Segment Analysis: How are B-SUVs performing in the used-car market?

22 July 2025

Positioned in a seemingly ‘sweet spot’ of the automotive market, B-SUVs provide a convincing option for price-sensitive buyers that still want a practical and stylish vehicle. But how is the segment performing in the used-car market? Autovista24 journalist Tom Hooker analyses the market with Autovista Group experts.

The B-SUV segment, also known as the subcompact SUV segment, is continuing to grow in popularity. Like the standard B segment, these models are typically around four meters in length and provide many practicalities for drivers.

An increasing number of carmakers have a B-SUV offering in their fleet, giving new-car buyers a wider range of choice. This includes models such as the Kia EV3, the Volvo EX30 and the Jeep Avenger. Consequently, this filters down into the used-car market, where the vehicle type is also becoming a common choice for buyers.

‘The B-SUV segment has seen a significant surge in popularity across markets. Positioned between city cars and larger compact SUVs, B-SUVs offer a compelling blend of urban agility, an elevated driving position, and practical versatility,’ explained Robert Madas, Autovista Group’s regional head of valuations.

‘They are also generally more fuel-efficient than larger SUVs, especially in hybrid or electric variants. Many B-SUVs come well-equipped with infotainment, safety technologies, and ADAS features comparable to their larger siblings from the C and D segments,’ he outlined.

But how do used B-SUVs compare to other high-volume segments, and the wider used-car market, in Europe?

B-SUV outperforming the overall market?

Looking at average residual values (RVs) of used cars after 36 months and 60,000km, expressed as a percentage of original list price (%RV), B-SUVs perform well when compared to the wider used-car market, especially the C-SUV segment.

In Spain, B-SUVs are retaining 58.3% of their value so far in July. This is 2.5 percentage points (pp) ahead of the market average. Conversely, the standard B segment is 2.5pp below the overall average, while C-SUVs held an %RV of 56.6%.

B-SUVs are also performing strongly in Switzerland. They are 1.9pp up against the used-car average of 42.4%. C-SUVs share a similar result, sitting 1.7pp ahead of average market figures. However, %RVs in the standard B segment are significantly higher, at 45.3%.

In some European countries, such as France, the segment lags slightly behind. The %RVs of B-SUVs are 0.5pp lower than the market average in July, while the standard B segment is 0.9pp behind. On the other hand, the C-SUV segment retained value marginally better than the overall average.

A similar trend is occurring in the UK during July. However, B-SUV values in Germany and Austria are ahead of the market average. Therefore, in most countries, B-SUVs are generally beating or matching the wider used-car market when it comes to %RVs.

Faster sales?

Compared to the overall used-car market, B-SUVs are selling quickly in some European countries but take a little longer to turnaround in others.

Further proving the segment’s strength in Spain, two-to-four-year-old B-SUVs are selling 8.7 days faster on average in July compared to the overall market. Meanwhile, C-SUVs typically need one more day to sell.

However, the performance of B-SUVs pales in comparison to the standard B segment, which is seeing models leave dealerships nearly 16 days faster than the market average.

B-SUVs also record a quick turnaround rate in France, beating the overall market by three days in July. This was ahead of the B segment, but behind C-SUVs, which typically sell 4.9 days faster than the market average.

Austria is currently showing a slower B-SUV turnaround, with the segment taking an average of 9.3 days longer to sell than the wider used-car market. Conversely, B segment models need almost 11 days less, while C-SUVs were 4.4 days quicker to sell than the market average.

Elsewhere, B-SUVs lag behind the overall market average in Germany and the UK. Yet, they sell quicker in Italy and Switzerland.

B-SUV stability in Austria

In Austria, B-SUVs exhibit good performance and signs of stability in key metrics. The average trade RV for 36-month-old and 60,000km models within the segment currently stands at €15,053.

This figure is nearly unchanged from last year, having increased by just €11. However, trade RVs in July are slightly down compared to June, dropping by €46. Average %RVs have dropped more significantly to 48.9%. This marks a 4.8pp decline year-over-year, following the general trend seen in the country’s used-car market.

B-SUVs are taking an average of 76.5 days to sell in July. This is a marginal increase from last year, but a fall of 6.3 days from the previous month.

The Toyota C-HR was the top-performing B-SUV in terms of turnaround speed, taking just 28.6 days to leave dealerships on average. The Suzuki S-Cross is also selling quickly, currently taking just 32.9 days from stock to sale. This indicates strong demand for these models.

Sold volumes of B-SUVs are currently showing some fluctuation, similar to the German market. High sales volumes in Q2 2025 indicate strong demand. Active stock levels remain relatively stable, displaying a consistent supply of B-SUVs in this age range.

