Affordability is top of mind for car shoppers in 2026. Here’s what to expect for new and used car prices, incentives, loans, and the best strategies for buying, selling, or trading in now.
Tariffs have increased new car prices across the board, with both domestic and imported vehicles contributing to an increase of more than 10% since last year.
New car prices are still rising modestly, but incentives, trade-in values and inventory trends can help shoppers find better deals.
The Supreme Court today struck down many of President Trump’s signature tariffs, but the move does not lift levies from new cars.
President Trump threatened Monday to resume 25% tariffs on South Korean cars, which could raise prices at several automakers.
An executive from Chinese automaker Geely Holdings told a reporter the company could announce U.S. sales within three years.
VW released new pricing this week for the 2026 editions.
A federal appeals court found that President Trump lacks the authority to enact some of his high-profile tariffs.
The White House now says a purported trade deal with Europe announced last month does not lower 25% car tariffs.
In July, the average buyer paid $48,841, down slightly from a revised $48,900 in June. That laves prices 1.5% higher than a year ago.
