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The 2026 model year welcomes both highly-anticipated debuts and meaningful updates to some of the most popular cars on the market. From redesigned best-sellers to all-new models, there’s a lot on the horizon for car shoppers who aren’t in a rush to buy right now. Plus, most of these cars will arrive in customer hands within just a few months. Whether you’re after better tech, faster charging, or just reimagined styling, these upcoming 2026 cars, hatchbacks, and SUVs are worth the wait.
The next-generation Audi A6 stays true to what it does best: executive-class refinement without the flash. Redesigned from the ground up, the 2026 A6 brings new exterior styling, a tech-heavy cabin with massive digital displays, and a long list of standard safety features.
Under the hood, U.S. models will come standard with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 producing 362 horsepower paired with Quattro all-wheel drive. Options like adaptive air suspension and four-wheel steering add an additional touch of refinement.
📆 Expected arrival: Late 2025
Where will it be made? Germany (To be impacted by auto tariffs)
Why it’s worth waiting for: Substantial luxury upgrades, new looks, and V6 power in a segment where others are going four-cylinder.
Kia’s K4 sedan is already making waves, and now the hatchback version promises even more. Kia’s replacement for the discontinued Forte is orders of magnitude more compelling as a value-packed compact car.
Think of the K4 Hatchback as a car designed with global markets in mind — we’re just lucky that it’s coming to the U.S. It’s about 11 inches shorter than the sedan, making it easier to park and maneuver, yet it packs up to 59.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded—almost SUV-like utility in a sleek, compact form.
Interior and powertrain specs largely mirror the sedan, which is good news if you’re already a fan of the K4.
📆 Expected arrival: Mid-to-late 2025
Where will it be made? Mexico (To be impacted by auto tariffs)
Why it’s worth waiting for: A rare new compact hatchback that blends smart packaging with sharp design.
Rivian’s upcoming R2 SUV is shaping up to be one of the most compelling electric vehicles under $50K. Smaller and more affordable than the R1S, the R2 targets the same crowd as the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E, but with Rivian’s adventure-ready edge.
Expect single-, dual-, and tri-motor configurations, with most specs good for 300 miles of range. Rivian has shared a few interesting features, like two gloveboxes, a new type of haptic knob on the steering wheel, and a very flexible interior. Plus, the R2 features the NACS (Tesla) charging port, so it’s easy to utilize the 20,000+ Tesla Superchargers around the U.S.
Rivian intends to enter the European market with the R2 at some point.
📆 Expected arrival: Early 2026
Where will it be made? Illinois and Georgia, USA
Why it’s worth waiting for: Rivian DNA at a more accessible price, plus true utility in a long-range, fast-charging electric SUV.
The BMW 3-Series is getting a full redesign for 2026, and it’s expected to blend Neue Klasse-inspired looks with major tech upgrades. While full specs are still under wraps, we anticipate the usual mix of turbocharged four- and six-cylinder engines, plus a new electric variant.
Inside, BMW is expected to roll out a wall-to-wall digital dashboard and next-gen iDrive software. A new M3 (gas and electric) is also in the pipeline. The 2026 3-Series is long-awaited. Basically, the 3-Series has been due for an upgrade for quite some time, and it’s finally happening.
EV-curious? The 3-Series will be accompanied by an all-electric BMW i3 in 2026. The BMW i4 has been one of the best-selling electric luxury sedans for some time, so BMW has high hopes for the new i3.
📆 Expected arrival: Mid-2025
Where will it be made? Mexico (To be impacted by auto tariffs)
Why it’s worth waiting for: The next-gen 3-Series should raise the bar again for tech and driving fun in a luxury sedan.
After initially discontinuing the Bolt EV, GM made a U-turn. The all-new 2026 Bolt EV is coming back with improved charging speeds, better range, and a price tag that should stay right around $30,000.