Germany’s B-SUVs hold ground

In Germany, B-SUVs are holding their ground well, outperforming traditional passenger car segments like C and D in both current RVs and recent recovery. While C-SUVs maintain the highest RV among the segments with the highest volumes, B-SUVs are close behind.

The average trade RV stands at €15,548. This reflects a 4.1% year-on-year increase. However, following the general market trend, average %RVs have dropped to 49.0%.

This marks a decline of 2.3pp compared to last year, indicating some pressure on values. This is particularly true for battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) within the B-SUV segment, retaining the lowest level of value at 35.3%.

It currently takes 62.9 days on average to sell a B-SUV in Germany. This is a slight increase from last year, but an improvement compared to the previous month, indicating improved turnover efficiency.

The Toyota Yaris Cross had the fastest sales rate of any B-SUV, at just 30.7 days. This was followed by the Toyota C-HR and Opel Crossland.

The volume index reveals a notable difference between active and sold volumes. Active listings of used B-SUVs at any age remain relatively stable. However, sold volumes have shown significant fluctuation, peaking around May 2025. This suggests a surge in demand during that period.

Switzerland’s healthy turnover rates

The B-SUV segment in Switzerland also demonstrates stable RVs and healthy turnover rates, suggesting a relatively balanced market environment. The average RV of two-to-four-year-old B-SUVs is currently 17,319 CHF (€18,571). This is a small increase of 73 CHF year-on-year, despite a minor dip of 74 CHF against the previous month.

Average %RVs stand at 44.3%, a drop of 4.1pp year-on-year, suggesting that while absolute values are stable, value retention is weakening relative to rising list prices.

It is taking an average of 76.4 days to sell a B-SUV this month, four days faster compared to June. This metric is nearly unchanged year-on-year, with models selling 0.3 days quicker, indicating steady demand.

The Škoda Kamiq currently has the best B-SUV turnover speed of 42.2 days, followed by the Toyota Yaris Cross at 46 days and Mini Countryman at 48.5 days. These models demonstrate strong market appeal and efficient stock movement.

The volume index and average stock days graphs show relatively stable trends of B-SUVs at any age. This suggests balanced supply and demand.

DACH region remains resilient

Overall, the B-SUV segment in Austria, Germany and Switzerland remains resilient, with stable absolute RVs and consistent sales performance.

Germany leads in RV growth and turnover speed, making it the most dynamic B-SUV market. Austria and Switzerland show stable absolute RVs, but both face significant declines in %RVs. This is likely due to rising list prices and highlights the need for careful pricing strategies as prices continue to increase further.

The used B-SUV segment is expected to evolve significantly over the next few years, influenced by trends in electrification, consumer preferences and macroeconomic factors.

B-SUVs remain one of the most in-demand body types due to their balance of size, style, and practicality. This will sustain strong demand in the used-car market, especially in urban and suburban areas.

As more electric and hybrid B-SUVs enter the new car market, the used market will gradually benefit from a broader and more affordable electric vehicle (EV) offering.

Currently, many B-SUVs are popular in fleet and leasing channels. Therefore, a steady supply of two-to-four-year-old vehicles will enter the used market, keeping inventory fresh and varied. However, used car markets could be oversupplied in the future, putting downward pressure on residual values.

B-SUVs popular in France

‘B-SUVs are highly popular in France. The segment is very practical for city driving, while still performing well on highways. The consumption and taxation of B-SUVs are lower than the upper segment, which helps the segment to sell on the new-car market,’ highlighted Ludovic Percier, Autovista Group’s senior RV analyst for France.

So, in terms of driving characteristics, pricing and size, B-SUVs fit the requirements of many buyers. For households living inside and outside of urban areas, the segment offers all the technologies needed. Furthermore, equipment options for B-SUVs have increased over the last few years, taking a lot of technologies from the upper segments.

This includes features such as an electric tailgate and adaptive cruise control, available as an option or upper trim levels, depending on the brand. Additionally, European regulations have pushed manufacturers to integrate more ADAS, even in smaller segments.

An overcrowded segment?

The average RV for a 36-month-old B-SUV at 60,000km stands at €16,546 in France. This is a decrease of €607 year-on-year, as the segment becomes more crowded on the used car market.

‘Average %RVs are also falling in July, sitting at 52.5% in June. This decline is linked to higher list prices and more BEVs entering the segment. The number of days needed to sell a B-SUV on average is stable right now as supply is matching demand,’ stated Percier.

