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It’s already tough to find a new car under $30,000 — and if new tariffs on imported vehicles go into effect, it’s about to get even harder.
The Trump administration’s new 25% tariffs on imported cars and parts could add thousands to the price of some of America’s most affordable vehicles, according to Bloomberg reporting in Automotive News. Models built in South Korea, Mexico, and Canada — including popular budget models from General Motors, Hyundai, Ford, and Nissan — would be hit hardest. The result? Some of the cheapest new cars on the market might disappear entirely.
Why This Matters
Car prices are already near record highs, with the average new vehicle now costing nearly $48,641 according to the latest market update. For budget-conscious drivers, the small pool of new cars under $30,000 is one of the last affordable options. But about half of those vehicles are built outside the U.S., meaning they’re directly in the crosshairs of these tariffs.
According to Cox Automotive, vehicles assembled in Mexico or Canada could see average price hikes of $5,855 if the tariffs are fully passed on to consumers. And because these tariffs target the very models designed to be affordable, the impact could be especially painful for first-time buyers, younger drivers, and working-class families.
Here’s a look at the latest round of tariffs from the Trump administration as of March 28, 2025:
Targeted Countries
Product
Tariff
Status
All imports
Steel, aluminum
25%
Began March 12, 2025
All imports
Semiconductors
25%
Expected in early April 2025
All imports
Pharmaceuticals
25%
Expected in early April 2025
All imports
Cars, auto parts
25%
To begin on April 3 for cars, May 3 for parts
All imports
Copper
Unknown
Unclear
Which Cars Are at Risk?
Here are just a few of the vehicles that could be affected:
Chevrolet Trax and Trailblazer – Both built in South Korea, the 2025 Trax starts at $21,795, and the 2025 Trailblazer starts a bit higher at $24,395. GM sold over 200,000 Trax crossovers last year.
Jeep Compass – Made in Mexico, the 2025 Compass starts at $28,895, but is often the subject of large manufacturer incentives.
Ford Maverick – The Maverick is ‘hecho en Mexico’, and is one of the only trucks still available for under $30,000.
Hyundai Venue and Elantra – Both are built in South Korea, and remain the most affordable options from Hyundai. The Venue starts at just $21,650, making it one of the cheapest cars on sale in the U.S., period. The Elantra has seen major upgrades in recent years, and now starts at $23,320.
Kia Soul and K4 – The Kia Soul is the brand’s entry-level SUV, and starts at $21,885. The K4 is the newest model in the Kia lineup, and sells quickly with a base price of $23,165.
Nissan Kicks, Sentra, and Versa – Nissan’s three most affordable models are all assembled in Mexico. The Kicks (from $23,220), Sentra (from $22,730) are both expected to see price increases. The cheapest new car in America, the 2025 Nissan Versa, is likely headed for the graveyard following 2025. With the new tariffs eating into already slim margins, the latest developments are likely the final nail in the coffin for new cars under $20,000.
See if your next car is impacted by tariffs with our free auto tariff checker:
What Might Survive?
There are a few exceptions. Honda and Toyota still build some affordable cars in the U.S., including:
Honda Civic Hatchback – Made in Indiana, starting at $28,600.
Toyota Corolla – Built in Mississippi, with a base price of $23,460.
If these tariffs take effect, these could be the last true “budget” new cars made in America. These two cars are already among the fastest-selling cars in America. With fewer affordable options to come, competition, and even prices, may soon increase.
What Automakers Are Saying
Industry leaders are sounding the alarm. Ford CEO Jim Farley is not mincing words, saying at an industry conference that 25% tariffs would be “devastating” and would “blow a hole in the U.S. industry that we’ve never seen.” Stellantis chairman John Elkann warned that the tariffs could threaten affordability and hurt demand. Even Trump has acknowledged that vehicle prices may rise, though he argues that long-term gains in domestic manufacturing will be worth the short-term pain.
But in the meantime, automakers will face tough decisions. Some may stop importing their most affordable vehicles altogether. Others might simply pass the cost along to buyers.
The Bigger Picture: Affordability Is Already a Crisis
This tariff fight comes at a time when car affordability is already stretched thin. High interest rates and inventory shortages have pushed many would-be new car buyers into the used market. But even there, things aren’t easy.
The average used car now in inventory is over six years old. This marks an all-time high as drivers hold on to their vehicles for longer. The pandemic disrupted production, and we’re still feeling the ripple effects today. Fewer lease returns and a tighter supply of 1- to 3-year-old models have driven up prices on older used cars, too. If tariffs price out would-be new car buyers from the market, we could see used car prices climb higher yet again.
