Some models are so hard to find that consumers pay well above the list price
By Jeff S. Bartlett
with Todd Young
If you have your heart set on buying a new car this year, be prepared to pay a lot more for certain models or choose one that is not in high demand.
Inflation and parts shortages have thrown a wrench in the auto industry, straining the market for new cars. So forget about saving money on the list price on many popular cars, SUVs and trucks. Some are so hard to find that consumers pay well above the sticker price for them. This includes must-have models like entry-level models, hybrids and electrics, and those that are business-essential, like heavy-duty pickup trucks.
In fact, the average price of new cars has climbed nearly $5,000 over the past year, reaching over $46,000 in February 2022, according to Kelley Blue Book.
In some cases, you might think it’s worth the extra money for your dream vehicle, even if it means more depreciation over time. For other vehicles, it may be best to seek out a suitable and more plentiful alternative.
Below, we outline the 10 cars, minivans, and SUVs that sell the most above list price, starting with the highest and using specific trims as examples. Again, Hyundai and Kia dominate the list. All models highlighted are from model year 2022.
CR members will see rating highlights and detailed pricing on specific builds and configurations. Keep in mind that this list does not take Consumer Reports recommendations into account, nor do we endorse paying such premiums on a new car.
Just beyond these 10 models, several others sell for 15% or more of MSRP, including (in order of ranking) the Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai Kona EV, Hyundai Palisade, Kia K5, Nissan Sentra, Nissan Kicks, Chevrolet Camaro and Subaru. Impreza.
Of course, local prices may differ. You can view transaction prices for these and all other mainstream vehicles from the model pages on our New Cars AZ page.
Also check out the best deals on new cars and new SUVs now, and browse the list of the most discounted cars.
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Kia Soul: 20% more than MSRP
2022 Kia Soul
2022 Kia Soul Turbo
MSRP: $27,890
Average Spent vs. MSRP: $5,486
Average transaction price: $33,376
Kia Rio: 20% more than the MSRP
2022 Kia Rio
2022 Kia Rio S Sedan IVT
MSRP: $16,890
Average Spent vs. MSRP: $3,297
Average transaction price: $20,187
Kia Telluride: 19% above MSRP
Kia Sorento 2022
2022 Kia Telluride S TA
MSRP: $35,590
Average Spent vs. MSRP: $6,751
Average transaction price: $42,341
Kia Sorento: 19% above MSRP
Kia Sorento 2022
2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid S AWD
MSRP: $35,890
Average Spent vs. MSRP: $6,713
Average transaction price: $42,603
Kia Carnival: 19% above MSRP
Kia Carnival 2022
2022 Kia Carnival LXS
MSRP: $34,300
Average Spent vs. MSRP: $6,382
Average transaction price: $40,682
Accent Hyundai: 18% above MSRP
2022 Hyundai Accent
2022 Hyundai Accent SE
MSRP: $16,645
Average Spent vs. MSRP: $3,025
Average transaction price: $19,670
Hyundai Tucson: 17% above MSRP
2022 Hyundai Tucson
2022 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid Limited AWD
MSRP: $42,700
Average Spent vs. MSRP: $7,448
Average transaction price: $50,148
Hyundai Venue: 17% above MSRP
2022 Hyundai Venue
2022 Hyundai Venue SEL IVT
MSRP: $20,750
Average Spent vs. MSRP: $3,614
Average transaction price: $24,364
Chevrolet Spark: 17% above MSRP
Chevrolet Spark 2022
2022 Chevrolet Spark LS CVT
MSRP: $14,700
Average Spent vs. MSRP: $2,495
Average transaction price: $17,195
Subaru Crosstrek: 17% above MSRP
Subaru Crosstrek 2022
2022 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
MSRP: $35,845
Average Spent vs. MSRP: $6,087
Average transaction price: $41,932
Tips for buying a new car
There are many things to consider when buying a new car. On the TV show “Consumer 101,” Consumer Reports expert Kelly Funkhouser tells host Jack Rico what to look for before taking a test drive.
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