Hybrid models currently hold the highest value retention in the B-SUV segment, with a %RV of 55.4%. This is followed by petrol models, with a %RV of 53.8%, and diesel models, which are holding onto 51.8% of their original list price.

Meanwhile, plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and BEV B-SUVs retain the lowest amount of value, at 41.4% and 35.6% respectively. This is due to higher list prices and weak demand in the used-car market.

‘The volume index shows a meeting point between active and sold volumes. This means that in recent months, demand for the B-SUV segment was high enough to meet active volumes,’ he noted.

Italy’s powertrain differences

In July 2025, the average RV of a used B-SUV stands at €13,626. In %RV terms, this is equal to 47%, marking a decline of 4.3pp compared to the previous year.

‘The segment shows resilience broadly in line with the market average. However, there are significant differences across the various powertrains,’ said Marco Pasquetti, Autovista Group’s head of valuations for Italy.

Diesel vehicles remain the most stable, holding an %RV of 52.1% and the highest trade RV of €16,788. This was followed by hybrids, recording a %RV of 50.4% and a lower selling price of €15,988. Then came liquid petroleum gas (LPG) models, which retained 47.7% of their original list price and posted a significantly lower trade RV of €10,643.

Used petrol B-SUVs sold for €12,544, a higher price than LPG models. However, they did not perform as well in %RV terms, coming in at 45.9%.

Both EV technologies continue to struggle, with PHEVs keeping 39.2% of their original list price, despite having the second-highest average reselling value of €16,443. The situation is even worse for BEVs, which held an %RV of just 26.2%, and the second-lowest trade RV at €10,735.

Compared to B-segment hatchbacks, which are retaining 44.4% of their list price on average in July, B-SUVs offer a better residual percentage.

C-SUVs, on the other hand, start from higher list prices of over €40,000. The segment also has a lower proportional depreciation, with a residual value of 48.9%. However, they have lost more value year on year, enduring a 5.3pp drop compared to July 2024.

Striking a good balance

B-SUVs are currently the most popular segment in the Italian new-car market with a 31% share. This is up from 9.8% market hold in 2024. The category’s success stems from its balance between SUV styling and urban practicality.

‘The segment offers a raised driving position and rugged aesthetics, but with lower running costs than larger SUVs. They are especially appreciated by private buyers. Yet, they also dominate volumes in fleet and rental channels due to their versatility,’ commented Pasquetti.

‘B-SUV buyers typically look for features such as updated infotainment, basic ADAS, automatic climate control, and panoramic roofs or heated seats in some cases. Options like tow packages or all-wheel drive are less in demand, confirming the segment’s urban orientation,’ he outlined.

In the medium term, residual values of B-SUVs are expected to come under pressure due to increased supply and a market normalisation after the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, this pressure is broadly in line with the market average, and demand remains solid. Ultimately, the B-SUV segment continues to be a key pillar of the Italian used-car market.

Growing popularity in the UK

‘The B-SUV segment continues to grow in popularity due to its blend of practicality, affordability, and SUV appeal, which seems to be a must-have for consumers in the UK these days,’ commented Jayson Whittington, Autovista Group’s regional head of valuations, UK.

‘The segment’s dimensions are well suited to city driving. Yet, B-SUVs offer the elevated driving position and robust styling that consumers associate with larger SUVs, meaning they are popular with a wide demographic,’ he explained.

In July 2025, the average three-year-old B-SUV is retaining 49% of its original cost new, down 1.1pp from June and 0.8pp year-on-year. This is just below the overall market average RV of 49.1%.

Interestingly, compared to the performance of the traditional B segment, B-SUVs are retaining 1.8pp less, which could reflect their increasing volume in the used-car market.

High RVs for hybrids

The amount of value a B-SUV retains continues to be heavily dictated by its powertrain type. Hybrids have the highest %RVs on average, at 54.6%. This is followed by diesel and petrol-powered cars, which retain 48.9% and 48.3% of their original value respectively.

PHEVs and BEVs performed significantly below the segment’s average, with the former holding onto a %RV of 41.4%, while all-electric models retained just 31.9% of their list price.

The time it takes a dealer to sell a B-SUV in the UK has varied by powertrain in July. Vehicles in the segment are taking an average of 38.7 days to sell, 1.4 days longer than the overall market average.

Hybrids are the fastest movers at 36.2 days, while petrol models took just 0.1 days longer than the average at 38.8 days. BEVs took 40.4 days, as diesel and PHEV turnover rates both lag at 42.5 days.

‘Despite these variances, B-SUVs remain a vital part of the market, offering a compelling mix of style, efficiency, and practicality. In many cases, they have taken over from the traditional B-segment models in the new car market,’ concluded Whittington.