From Autoweek · Natalie Neff · · 1m
New Car Prices Hit Record $51,109
New car prices reach record $51,109 as SUVs and pickups drive affordability challenges.
In brief
New car prices reach record $51,109 as SUVs and pickups drive affordability challenges. The average new car price in October hit $51,109, the highest on record, driven by rising demand for SUVs and pickups despite modest inflation. Originally reported by Autoweek.
Record New Car Price
The average price Americans paid for a new vehicle hit a record high in October, a whopping $51,109.
Price Increase
The October figure is up 1.3 percent from September and 2.1 percent from October 2025.
Previous Record
The previous record was $50,614, in December 2025.
Vehicle Segments
Midsize SUVs averaged $50,570, full-size pickups $67,912, compact SUVs $37,895.
Affordability Challenge
Buyers needed the equivalent of 35.7 weeks of median income to purchase the average new vehicle.
Market Trends
Electric vehicles rose 1 percent to $56,220 but remain 2.7 percent below last year's prices.
Here's the gist
The average new car price in October hit $51,109, the highest on record, driven by rising demand for SUVs and pickups despite modest inflation.
