Business, Finance & Tech
2026 Car Models Arrive as Tariffs Shake Up Auto Industry
The 2026 car models are starting to arrive at dealerships across the country, but shoppers are facing a mix of good and bad news. Tariffs imposed by the Trump administration have rattled the auto industry, leaving both automakers and buyers adjusting to new realities.
Most imported cars are now subject to tariffs ranging from 15 to 25 percent. The administration says the added costs are meant to encourage automakers to build more plants in the United States and bring jobs back home.
Despite those added expenses, analysts say consumers haven’t seen drastic price hikes yet. Joseph Yoon, an industry expert with Edmunds, explains that many automakers have chosen to absorb the higher costs rather than pass them along. “As far as the consumers are concerned, not much,” Yoon said. “I think going into the next year we’re likely to see some pricing changes happen.”
Even so, car buyers are still feeling sticker shock as the industry continues to recover from the pandemic. Data from Kelley Blue Book shows the average transaction price for a new car last month was just over $49,000, roughly $10,500 higher than five years ago. Used car prices also remain elevated, keeping affordability a concern for many buyers.
Still, sales remain strong. For those looking to save, experts recommend waiting until the end of the year when dealerships slash prices to move older inventory. “The longer a car sits on the lot, the more negotiating power you have,” Yoon noted. “And the more inventory they have, the better deal you’ll get.”
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By: NBC Palm Springs
September 23, 2025
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