (up to 500 km/month).
- Leasing often includes mileage restrictions (15-20 thousand km/year).
- A subscription may be more expensive than a purchase if you use the machine for a long time.
What to do if the car has already been purchased: how to protect yourself from depreciation?
If you recently purchased a car and are worried that it will quickly lose value, follow these tips:
- Keep track of your mileage. A car with a mileage of up to 15 thousand km/year depreciates more slowly.
- Save all documents (receipts, service book) - this increases the resale value.
- Avoid tuning. Custom wheels or repainting can reduce the price by 10-15%.
- Update your PTS regularly. If the document indicates the old owner, this arouses suspicion among buyers.
The average loss in value of a new car in the first year is 20-25%. But if the car is a rare configuration or a popular model (for example, Toyota RAV4 Hybrid), then the depreciation may be less - 10-15%.
If you plan to sell in 1-2 years, choose cars with high demand on the secondary market: Skoda Octavia, Hyundai Solaris, Toyota Camry.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about rising car prices
Why are used cars sometimes more expensive than new ones?
This is due to the shortage of specific models on the market. For example, if new Toyota Land Cruiser 200 stopped officially importing, then used copies in good condition become a rarity, and their price rises. The cost is also affected by mileage: a car with 30 thousand km can cost almost like new, but without the risks of “breaking in”.
When is it better to buy a car: winter or summer?
Statistics show that in winter (December-February) prices for used cars are 5-10% lower due to decreased demand. But new cars are getting cheaper at the end of the quarter (March, June, September) when dealers strive to meet sales targets. Summer is the worst period to buy due to high demand.
Is it worth taking out a car loan in 2026?
It depends on your financial situation. If you have the opportunity to pay 30-50% of the cost of the car and take out a loan for 2-3 years, then the overpayment will be minimal. However, if you take out a loan for 5-7 years, then the total amount may exceed the market value of the car in just 2 years. An alternative is leasing with the right to buy.
Which cars lose their value the least?
According to Autostat, minimal depreciation is shown by:
- Toyota Land Cruiser 200 (loss over 3 years: ~15%)
- Lexus RX (loss: ~18%)
- Skoda Kodiaq (loss: ~20%)
- Hyundai Santa Fe (loss: ~22%)
Worst prices for safety - domestic models (loss of up to 40% in 3 years) and Chinese electric cars (due to rapid obsolescence of batteries).
Is it possible to return a car if its price has increased significantly after purchase?
According to the law "On the Protection of Consumer Rights" you can return the car within 15 days after purchase, if it has not been used and is in presentation condition. However, if the car is already registered with the traffic police, it is almost impossible to return it. An exception is if the dealer hid the defects (then you can demand termination of the contract through the court).