Now built on GM’s Ultium platform and produced at the Kansas City-area Fairfax plant, the Bolt EV is expected to undercut the Equinox EV and offer NACS charging capability for easy access to Tesla Superchargers. By 2026, the Bolt will have more competition in the budget EV segment than ever before, including a next generation Nissan LEAF. However, GM’s excitement for the new Bolt EV is contagious, and we’re looking forward to the Bolt EV arriving late this year.
We don’t yet have any images of the next-gen Bolt EV, but we expect it to resemble the larger Equinox EV in design language.
📆 Expected arrival: Late 2025
Where will it be made? Kansas, USA
Why it’s worth waiting for: One of the few affordable EVs with fast charging and a proven following—now better than ever.
Hyundai’s popular three-row SUV gets a major upgrade for 2026, and it’s aiming upscale. The new Palisade is longer, wider, and packed with more tech and comfort features. Most importantly, a new 329-hp hybrid powertrain joins the lineup, alongside a redesigned V6.
The hybrid could deliver over 30 mpg and up to 620 miles of range, while still towing up to 4,000 pounds. V6 versions will continue to tow 5,000 pounds and come standard with an updated 8-speed automatic.
The most noticeable change for the 2026 Palisade will be its looks. With a bold front fascia and unique running lights, Hyundai is about to launch yet another eye-catching SUV on the heels of the redesigned Santa Fe and the popular IONIQ 5 EV.
📆 Expected arrival: Late 2025
Where will it be made? South Korea (To be impacted by auto tariffs)
Why it’s worth waiting for: A hybrid three-row that blends comfort, efficiency, and capability.
Toyota’s long-overdue push into electric vehicles gains serious momentum with two models in 2026: the reimagined and improved bZ4X, and the revival of the CH-R as an EV. Built on the same platform as the bZ4X, this upcoming EV crossover looks sharper, drives better, and—most importantly—should cost a lot less.
There’s a catch: it’s not officially confirmed if the CH-R+ will be coming to the U.S. market, but signs point towards its arrival sometime in 2026 following a debut in the European market. If Toyota hits the mark and keeps the price in the low-to-mid $30,000s, the CH-R+ could finally give EV buyers a true budget-friendly alternative with up to 300 miles of range, fast charging, and sleek looks.
📆 Expected arrival: 2026
Where will it be made? Unknown
Why it’s worth waiting for: Toyota reliability in an electric crossover that might actually be affordable. We hope it arrives stateside!
If you’re in no rush to buy, the 2026 model year could be worth the wait—especially if you’re looking for next-gen tech, EV upgrades, or something new altogether. That said, don’t overlook the fact that tariffs and supply chain changes could shift delivery timelines or pricing. Stay flexible, and keep your eye on preorder timelines if one of these catches your eye.
🔎 Looking to buy before then? Check out local listings and protect your wallet with total cost of ownership data using CarEdge Research. Remember, you can have our experts negotiate your deal if you’re ready to buy without the stress or dealership hassle.
In April 2025, Stellantis announced its “Freedom of Choice” employee pricing program for Jeep, Ram, Dodge, and other brands sold in the U.S. The name sounds empowering, especially during a time of uncertainty around tariffs and rising vehicle costs.
But here’s the fine print: employee pricing cannot be combined with any other offers. Car shoppers can choose the offer that works best for them, and rarely does that turn out to be employee pricing.
We reviewed Stellantis’ current incentives and compared employee pricing savings to the brand’s traditional financing and cash offers. The verdict? In most cases, you’ll save more by skipping employee pricing entirely.
Jeep, Ram, Dodge, and Chrysler shoppers have reportedly been told by dealers that this month’s employee pricing offer roughly equates to 5% below dealer invoice pricing, plus a $200 administrative fee. Using our free Dealer Invoice Price calculator, we did some simple math to estimate what buyers will end up paying with the “Freedom of Choice” employee pricing offer.
