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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.
2026 Audi A6
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.
2026 Kia K4 Hatchback
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.
2026 Rivian R2
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.
2026 BMW 3-Series
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.
2026 Chevrolet Bolt EV
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.
2026 Hyundai Palisade
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.
2026 Toyota CH-R+ (Hopefully)
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!
Final Thoughts: Should You Wait for 2026?
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.
In April 2025, Stellantis — the automaker behind Jeep, Ram, Dodge, and Chrysler — announced its “Freedom of Choice” employee pricing program. 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 April 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.
Employee Pricing vs. Other Incentives
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 April’s best manufacturer incentives:
Jeep Wrangler: 10% off MSRP (~$4,800), or 0% APR for 36 months
Jeep Compass: $7,500 cash allowance, or 0% APR for 36 months
Ram 1500: $10,500 total cash savings for current lessees
Dodge Durango: Just $1,000 cash allowance, which is close to the employee pricing discount
The bottom line: The other incentives usually beat employee pricing by thousands—especially if you qualify as a current lessee.
Where Employee Pricing Actually Makes Sense
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.
Why Stellantis’ “Freedom of Choice” Program Is Mostly Marketing
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:
Tariffs are live: The U.S. government’s 25% import duty on foreign-built vehicles began in early April. While many Stellantis models are assembled in North America, tariffs still increase parts and production costs across the board. See which models are impacted.
Inventory is high: According to CarEdge Insights, Stellantis is sitting on plenty of unsold 2024 inventory, particularly for models like the Ram 1500 and Jeep Compass. Here’s a breakdown of new car inventory for Stellantis brands in April 2025:
Ram: 137 days of market supply (88% above the industry average)
Jeep: 121 days of market supply (66% above the industry average)
Dodge: 127 days of market supply (74% above the industry average)
Chrysler: 78 days of market supply (7% above the industry average)
Cash is king: With large cash incentives and 0% APR financing still in effect, most buyers will do better with traditional offers than with employee pricing.
So… Is Stellantis’ Employee Pricing a Good Deal?
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.
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.
But is it really the deal it seems to be?
We dug into the numbers, comparing Ford’s April employee pricing offers to last month’s manufacturer incentives and actual dealer invoice prices. The result? Some Ford shoppers may actually save less with April’s flashy promotion than they could have with March’s traditional offers. Let’s break it down.
March vs. April: Ford’s Incentives Compared
To determine if Ford’s employee pricing offer is indeed a good deal, it helps to take a look back at last month’s incentives. Here’s what Ford was offering in March 2025:
0% APR for 72 months: F-150 Lightning, Mustang Mach-E (still available in April)
$1,750 cash back: Bronco Sport (also available in April)
3.9% APR for 60 months: Ford Expedition — saved buyers ~$8,185 on a $50,000 loan compared to today’s average APRs
5.9% APR for 60 months: Ford F-150, Bronco, Mustang, Explorer — saving thousands vs. today’s average APRs
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.
Where Employee Pricing Is a Good Deal
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:
F-150 Lightning – Employee pricing plus 0% APR means more savings than last month.
Mustang Mach-E – Also still eligible for 0% APR, making it a better value now.
Bronco Sport – Now includes both cash incentives and lower APR.
Explorer – Still eligible for 5.9% APR and now includes $3,000 off MSRP.
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.
Where Employee Pricing Falls Short
For other Ford models, employee pricing in April offers less value than what was available just last month.
Here’s how much less you’d save in April versus March:
Model
April 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 in April. 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.
Why Ford’s “Deals” Are Mostly Marketing
Ford’s April 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:
Ford’s inventory is high: 510,167 vehicles for sale in early April, with 170,000 leftover 2024 models still sitting on lots.
Models like the Bronco, Mustang, and Expedition have been slow to move—Ford needs to clear them out.
Many dealers were already selling at a discount in March. Employee pricing may now match those prices—but not beat them.
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.
Don’t Shop Based on Slogans—Shop Based on Data
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!
Is Ford’s Employee Pricing Worth It?
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.
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.
Toyota Corolla Hatchback
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Final Thoughts: Cost of Ownership > Sticker Price
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.
On April 9, President Trump announced a 90-day pause on most reciprocal tariffs, marking a temporary shift in U.S. trade strategy. However, there was one glaring exception: automotive tariffs remain firmly in place.
