FI showroom red and grey logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

KBB: New-Car Prices Up 3.9% in January

The average transaction price for a new light vehicle sold in the U.S. was $36,270, down slightly from December but up 3.9% from the year-ago period.

by Staff
February 1, 2018
KBB: New-Car Prices Up 3.9% in January

 

2 min to read


The discontinuation of the Dart sedan helped average prices for a new Dodge rise 8% in January, according to the latest figures from Kelley Blue Book. Photo courtesy Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

IRVINE, Calif. — The analysts at Kelley Blue Book reported the estimated average transaction price (ATP) for light vehicles in the United States was $36,270 in January 2018. New-car prices have increased by $1,360 (up 3.9%) from January 2017, while dropping $486 (down 1.3%) from last month.

“January was a strong month for transaction prices, rising nearly 4% on average. The shifting sales mix to trucks and SUVs has been particularly extreme lately, and as volume shifts away from cars, the average vehicle price ticks up,” said KBB analyst Tim Fleming. “However, there was a glimmer of hope in the midsize car segment, where prices rose 3% in January, thanks to the newest generations of the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. These well-received new models, along with the redesign of the Nissan Altima due later this year, will test how much demand still exists for sedans.”

Ad Loading...

While American Honda and Volkswagen Group continue to strengthen their average transaction values, other noteworthy manufacturers include General Motors and Fiat Chrysler. General Motors was up 4% year-over-year, with GMC showing the most improvement. GMC’s average climbed 7%, with the redesigned Terrain as its best performer, up 6%. Buick also had a good month, up 5%, as the redesigned Enclave rose 9%.

Fiat Chrysler’s average jumped nearly 4% in January 2018 on a strong mix of RAM trucks and Jeep SUVs. The new Jeep Compass had the best month for Fiat Chrysler, rising 5%, although the Wrangler, which is due for a redesign early in 2018, was down 1%. Dodge rose an impressive 8%, an average that was helped by the discontinuation of the Dart sedan.

Topics:Showroom

More Showroom

Photo of sold Ford store exterior
Showroomby Hannah MitchellMay 11, 2026

Mid-Atlantic Ford Store Has New Owner

A growing Maryland automotive group is only the 93-year-old dealership’s third owner after its longtime proprietors retired.

Read More →
groundbreaking ceremony for new Barrington Porsche dealership with Murgado Automotive Group and Joseph Nicholas Construction
Showroomby Lauren LawrenceMay 11, 2026

Porsche Dealership Breaks Ground in Illinois

Barrington Porsche will be the new location for Murgado Automotive Group’s existing Porsche dealership currently in the Motor Werks of Barrington auto mall.

Read More →
aerial view of Fireside Honda in Ohio
Showroomby Lauren LawrenceMay 6, 2026

Michigan Auto Group Acquires Ohio Rooftops

Feldman Automotive Group added two new brands, Honda and Toyota, to its portfolio with its latest acquisition of four Fireside dealerships in Ohio.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo of Scout Terra pickup truck outside farm building
ShowroomMay 4, 2026

California VW Dealers Go After Scout

The franchisees’ state-level actions follow a California auto dealers trade group lawsuit against the VW affiliate last year, both efforts to stop the EV maker’s plan to sell direct to consumers.

Read More →
Photo of rear of Mercedes VLE passenger van
Showroomby Hannah MitchellApril 27, 2026

EVs Gain Traction in Europe

First-quarter auto sales increased as more consumers took advantage of government incentives. Hybrid deliveries are leading the way on the electrifieds boom.

Read More →
road winding through redwood trees, California EV Market Cools, F&I and Showroom logo
Showroomby Lauren LawrenceApril 22, 2026

California Holds EV Lead Despite Annual Decline

At nearly 14%, California had the lowest zero-emission vehicle market share in the first quarter since the fourth quarter of 2021, according to the California New Car Dealers Association.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo of Ford F-150 grill with nameplate
Showroomby Hannah MitchellApril 20, 2026

Will Extended-Range Autos Make Inroads?

EREVs, also known as ‘series hybrids,’ may catch on in the U.S., where they currently have barely a toehold, as automakers tilt away from some purely electric models and consumers crave more range.

Read More →
Cars on road in European city
Showroomby Hannah MitchellMarch 30, 2026

Electrifieds Lead EU New-Vehicle Sales

Hybrids in particular lead not only EV market share but all power trains on the continent so far this year as gas and diesel continue their decline.

Read More →
Hyundai steering wheel, black leather
Showroomby Lauren LawrenceMarch 30, 2026

Hyundai Expands North American Footprint

Building on a previously announced $26 billion U.S. investment, Hyundai said it will grow its North American lineup and U.S.-based production and parts sourcing.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Image of Honda 'H' emblem
Showroomby Hannah MitchellMarch 25, 2026

Afeela EV Brand Fails to Leave the Factory

Sony-Honda venture cancels two planned models, the first of which had been pegged for a mid-2026 California delivery debut. The brand’s direct sales had been challenged by the state’s auto dealers, but the venture cites Honda’s EV retreat.

Read More →