In June, for the first time in a decade, vehicle buyers were essentially paying sticker price — the manufacturer’s suggested retail price — for new vehicles
Irvine, Calif.—The estimated average transaction price (ATP) for a light vehicle in the United States was $42,258 in June 2021, according to the analysts at Kelley Blue Book. New-vehicle prices increased $2,527 (up 6.4%) from June 2020, while increasing $928 (up 2.2%) from May 2021.
“Despite unprecedented low incentives and inventory levels in June, last month showcased more historically high average transaction prices, reaching an all-new record,” said Kayla Reynolds, industry intelligence analyst at Cox Automotive. “New-vehicle affordability continues to decline as the income required to purchase the average new vehicle continues to climb. In June, for the first time in a decade, vehicle buyers were essentially paying sticker price – the manufacturer’s suggested retail price – for new vehicles.”
| Manufacturer | June2021Transaction Price (Avg.)* | May2021Transaction Price (Avg.)* | June2020 Transaction Price (Avg.)* | Percent ChangeMay 2021 toJune 2021* | Percent Change June2020 to June 2021* |
| American Honda (Acura, Honda) | $33,064 | $32,591 | $30,216 | 1.50% | 9.40% |
| BMW Group | $58,838 | $57,879 | $57,137 | 1.70% | 3.00% |
| Daimler | $63,194 | $65,312 | $60,673 | -3.20% | 4.20% |
| Stellantis (Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, Ram) | $49,762 | $48,149 | $42,960 | 3.30% | 15.80% |
| Ford Motor Company (Ford, Lincoln) | $50,412 | $45,831 | $46,005 | 10.00% | 9.60% |
| General Motors (Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC) | $48,700 | $48,555 | $42,749 | 0.30% | 13.90% |
| Hyundai Kia | $31,793 | $31,115 | $29,099 | 2.20% | 9.30% |
| Mazda | $31,563 | $30,892 | $29,858 | 2.20% | 5.70% |
| Mitsubishi | $26,609 | $25,225 | $22,487 | 5.50% | 18.30% |
| Nissan North America (Nissan, INFINITI) | $32,735 | $32,536 | $32,193 | 0.60% | 1.70% |
| Subaru | $35,219 | $33,507 | $31,522 | 5.10% | 11.70% |
| Tesla Motors** | $47,772 | $52,553 | $55,541 | -9.10% | -14.00% |
| Toyota Motor Company (Lexus, Toyota) | $38,467 | $37,259 | $36,466 | 3.20% | 5.50% |
| Volkswagen Group (Audi, Volkswagen, Porsche) | $53,188 | $52,170 | $48,715 | 2.00% | 9.20% |
| Volvo North America | $49,059 | $47,529 | $45,659 | 3.20% | 7.40% |
| Industry | $42,258 | $41,330 | $39,731 | 2.24% | 6.36% |
According to Kelley Blue Book, the record-high ATP of $42,258 in June was 99.9% of the average MSRP of $42,290. For comparison, in January of this year, ATP was 95.9% of MSRP; one year ago, it was 95.4%.
Every vehicle manufacturer except Tesla—see note above—showed year-over-year growth in average transaction prices in June, with Stellantis seeing the second-largest increase (up 15.8%), just behind Mitsubishi, which climbed 18.3%. The majority of the models in Stellantis’ lineup saw increases from this time last year. The Jeep Wrangler and RAM Pickup, two of the automaker’s best-selling models, saw double-digit increases compared to June 2020. Despite inventory concerns, the RAM Pickup outsold many of its counterparts last month with a 13.8% price increase from last year.
At the segment level, non-luxury models continue to make significant gains compared to luxury models, up 7% versus 2.9% respectively. The availability and price increase of the mid-size and full-size car categories attributed to the non-luxury segment’s growth in average transaction prices. The Honda Accord saw its average transaction price increase substantially above the industry and segment average at 14%. Still, even with the substantial price increase, Honda Accord sales increased 35% compared to June 2020.
| Segment | June2021Transaction Price (Avg.)* | May2021Transaction Price (Avg.)* | June2020 Transaction Price (Avg.)* | Percent ChangeMay 2021 toJune 2021* | Percent Change June2020 to June 2021* |
| Compact Car | $23,903 | $23,411 | $22,466 | 2.10% | 6.40% |
| Compact SUV/Crossover | $32,258 | $31,592 | $30,594 | 2.10% | 5.40% |
| Electric Vehicle | $49,766 | $52,732 | $57,480 | -5.60% | -13.40% |
| Entry-level Luxury Car | $47,684 | $47,436 | $44,719 | 0.50% | 6.60% |
| Full-size Car | $42,617 | $40,795 | $38,581 | 4.50% | 10.50% |
| Full-size Pickup Truck | $57,267 | $56,261 | $52,691 | 1.80% | 8.70% |
| Full-size SUV/Crossover | $68,173 | $68,929 | $63,625 | -1.10% | 7.10% |
| High Performance Car | $103,300 | $101,211 | $114,000 | 2.10% | -9.40% |
| High-end Luxury Car | $106,341 | $105,146 | $101,139 | 1.10% | 5.10% |
| Hybrid/Alternative Energy Car | $30,589 | $30,790 | $28,055 | -0.70% | 9.00% |
| Luxury Car | $66,370 | $67,949 | $62,686 | -2.30% | 5.90% |
| Luxury Compact SUV/Crossover | $49,019 | $48,133 | $46,621 | 1.80% | 5.10% |
| Luxury Full-size SUV/Crossover | $99,700 | $98,202 | $90,375 | 1.50% | 10.30% |
| Luxury Mid-size SUV/Crossover | $65,874 | $65,331 | $63,534 | 0.80% | 3.70% |
| Luxury Subcompact SUV/Crossover | $42,505 | $42,044 | $39,475 | 1.10% | 7.70% |
| Mid-size Car | $30,281 | $29,510 | $27,214 | 2.60% | 11.30% |
| Mid-size Pickup Truck | $41,105 | $40,314 | $38,361 | 2.00% | 7.20% |
| Mid-size SUV/Crossover | $43,623 | $43,107 | $40,845 | 1.20% | 6.80% |
| Minivan | $43,033 | $42,138 | $36,531 | 2.10% | 17.80% |
| Sports Car | $43,464 | $42,457 | $40,399 | 2.40% | 7.60% |
| Subcompact Car | $20,646 | $19,920 | $19,059 | 3.60% | 8.30% |
| Subcompact SUV/Crossover | $27,453 | $27,338 | $25,574 | 0.40% | 7.30% |
| Van | $41,800 | $41,867 | $42,244 | -0.20% | -1.10% |
| Industry | $42,258 | $41,330 | $39,731 | 2.24% | 6.36% |
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