KBB: Average New-Car Price Rises Nearly 1% in August
The average transaction price rose despite mixed results for major automakers, with Fiat Chrysler topping the list with a 6.1% year-over-year increase in the brand’s average price.

IRVINE, Calif. — Kelley Blue Book put August’s estimated average transaction price for light vehicles at $34,648. That’s up $243, or 0.7%, from August 2016 and up a slight 0.5% from July.
Despite the industry managing a near 1% increase, the firm noted, August revealed mixed average transaction prices across the major manufacturers.
“However, we should note that this is far lower than the 2% to 3% gains in the first half of the year, and prices moved downward in key segments such as full-size trucks and midsize cars,” said Kelley Blue Book analyst Tim Fleming. “With incentives still averaging more than 10% of transaction prices, Kelley Blue Book sees clear signs of pressure on new-car pricing in what is the first down year of sales since the recession.”

Fiat Chrysler’s average prices climbed more than 6% in August, helped by a strong sales mix of Ram trucks. The average transaction price for the Jeep brand also increased 6%, with the new Compass leading the way with an 8% year-over-year increase.
Hyundai-Kia’s transaction prices were up nearly 2% in August, with Hyundai up 3%. Although the Elantra increased 3%, the average transaction price gains at Hyundai are largely due to a smaller sales mix of their smaller cars. Kia was down 1%.
Nissan North America registered a near 2% gain in its average transaction price, with Infiniti’s average price down 1% and Nissan up 2%. The Rogue, Nissan’s best seller, increased 2%. It’s best performer was the Armada, which registered a 13% increase in its average transaction price amid big sales increases.
More F&I

Why Your F&I PVR Is Misleading You
Here’s a handy checklist of the numbers to track in 2026 instead.
Read More →
Auto Consumer Anxiety Presents Opportunity
A survey of U.S. drivers found the majority are concerned about finances and the economy, but those fears make many ready to buy vehicle-protection products.
Read More →
Humble and Hungry: 12 Rules for an F&I Life
Dustin Gingerich, with a decade in the F&I business under his belt, shares his thoughts on leadership, building trust with customers, and the importance of learning and innovation.
Read More →
Focus on the Opening
F&I managers must learn as much as possible about their customers, starting before they walk into their offices. The bulk of today’s consumers expect that, and good results will follow.
Read More →
F&I Reaches for the Sky
The increasingly important profit center continued making gains in the first quarter, according to StoneEagle data, ancillary products proving more popular as consumers hold onto their buys longer.
Read More →
Timing the Market Can Hurt Long-Term Program Performance
For dealer-owned reinsurance entities, avoiding volatility entirely can mean falling behind inflation and missing market rebounds that drive long term surplus growth. Missing just a handful of strong market days can materially impact cumulative returns—an important reminder for long horizon trust and investment strategies.
Read More →
The 90/10 Rule
In this video, Ryan Ruff explains the rule that elite sales professionals use to turn ordinary conversations into unforgettable customer experiences.
Read More →
Your Office Is Talking
What’s the atmosphere saying about you to your customers? You can make minor adjustments and additions that transform your space into one that creates trust with the people on the other side of the desk.
Read More →
F&I Training Fundamentals
How can auto dealerships help F&I managers fulfill their vital role in the most effective ways? Industry expert Rick McCormick shares his insights on the best ways to train these professionals and help them maintain good habits.
Read More →
Not Just Any Tire Will Do
More consumers and businesses are opting for all-season options for various reasons as safety, sustainability and convenience push practical change.
Read More →