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

2022 Kia Soul Photo: Kia

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.

Inflation and parts shortages have thrown a wrench into the auto industry, putting a severe strain on the new-car market. So forget about saving money off the sticker price on many popular cars, SUVs, and trucks. Some are so hard to come by that consumers are paying well above the sticker price for them. That includes must-have models like entry-level vehicles, hybrids and electrics, and those essential for business, such as heavy-duty pickup trucks. 

In fact, the average price for new cars has climbed nearly $5,354 in the past year, reaching $46,526 in April 2022, according to Kelley Blue Book.

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Trade-In Value Estimator

In some cases, you might think it’s worth the extra money 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. 

Below we present the 10 cars and SUVs that are selling the most over the sticker price based on data from TrueCar, starting with the highest and using specific trims as examples. Once again, Hyundai and Kia dominate the list, with the Kia Soul hitting a new high at selling for 21 percent over MSRP. All highlighted models are from the 2022 model year.

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. 

Just beyond these 10 models are numerous other Hyundai and Kia models selling for over 16 percent above MSRP, joined by the Nissan Frontier and Sentra.

Of course, local pricing may differ. You can see the transaction prices for these and every other mainstream vehicle from the model pages on our New Cars A-Z page.

Also, see the best deals on new cars and new SUVs now, and browse the list of the most discounted cars.

CR's Build & Buy Car Buying Service

In addition to research and reviews, Consumer Reports offers members access to the 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 the vehicle they are 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, members can get an instant trade-in value for their current vehicle to use toward their next car purchase.

Kia Soul: 21% Over MSRP

Kia Forte: 21% Over MSRP

Kia Sorento: 21% Over MSRP

Kia Sportage: 19% Over MSRP

Kia Niro: 19% Over MSRP

Kia Seltos: 19% Over MSRP

Hyundai Kona Electric: 19% Over MSRP

Kia EV6: 19% Over MSRP

Nissan Kicks: 18% Over MSRP

Kia Telluride: 18% Over MSRP

Tips for Buying a New Car

There are a lot of things to consider when buying a new car. On the “Consumer 101” TV show, Consumer Reports expert Kelly Funkhouser explains to host Jack Rico what to look for before taking a test drive.

Jeff S. Bartlett

A New England native, I have piloted a wide variety of vehicles, from a Segway to an aircraft carrier. All told, I have driven thousands of vehicles—many on race tracks across the globe. Today, that experience and passion are harnessed at the CR Auto Test Center to empower consumers. And if some tires must be sacrificed in the pursuit of truth, so be it. Follow me on Twitter (@JeffSBartlett).

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