Car Values Unaffected by Pending Tariffs as of April
In the face of increasing pressure from potential price hikes due to tariffs, Cars.com has released its 2025 Affordability Report: Best Value New Cars. The report aims to help shoppers navigate the market by identifying vehicles that offer the best value, taking into account affordability, standard safety and technology features, fuel economy, and projected one-year fuel costs.
Jenni Newman, Cars.com's editor-in-chief, emphasised the urgency for shoppers to act now, as the Biden administration is preparing to enact a 25 percent tariff on all vehicles assembled outside the United States, starting April 3, 2025. This tariff will directly increase the cost of imported vehicles, leading to potentially higher retail prices in the U.S. market.
The report highlights a range of vehicles across various categories. In the Subcompact SUV category, the Chevrolet Trax (LS with Driver Confidence Package) and the Nissan Sentra (S) are contenders. For those seeking Mid-Size SUVs, the Kia Sorento (LX) and the Nissan Frontier (S 4×2 King Cab with 6-foot box) are worth considering in the Mid-Size Pickup Truck category.
In the Compact Car category, the Nissan Sentra (S) is a choice, while the Ford Escape (Active) and the Ford Maverick (XL with 2.5-liter hybrid engine, front-wheel drive, Co-Pilot 360 extras package) are competitors in the Compact SUV and Compact Pickup Truck categories, respectively.
The Electric Vehicle category sees the Hyundai Ioniq 6 (SE Long Range rear-wheel drive) as a contender. Notably, the report also highlights vehicles that are produced domestically, potentially offering insulation from impending tariff-related price hikes.
To select the Best Value winners, Cars.com's editorial team prioritised models equipped with essential safety and technology features, including automatic transmission, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, blind spot monitoring, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, brake assist, and lane departure warning. The team identified the lowest-cost trim level or package that met these criteria while remaining at or below the average price for its segment.
Consumers are advised to consider three key factors: a diverse selection of affordable models on dealer lots, tariffs not affecting vehicles already in inventory, and choosing a U.S.-assembled model as a strategic option. Additional levies on automotive materials and parts sourced from Mexico, Canada, and China are also expected, which could further impact vehicle prices.
With new-vehicle prices currently averaging $49,000, a potential increase by late spring or early summer is a possibility if the tariffs take effect on April 3. It's essential for shoppers to stay informed and make strategic decisions regarding their vehicle purchases.
[Sources: 1. Cars.com 2025 Affordability Report, 2. Biden Administration Tariff Announcement, 3. Automakers' U.S.-based Inventory Increase Reports, 4. U.S. Customs and Border Protection Tariff Implementation Guidance]
The 2025 Affordability Report by Cars.com, as featured in the subcompact SUV category, lists the Chevrolet Trax (LS with Driver Confidence Package) and the Nissan Sentra (S) as contenders for buyers looking for affordable vehicles. With the Biden administration set to impose a 25 percent tariff on all vehicles assembled outside the United States, starting April 3, 2025, sports enthusiasts may want to consider shopping for a domestic vehicle to potentially avoid tariff-related price hikes.
