Romanian car analysis in 2025: SUVs dominate, while interest in diesel steadily decreases

Analysis of the Online Auto Market in 2025: What cars were Romanians looking for and how much were they willing to pay?

The Romanian auto market demonstrated surprising resilience in 2025, a year marked by legislative changes and fluctuations in subsidy programs (Rabla). Analysis by the Autovit.ro platform, the digital barometer of auto transactions, reveals a landscape dominated by a preference for SUVs, an unwavering loyalty to German brands and a pragmatic orientation towards the 10,000 – 25,000 euro price segment.

1. Record Figures: A Market of Almost 5 Billion Euros

The total value of cars listed online in 2025 reached a historic high of 4,973,703,440 euros, a visible increase compared to the 4.7 billion registered in 2024. This figure reflects not only a large volume of ads, but also a slight increase in the price of used cars, correlated with inflation and the increasing demand for newer models, from 2019-2021.

2. The Golden Segment: Romanians' Budget in 2025

The core of the market remains stable: Romanians are looking for a balance between price and reliability.

• 40% of all ads fell within the price range of 10,000 - 25,000 euros.
• This segment generated over 42% of total views, being the "comfort zone" for most buyers.

3. Engines: Diesel is declining, but remains "king"

Although the European trend is to eliminate diesel engines, in Romania they still hold the majority:

• Diesel: 60% of ads (however, down 5% compared to 2024).
• Electrified (Hybrid and Electric): They reached an 11% share in the online environment, a sign that the interest in sustainability and low running costs is constantly growing.
• Transmission: Comfort has become a priority – 65% of customers specifically searched for cars with automatic transmission.

4. Top of Preferred Body Styles and Brands

The fascination with SUVs is not just a passing trend, but a consolidated reality. Approximately 40% of total views were directed to this category. The hierarchy remains clear:

• SUV / Crossover (Distinguished Leader)
• Sedan (Preferred for the urban environment and the business segment)
• Estate (Appreciated by families)

When it comes to brands, the Germans rule the roost in the hearts of Romanians. BMW maintains its leading position, being the most sought-after brand. The podium is completed by Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and Audi, brands that offer confidence and good resale value.

5. Extremes of 2025: From luxury to pure power

If most are looking for practical cars, online platforms have also hosted "jewels" accessible only to those with seven-figure budgets:

• The most expensive car: A Lamborghini Revuelto, listed at the spectacular price of 726,000 euros.
• The most powerful car: A Lucid Air Sapphire, an electric "monster" capable of developing 1,234 horsepower.

Online Auto Market Synthesis in 2025

Category	Key Details & Figures
Total Market Value	€4.97 Billion (up from 2024)
Core Budget Segment	€10,000 – €25,000 (40% of all listings)
Top Preferred Brands	1. BMW, 2. Volkswagen, 3. Mercedes-Benz, 4. Audi
Favorite Body Style	SUV (40% of total searches)
Diesel Engine Share	60% of the market (5% decrease vs. previous year)
Electrified Powertrains	11% of total listings (EVs & Hybrids)
Transmission Preference	65% of users searched for Automatic Transmission
Preferred Vehicle Age	Models manufactured between 2019 and 2021
Price Record	€726,000 (Lamborghini Revuelto)
Power Record	1,234 HP (Lucid Air Sapphire)

Conclusion: X-ray of a market in transition

The year 2025 confirmed that the Romanian automotive market is going through a pragmatic maturation stage. Although Romanians remain loyal to premium German brands and diesel engines (due to their long-distance efficiency), there is a growing openness towards comfort and technology.

The dominance of SUVs and the massive preference for automatic transmissions indicate a change in lifestyle: the car is no longer just a means of transportation, but a space of comfort adapted to both urban infrastructure and weekend trips. At the same time, the growth of the electrified car segment to over 11% signals the beginning of the end for the era of absolute diesel, as the charging infrastructure develops and buyers become more aware of long-term costs.