Here’s our closest estimation of how much you can save with Stellantis employee pricing compared to the best manufacturer incentives:
| Model | Estimated Employee Pricing Savings | Savings From Other Offers |
| Ram 1500 | $1,700 – $5,800 | Up to $10,500 |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | $900 – $1,800 | Up to $7,000 |
| Jeep Wrangler | $800 – $1,200 | $4,000 – $6,000 |
| Jeep Compass | $500 – $700 | Up to $7,500 |
| Dodge Durango | $1,200 – $1,500 | $1,000 |
When we look at the best available incentives, we see exactly why employee pricing is rarely the better offer:
The bottom line: The other incentives usually beat employee pricing by thousands—especially if you qualify as a current lessee.
There’s one notable exception: the Dodge Durango. With only $1,000 in cash available through traditional incentives, employee pricing of $1,200 to $1,500 may offer a slight edge.
However, this is the exception, not the rule. On every other top-selling Stellantis model we analyzed, employee pricing resulted in smaller savings than the cash or APR offers already on the table.
Stellantis wants to frame this promotion as a win for buyers—but in practice, it’s a strategic move to repackage existing discounts under a new label. And with auto tariffs now in effect, automakers are under pressure to maintain demand as affordability takes a hit.
Here’s the current context:
Not really — at least, not for most buyers. This promotion is about reshaping perception more than reducing prices. The idea of paying “what the employees pay” sounds like a deal. But when it’s your money on the line, the only numbers that matter are how much you’ll actually save.
Before you head to the dealership:
👉 Take these car buying cheat sheets with you to the dealership!
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When Ford announced its “From America. For America.” employee pricing campaign in April 2025, it sounded like a patriotic win for car shoppers. After all, employee pricing has long been viewed as a golden ticket to deep discounts, especially as tariffs threaten to send prices higher. And in June, Ford has decided to extend employee pricing through Fourth of July weekend.
But is it really the deal it seems to be?
We dug into the numbers, comparing Ford’s employee pricing offers to last month’s manufacturer incentives and actual dealer invoice prices. The result? Some Ford shoppers may actually save less with this flashy promotion than they could have with traditional offers. Let’s break it down.
To determine if Ford’s employee pricing offer is indeed a good deal, it helps to take a look back at previous incentives. Here’s what Ford was offering in March 2025:
Now compare that to the Ford’s employee pricing offers this month:
| Model | Employee Pricing |
| Ford F-150 Lightning | $4,800 off MSRP |
| Ford Mustang Mach-E | $2,115 off |
| Ford Edge | $1,650 off |
| Ford Explorer | $3,000 off |
| Ford Expedition | $4,200 off |
| Ford F-150 | $3,100 off |
| Ford Bronco | $1,800 off |
| Ford Mustang | $2,350 off |
At first glance, those look like solid discounts, and in some cases they are. But there’s more to the story. These discounts are straight from Ford’s Employee pricing page. Ford does not share savings for higher trims, which is what most buyers are looking for.
👉 Luckily, we have an easy way for you to see roughly what you’d pay with employee pricing. For any Ford model and trim, see the Dealer Invoice Price with our free tool to get a ballpark estimate of employee pricing.
There are a few standout models where April’s deals actually beat what was available in March. However, these models share something in common: Most of these are the slower-selling Fords on the lineup in 2025:
Why these stand out: Ford is combining employee pricing with financing offers on slow-selling or heavily incentivized models. That can stack up to serious savings—but only for a select few models.
For other Ford models, employee pricing offers less value than what was available just last month.
Here’s how much less you’d save with employee pricing compared to previous incentives back in March:
| Model | Employee Pricing Savings (vs. March) |
| Ford Expedition | $3,285 less |
| Ford F-150 | $1,252 less |
| Ford Bronco | $1,464 less |
| Ford Mustang | $914 less |
Why the difference? These models lost their low-interest APR offers. Employee pricing only lowers the sticker price—but if you’re financing, the interest savings from March made a bigger impact on your total cost.
Ford’s employee pricing campaign is designed to sound impressive—especially during a time when several Ford models are impacted by tariffs. But from a buyer’s standpoint, it’s more of a marketing rebrand than a true price drop.
