Get access to the same vehicle valuation tool that dealers rely on. With Black Book, you’ll have insider data to accurately assess trade-in and purchase values—empowering you to negotiate the best possible deal.
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.
Looking for a great deal on a new car or truck this spring? Some of the biggest automaker discounts we’ve seen all year are here in April, with up to $10,500 off MSRP on full-size trucks, SUVs, and EVs. We’ve rounded up the 10 best cash discounts available right now, with savings that could make a serious dent in your out-the-door price. Keep in mind that most of these offers expire at the end of the month, so if you see something you like, act fast.
April Savings: Up to $10,500 cash allowance with V6 engine Offer valid through: 4/30/2025
Ram is back with a huge cash offer this month, and a headline-making employee pricing offer. Current FCA US lessees can qualify for up to $10,500 in total cash savings when financing a 2025 Ram 1500 equipped with the V6. With summer truck season around the corner, this might be one of the best opportunities all year on a full-size truck.
April Savings: $10,500 customer cash (cannot be combined with financing) Offer valid through: 4/30/2025
Dodge is having a tough time convincing fans of muscle cars that the electric Charger is worth a test drive. Demand didn’t really slow, it never picked up to begin with. The 2024 Charger Daytona is available with a $10,500 cash allowance in April. Prefer to finance? You can choose 0% APR for 72 months plus $3,000 bonus cash instead.
April Savings: $10,000 for current FCA lessees, or 0% APR for 72 months Offer valid through: 4/30/2025
The Dodge Hornet continues to be a hot discount target. Why? Stellantis still has nearly 4,000 2024s to sell in April. Buyers can get up to $10,000 in bonus cash or opt for interest-free financing for 72 months. It’s important to consider the Hornet’s poor value rating before you buy.
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe – $8,000 Cash Allowance
April Savings: $8,000 cash for Trailhawk 4xe and above Offer valid through: 4/30/2025
Jeep is offering big savings on its plug-in hybrid Grand Cherokee, with up to $8,000 in bonus cash available. If you’re more into financing, 0% APR for 72 months is also on the table. April is a smart time to buy this efficient SUV with off-road capability. However, don’t expect resale value to hold up.
April Savings: $7,000 for competitive brand owners; $5,000 + 0% APR for others Offer valid through: 4/30/2025
Jeep is offering aggressive conquest bonuses on the Wagoneer. If you currently drive a non-FCA vehicle, you can get $7,000 in cash with this conquest incentive. Prefer to finance? Opt for 0% APR and $5,000 bonus cash. Either way, you’ll get luxury-level comfort in a full-size SUV.
April Savings: $7,850 total value for current GMC/Buick lessees Offer valid through: 4/30/2025
The 2025 Sierra 1500 is available with $6,500 purchase allowance and an additional $1,350 engine credit for the TurboMax configuration. Truck buyers looking to stick with GM will find this one of the most competitive offers this month.
April Savings: $7,500 retail bonus cash Offer valid through: 4/30/2025
Hyundai is offering $7,500 in retail bonus cash on its best-selling EV. While it’s not stackable with financing, this brings the IONIQ 5 into a much more competitive price bracket — especially for those missing out on the federal EV tax credit. It’s unclear how much longer federal EV incentives will last, but at least the 2025 IONIQ 5 will qualify for the time being, as it’s manufactured in Georgia.
April Savings: $5,000 customer cash Offer valid through: 4/30/2025
With auto tariffs hitting luxury brands hard, Audi is stepping up incentives. The SQ5 quattro now comes with a $5,000 customer cash bonus. That’s real money off a high-performance luxury SUV with trademark Audi refinement.
April Savings: $3,000 off MSRP Offer valid through: 4/30/2025
The GMC Terrain is one of the most affordable SUVs in its class, and this month’s $3,000 cash allowance makes it even more enticing. Note: this offer can’t be combined with financing or leasing. Be wary of high expected depreciation for the Terrain.
April deals feature surprisingly large cash discounts, especially considering mounting automotive tariffs. Several factors are driving these hefty incentives this spring:
Inventory Pressure: Stellantis and GM have surplus 2024 models that need to move fast. Nissan does too, but is not offering the same magnitude of cash discounts.
Tariff Fallout: German luxury automakers are trying to stay competitive as tariffs inflate prices. Audi recently halted shipments from Europe to the U.S.
Truck Season Kickoff: Ram and GMC are throwing big offers at truck buyers before summer hits.
EV Market Adjustments: Brands like Hyundai are offering cash in lieu of federal EV tax credits.
At CarEdge, we help you make the most of these opportunities. Check out our cost-of-ownership tools, local market insights, and expert negotiation help to maximize your savings. If one of these offers looks good to you, don’t wait — these deals will expire at the end of the month!
