New Car Prices Hit a New Record - and Sedan Shoppers Are Feeling It Most

If you thought the days of eye-popping new car prices were behind us, the latest data says otherwise. As of June 30, the average price dealers are asking for a new car hit $51,974, breaking a record that had stood for nearly three years. That’s according to Automotive News, which tracks advertised prices—the amount dealers list after discounts—across 133 nameplates from franchised dealers.

) The old record of $51,820, set in July 2023, was first topped by just a single dollar on June 26. Over the next four days, prices crept up another $154. 9%—higher than the same day a year prior.

Not every segment saw a jump, but the biggest winners were compact sedans. Their average asking price rose $2,869, a 12% increase from June 2025. That likely reflects budget-conscious buyers turning to smaller, cheaper cars, and it might signal the growing demand that has Detroit automakers thinking about bringing sedans back.

2%. Luxury SUVs and “luxury vans” also saw slight decreases, though those categories are narrow enough to split hairs.

Of the 133 nameplates tracked, 99 saw price hikes. 2%. But five models jumped more than 10% year-over-year. 7%. Both were recently redesigned, so high demand is a likely culprit. Meanwhile, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 dropped 17%, and the Jeep Wrangler fell 4%. For Boca Auto Care, the takeaway is clear: whether you’re shopping for a sedan or an SUV, timing and segment choice matter more than ever.