In early April, the Trump administration’s 25% tariff on imported vehicles officially took effect, sending shockwaves through the auto industry. While Ford assembles many of its models in the U.S., the brand still relies on imported components—and foreign-built models like the Mustang Mach-E are now more expensive to bring in. Faced with rising cost pressure and public concern about affordability, Ford launched its “From America. For America.” employee pricing campaign to frame itself as the patriotic, price-friendly choice.
But look past the headlines, and the math tells a different story:
In short, ongoing tariffs are putting pressure on Ford’s pricing and inventory strategy, and this employee pricing rollout is less about passing along massive savings to buyers—and more about staying competitive in a shifting market. It’s a convenient narrative, but the real savings vary widely by model, and in some cases, buyers would have been better off last month.
Before you sign on the dotted line, know what a great deal actually looks like. The best way to do that?
See how employee pricing compares to what others are really paying—and to what the dealer paid. You might find that the “discount” isn’t much of a discount at all.
Another smart tip? Always look at the total cost of ownership, not just the sticker price. Getting stuck with an unreliable car that’s costly to insure can cost you thousands of dollars added transportation costs!
The campaign appears to be as much about marketing and managing inventory in the face of rising tariffs and high stock levels as it is about providing genuine discounts. To determine if the “employee pricing” is truly a good deal, potential buyers should compare it against dealer invoice prices and consider the total cost of ownership, rather than relying solely on the advertised savings.
As always, buyers who do their homework and compare invoice prices, financing offers, and available incentives come out ahead. Luckily, we’ve got the tools for you to make an empowered purchase, whether you’re shopping Ford’s employee pricing offers or any other vehicle.
![10 Cars with the Lowest Cost of Ownership [2025 Data]](https://caredge.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-07-11_The-Hidden-Costs-of-Owning-a-Car_Blog-Header-Image_1920x1080_v1-1080x675.jpg)
Looking for a car that won’t drain your wallet over time? With rising prices and high interest rates still making headlines in 2025, keeping an eye on total cost of ownership is more important than ever. From depreciation and insurance to fuel and maintenance, CarEdge Research has identified the ten cars with the lowest five-year cost to own. These models aren’t just affordable upfront—they’re built to save you money in the long run.
Predicted 5-Year Total Cost of Ownership: $29,686
Starting MSRP with Destination Fees: $24,915
Predicted 5-Year Depreciation: – $5,164
Known for its great fuel economy and excellent reliability, the Corolla is a favorite among city drivers and commuters alike. In 2025, the Corolla is available as both a sedan and hatchback. Low depreciation and high resale value keep it among the top budget-friendly choices. One stand out for the Corolla: depreciation, or the lack thereof. The Corolla sees the least depreciation of any new car on sale today.
See Toyota Corolla Cost of Ownership Data
Predicted 5-Year Total Cost of Ownership: $31,581
Starting MSRP with Destination Fees: $21,650
Predicted 5-Year Depreciation: – $7,460
The Hyundai Venue is one of the most affordable crossovers you can buy in 2025. This subcompact SUV is popular for its unique exterior styling, surprisingly roomy interior, and value-packed trim levels. With a starting price of just $21,650, the Venue is one of the last truly affordable cars in America.
See Hyundai Venue Cost of Ownership Data
Predicted 5-Year Total Cost of Ownership: $33,356
Starting MSRP with Destination Fees: $25,400
Predicted 5-Year Depreciation: – $8,572
The Honda Civic continues to be one of the most well-rounded compact cars on the market. With excellent fuel economy, top-tier safety ratings, and a reputation for long-term reliability, it’s no surprise the Civic ranks among the cars with the lowest total ownership costs.
See Honda Civic Cost of Ownership Data
Predicted 5-Year Total Cost of Ownership: $33,392
Starting MSRP with Destination Fees: $23,165
Predicted 5-Year Depreciation: – $9,963
The all-new Kia K4 replaces the outgoing Forte and brings sharper looks and more tech to the compact sedan segment. It’s already gaining traction as one of the best values in 2025. An electric version of the K4 is on the way for 2026, but the gas-powered model offers exceptional affordability today. We don’t expect the electric companion to start under $30,000 when it arrives.
