By and large, vehicle prices have been on a steady march upward since 2019, according to federal price data. But, in a recent analysis, online car-buying marketplace CarEdge has found a handful of models that will actually become more affordable next year.
CarEdge examined pricing data across the 2026 model lineup, comparing the manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (including mandatory destination charges for transporting the cars to dealerships) to their 2025 counterparts.
And while most automakers continue raising sticker prices year over year, the analysis found seven models with price cuts that range from just under $1,000 to $7,500.
Starting with the models at the lower end of price cuts, there’s Kia, which introduced a new entry-level front-wheel-drive LX trim for the Seltos. The starting price is down by $950 from 2025 to $25,135 for the 2026 model. That makes the Seltos one of the cheapest new crossovers in 2026.
The base Kia EV9 still starts at $56,395, unchanged from 2025, but the Land trim dropped $1,000 to $67,395. The GT-Line saw an even bigger cut of $2,000, now starting at $73,395.
If you’re in the market for a Jeep, the Wrangler Rubicon received a rare price cut of $1,595 to $47,355.
And after skipping 2024 and 2025, Jeep revived the Cherokee for 2026 with an all-new design, larger dimensions and a standard hybrid powertrain. Despite all those improvements, the base price is $2,295 cheaper than the 2023 Cherokee that ended production, starting at $36,995.
Next, Cadillac trimmed the price of the Optiq by nearly $2,000 for 2026 with the addition of a new entry-level Luxury rear-wheel-drive trim starting at $52,395, giving the luxury electric crossover a more accessible starting point.
Chevy lowered the price of the Silverado EV‘s Work Truck trim by $2,200, bringing the starting price to $54,895. Buyers can choose from three trims with ranges from 293 to 493 miles.
The model with the largest cut is the 2026 Dodge Durango R/T Plus, with a $7,500 price reduction. Now starting at $47,490, this three-row SUV gains premium features like leather-trimmed heated and ventilated seats, a power sunroof, and adaptive safety technology.
The Durango’s price cut reflects multinational automotive group Stellantis’ broader strategy to boost flagging sales across its brands, according to CarEdge.
These price reductions stand out against a backdrop of rising costs across the industry. “The only way we’ll see more of them is if buyers push back against rising MSRPs,” CarEdge notes in its analysis.
For shoppers, the message is clear: Vote with your wallet. Skip models with steep price increases when possible, and always negotiate the out-the-door price rather than focusing on monthly payments.
While seven models represent a small fraction of the overall market, any downward pricing pressure is worth noting and taking advantage of while it lasts.
You may also want to consider a car that has a better chance of running for longer, which we covered in “7 Car Brands Most Likely to Last 250,000 Miles.”
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