If you’re in the market for a car under $30,000, it may be time to act before prices rise even further. Now is a good time to compare the latest manufacturer incentives, from zero percent financing to cheap lease deals. Unfortunately, some of these models are more likely to disappear entirely due to tariffs eliminating slim profit margins for budget models.
If you’re looking to stretch your budget but you’re not ready to buy, you might find better value in a lightly used car in the months ahead. However, if tariffs stick around for several months or more, even used car prices are likely to be impacted. CarEdge is tracking these developments closely. Check out our Vehicle Tariff Checker to see how your favorite model might be impacted.
President Trump has signed sweeping new auto tariffs for vehicles built outside of the U.S., marking a significant escalation in the administration’s ongoing trade battle. The move could directly impact car prices across the board, including the vehicle you might be shopping for in 2025.
Check if the car you’re considering is impacted by the new tariffs with this free Auto Tariff Calculator.
What We Know So Far
On March 26, President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on vehicles manufactured outside the United States, set to begin on April 3, as outlined in a March 26 executive order from the White House. In addition to vehicles, specific auto parts—such as engines, transmissions, and key powertrain and electrical components—will also face the 25% tariff. These tariffs on auto parts will take effect by May 3.
The new tariffs are part of Trump’s broader “reciprocal tariff” strategy, officially set to begin April 2. However, the president signaled earlier this week that auto-specific levies would come sooner — and now it’s happening. Markets reacted swiftly to the news, with auto stocks taking a dive following Bloomberg’s initial report that new tariffs were arriving early.
“We’re going to apply a 25 percent tariff to all cars not built in the United States,” Trump said during a White House press conference. “We’re raising the base rate from 2.5 percent to 25 percent.”
Limited Exceptions
According to the March 26 executive order, there are few exemptions for the new tariffs on imported cars and components. Parts that qualify for duty-free treatment under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) will be exempt from the new tariffs—at least until the Commerce Department creates a system to apply the tariffs solely to the non-U.S. portion of those parts. For vehicles from Canada and Mexico that meet USMCA requirements, the tariffs will apply only to the value of their non-U.S. content.
Who Will Be Hit the Hardest by New Auto Tariffs?
These price hikes could significantly reduce car sales in the U.S. and trigger job losses across major auto manufacturing states like Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Texas, South Carolina, and Alabama, as well as in Ontario, Canada.
However, the policy also drew praise from the United Auto Workers (UAW) union, which called it a “historic” win for American labor. UAW President Shawn Fain said the tariffs help reverse decades of “harmful” free trade deals that hurt working-class communities. In a statement, the union urged automakers not to pass the added costs on to consumers and expressed support for legislation requiring them to absorb the impact. The UAW also called for federal aid to protect workers from any disruptions caused by reshoring efforts.
With nearly half of all new vehicles sold in the U.S. in 2024 coming from overseas, and $474 billion in automotive imports last year alone, the economic ripple effects could be far-reaching. Key exporters to the U.S. include Mexico, Japan, South Korea, Canada, and Germany.
What It Means for Car Buyers in 2025
Whether you’re eyeing a new Honda, BMW, Hyundai, or even a Jeep or Ford, today’s announcement could raise prices across the board. Even U.S.-assembled cars aren’t immune if they rely on imported parts or manufacturing partnerships abroad. However, some cars will be impacted more severely than others.
The new auto tariffs are expected to sharply increase new car prices, according to the Anderson Economic Group. CEO Patrick L. Anderson told Automotive News that buyers and workers alike could feel the effects within weeks, with vehicle costs projected to rise by $4,000 to $10,000—even for many models considered “American.”
President Trump argues the tariffs will strengthen the U.S. auto industry by pushing production stateside. On Monday, he touted Hyundai’s $21 billion U.S. expansion as proof that his approach is working. Still, the global auto market is deeply interconnected, and relocating manufacturing isn’t something that happens overnight.
Automakers — including executives from Ford and Stellantis — have warned the administration that sudden tariffs could stall production, threaten U.S. jobs, and create more uncertainty in an already fragile supply chain.
Stay Informed
Whether you’re planning to buy new, lease, or even wait it out, it’s more important than ever to know how these tariffs could affect the price of the vehicle you’re considering. Even the used car market will see impacts as some new car buyers shift their buying plans.
