CarGurus Report Finds Consumer Demand for Affordability and Fuel Efficiency Shaping Today’s Auto Market
June 17 2025 - 9:00AM
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 MeluzioDirector,
Public Relations & External Communicationspr@cargurus.com
Investor Contact:Kirndeep SinghVice President,
Investor Relationsinvestors@cargurus.com
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