If you’re in the market for a new vehicle before the anticipated price increases due to tariffs hit window stickers, there are some good values to be had. According to Cars.com, Nissan and Ford are leading the pack when it comes to good deals.
The 2025 Kia Sorento captured Cars.com’s “Best Value” award for the midsize SUV category.
Tariffs and their impact on new vehicle prices have dominated the news for the past several weeks. The average price of a new vehicle is already hovering around all-time highs at about $49,000.
“With the potential for some vehicle prices to rise between $3,000– $10,000 due to pending tariffs, shoppers are increasingly feeling pressure to act now to get the best deal,” said Jenni Newman, Cars.com editor-in-chief, in a release.
“It could take months for vehicle prices to increase, but consumers should be aware of three things while shopping: First, there is a well-rounded selection of affordable vehicles available on dealer lots if you know what you’re looking for. Second, no vehicle currently sitting on a lot should have a tariff fee added until after tariffs go into effect. Third, look for models assembled in the U.S. when possible.”
Contributing factors
It’s safe to say that no vehicles won’t be impacted by these new levies, but once they hit, the “most American” vehicles will likely see the smallest price increases. Automakers have been taking different tacks to deal with the tariffs.
Trump’s tariffs are expected to raise prices on new vehicles so the time is now to find a good value.
The most common move has been for automakers to begin increasing their inventory of various cars, trucks and utility vehicles. Ford, Hyundai and Kia have each boosted supply by more than 25% year over year, Cars.com reported.
That said, there are values to be had right now and Cars.com created its list by factoring in price, standard safety and tech features, fuel economy and one-year fuel costs. The report also highlights which best value cars are made in the U.S. and potentially protected from rising tariff-related costs.
More Consumer News
- Trump Tariffs Expected to Raise Prices, Hurt Auto Sales
- Who Could be in Line to Replace Tesla CEO Musk?
- Fading Consumer Confidence Aggravated by New Trump Tariffs, Could Cripple Auto Industry
Top deals
As previously mentioned, Nissan and Ford led the Cars.com best values list. But the list features a variety of automakers. The best value model-year 2025 vehicles by segment include:
The Chevrolet Trax took top honors in the subcompact SUV segment.
- Subcompact Car: Nissan Versa (SV)
- Compact Car: Nissan Sentra (S)
- Subcompact SUV: Chevrolet Trax (LS with Driver Confidence Package)
- Compact SUV: Ford Escape (Active)
- Midsize SUV: Kia Sorento (LX)
- Compact Pickup Truck:Ford Maverick (XL with 2.5-liter hybrid engine, front-wheel drive, Co-Pilot 360 extras package)
- Midsize Pickup Truck: Nissan Frontier (S 4×2 King Cab with 6-foot box)
- Full-Size Pickup Truck: Ford-150 (XL 4×2 SuperCab with base 2.7-liter V-6 and 6-foot-5-inch box)
- Electric Vehicle: Hyundai Ioniq 6 (SE Long Range rear-wheel drive)
Buyers already moving
Consumers will be the ones to fully feel the impact of new tariffs.
While there are deals to be had, if you’re in the market, you may want to get moving — the market is active. New vehicle sales were up nearly 7% in the first quarter of 2025.
General Motors saw sales jump 17% in Q1, Kia jumped 13.1%, Hyundai was up 13% and others posting increases included Mazda (10.2%), Honda (5.3%) and Toyota (0.9%). Ford sales fell 1.3%, but the automaker noted the decline was due to it cutting several models from its lineup.
However, when it comes to retail numbers, March was even better — even Ford. Automotive News noted retail volume jumped 19% at Ford, 15% at Hyundai and 25% at Kia, the companies reported April 1.
Don’t buy imports don’t pay tariffs.
You mean “don’t buy cars”? ALL vehicles assembled in the U.S. use some imported parts and will go up in price.
Are you okay with foreign countries shutting down purchase of U.S.-made autos and auto parts? That would cost tens of thousands of jobs, at the minimum.
Paul E.