Average Age of U.S. Vehicles Reaches 12.8 Years in 2025, Marks Steady Increase
In a recent analysis published by SP Global Mobility, it has been revealed that the average age of light vehicles in the United States has reached 12.8 years as of 2025. This marks a two-month increase for the second consecutive year in 2024. Despite a surge in vehicle registrations, which exceeded 16 million for the first time since 2019, the number of aging vehicles continues to rise. The total number of vehicles in operation has climbed to 289 million, although a steady scrappage rate of 4.5% remains.
Interestingly, the number of passenger cars in operation has dropped below 100 million for the first time since the 1970s. "Passenger cars are continuing a steady decline toward equilibrium as consumer preference shifts to light trucks," notes Todd Campau, Aftermarket Practice Lead at SP Global Mobility. He further emphasizes that the vehicle fleet's resilience is evident, even amid economic uncertainties and high prices for both new and used vehicles.
Analysis reveals that the average age of passenger cars has climbed to 14.5 years, while light trucks are edging up to an average of 11.9 years. Regional variations in vehicle age are quite telling; states in the Northern Plains, Northwest, and the southern regions, like Mississippi and Alabama, show higher-than-average vehicle ages. Montana stands out with vehicle ages exceeding five years above the national average. Meanwhile, states such as Colorado and Hawaii have experienced a slower aging process.
Campau suggests that the macro trend regarding average vehicle age may not correspond with local observations made by consumers, noting that aging rates can differ widely from one region to another.
In terms of alternative propulsion vehicles, there is newfound upward pressure regarding average age metrics for Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), as their sales growth has slowed down considerably. Currently, the average age of BEVs remains relatively low at 3.7 years. Consumer sentiment appears to be shifting towards hybrid options, with Plug-In Hybrids maintaining an average age of 4.9 years and traditional Hybrids showing a decrease in average age from 6.9 years to 6.4 years within the last year.
According to Campau, this shift suggests that consumer preferences are gravitating more towards hybrid and plug-in hybrid models opposed to fully electric vehicles, leading to an increase in average age for these vehicle types. The future average age of vehicles that employ alternative propulsion will largely depend on evolving consumer sentiments in the coming years.
As the costs of new and used vehicles continue to escalate and the vehicle fleet swells to 289 million, opportunities in the aftermarket space are expected to grow. With vehicles registered between 2015 and 2019 moving into the aftermarket, there will be enhanced prospects for maintenance and repairs as these vehicles transition out of warranty.
For more insights and detailed findings from SP Global Mobility's analyses, please reach out to Todd Campau directly at [email protected].
SP Global Mobility remains a leading provider of invaluable insights derived from extensive automotive data, empowering customers to make informed decisions, optimize their operations, and navigate the future of mobility effectively.
Interestingly, the number of passenger cars in operation has dropped below 100 million for the first time since the 1970s. "Passenger cars are continuing a steady decline toward equilibrium as consumer preference shifts to light trucks," notes Todd Campau, Aftermarket Practice Lead at SP Global Mobility. He further emphasizes that the vehicle fleet's resilience is evident, even amid economic uncertainties and high prices for both new and used vehicles.
Analysis reveals that the average age of passenger cars has climbed to 14.5 years, while light trucks are edging up to an average of 11.9 years. Regional variations in vehicle age are quite telling; states in the Northern Plains, Northwest, and the southern regions, like Mississippi and Alabama, show higher-than-average vehicle ages. Montana stands out with vehicle ages exceeding five years above the national average. Meanwhile, states such as Colorado and Hawaii have experienced a slower aging process.
Campau suggests that the macro trend regarding average vehicle age may not correspond with local observations made by consumers, noting that aging rates can differ widely from one region to another.
In terms of alternative propulsion vehicles, there is newfound upward pressure regarding average age metrics for Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), as their sales growth has slowed down considerably. Currently, the average age of BEVs remains relatively low at 3.7 years. Consumer sentiment appears to be shifting towards hybrid options, with Plug-In Hybrids maintaining an average age of 4.9 years and traditional Hybrids showing a decrease in average age from 6.9 years to 6.4 years within the last year.
According to Campau, this shift suggests that consumer preferences are gravitating more towards hybrid and plug-in hybrid models opposed to fully electric vehicles, leading to an increase in average age for these vehicle types. The future average age of vehicles that employ alternative propulsion will largely depend on evolving consumer sentiments in the coming years.
As the costs of new and used vehicles continue to escalate and the vehicle fleet swells to 289 million, opportunities in the aftermarket space are expected to grow. With vehicles registered between 2015 and 2019 moving into the aftermarket, there will be enhanced prospects for maintenance and repairs as these vehicles transition out of warranty.
For more insights and detailed findings from SP Global Mobility's analyses, please reach out to Todd Campau directly at [email protected].
SP Global Mobility remains a leading provider of invaluable insights derived from extensive automotive data, empowering customers to make informed decisions, optimize their operations, and navigate the future of mobility effectively.
Topics Auto & Transportation）
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