How much does brand really matter when it comes to car prices? Quite a lot, as it turns out. Whether you’re eyeing a commuter car or dreaming of a luxury ride, the average price by brand shows just how wide the gap has grown in today’s market.

At CarEdge, we pulled together the latest brand-level data to show you the average transaction price by car brand, from the cheapest to the most expensive. The results might surprise you. Some budget-friendly names are still hanging on, while the ultra-luxury world continues to climb into the stratosphere. Let’s take a look at the cheapest car brands in America, and how they compare to the most expensive brands.

The Least Expensive Car Brands in America

If you’re looking for value, these are the brands to keep on your radar. Most of these car brands average in the $30,000 – $40,000 range. Affordability makes these solid picks for families, commuters, first-time buyers, and just overall frugal drivers.

Mitsubishi – $31,008

Mitsubishi’s lineup is small, but models like the Outlander Sport keep prices at the lowest end of the spectrum. If you’re simply looking for the cheapest way into a new car, Mitsubishi tops the list.

Nissan – $35,064

With affordable sedans like the Sentra and Versa, plus the popular Rogue SUV, Nissan delivers plenty of options for buyers on a budget. In 2025, Nissan offers a mix of affordability and variety as they aim to win back market share for the struggling automaker.

Buick – $35,077

Buick may be marketed as GM’s entry-level luxury brand, but the brand’s SUVs like the Encore GX and Envision are surprisingly cheap. For many, Buick makes it possible to drive a near-luxury car without the luxury price tag.

Kia – $35,935

Once the underdog, Kia now offers some of the best value cars in the industry. Kia continues to move its lineup upmarket, with the EV9 easily going for north of $60,000. Fortunately, models like the new K4, Soul, and Niro keep prices low for most buyers.

Subaru – $36,578

Standard all-wheel drive across nearly every model adds value, especially in snowy states. Budget-friendly pricing plus all-weather capability makes Subaru stand out.

Mazda – $37,634

Mazda blends sporty handling with a premium feel, yet average prices remain under $40K.
For budget-conscious drivers, Mazda is known for affordable cars that feel like luxury competitors.

Hyundai – $37,877

From the Elantra to the Tucson, Hyundai offers popular budget models alongside top-selling EVs like the IONIQ 5. Hyundai is becoming known as a brand that balances affordability with innovation. Now, it’s just a question of whether or not they’ll keep prices affordable as their lineup moves into the future.

Honda – $38,414

The Civic, Accord, and CR-V continue to anchor Honda’s reputation for reliable and efficient cars. Proven long-term reliability and strong resale values continue to lift Honda, even with  models like the Passport and Prologue pulling prices higher.

Volkswagen – $39,570

Volkswagen keeps things reasonable with models like the Taos and Jetta, though EVs like the ID.4 edge higher. As the originator of “the people’s car”, VW offers European style at an accessible price.

MINI – $42,004

Stylish, quirky, and fun to drive, MINI rounds out the affordable list, though options and trims can push prices upward quickly.

The Most Expensive Car Brands in America

At the other end of the spectrum, prices soar far beyond what most drivers will ever spend. These are the brands with six-figure averages, where exclusivity, craftsmanship, and performance come at a steep premium. Let’s work our way from GM’s flagship brand up to the most expensive car brand in the U.S.

Cadillac – $79,922

Cadillac is the only U.S. automaker on this list, and it’s inching closer to European luxury prices. These days, one-third of Cadillac sales are electric, and that is likely to push prices higher with the cancellation of the XT4, CT4, and CT5. Besides EVs, the Escalade is a big reason for the nearly $80,000 average. 

Land Rover – $102,504

Luxury SUVs like the Range Rover and Defender push Land Rover over the $100K mark. The appeal is off-road prestige paired with upscale interiors, but ownership costs are high. Frequent reliability complaints remind buyers that you not only need to afford the price tag, you need to budget for maintenance too. 

Maserati – $109,957

Maserati’s lineup, from the Grecale SUV to the GranTurismo coupe, oozes Italian styling. But for most buyers, the brand is a niche choice thanks to higher maintenance costs and limited dealer networks. Maserati offers exclusivity, though it comes with compromises.

Porsche – $121,678

Porsche has mastered blending sports car heritage with family-friendly SUVs. The 911, Cayenne, and Taycan EV drive the brand’s average price above $120,000. Buyers don’t just pay for performance, they also buy into one of the strongest luxury resale values around.

Aston Martin – $298,721

James Bond’s car of choice doesn’t come cheap. Aston Martin’s lineup of hand-built performance cars averages nearly $300K. Buyers pay for prestige, but also for rarity. With production volumes far lower than mainstream luxury brands, Aston Martin is a symbol of exclusivity.

Bentley – $317,263

Every Bentley is handcrafted, with bespoke interiors and massive engines that exude old-world luxury. Models like the Bentayga SUV and Continental GT keep Bentley relevant, but their pricing puts them firmly in ultra-luxury territory.

McLaren – $337,841

McLaren builds cars for the racetrack as much as for the road. Every model is a supercar, and nothing in the lineup dips below six figures. With averages pushing $340K, McLaren is about raw performance, carbon fiber, and technology meant for speed.

Lamborghini – $358,542

Known for flamboyant styling and roaring V10 and V12 engines, Lamborghini remains one of the most recognizable exotic brands. Models like the Urus have broadened the lineup, but the average still hovers near $360K. This is wealth on wheels, unapologetically loud in every sense.

Ferrari – $362,640

Ferrari is synonymous with performance, prestige, and scarcity. Limited production keeps demand high, ensuring average prices remain above $360K. Ferrari ownership is about more than the car, it’s a membership in an elite club.

Rolls-Royce – $503,672

The pinnacle of luxury, Rolls-Royce tops the list with an average transaction price over half a million dollars. Every Rolls is custom-built, with endless personalization options. For most buyers, this is unobtainable, but for the ultra-wealthy, Rolls-Royce represents the ultimate status symbol.

The Affordability Gap Continues to Widen

Brand matters a lot when it comes to pricing, but it’s not the whole story. Reliability, depreciation, insurance, and ownership costs all play just as big a role in how much a car really costs over time.

Unfortunately, car price inflation is a serious challenge for consumers today. On average, new car prices have risen 30% over the past five years. Our best advice for car shoppers is to consider the entire cost of ownership before you buy, from expected depreciation and fuel economy to reliability.

Before you buy, make sure you’re looking at the full financial picture, not just the MSRP.

👉 Want to see how your car will hold its value? Check out free car depreciation data from CarEdge.