For car shoppers, it’s time to take a closer look at what’s coming next. Use our free Auto Tariff Calculator to find out if the car you’re shopping for is likely to be hit by these new tariffs.
We’re keeping a close eye on what comes next — and we’ll update you as the situation unfolds. In the meantime, make sure you go into your next car deal with eyes wide open.
Spring car buying season is here, and that means so are some of the best car deals we’ve seen in months. 2025 models are filling dealer lots, yet many automakers are struggling to offload last year’s inventory. That means more negotiating power for you, if you know where to look.
Based on current market trends, these five automakers are most likely to roll out the biggest discounts, low-APR offers, and lease specials in April 2025.
Jeep – Zero Percent APR Isn’t Going Anywhere
Jeep continues to lead the pack when it comes to excess inventory, and that means buyers can expect another month of strong incentives.
Here’s why Jeep will likely offer big deals in April:
165,000 new Jeeps are sitting on dealer lots, equal to 144 days of market supply—that’s 62% above the industry average.
There are still 28,000 leftover 2024 models, including many Grand Cherokees, Wagoneers, and Gladiators.
Dealerships in the Upper Midwest and Pacific Northwest have the highest supply — and likely the most negotiable prices.
Jeep’s move upmarket hasn’t worked out as planned. As a result, premium models like the Grand Wagoneer and the all-new Wagoneer S electric SUV are being deeply discounted. Expect 0% APR offers and aggressive lease specials across Jeep’s SUV lineup in April.
Nissan’s U.S. outlook is shaky, and its overstocked lots reflect that. With warnings about Nissan’s financial challenges growing more urgent, it’s not clear if the automaker will survive to see the next decade. But for now, slowing sales equals bigger incentives for buyers in 2025.
Here’s why we expect Nissan to offer some of the best deals in April:
129-day supply of vehicles heading into April.
Around 12,000 leftover 2024 models remain unsold.
Key models like the Altima, Armada, and Frontier each have ~160 days of supply.
The Murano and Armada just received facelifts, but plenty of older inventory still needs to sell.
Nissan’s deep incentives might not help their bottom line, but they’re great for shoppers. Expect continued 0% APR offers on models like the Rogue and Altima, plus lease and finance specials to help move aging stock.
Mazda is facing inventory pressure it hasn’t seen in years. If sales don’t catch up, expect Mazda to start rolling out more aggressive deals in April.
Why Mazda could be a top pick for April savings:
142-day supply — nearly 3.5 months of unsold inventory.
Mazda is not accustomed to this level of supply, so incentives are likely to ramp up quickly.
To compete with Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai, Mazda may lean heavily on financing deals.
In March, Mazda offered 0.9% APR for 36 months across much of its lineup. For April, we’re watching for a return to 0% APR for 60 months on models like the CX-50, CX-90, and Mazda 3.
Ram is sitting on a mountain of trucks, and dealers are eager to make room for 2025 models. With slowing demand and rising prices, April could be one of the best times to buy a truck.
Current Inventory Snapshot:
144 days of supply, with 114,000 trucks available nationwide.
27% of Ram inventory is made up of leftover 2024 models.
3,457 unsold 2023 trucks are still on lots in 2025.
Ram sales have declined three years in a row.
Ram’s problem is affordability. Many of their trucks are priced near or above $80,000, and that’s tough to finance in today’s high-interest-rate environment. In March, Ram offered 1.9% APR for 72 months and up to $6,500 in cash allowances. April deals could be even better.
Ford is heading into April with bloated inventory, especially for its most popular SUVs and trucks. That’s a sign that bigger deals are on the way.
Ford’s Inventory Situation:
134 days of market supply heading into April.
The Escape, Bronco, Maverick, and F-150 are among the most overstocked.
Ford dealers in the Upper Midwest have the highest inventory levels.
So far, Ford has focused the best incentives on EVs. However, if gas-powered inventory keeps piling up, expect larger discounts and better APR offers on SUVs and trucks in April.
April 2025 is shaping up to be a great month for car shoppers, especially if you’re flexible about the brand or model. Jeep, Nissan, Mazda, Ram, and Ford are all under pressure to move vehicles quickly. That gives you the upper hand in negotiations.
For car buyers, that means:
Lower interest rates on financing deals
Hefty cash discounts on slow-selling models
More negotiability as dealers work to clear out old stock
🚗 Before you buy, make sure you’re getting the best deal possible. Use CarEdge’s Free Car Buyer’s Guide to compare offers, track inventory trends, and negotiate with confidence.
