New car prices higher in April following tariffs

The average price consumers paid for new cars rose 2.5% from March to April, which is more than double the typical 1.1% increase over those two months in recent years.

Published: May 13, 2025 9:05am

Prices for new cars increased in April following President Trump's auto tariffs.

After including discounts and promotions, the average price consumers paid for new cars rose 2.5% from March to April, which is more than double the typical 1.1% increase over those two months in recent years, according to Cox Automotive's Kelley Blue Book, Reuters reported

The only larger increase in the last decade was in April 2020, when prices rose 2.7% amid COVID-19 pandemic-related factory shutdowns.

Few automakers have raised sticker prices as they are adjusting to 25% U.S. tariffs on vehicle imports from many countries, including Mexico and Canada. Some companies, such as Hyundai, Ford, and Jeep-maker Stellantis, have offered deals to keep sales going and reassure buyers.

Consumer demand has also risen over the past few months because of buyers trying to beat any tariff-related price increases. As a result, new-car buyers are willing to pay more on average at dealerships, according to Cox.

"Pricing is fairly stable at this point," said Todd Szott, dealer partner at Szott Automotive Group in Detroit.

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