WORST DEALS ON NEW CARS RIGHT NOW
Some models are so hard to come by that consumers are paying well above the sticker price for them
2026 Nissan Kicks
By Jeff S. Bartlett
If you have your heart set on buying a new car this year, be prepared to pay significantly more for some models—or choose one that isn’t in high demand. We’re seeing prices increase, along with destination charges.
The new-car market is experiencing a complex period, with some models carrying automaker incentives and others selling for over the sticker price, especially hybrids, trucks, and special-edition sports cars. (See the good models with current incentives.)
In some cases, you might think it’s worth paying more for your dream vehicle, even if it means greater depreciation over time. For other vehicles, it may be better to seek a suitable, more plentiful alternative. Given that this is the model changeover season, when 2025s may still be on lots and 2026s may have limited availability, there is some expected tumult with prices. Be careful not to get drawn into overpaying for a 2026, because prices may come down in a couple of months as more are manufactured. We’re already seeing some cars that were selling for over sticker price last month, as represented in this list, that now have incentives.
A trend we’re routinely seeing is that work-oriented trucks, low-priced vehicles, and front-drive SUVs are more often the models selling for over sticker. Plus, many of these, which you’ll see in the ratings below, are not among the best, most reliable vehicles in their class. Flexibility is key. Often another model, even if it has a slightly higher sticker price, can be a better long-term choice.
Based on data from TrueCar, a CR partner, we’re presenting the 10 cars and SUVs selling for the most money over the sticker price, starting with the highest differential and using specific trims as examples. Every model here is selling for at least 2 percent over the manufacturer’s suggested retail price. We focused on those that consistently sell for over the MSRP, rather than just high-demand trims, based on national prices. Regional supply and demand factors may be different where you live. All were selected from 2026 model-year vehicles priced under $50,000.
CR members will see ratings highlights and detailed pricing on specific trims and configurations. Keep in mind that this list doesn’t factor in Consumer Reports’ recommendations, nor do we endorse paying such premiums for a new car.
Of course, local pricing may differ. You can see the transaction prices for these and every other mainstream vehicle from the model pages by clicking through the ratings boxes below or searching via our interactive New Cars Ratings & Reliability chart.
CR's Build & Buy Car Buying Service
In addition to research and reviews, Consumer Reports offers members access to our Build & Buy Car Buying Service at no additional cost. Through this service, members can compare in-stock vehicles, see what others paid for the car they want, and customize their payments online. Once they find a vehicle they’re interested in, members can get up-front price offers online from local certified dealers. On top of national incentives, Consumer Reports members are eligible for additional incentive offers from select manufacturers through the Build & Buy Car Buying Service. Plus, they can get an instant trade-in value for their current vehicle to use toward their next car purchase.
Nissan Kicks: 5% Over MSRP
2026 Nissan Kicks S AWD
MSRP: $23,930
Average spent over MSRP: $1,265
Average transaction price: $25,195
Cadillac XT5: 4% Over MSRP
2026 Cadillac XT5 Luxury AWD
MSRP: $46,300
Average spent over MSRP: $2,059
Average transaction price: $48,359
Mitsubishi Outlander: 4% Over MSRP
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander ES S-AWC
MSRP: $31,795
Average spent over MSRP: $1,352
Average transaction price: $33,147
Mazda3: 4% Over MSRP
2026 Mazda3 2.5 S Auto
MSRP: $25,550
Average spent over MSRP: $1,059
Average transaction price: $26,609
Ford Escape: 4% Over MSRP
2026 Ford Escape ST-Line FWD
MSRP: $31,195
Average spent over MSRP: $1,242
Average transaction price: $32,437
Nissan Rogue: 4% Over MSRP
2026 Nissan Rogue S AWD
MSRP: $30,490
Average spent over MSRP: $1,205
Average transaction price: $31,695
Hyundai Elantra Hybrid: 4% Over MSRP
2026 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue
MSRP: $25,450
Average spent over MSRP: $990
Average transaction price: $26,440
Jeep Compass: 3% Over MSRP
2026 Jeep Compass Limited AWD
MSRP: $32,890
Average spent over MSRP: $1,139
Average transaction price: $34,029
Nissan Frontier: 2% Over MSRP
2026 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab S 4WD
MSRP: $36,550
Average spent over MSRP: $858
Average transaction price: $37,408
Volkswagen Jetta: 2% Over MSRP
2026 Volkswagen Jetta Sport
MSRP: $25,305
Average spent over MSRP: $541
Average transaction price: $25,846
Cars by Brand
• Which Car Brands Make the Best Vehicles?
• Most and Least Loved Car Brands
• Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars?
• Which Brands Make the Best Used Cars?
• Which Car Brands Have the Highest Road-Test Scores?
• Car Brands Ranked by Maintenance and Repair
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2023-02-10T16:19:50Z