Imagine this: you’re driving to work, and a letter from your car’s manufacturer is waiting at home. It’s not a routine service reminder—it’s a recall notice. Now what?
Car recalls happen more often than you might think. Millions of vehicles are recalled every year in the U.S. due to safety issues ranging from faulty airbags to stalling engines. Whether you already own the car or you’re thinking about buying one, it’s essential to understand how recalls work and what steps to take.
This guide covers everything you need to know, from checking your car for recalls to handling repairs and protecting yourself when buying a new or used car. Let’s dive in.
What Is a Vehicle Recall?
A vehicle recall is issued when a manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) determines that a car has a safety-related defect or doesn’t comply with federal safety standards. These issues can put drivers, passengers, or others on the road at risk.
There are two main types of recall-related actions:
Safety recalls – Required by law, must be fixed at no cost to the vehicle owner.
Service campaigns or technical service bulletins (TSBs) – Optional repairs or upgrades that aren’t mandated by safety standards.
Recalls are typically communicated to owners by mail, email, or phone. But here’s the catch: automakers can’t always reach second or third owners. That’s why it’s so important to check for recalls regularly, especially if you bought a used vehicle.
How To Check If Your Car Has a Recall
Checking your vehicle for a recall is fast, free, and only takes a minute.
Here’s how to do it:
Locate your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number):
You’ll find it on your dashboard (driver’s side, where it meets the windshield), inside the driver’s door, on your registration, or insurance documents.
If you’re checking for recalls on a car you already own, you can search using your license plate number instead of the VIN. If it’s a recently purchased vehicle, we recommend using the VIN.
You can also check on your automaker’s website to monitor recalls over time.
Tip: Set a calendar reminder to check for recalls every 6-12 months. Some recalls are issued years after a car is sold!
What To Do If Your Car Is Recalled
If you find out your vehicle has an open recall, don’t panic—but don’t wait either.
Follow these steps:
Confirm the recall is active and relevant to your VIN using the official NHTSA recall checker. You can also check on your automaker’s recall website.
Call a dealership that services your brand, or schedule an appointment online. Make sure to state that you need all recalls resolved for your car.
Important note: If the recall was just announced, a fix may not be available yet. If this is the case, follow the instructions detailed in the recall for how to proceed until your recall repair is completed. In extreme cases, this may even include not driving the vehicle.
Ask about a loaner vehicle or alternate transportation if needed, especially if the repair will take more than a few hours.
Get the repair completed for free and keep documentation for your records. You are never expected to pay for recall repairs.
Important: Even if the issue seems minor or your car “feels fine,” safety-related recall repairs should never be ignored.
Do Recalls Affect Car Value?
Yes, but mostly if the issue hasn’t been fixed.
Unrepaired recalls can:
Lower trade-in value.
Show up on vehicle history reports like Carfax.
Make your car harder to sell.
Create liability if the buyer isn’t made aware of the issue.
If you’re thinking about selling or trading in your vehicle, take care of any outstanding recalls first. Resolving your car’s recalls is free and improves resale value. That’s a win-win!
How To Check for Recalls Before Buying a Car
Here’s a tip that can save you major headaches: always check for recalls before you buy. This is critical whether the vehicle is new or used. Brand-new vehicles can have recalls, but dealers are responsible for fixing the issue before selling the impacted vehicles.
Here’s what to do:
Ask the seller for the VIN. If you’re browsing listings online, the VIN should be found on the listing.
If buying from a dealer, ask to see the recall repair history.
It might surprise you, but some new cars sitting on dealership lots also have open recalls, especially if the fix isn’t immediately available.
Watch for red flags:
Multiple recalls for the same issue (like airbags or fuel leaks).
Sellers who can’t or won’t verify completed recall repairs.
Imported “grey market” vehicles that may have unresolved international recalls.
Pro tip: If you’re buying from a private seller, run a full vehicle history report and VIN recall check before committing.
Stay Safe, Stay Informed
Recalls are serious safety issues that can impact your life, your passengers, and others on the road. The good news? Manufacturers are legally required to fix them for free. All it takes is a few minutes of your time to check and act.
Whether you’re already behind the wheel or shopping for your next car, knowing how to check for recalls and what to do next gives you peace of mind—and possibly saves lives.
Shop smart with CarEdge. Each listing includes NHTSA recall information, with links directly to the latest updates from the agency. CarEdge Car Search even includes any ongoing investigations that may lead to a future recall. We’re simply here to provide the most transparent car buying experience possible, and we hope this information helps. Stay safe out there!
