Despite inflation car prices remain stable, safety improved

As cars have become more complex, with regulations demanding better fuel efficiency and safety, it’s easy to assume that the price of a new car … which can feel sky-high … must be higher, too. So Consumer Reports dug into the data, looking at the prices of hundreds of cars it bought over nearly 20 years.

CR’s analysis found that from 2003 through 2021, the price of new vehicles did not increase once we adjusted for inflation. That’s despite some big improvements: Average fuel economy improved 30 percent, saving consumers an average of $7,000 in lifetime gas costs per car.

And significant gains were also made in safety, with improved crash protection and technology to help avoid a collision. Electronic stability control and backup cameras are now standard on new vehicles. And many manufactures are now including automatic emergency braking and blind spot warning.

The current page does not support this embedded media. To view this story with fully functioning media, please visit this page on our full site.

But even if the prices of individual vehicles are staying the same, data show people are paying more for new cars. Why? Consumers are buying more expensive vehicles.

Sales of SUVs have doubled, while sales of less expensive sedans and wagons have fallen.

CR says you’ll get more bang for your buck by buying a car vs. an SUV.

CR’s top tip next time you head to the dealer: Whatever you choose, don’t buy “more vehicle” than you need. It can cost you in financing, insurance, fuel economy, maintenance, and depreciation over time.