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Average Vehicle Pricing Trend
Comparison of average listing prices for new and used vehicles as of April 2026.
Primary Sources
Affordable vehicles are becoming harder to find for Americans
Car prices have jumped in the new and used markets, according to CarGurus data. Michael Yanow/NurPhoto via Getty Images 2026-05-12T11:00:01.232Z Car prices — both for new and used vehicles — are rising again, according to data from CarGurus. The average price for a new car jumped past $50,000 in April. Gas prices are also changing some car-buying habits, including a spike in interest for hybrids. Looking to buy a cheap car? Good luck. Affordable vehicles — new or used — are becoming harder to find in American dealership lots, according to fresh data from online automotive marketplace CarGurus.In April, the average listing price for a new vehicle climbed to $50,400, up 1% from a year earlier. Affordable vehicles are becoming harder to find for Americans Used-car prices, often viewed as a key gauge of vehicle affordability, are also under pressure, rising to nearly $30,000 — the highest level since August 2023."Prices have taken the spotlight again," Kevin Roberts, the firm's director of economic and market intelligence, said in a press release. "At the same time, affordability pressures continue to shape the market." Affordable vehicles haven't disappeared entirely. Models like the Nissan Sentra, Hyundai Elantra, Toyota Corolla, and Honda Civic still start below or near $30,000, while used-car buyers can still find lower-priced inventory in older, higher-mileage vehicles.But analysts say those options are becoming less common.Several lower-cost vehicles — including the Mitsubishi Mirage, Nissan Versa, and Kia Soul — have either been discontinued or are being phased out of the US market.At the same time, Americans continue gravitating toward larger, more expensive trucks and SUVs, which tend to generate higher profit margins for automakers.According to a recent analysis from Moody's, the US auto market has become increasingly dependent on wealthier households buying pricier vehicles. The ratings firm said rising vehicle prices and consumers' preference for trucks and SUVs have reshaped the market in recent years."Reliance on financially stronger buyers stabilizes revenue and supports profitability for US automakers, but ties performance closely to a narrow customer segment," Moody's said in a note.CarGurus said that shift is also reflected in which cars are appearing at American dealerships. The share of sub-$60,000 inventory shrank by 2% in April, helping push average vehicle prices even higher. Meanwhile, inventory for new vehicles priced above $70...
Automakers need to produce affordable vehicles - salemnews.com
Here in America, the search for a new car with a sticker price under $20,000 offers you a choice of precisely one vehicle out of the hundreds to be found at your local dealership.
The Best Times to Buy a Used Car | U.S. News
As new-car transaction prices steadily increase to record highs, more American shoppers are turning to used models that have fairly modern amenities and lower price tags. Just like with new vehicles, though, shoppers should be aware that when they decide to pull the trigger on their purchases matters almost as much as what they decide to purchase.
Americans holding on to their vehicles due to high prices
The average age of US cars hit a record 12.5 years this year, an increase of more than three months from 2022, according to data gathered by S&P Global Mobility on Monday. As new and used car prices continue to rise in the United States, and living costs remain high, Americans are turning to repairs and maintenance rather than pay big bucks for a new one.
