CarGurus Report Finds Consumer Demand for Affordability and Fuel Efficiency Shaping Today’s Auto Market

Rhea-AI Summary

CarGurus' 2025 Mid-Year Auto Market Review reveals significant shifts in the automotive market driven by tariffs and consumer demand for affordable, fuel-efficient vehicles. New vehicle sales surged 48% year-over-year following March's tariff announcement, though affordable inventory under $30,000 has declined 15% since then. Despite post-tariff inventory comprising 60% of listings, average new car prices remain stable at $49,600. The report highlights that 7% of new car listings are 2024 or older models, presenting potential deals. Used car inventory has reached multi-year highs, though 3-4 year old vehicles remain scarce. Hybrid vehicles have shown strong performance with prices dropping $1,400 year-over-year and sales increasing 43% compared to 2024, reflecting growing consumer preference for practical and affordable options.

Positive

• Hybrid vehicle sales increased 43% year-over-year with average prices decreasing by $1,400
• Average new car prices remained stable at $49,600 despite tariff implementation
• High inventory levels of 2024 and older models (7% of listings) create potential deal opportunities
• Overall used car inventory has reached multi-year highs

Negative

• New vehicle listings under $30,000 dropped 15% since March
• Luxury SUVs experienced significant price increases after tariffs implementation
• 3-4 year old used vehicles remain scarce and expensive
• Sub-$20,000 used car options are increasingly limited to older, high-mileage vehicles

Mid-year auto market analysis reveals how tariffs and ongoing demand for affordability have influenced vehicle supply, pricing, and demand so far this year

BOSTON, June 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CarGurus (Nasdaq: CARG), the No. 1 visited digital auto platform for shopping, buying, and selling new and used vehicles¹, today released its 2025 Mid-Year Auto Market Review. The analysis highlights the impact of tariff uncertainty, shifting inventory dynamics, and evolving consumer preferences on the new and used vehicle market.

“So far this year, the auto market has been shaped by dramatic shifts in consumer behavior fueled by shifting policies and economic uncertainty,” said Kevin Roberts, Director of Economic and Market Intelligence at CarGurus. “These pressures have amplified what car shoppers demand most: affordability and efficiency. While vehicle prices have mostly held steady despite tariffs, it remains to be seen how long the current balance of pricing and demand can last, especially as value-driven options become harder to find.”

• Tariff-driven sales surge has reduced affordable new inventory: New vehicle sales spiked 48% year-over-year in the days after the March tariff announcement as buyers raced to beat potential price increases. While sales demand has since normalized to more seasonal patterns, the affordable segment is showing lasting impacts. Listings for new cars under $30,000 have dropped by 15% since late March, with compacts and crossovers like the Honda Civic, Buick Encore GX, Jeep Compass, and Mazda CX-30 seeing the steepest declines.
  
• The average new vehicle price is holding steady: While over 60% of new vehicle listings today are post-tariff inventory, the average new car price has remained relatively stable at approximately $49,600. Model-level price changes tell a more nuanced story, with luxury SUVs seeing some of the largest price increases since tariffs went into effect in April and electric vehicles (EVs) posting the biggest price decreases.
  
• Aged new car inventory may offer value: Despite the Spring sales surge, 2024 and older model-year vehicles are maintaining a high share of inventory — approaching levels not seen since 2020. At mid-year, over 7% of new car listings were 2024 or older, with Ford trucks and SUVs among the top models with older model year supply, creating a chance for shoppers to find a potential deal on pre-tariff inventory.
  
• Used inventory reaches multi-year highs, but value has been redefined: Despite abundant used car supply, 3- to 4-year-old models — the sweet spot for value-conscious buyers — remain scarce and priced at a premium due to lingering effects of pandemic-era production disruptions. For those in the market for a used car under $20,000, options are increasingly older and higher mileage. At both ends of the age spectrum, however, fuel-efficient models (spanning hybrids, EVs, and compacts) lead the pack in demand.
  
• Hybrids stand out for pricing and demand: Hybrids continued to lead new vehicle sales growth in 2025, buoyed by strong demand and attractive pricing. Average list prices for new hybrids decreased by about $1,400 year-over-year, helping drive a 43% increase in retail sales compared to 2024. Notably, hybrid and gas models are now the most commonly cross-shopped combinations, as shoppers increasingly prioritize practicality and affordability.
  

For a deeper look at these trends and more, the full 2025 Mid-Year Review is available here: https://cargur.us/1dRcr8

About CarGurus, Inc.

CarGurus (Nasdaq: CARG) is a multinational, online automotive platform for buying and selling vehicles that is building upon its industry-leading listings marketplace with both digital retail solutions and the CarOffer online wholesale platform. The CarGurus platform gives consumers the confidence to purchase and/or sell a vehicle either online or in-person, and it gives dealerships the power to accurately price, effectively market, instantly acquire, and quickly sell vehicles, all with a nationwide reach. The company uses proprietary technology, search algorithms, and data analytics to bring trust, transparency, and competitive pricing to the automotive shopping experience. CarGurus is the most visited automotive shopping site in the U.S. ¹

CarGurus also operates online marketplaces under the CarGurus brand in Canada and the U.K. In the U.S. and the U.K., CarGurus also operates the Autolist and PistonHeads online marketplaces, respectively, as independent brands.

To learn more about CarGurus, visit www.cargurus.com, and for more information about CarOffer, visit www.caroffer.com.

CarGurus^® is a registered trademark of CarGurus, Inc., and CarOffer^® is a registered trademark of CarOffer, LLC. All other product names, trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

¹ Similarweb: Traffic Report [Cars.com, Autotrader, TrueCar, CARFAX Listings (defined as CARFAX Total visits minus Vehicle History Reports traffic)], Q1 2025, U.S.

Media Contact:
Maggie Meluzio
Director, Public Relations & External Communications
pr@cargurus.com

Investor Contact:
Kirndeep Singh
Vice President, Investor Relations
investors@cargurus.com

FAQ

What was the impact of tariffs on CARG new car sales in 2025?

New vehicle sales surged 48% year-over-year immediately after the March tariff announcement as buyers rushed to beat potential price increases, though sales later normalized to seasonal patterns.

How have hybrid vehicle sales performed for CarGurus in 2025?

Hybrid vehicle sales showed strong growth with a 43% increase compared to 2024, supported by an average price decrease of $1,400 year-over-year.

What is the current average new car price on CarGurus platform?

The average new car price on CarGurus platform has remained stable at approximately $49,600, despite over 60% of listings being post-tariff inventory.

How has the affordable car segment been affected in CarGurus inventory?

Listings for new cars under $30,000 have decreased by 15% since late March, particularly affecting compact and crossover models like Honda Civic and Buick Encore GX.

What trends are seen in CarGurus used car inventory in 2025?

While overall used car inventory has reached multi-year highs, 3-4 year old models remain scarce and expensive, with sub-$20,000 options limited to older, higher-mileage vehicles.