We compared 2023 and 2026 median asking prices for selected EV and gasoline models in the same August 4, 2026 snapshot. The selected EVs generally had lower older-to-current model-year price ratios. These are different groups of listed vehicles, not the same vehicles tracked over three years.
Key takeaways
- Four selected mainstream EV ratios were 65.0–70.6%; the Nissan Leaf was 48.0%.
- The five selected gas-model ratios ranged from 71.2% to 79.8%.
- This comparison does not control equipment, mileage, condition or incentives and cannot establish fuel type as the cause of the gap.
Side by side
2023 / 2026 asking-price ratio — EVs
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Tesla Model Y70.6%
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Hyundai Ioniq 566.2%
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Mustang Mach-E65.6%
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Tesla Model 365.0%
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Nissan Leaf48.0%
2023 / 2026 asking-price ratio — gas counterparts
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Honda Accord79.8%
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Toyota Corolla79.7%
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Honda CR-V78.5%
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Toyota RAV477.5%
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Toyota Camry71.2%
A three-year-old mainstream EV typically lists at 65–71% of its current-year equivalent, while comparable gas sedans and crossovers list at 71–80%. In dollar terms: a 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 had a median ask of $28,304 against $42,727 for a 2026 — a $14,400 gap — while a 2023 Honda CR-V listed about $8,300 below its 2026 counterpart.
The Nissan Leaf comparison
The Leaf had a 2023 median asking price of $17,994 against $37,460 for 2026, producing a 48.0% ratio. That was the lowest of the EVs shown here. This snapshot does not explain how much of the difference reflects equipment, model changes, mileage or other factors.
What the comparison cannot explain
New-vehicle pricing, incentives, technology, battery condition and buyer preferences may be relevant to a purchase, but this dataset does not measure their individual effects. These selected gas models are reference points, not matched substitutes for each EV. The results are not an estimate of the average difference across all EVs and gasoline vehicles.
What this means if you’re buying
- Compare the actual vehicles, their equipment and condition, and the final quoted price.
- Treat a model-year gap as context for shopping, not a prediction of your future resale value.
- For an EV, check the specific battery condition, warranty and charging requirements separately from this price comparison.
Methodology notes
Retention = median asking price of the 2023 model year ÷ median asking price of the 2026 model year, national listings, minimum 30 active listings per side (snapshot of August 4, 2026). The 2026 side for the Tesla Model 3 clears the threshold with 47 listings — treat its exact figure with a wider margin. The Chevrolet Bolt EV was excluded (no qualifying 2026 listings). Trim mix is not controlled. See how we build these studies.
Editorial clarification, September 12, 2026: clarified the cross-sectional comparison and removed unsupported causal explanations and resale predictions. The underlying August snapshot is unchanged.