Top Car Values Unveiled Before Impending Tariffs Take Effect

Top Car Values Unveiled Before Impending Tariffs Take Effect

In the automotive market, there's a diverse range of affordable options available on dealer lots, despite potential price increases looming on the horizon. New-vehicle prices, currently averaging $49,000, could surge by late spring or early summer if tariffs take effect on April 3, according to industry experts.

In an effort to help consumers navigate this uncertain landscape, Cars.com Inc., now known as Cars Commerce Inc., has released its 2025 Affordability Report: Best Value New Cars. The report prioritises 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. For electric vehicles, a minimum estimated range of 280 miles was required.

The Ford Maverick (XL with 2.5-liter hybrid engine, front-wheel drive, Co-Pilot 360 extras package) has been named the best compact pickup truck. In the SUV category, the Ford Escape (Active) takes the crown for the best compact SUV, while the Kia Sorento (LX) leads the mid-size SUV segment. The Chevrolet Trax (LS with Driver Confidence Package) is the best subcompact SUV, and the Nissan Frontier (S 4×2 King Cab with 6-foot box) is the best mid-size pickup truck.

For those looking to mitigate potential cost increases, choosing a U.S.-assembled model is a strategic option. However, it's important to note that imported vehicles represent roughly half of all U.S. auto sales, including some models from traditionally American brands.

The Nissan Versa (SV) is the best subcompact car, with the Nissan Sentra (S) taking the top spot in the compact car category. The Ford F-150 (XL 4×2 SuperCab with base 2.7-liter V-6 and 6-foot-5-inch box) is the best full-size pickup truck.

The Biden administration is preparing to enact a 25% tariff on all vehicles assembled outside the United States, which could lead to significant price increases. According to Jenni Newman, Cars.com's editor-in-chief, potential vehicle price rises due to tariffs could range from $3,000 to $10,000. This has led to a sense of urgency among shoppers, who are feeling pressure to act now.

While the exact methodology Cars.com uses to determine the best value vehicles is not explicitly stated, it's likely that they assess vehicles based on a composite evaluation of price, fuel economy, consumer ratings, features, and reliability data gathered from user reviews and expert analysis.

In the electric vehicle market, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 (SE Long Range rear-wheel drive) has been identified as the best electric vehicle. With the potential for significant changes in the automotive industry, it's crucial for consumers to stay informed and make informed decisions when purchasing a new vehicle.

1. The 2025 Affordability Report: Best Value New Cars by Cars Commerce Inc. focuses on identifying vehicles equipped with essential safety and technology features.
2. In the compact pickup truck category, the Ford Maverick (XL with 2.5-liter hybrid engine) was named the best option due to its inclusion of the Co-Pilot 360 extras package.
3. The Nissan Versa (SV) claims the title of the best subcompact car, while the Nissan Sentra (S) leads in the compact car category.
4. The Biden administration plans to enact a 25% tariff on vehicles assembled outside the United States, which could lead to price increases of $3,000 to $10,000 per vehicle, according to Cars.com's editor-in-chief, Jenni Newman.

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