New car prices have rapidly risen over the past few years and are up $10,000 compared to five years ago. Thankfully, the largest price increases seem to be behind us, and some experts say that we’ve entered a buyer’s market with more incentives being offered.
But it’s not all good news. Some 2025 car models are being sold for significantly more than their 2024 counterparts, making now a good time to jump on the lower prices. Here are five of them.
1. Toyota Prius
Estimated price increase: 7%
The Prius is a car that doesn’t compromise on its environmental ideals, but has matured enough to realize it doesn’t need to brag about them constantly. Redesigned in 2023, the Prius is sleek and eye-catching while still getting an impressive combined (highway plus city) estimated 57 MPG.
The 2.0-liter, 194-horsepower hybrid engine will zip you around town, while standard safety features like pedestrian detection, lane departure assist, and blind spot monitoring will help give you peace of mind getting from Point A to B.
Plus, it’s the winner of the 2024 MotorTrend Car of the Year. You can get your hands on this year’s model at a starting price of $27,950 before the cost rises to an estimated $30,000 in 2025.
Tip: Hybrids like the Prius are often more expensive to insure than traditional gas-powered vehicles. Click here to get quotes for the cheapest car insurance.
2. Chrysler Pacifica
Estimated price increase 7%
If long drives with kids in the backseat are in your future (or you find yourself carting six of your friends to breweries on the weekends), you might want to jump at buying the Chrysler Pacifica before the price increase next year.
The 2024 Select model starts at $39,645, while the 2025 version ups the price to $42,450. Either way, you’ll get a 3.6-liter 287 horsepower engine with a combined estimated 22 MPG and a large 10.1-inch touchscreen display.
The Pacifica has plenty of standard safety features, including brake assist, blind spot detection, and forward collision warning. It also received Consumer Reports’ coveted “recommended” badge, so you can buy with confidence.
3. Cadillac Escalade
Estimated price increase: 7%
Buying a Cadillac Escalade isn’t exactly a money-saving move, but if you want to spend less on the luxury purchase, opt for the 2024 model. The base price for this year’s model is $81,895, compared to $87,595 for the 2025 version.
Of course, there’s nothing basic about the base Escalade model. You’ll power down the road with a 420 horsepower 6.2-liter V8, cruising to your favorite tunes on the SUV’s 19-speaker audio system and glancing down with ease at the 16.9-inch infotainment screen.
Related: Luxury vehicles like the Escalade can often cost more to insure than cheaper SUVs. Compare quotes from the best car insurance companies to ensure you get the best rates.
4. Subaru Forester
Estimated price increase: 9.6%
If you’re looking to save on your next vehicle to take you through the great outdoors, the 2024 Subaru Forester is a good bet. This year’s model starts at $27,095, but will jump to $29,695 for the 2025 version.
With 8.7 inches of ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive, the Forester will feel right at home traversing off of well-worn paths. But that doesn’t mean you have to forgo creature comforts, considering the Forester comes standard with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration, as well as brake assist and adaptive cruise control safety features.
Rounding out the Forester’s appeal is the vehicle’s “recommended” status from Consumer Reports and the fact that it landed on the magazine’s top 10 list for best cars of 2024.
5. Ford Maverick
Estimated price increase: 10%
Thanks to their versatility, pickup trucks are some of the best-selling vehicles in the U.S. While many trucks have grown in size, the compact Maverick is decidedly smaller, making it a perfect match for buyers who want a truck bed and an easy drive around town.
The base 2024 Maverick model is affordable, with its starting price of $23,920, but next year’s price will rise to $26,395. It’ll be easier to upgrade to the optional AWD and 4,000-lb towing package if you buy at this year’s lower price. To top it all off, Consumer Reports recommends the Maverick, so you’ll be getting a great vehicle at a good price.
No matter what type of vehicle you choose, check out some of the end-of-the-year incentives these companies may be offering. Many dealerships are eager to get last year’s models off the lot before 2025, which can benefit your wallet.
