IRVINE, Calif. — The average transaction for a new vehicle increased by $1,123, or 3.3%, from a year ago to $34,968, according to Kelley Blue Book estimates. The average, however, was down by $453, or 1.3%, from December 2016.

Driving the year-over-year strength in pricing was a sales mix in favor of utility vehicles, with the Detroit Three among the greatest beneficiaries, the vehicle information site said.

“The changing mix of sales in favor of utility vehicles is the primary driver for the year-over-year strength, as average prices in SUV segments climbed modestly, while the prices of subcompact SUVs declined,” said Tim Fleming, analyst for Kelley Blue Book. “Demand for subcompact SUVs, one of the hottest segments in 2016, appears to be slowing down, although new models from Ford, Nissan and Toyota could help spark interest in the segment.”

The Detroit Three continue to perform well with some of the greatest year-over-year increases. In particular, General Motors climbed 4% in January 2017, as all of its brands reported increases in transaction prices. Cadillac had the greatest gain at 7%, thanks to the new CT6 sedan and XT5 crossover.  Chevrolet rose 3%, with the new generation Camaro showing the most improvement, up 10% year-over-year.  GMC increased 5% on a strong mix of its full-size SUVs, the Yukon and Yukon XL. 

Nissan North America also continues to show gains in average transaction price, which was up 5% for January 2017. A sales mix in favor of SUVs and trucks is partially responsible, as well as the new Armada SUV, which recorded an average transaction price increase of 18%. The new Titan also is performing well, up 9%. Infiniti climbed 2% with help from the Q50 (up 9%) and its new lineup of engines, including the 400 horsepower Red Sport trim.