Selling your car online has never been easier, thanks to instant cash offers (ICOs) from companies like CarMax, Carvana, and EchoPark. But not all offers are equal—some look great at first glance but come with hidden fees, inconvenient conditions, or last-minute price changes. If you’re considering selling your car, here’s what you need to know to get the best deal.
The Most Important Step: Shop Around for the Best Instant Cash Offer
The biggest mistake car sellers make is accepting the first offer they receive without checking other options. Instant cash offers can vary widely depending on the buyer, and some companies may offer significantly more for your car than others. The best way to get an accurate comparison is to request quotes from multiple online buyers on the same day. Market values fluctuate frequently, so comparing offers within a short timeframe ensures you’re getting a fair and competitive price. Here’s the easiest way to compare offers.
With this critical step covered, let’s talk about what sellers should do to ensure they’re getting the most money possible when selling a car online.
1. Check the Offer Validity & Expiration
Most instant cash offers are only valid for a limited time—some for 7 days, while others expire in 24-48 hours. A shorter window might pressure you into accepting an offer before comparing other options. If possible, get multiple offers on the same day to ensure an accurate comparison.
2. Watch Out for Hidden Fees or Deductions
Some online car buyers reduce their offer after an in-person inspection, citing previously unmentioned damages or wear and tear. Others may charge processing fees, title transfer fees, or towing costs. Be sure to ask about any potential deductions before finalizing the sale.
3. Understand Condition Adjustments
Many instant offers are based on self-reported vehicle condition—but companies may have different standards for what qualifies as “excellent” or “good” condition. Some buyers are more lenient with minor cosmetic damage, while others use it as a reason to lower their offer during the final inspection.
4. Consider Market Fluctuations
The value of your car can change daily based on market demand. Seasonal trends, fuel prices, and overall supply can all impact how much your car is worth. For the best results, compare offers on the same day rather than over several weeks.
5. Wholesale vs. Retail Pricing
Not all buyers value your car the same way. Some companies purchase cars at wholesale prices to resell at auctions, while others aim for retail resale. Large dealerships or national online retailers often provide better offers than local dealers relying on auction pricing.
6. Consider the Ease of the Transaction
Some services make selling your car simple, while others require extra effort. Consider factors like:
Free pickup vs. drop-off required
Same-day payment vs. delayed payment processing
On-the-spot inspection vs. detailed evaluation process
Choose a buyer that offers a smooth, hassle-free process.
7. How Your Loan or Title is Handled
If your car still has a loan balance, find out whether the buyer will handle the payoff directly or if you’ll need to settle it first. Also, ensure the buyer provides clear title transfer documentation to avoid future liability issues.
8. Read Customer Reviews & Reputation
Before accepting an offer, check online reviews to see if other sellers have had good experiences. Some companies are known for bait-and-switch tactics, while others have a strong reputation for fair pricing and fast transactions.
9. Compare Trade-In vs. Direct Sale Offers
Some dealerships offer higher instant cash offers if you’re trading in rather than selling outright. If you plan to buy another car soon, check if a trade-in deal can get you more value.
Final Thoughts
Instant cash offers can be a great way to sell your car quickly, but taking the time to compare them properly can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. By considering offer expiration dates, potential deductions, and how the sale is handled, you can ensure you’re getting the best deal possible. Compare offers with CarEdge in minutes — no commitment required!
The electrification of transportation is a global phenomenon, one that the United States is a part of, but not leading. Around the world, electric vehicle adoption is surging, from Asia and Europe to emerging markets in Latin America and even Africa. Recent sales figures prove that EVs are not just a passing trend. Here’s a look at the latest EV market trends in 2025, proving that electric vehicles continue to gain ground despite political and economic challenges.
Where America Stands on EV Adoption
Many skeptics dismiss EVs as a politically driven fad, but they overlook a crucial fact: electrification is a global movement, not just a regional trend. Globally, electric vehicle sales increased 25% in 2024. Analysis from the International Energy Agency and OurWorldInData shows that global sales of vehicles powered by internal combustion engines (ICE) peaked back in 2018. EVs, plug-in hybrids, and mild hybrids have steadily gained market share as ICE cars have declined globally. While the U.S. has made significant strides in EV adoption, it still lags behind many other major markets.
For the time being, China is the leader in EVs, at least among global superpowers. It’s without a doubt the world’s largest EV market in terms of annual sales. In 2024, battery electric vehicle (BEV) market share in China reached an impressive 27%, with 11 million EVs sold.
