Car Models Experts Predict Will See Major Discounts in 2026
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Josephine Nesbit
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Zuri Anderson
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The average new-car buyer paid $50,080 in September, according to Kelley Blue Book (KBB), a new record and the first time this amount has topped $50,000. Prices keep rising, but that doesn’t apply to every car model.
“I believe you will find many of the [electric vehicle] EV… dropping in price. When the EV tax credit is gone. The EV manufacturers will likely lower the price by around 5% to compete with gas automobiles,” Chris Pyle, an auto expert with JustAnswer, wrote in an email. “For the gas models, I just do not see the prices dropping for 95% of them.”
And just because there are price reductions, it doesn’t mean you’re getting the same car or many improvements compared to 2025 models.
“You are getting a cheaper model, but it is a model with fewer snazzy things on and in the car,” Pyle explained. “You may see some of these less impressive trims result in the car price tag being $1,000 [to] $2,500 less.”
Car experts say these are the models to watch if you’re looking for major discounts in 2026.
Tesla
While this isn’t a specific model, Pyle pointed out that Tesla could have the most price reductions across several models.
“The EV manufacturers will likely lower the price by around 5% to compete with gas automobiles,” Pyle wrote. “I would say Tesla will have the most savings, since it is the largest EV producer and Elon [Musk] has the funds to help keep his brand on top and in the spotlight.”
Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Hyundai Ioniq 5, a powerful electric vehicle, has a starting MSRP of $36,000 and goes up to $47,875 depending on the trim level, Car and Driver reported. The 2025 model started at $44,200.
“Hyundai announced that the 2026 Ioniq 5 will start $7,600 less than the 2025 model did,” Melanie Musson, auto industry expert with AutoInsurance.org, wrote in an email. This reduction applies to the base trim. According to Hyundai, other trims could see price reductions of up to $9,800.
“In real-world experience, the price drop makes the car similarly priced to the 2025 version because the $7,500 EV tax credit isn’t available for 2026 models as they hit the market. Hyundai is also offering a $7,500 rebate on 2025 models,” according to Musson.
Chevy Silverado EV
The Chevy Silverado EV is coming back in 2026 for its third year, with an MSRP ranging from $54,895 to $91,295 depending on the trim and options, according to Car and Driver.
“The Silverado EV will be $8,000 cheaper for the base model than it was in 2025. It’s one of many EVs that will be discounted in 2026 to keep them competitive without a tax credit,” Musson wrote.
Jeep Grand Wagoneer
Starting at $66,530, according to Car and Driver, the 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer saw a big drop in its base price. Cars.com reported an MSRP $20,000 cheaper than the 2025 model. Jeep restructured the lineup by rebranding the Grand Wagoneer under the main Jeep name, introduced a new front design and a less powerful standard engine and made the four-wheel drive optional on the base trim.
“The Grand Wagoneer is an attractive vehicle that many individuals considered but chose not to purchase simply because it was priced too high,” Musson explained. “The 2026 price drop is close to $20,000, putting the Grand Wagoneer in tight competition with the Suburban and Expedition Max.”
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