Wondering which SUVs will hold their value best in today’s unpredictable car market? The latest CarEdge Research update reveals the 2025 SUVs with the best resale value, based on total cost of ownership, projected depreciation, and real-world market data. Whether you’re buying new or used, these models are the smart picks for long-term value.
2025 Toyota 4Runner
Predicted Depreciation: 25% over 5 years
5-Year Resale Value: $46,648
The Toyota 4Runner continues its reign as one of the top SUVs for resale value. When buying new, the 4Runner is expected to retain 75% of its original value after five years of ownership, assuming typical driving habits. With a market day supply of 71 days, it’s moderately negotiable if you’re buying new.
If you buy a 4Runner that is two years old, you could save $11,361 compared to buying new. When buying a two-year old 4Runner, expect only $4,105 in depreciation over the first three years of ownership. That’s not bad at all.
In 2025, the average price for a three-year-old 4Runner is $41,978.
The Toyota RAV4 is still one of the most dependable crossovers on the road, something Toyota fans have bragged about for years. In addition to excellent reliability, the RAV4 holds its value surprisingly well. With typical driving habits, the RAV4 is expected to retain 69% of its original value after five years.
What if you buy used? Buying a two-year-old RAV4 could save you $6,000 versus new. This assumes a selling price of $37,774 when new.
Used three-year-old RAV4s sell for $28,876 on average in 2025. But if you’re eyeing a new one, good luck negotiating—market supply sits at just 31 days.
The Hyundai Venue might be a budget-friendly SUV, but it still holds value well. When buying a new Venue, you can expect it to retain 69% of its value after five years. With a 98-day supply, there’s room to negotiate if buying new.
If you go used, a two-year-old Venue can save you about $5,000 over buying new, and your depreciation over the next three years is just $2,253—hard to beat. Three-year-old Venues sell for around $17,826 in 2025.
With Honda’s reputation for reliability, the HR-V is a solid choice for long-term ownership. On average, buying a gently used HR-V saves you $5,655, and depreciation over three years lands just above $4,000.
Used three-year-old HR-Vs sell for about $21,519. New models are not very negotiable, with a 59-day market supply. For comparison, the overall auto market averages 83 days of market supply right now.
The Corolla Cross is a newer addition to Toyota’s SUV lineup, and it’s already proving to be a leader in SUV resale value. It’s popular for many reasons, including affordability, safety, and high fuel economy to name a few. With a tight 33-day supply, you won’t find many bargains on new inventory. The Corolla Cross is manufactured in Alabama, so it’s likely to avoid direct impacts for auto tariffs.
Three-year-old models sell for an average price of $24,024 in 2025. For some, it may be worth it to buy new with such low depreciation.
A newcomer to the Toyota SUV lineup, the Crown Signia shows early signs of holding its value well. The Crown Signia is the larger sibling to the Toyota Crown, which replaced the Avalon a few years back. Used pricing isn’t widely available yet, but new models are in high demand with a 31-day supply.
One of Toyota’s most family-friendly options, the Grand Highlander blends space, reliability, and excellent resale value. New supply is limited with just 34 days of market supply. It will be tough to negotiate Grand Highlander prices in 2025, but markups are uncommon.
Buying a gently used Grand Highlander (about two years old) should save you nearly $12,000. Over the next three years, depreciation would be about $5,613 when buying used.
Back after a short hiatus, the new Toyota Land Cruiser is already holding value like a champ. The Land Cruiser is forecast to retain 68% of its original value after five years. With a 45-day supply, there’s modest room for negotiation if buying new. It’s not cheap, however. The 2025 Land Cruiser starts at $58,150 with mandatory destination fees. That makes it one of the most expensive Toyota models on sale today.
The Toyota Sequoia is the most expensive SUV on this list—but it still manages to retain value impressively well. Looking to spend less? Buy it two years old and save about $11,000 on average. If you go this route, expect $15,746 in depreciation if you own it for three years.
New models are moderately negotiable with a 49-day supply. That’s far below the industry average of 83 days of supply, but is decently high for a Toyota.
The Honda CR-V remains one of the best-selling SUVs in America, and for good reason. Its strong resale value reflects consistent reliability, broad appeal, and efficient performance. With just 33% depreciation forecasted over the first five years of ownership, it holds its own in today’s market.
However, don’t expect huge discounts on a new CR-V. With 41 days of market supply in 2025, it’s tough to negotiate this popular crossover—unless you find highly negotiable inventory that’s been sitting on the dealership lot for many months.
If you’re shopping for an SUV in 2025, don’t just consider price—resale value matters more than ever. Every SUV on this list ranks among the top in CarEdge’s total cost of ownership data, helping you to avoid unexpected depreciation. Buying a car is never an investment, but it’s smart to know what to expect.
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