In 2024, battery electric vehicles made up 14% of new car sales in the European Union and just 8% in the U.S. The United Kingdom is charging ahead (pun intended), with one in five new cars sold being fully electric. France followed with 16% BEV market share, while Germany declined to 14% as incentives ended. Several European nations have surpassed the 50% mark, with Norway leading the world at 89% BEV market share in 2024. Iceland and Sweden are close behind.
A surprising leader in the Americas is Costa Rica, where 17% of new cars sold in 2024 were BEVs. While the U.S. is making progress, it is clear that the country is not at the forefront of the EV revolution. However, recent market trends show that demand is growing, and more Americans are making the switch.
February Sales Data Highlights U.S. EV Market Strength
Although several countries are well ahead of the United States in EV adoption, progress in the U.S. continues nonetheless. Cox Automotive’s latest EV Market Monitor for February 2025 provides compelling data on the continued growth of electric vehicles in the country.
New EV Sales: Record February Numbers
While new EV sales saw a slight month-over-month decline due to expected seasonal trends, last month marked an all-time record high for the month of February. Year-over-year, new EV sales volume increased by 10.5%, though market share dipped slightly to 7.7%. Luxury brands performed particularly well:
BMW and Rivian saw strong growth, with sales increasing by 20.9% and 34.0%, respectively.
Tesla’s overall sales declined by 10.0%, largely driven by drops in the Cybertruck (-32.5%), Model 3 (-17.5%), and Model Y (-3.1%). But that wasn’t enough to knock Tesla off the throne.
The five best-selling EV models in February 2025 were:
Used EV sales saw an impressive 34.2% increase year-over-year in February, highlighting the growing demand for pre-owned electric models. Tesla maintained its dominance in the used EV market, accounting for 39.9% of total sales. However, month-over-month, Tesla’s used EV sales volume dipped by 9.2%.
The market supply of used EVs also reflected shifting dynamics, with the days’ supply reaching 49 days, a slight 5.9% month-over-month increase but a notable 21.5% year-over-year decrease. This suggests that used EVs are selling at a much faster rate than the previous year, reinforcing their growing appeal among buyers.
EV Prices: New EVs Are Becoming More Affordable
The cost of EV ownership is gradually becoming more accessible. In February, the average transaction price (ATP) for new EVs was $55,273, marking a 1.2% month-over-month decline but a 3.7% increase year-over-year. Incentives for new EVs reached 14.9% of ATP, making them more affordable for consumers. This is much higher than incentive levels in the overall market, which totaled 7.1% of the average transaction price.
On the used market, the average listing price for EVs was $38,057, reflecting a 1.8% month-over-month increase and a 1.6% year-over-year rise. Notably, 39% of used EVs sold were priced under $25,000, offering budget-friendly options for buyers looking to go electric. These trends indicate a growing affordability that could encourage wider adoption in the near future.
More EV Choices and Better Charging Infrastructure
With 70 fully electric models available in the U.S. market in 2025 and a dozen more launching by the end of the year, EV buyers have more choices than ever before. One of the biggest hurdles to EV adoption—charging infrastructure—is improving rapidly.
Tesla’s Supercharger network remains the most reliable and accounts for 56% of the nation’s fast chargers.
Major automakers like Ford, GM, Rivian, and Lucid now have access to Tesla’s Supercharger network, effectively eliminating range anxiety for many EV drivers.
EVs Are Here to Stay
The numbers don’t lie. Electric vehicles are not just a niche product but a growing force in the auto industry. While the U.S. may trail behind some international markets, EV adoption continues to rise, with new and used EV sales increasing year over year. Prices are becoming more competitive, and charging infrastructure is expanding rapidly. Despite political headwinds, the momentum behind EVs is undeniable.
Future innovations will help to accelerate the switch, even if ICE-powered vehicles remain in the market for decades to come. Chinese automaker BYD just teased 5-minute charge times, and numerous automakers have advanced solid-state batteries in development. Charging is getting even better with the automaker-funded Ionna charging network growing quickly in 2025. The future is looking bright for those considering the switch to an EV.
Find the most negotiable EVs near you with CarEdge Best Deals — the easiest way to find the biggest incentives for any new car. Shopping used? CarEdge Insights reveals aging inventory that’s ripe for negotiation. We’re here to help you save time, money, and hassle with your next car purchase, no matter what you’re in the market for.
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