Used Car Market 2025: Prices Rise, Toyota & Trucks Dominate Searches in Chile

Chile’s used car market demonstrated resilience and a clear shift in consumer behavior in 2025, closing the year with a 5% increase in average prices and over 142 million searches on the Chileautos platform, according to a recent report. The data signals a growing trend of informed decision-making as Chilean consumers navigate rising costs for new vehicles.

The average price of a used vehicle rose from 17,527,519 Chilean pesos in 2024 to 18,396,548 pesos in 2025. This increase isn’t indicative of a surging market, but rather a consequence of moderate inflation, exchange rate fluctuations, and the escalating price of new cars, according to Inés Guitarte, CEO of Chileautos.

Pickups Drive Purchase Intent, SUVs Remain Popular in Searches

While Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) continue to dominate search interest, accounting for 40% of all queries, pickup trucks are increasingly driving purchase intent. Six of the ten most searched-for models are pickups, led by the Ford F-150, Toyota Hilux, and Chevrolet Silverado. Guitarte explained that pickups “combine versatility, status, and capacity, making them a choice that appeals across different segments.” She added that in challenging economic times, buyers prioritize vehicles that can serve multiple purposes, and pickups fit that need.

The shift towards pickups reflects a broader trend of prioritizing practicality. The report highlights that used hatchbacks and sedans experienced price increases of around 5% and 3% respectively, while SUVs saw a slight price decrease, likely due to increased availability relative to demand.

This price dynamic suggests a recalibration of the market, where consumers are seeking value and functionality. The increasing cost of new vehicles – a new Toyota Corolla now starts at $27,990,000 pesos and a Toyota Hilux Cabina Doble at $29,490,000 pesos – is making the used car market a financially sound alternative.

Toyota Leads Brand Searches, But Competition is Tight

Toyota emerged as the most sought-after brand in 2025, capturing 13% of searches. Chevrolet and Ford followed closely with 12% each. Suzuki and BMW tied for fifth place with 10% of searches, while Mazda and Hyundai each garnered 9%. Mercedes-Benz, Kia, and Volkswagen rounded out the top ten, each with 8% of searches.

The dominance of established brands underscores a preference for reliability and resale value. Notably, the report highlights the absence of Chinese brands among the most searched, suggesting that Chilean consumers currently favor brands with a proven track record.

Broader Economic Context Supports Used Car Market

The performance of the Chilean used car market aligns with the broader economic outlook for the country. Chile’s economy is projected to grow by 2.4% in 2025, supported by strong domestic demand, rising real wages, and a recovery in investment. Inflation is also projected to decline, converging towards the central bank’s 3% target by the end of 2026, allowing for a gradual easing of monetary policy.

These economic factors contribute to a stable environment for the automotive market. The overall Chilean vehicle market grew by 2.3% in 2025, totaling 310,784 units, with Toyota maintaining leadership with a 7.8% market share. Hyundai, Suzuki, and Kia also saw gains, moving up in the rankings.

Guitarte anticipates a more stable market in 2026, with a potential normalization of prices driven by a weakening dollar and a more moderate economic context. However, the fundamental shift towards prioritizing practicality and value in vehicle purchases is expected to continue.

The increasing prices of hatchbacks (up around 5%) and sedans (up 3%) reflect a broader trend of rising costs across vehicle segments. However, the slight decrease in SUV prices suggests that increased supply is beginning to meet demand, offering consumers more options.

The data from Chileautos paints a picture of a Chilean automotive market adapting to economic realities. Consumers are increasingly turning to the used car market not just as a cheaper alternative, but as a financially prudent choice, with pickup trucks emerging as a particularly popular option due to their versatility and functionality.