See Kia K4 Cost of Ownership Data
Predicted 5-Year Total Cost of Ownership: $33,425
Starting MSRP with Destination Fees: $22,730
Predicted 5-Year Depreciation: – $8,828
The Nissan Sentra is a budget-friendly compact sedan known for its overall value for the low price. It may fly under the radar, but the Sentra deserves more fans with some of the lowest five-year costs in the segment.
See Nissan Sentra Cost of Ownership Data
Predicted 5-Year Total Cost of Ownership: $33,547
Starting MSRP with Destination Fees: $24,780
Predicted 5-Year Depreciation: – $9,062
Standard all-wheel drive and a reputation for durability help the Subaru Impreza stand out in a sea of compact sedans. Following the discontinuation of the Legacy, the Impreza is now Subaru’s only mainstream sedan. For drivers in colder climates, it’s an unbeatable value.
See Subaru Impreza Cost of Ownership Data
Predicted 5-Year Total Cost of Ownership: $35,005
Starting MSRP with Destination Fees: $23,220
Predicted 5-Year Depreciation: – $9,334
Redesigned for 2025, the Nissan Kicks brings a bold new look, updated tech, and more space to the compact crossover market. It’s a popular pick for first-time buyers and those wanting SUV practicality without the SUV price. Despite the upgrades, it remains one of the cheapest cars to own over five years.
See Nissan Kicks Cost of Ownership Data
Predicted 5-Year Total Cost of Ownership: $35,108
Starting MSRP with Destination Fees: $23,460
Predicted 5-Year Depreciation: – $9,271
A household name for decades, the Toyota Corolla sedan is known for bulletproof reliability and low operating costs. With strong resale value and minimal maintenance expenses, the Corolla continues to be one of the safest bets for anyone looking to save money over time.
See Toyota Corolla Cost of Ownership Data
Predicted 5-Year Total Cost of Ownership: $35,337
Starting MSRP with Destination Fees: $18,337
Predicted 5-Year Depreciation: – $9,562
The Nissan Versa remains America’s cheapest new car—at least for a little while longer. Nissan has announced the Versa will be discontinued after the 2025 model year. Known for its simplicity and low cost of entry, the Versa still offers one of the lowest costs of ownership of any new car on sale.
See Nissan Versa Cost of Ownership Data
Predicted 5-Year Total Cost of Ownership: $36,460
Starting MSRP with Destination Fees: $21,895
Predicted 5-Year Depreciation: – $11,863
Completely reimagined in 2024, the Chevrolet Trax has quickly become one of Chevy’s best sellers. With SUV looks, compact car pricing, and great standard tech, the Trax is ideal for drivers who want more for less. Its low price and fuel efficiency help keep five-year ownership costs impressively low.
See Chevrolet Trax Cost of Ownership Data
What was officially the cheapest new car on sale in America has been discontinued following the 2024 model year. Starting at just $18,015, the Mirage was so bare bones that it appears to have been too cheap for most budget buyers, who tended to opt for better equipped models in the $20,000 – $25,000 price range. Mitsubishi sold fewer than 30,000 of the Mirage in all of 2024.
As of April 2025, 5,000 new Mirages remain on dealership lots nationwide. It’s worth noting that the Mirage has a 5-year cost to own of just $30,325. However, due to its discontinuation and dwindling inventory, we omitted it from the official top 10.
On a similar note, the Kia Forte would’ve made this list if it hadn’t already been replaced by the Kia K4. Just 288 new Fortes are left unsold as of April. If you’re lucky enough to drive one home, expect a low cost of ownership of just $33,910 over the first five years of ownership.
It’s easy to focus on MSRP when shopping for a new car, but the sticker price only tells part of the story. Insurance, maintenance, and depreciation can quietly add thousands to your total cost over time, even for a new car. Every model on this list proves that affordable ownership is still possible in 2025, but only if you make a smart purchase.
Whether you’re shopping new or used, don’t just ask what a car costs today—ask what it’ll cost you tomorrow. For deeper insights, explore cost of ownership and depreciation data for every model at CarEdge Research.
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