---
title: "Manheim MUVVI Q4: Why Used EVs Will Dominate the Wholesale Market in 2026"
description: Cox Automotive’s latest Manheim MUVVI report shows EVs outperforming ICE vehicles in value retention, depreciation, and wholesale velocity as a wave of used EVs enters the market in 2026.
---

[Profitable Pre-Owned Blog](https://www.profitablepre-owned.com/blog)

# [Manheim MUVVI Q4: Why Used EVs Will Dominate the Wholesale Market in 2026](https://www.profitablepre-owned.com/blog/manheim-muvvi-q4-why-used-evs-will-dominate-the-wholesale-market-in-2026)

 Written by [CRAIG A WHITE](https://www.profitablepre-owned.com/blog/author/craig-a-white) | Jan 8, 2026, 7:40:41 PM

# Used EVs Are Reshaping the Wholesale Market — And 2026 Will Be the Tipping Point

Insights pulled from Cox Automotive / Manheim’s latest MUVVI call presentation (Jan 8, 2026)

The used-vehicle market didn’t just “move” in Q4 — it signaled what’s coming next.

The latest Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index (MUVVI) call shows a clear reality: **[used EVs](https://www.profitablepre-owned.com/blog/ev-used-cars-the-data-advantage-dealers-arent-using-yet) are no longer behaving like a niche segment.** They’re separating from ICE vehicles in key wholesale metrics — right as a major influx of used EVs is expected to enter the market in 2026.

 

## Cox’s Strategic Move Most Dealers Missed

Cox Automotive’s acquisition of **Alliance Inspection Management** created the **largest off-site inspection force in the industry**, significantly enhancing **Manheim’s inspection capabilities**.

This matters because EVs bring a different kind of risk into the lanes — and dealers need more clarity, not less:

- Battery-related uncertainty directly impacts value confidence
- Range and condition questions are harder to “eye-test” than ICE
- Inspection scale and consistency = faster, more confident buying decisions

## Retail Was Mixed — Wholesale Stayed Resilient

The report noted **new retail sales were muted**, while **used declined** (quarter-over-quarter), even as [used EV retail sales](https://www.profitablepre-owned.com/blog/the-quiet-collapse-of-ev-trade-in-values-what-dealers-must-know-in-2026) were **up year-over-year**.

**Wholesale headline:** MUVVI was **higher by 0.4%** versus last December and rose **0.1%** in the month.

 

## EVs Are Separating From ICE — And the Gap Is Widening

The year-end data makes the divergence hard to ignore:

- **EV Index finished +2.5%** year-over-year
- **Non-EV Index increased +0.4%** year-over-year
- **All primary segments show lower values YoY**, while EVs are up the most against last December

That’s the big topic heading into 2026: EVs are outperforming as the market prepares for a much larger supply wave.

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## Retention by Fuel Type: EVs Improved While ICE and Hybrid Slipped

On 3-year-old retention at auction, the monthly direction was telling:

- **EV values rose 2 points** in December
- **ICE and hybrid retention both fell by 3 points** in the month

 

## EV Sales & Depreciation: Wholesale Momentum Is Real

- **Manheim EV sales rose 47% in Q4**
- Used EV retail sales were **up 13% YoY**, but declined from Q3
- **EV depreciation rates declined** over the past year as demand for used EVs increased

Translation: [EVs are beginning to stabilize](https://www.profitablepre-owned.com/blog/used-evs-find-their-footing-confidence-is-the-new-price-play-profitable-pre-owned) — but they still behave differently than ICE cars in pricing, depreciation curves, and buyer confidence.

 

## The Dealer Takeaway: 2026 Requires a Different EV Playbook

A wave of used EVs is coming in 2026 — and **EVs don’t behave like ICE vehicles** in:

- Depreciation curves
- Risk assessment and reconditioning decisions
- Pricing cadence and market timing
- Auction vs retail strategy

Dealers who understand those differences will find opportunity. Dealers who don’t will feel it in their inventory.

Source: Cox Automotive / [Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index (MUVVI](https://www.coxautoinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Jan-8-Q4-2026-Manheim-Used-Vehicle-Value-Index-Call-Presentation.pdf)) call presentation (Jan 8, 2026).

[View full post](https://www.profitablepre-owned.com/blog/manheim-muvvi-q4-why-used-evs-will-dominate-the-wholesale-market-in-2026)

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