Average new car price tops $50,000 for the first time ever

For the first time ever, the average price for a new car has surpassed $50,000, according to Kelley Blue Book.

The pricing guide company reports that buyers paid about $50,080 for new vehicles in September, marking a significant threshold in automotive pricing.

Kelley Blue Book attributes the price surge to several factors, including rising auto tariffs, an increased mix of luxury vehicles and higher costs for electric vehicles.

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Industry experts warn that buyers should brace for another significant price jump with 2026 model year vehicles.

The $50,000 milestone represents a dramatic shift in the automotive market, where what was once considered luxury pricing has become the new normal for average vehicl