Americans Are Holding Onto Their Vehicles Longer Than Ever, and It’s Benefiting the Right Individuals | Carscoops

      The aging vehicle fleet in the United States has reached unprecedented levels, presenting challenges for automakers and opportunities for the aftermarket sector.

      As of 2025, the average age of vehicles in the U.S. has risen to a record 12.8 years. Passenger cars are aging more rapidly than light trucks, whereas hybrids are becoming comparatively newer.

      The aftermarket industry stands to gain from this trend as older vehicles exit their warranties.

      With many Americans keeping their cars longer than in the past, the nation's vehicle fleet is starting to resemble a moving exhibit of 2010s models. This trend reflects significant insights about how Americans drive, purchase, and retain their vehicles.

      The U.S. possesses an extensive fleet of 289 million light vehicles, making it the world's second-largest auto market, surpassed only by China. Despite a rebound in new vehicle sales, which reached 16 million units in 2024, the average fleet age continues to rise.

      Passenger Cars Are Aging Faster

      Data from S&P Global reveals that the average age of U.S. vehicles has hit 12.8 years in 2025, up from 12.6 years in 2024. This increase is primarily due to a steady scrappage rate of 4.5%, which allows for older vehicles to remain in use longer and offsets the introduction of newer models into the market.

      Passenger cars are experiencing the most aging, with an average age of 14.5 years, while light trucks average 11.9 years. Electrified vehicles present a different narrative: battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) now average 3.7 years, reflecting the overall market trend, whereas plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) hold steady at 4.9 years, and traditional hybrids have slightly decreased in age from 6.9 years in 2024 to 6.4 years now, indicating a rise in hybrid sales within the new vehicle market.

      Despite the fleet expanding by 3 million vehicles to a total of 289 million, the number of passenger cars on the road has now dropped below 100 million for the first time since the early 1970s. These figures emphasize a notable trend of the past decade: consumer preference has shifted toward trucks and SUVs, prompting a market response.

      The aging of vehicles also varies regionally. States in the Northern Plains, Northwest, and Gulf Coast report significantly older vehicles compared to the national average. Montana, in particular, stands out with a fleet older than the U.S. average.

      Despite the aging trend, analysts note that the U.S. fleet has demonstrated “impressive resilience” in recent years, which is noteworthy amid rising new and used vehicle prices, high interest rates, and broader economic uncertainty.

      Opportunities for the Aftermarket

      While an older fleet poses challenges for automakers striving to introduce new models, it proves advantageous for the aftermarket and service industries. As S&P Global highlights, with out-of-warranty vehicles entering the six- to fourteen-year range, service centers across the country are expected to experience a significant increase in business. This development promises greater opportunities for independent shops, service providers, and parts suppliers, all of whom are set to benefit from this gradual influx of aging vehicles.