At a White House press conference, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that the pause does not apply to sectoral tariffs like those affecting the auto industry. That means the 25% duty on imported vehicles that took effect on April 3, along with steel and aluminum levies, are still being enforced.
What If Auto Tariffs Are Paused? It’s Complicated
With the pause on reciprocal tariffs, many consumers and analysts are wondering what would happen if auto tariffs were next on the chopping block. Let’s be clear: as of April 9, auto tariffs are NOT paused. But as trade negotiations continue, it’s worth exploring how a change in that policy might impact car prices, inventory, and the broader market.
Automakers Are Thinking Ahead
Despite the current uncertainty, automakers are preparing for the 2026 model year. Some, like Honda (with the new 2026 Passport) and Porsche (with the upcoming 911), have already announced higher prices for 2026 models.
Why does that matter? Because automakers plan MSRPs months—even years—in advance. And tariff policy plays a big role in those decisions. Even American brands are affected. The higher the tariff burden on imported components or vehicles, the higher the MSRP is likely to be, even for U.S.-assembled cars that rely on global supply chains.
The continued enforcement of auto tariffs through this summer and beyond means automakers will build 2026 pricing with the uncertain trade environment in mind. Simply put, consumers should expect higher prices as automakers set prices for next year’s models.
Jaguar Land Rover and Audi Pause Shipments to U.S.
A few European automakers have already reacted decisively: Audi and Jaguar Land Rover have paused all shipments of new vehicles from its European factories to the United States. Neither automaker has any production in the United States. Both Audi and JLR import 100% of their U.S. lineup from overseas plants.
If auto tariffs continue without a pause or significant reduction, we can expect to see additional overseas auto brands pausing shipments to the U.S. market.
What if auto tariffs are paused?
It hasn’t happened yet. Despite the big news on April 9, 2025 that most reciprocal tariffs are paused for 90 days, it’s important for car buyers to understand that these developments do not impact tariffs on new car imports. But, what if trade negotiations do result in a pause in the weeks or months ahead?
If the U.S. were to pause auto tariffs, we’d likely see a rush of vehicles into the American market from automakers looking to take advantage of the window before tariffs return. Luxury car brands would scramble to send inventory to the U.S. market as quickly as possible.
European automakers would move fastest: brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen Group (including Audi and Porsche) would likely prioritize North American shipments.
For example, neither Audi nor Porsche produce any of their models in North America. Every vehicle sold here is shipped in from Europe. If tariffs were lifted, even temporarily, these brands would scramble to flood the market with inventory. Cargo ships full of luxury SUVs and sports cars could hit American shores within weeks.
Asian automakers have a large manufacturing presence in the U.S. these days, but we’d see plenty of imported models arrive at ports as quickly as a cargo ship can cross 5,000 miles of the Pacific Ocean. Automakers with manufacturing facilities in Canada and Mexico have been partly shielded by the USMCA agreement, but we’d likely see a rush of those vehicles into the United States, too.
With so many vehicles arriving on U.S. shores, it’s possible that new car prices may soften due to a temporary buildup of imported cars. Whether or not prices would meaningfully fall would depend on the scale and duration of a future tariff pause.
What a Tariff Pause Would Mean for the Global Auto Market
A temporary pause in U.S. auto tariffs would send ripples across the global car market. Here’s what we might see:
– Short-term inventory surge: European and Asian automakers could ship in as many vehicles as possible during the pause. This could temporarily ease tight inventory for luxury models in the U.S.
– Price volatility: If OEMs believe tariffs might return soon, they may still keep MSRPs high to account for risk. However, dealers may offer temporary discounts to move sudden surpluses.
– Trade policy whiplash: Repeated changes to tariff policy make long-term planning difficult for both automakers and car buyers. This uncertainty trickles down to prices, supply chain strategies, and even where vehicles are manufactured.
– Pressure on U.S. brands: If imports flood the market, U.S. automakers might respond with better deals or financing to stay competitive.
The Bottom Line for Car Shoppers
While most reciprocal tariffs have been paused, auto tariffs remain fully in effect as of April 9. This has real implications for car pricing and availability, especially for luxury imports.
If you’re in the market for a car, especially a European model, pay close attention to trade news. A sudden policy shift could bring a wave of new inventory — or trigger another round of price hikes.
For now, the best thing you can do is stay informed and shop smart. Use tools like CarEdge’s Free Car Buyer’s Guide and local car market insights to track local inventory and get the best deal, no matter what direction trade winds blow.
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