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
Kia Sorento
By Jeff S. Bartlett
with Todd Young
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 apparently, many Hyundai and Kia models.
The average price for new cars has decreased slightly to $48,094 in September 2022, according to Kelley Blue Book. But it is still up thousands over average prices in 2021.
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, Kia owns the list. Every model here is selling for 18 percent or more over MSRP. The next vehicles that are not from Hyundai and Kia all hail from Nissan: Sentra (17% over), Kicks (16% over), and Versa (16% over). The highlighted models below are from the 2022 and 2023 model years.
CR members will see rating 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.
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 Rio: 24% Over MSRP
2022 Kia Rio
2022 Kia Rio S Sedan IVT
MSRP: $17,090
Average spent over MSRP: $4,048
Average transaction price: $21,138
Kia Sportage: 21% Over MSRP
2023 Kia Sportage
2023 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid X-Line AWD
MSRP: $38,490
Average spent over MSRP: $8,120
Average transaction price: $46,610
Kia Sorento: 21% Over MSRP
2022 Kia Sorento
2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid EX FWD
MSRP: $36,090
Average spent over MSRP: $7,609
Average transaction price: $43,699
Kia Telluride: 20% Over MSRP
2022 Kia Telluride
2022 Kia Telluride LX FWD
MSRP: $33,390
Average spent over MSRP: $6,597
Average transaction price: $39,987
Kia Forte: 19% Over MSRP
2022 Kia Forte
2022 Kia Forte GT Manual
MSRP: $24,490
Average spent over MSRP: $4,732
Average transaction price: $29,222
Kia Seltos: 19% Over MSRP
2022 Kia Seltos
2023 Kia Seltos S 2.0 AWD
MSRP: $24,390
Average spent over MSRP: $4,686
Average transaction price: $29,076
Hyundai Venue: 19% Over MSRP
2022 Hyundai Venue
2022 Hyundai Venue SE IVT
MSRP: $19,000
Average spent over MSRP: $3,619
Average transaction price: $22,619
Hyundai Kona EV: 19% Over MSRP
2022 Hyundai Kona Electric
2023 Hyundai Kona Electric SE
MSRP: $33,550
Average spent over MSRP: $6,352
Average transaction price: $39,902
Kia EV6: 18% Over MSRP
2022 Kia EV6
2022 Kia EV6 Light RWD
MSRP: $41,400
Average spent over MSRP: $7,538
Average transaction price: $48,938
Kia Carnival: 18% Over MSRP
2022 Kia Carnival
2023 Kia Carnival LXS
MSRP: $34,900
Average spent over MSRP: $6,187
Average transaction price: $41,087
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.
More from Consumer Reports:
Top pick tires for 2016
Best used cars for $25,000 and less
7 best mattresses for couples
Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. CR does not endorse products or services, and does not accept advertising. Copyright © 2022, Consumer Reports, Inc.
