Cars.com Inc. unveiled its 2025 Affordability Report: Best Value New Cars, offering a timely guide to help car shoppers get the most for their money in an ever-changing market.

The current administration’s planned 25% tariffs on all vehicles assembled outside the U.S. – alongside increases on automotive materials and parts from Mexico, Canada and China – could have a sweeping impact on prices. For now, current dealer inventories are shielded, and new-vehicle prices have held steady at around $49,000 on average for over a year – but prices are expected to rise by late spring or early summer if tariffs are going into effect as planned.

“With the potential for some vehicle prices to rise between $3,000-$10,000 due to pending tariffs, shoppers are increasingly feeling pressure to act now to get the best deal,” says Jenni Newman, Cars.com editor-in-chief. “It could take months for vehicle prices to increase, but consumers should be aware of three things while shopping: First, there is a well-rounded selection of affordable vehicles available on dealer lots if you know what you’re looking for. Second, no vehicle currently sitting on a lot should have a tariff fee added until after tariffs go into effect. Third, look for models assembled in the U.S. when possible.”

Imports accounted for about half of all U.S. vehicle sales in 2024. Even American-branded models like the Chevrolet Silverado and Ford Bronco Sport are affected by overseas assembly. In response, some automakers are rapidly expanding U.S.-based inventory. Ford, Hyundai and Kia have each boosted supply by more than 25% year over year.

Against this backdrop, Cars.com has identified the best value new vehicles available now across key segments, factoring in price, standard safety and tech features, fuel economy and one-year fuel costs. The report also highlights which best value cars are made in the U.S. and potentially protected from rising tariff-related costs.

Best value model-year 2025 vehicles by segment include:

• Subcompact Car: Nissan Versa (SV)
• Compact Car: Nissan Sentra (S)
• Subcompact SUV: Chevrolet Trax (LS with Driver Confidence Package)
• Compact SUV: Ford Escape (Active)
• Mid-Size SUV: Kia Sorento (LX)
• Compact Pickup Truck: Ford Maverick (XL with 2.5-liter hybrid engine, front-wheel drive, Co-Pilot 360 extras package).
• Mid-Size Pickup Truck: Nissan Frontier (S 4x2 King Cab with 6-foot box).
• Full-Size Pickup Truck: Ford-150 (XL 4x2 SuperCab with base 2.7-liter V-6 and 6-foot-5-inch box).
• Electric Vehicle: Hyundai Ioniq 6 (SE Long Range rear-wheel drive).