6 SUVs That Will See Massive Price Drops in Early 2026
Written by
Jennifer Taylor
Edited by
Cory Dudak
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Buying a new SUV could be cheaper than you think. If you’re in the market for a 2026 model, you might get to take advantage of price drops happening now as the year rolls over.
Often offered on base trims, many manufacturers are making at least some of their SUVs more affordable — much more so in some cases. Here’s a look at six SUVs to keep an eye on.
1. Ford Explorer
- 2026 Starting MSRP: $38,456
The 2026 model year of the Ford Explorer base trim Active had a $1,720 price cut, said Kendra Sommer, automotive reporter at CWK Media.
The base trim, Active 100A, comes with a variety of attractive features such as a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist-plus — including adaptive cruise control — selectable drive modes and a class three tow package.
2. Hyundai Ioniq 5
- 2026 Starting MSRP: $35,000
“Hyundai decided to drop the price of the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 by $7,600 to $9,800,” Sommer said. “All price reductions are dependent on the trim level.”
The SE Standard Range base trim offers an EPA-estimated 245-mile combined all-electric range, ultra-fast charging and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with navigation — just to name a few of its most impressive attributes.
If you’re in the market for a pricier trim, the 2026 Ioniq 5 Limited comes with even more features, including an EPA-estimated 318-mile all-electric range (rear-wheel drive) and an EPA-estimated 269-mile all-electric range (all-wheel drive), as well as a vision roof and remote smart parking assist 2.
3. Cadillac OPTIQ
- 2026 Starting MSRP: $50,900
A new addition to the North American Cadillac lineup in 2025, Sommer said this luxury compact electric crossover SUV had a $2,000 price drop for the 2026 model year.
“I test drove this vehicle last summer,” Sommer said. “One of my favorite vehicle features is GM’s Super Cruise, which is a hands-free driver assistance technology.”
If you want an EV with a hint of luxury, she said the OPTIQ is a great option. Aptly named, the Luxury base trim model has a single motor real-wheel drive with an EPA-estimated 317 miles of range, segment-largest 33-inch diagonal advanced LED display and wireless phone charging.
4. 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer
- 2026 Starting MSRP: $63,240
Stellantis, which owns Jeep, dropped the price of the 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer base trim by $20,000, Sommer said.
Some of the key features of the Grand Wagoneer 4X2 (base trim) include best in class 10,000-pound towing capacity, 18-inch wheels, up to eight Capri leather seats and a nine speaker Alpine Audio System.
5. Hyundai Kona
- 2026 Starting MSRP: $25,350
The Hyundai Kona might have a price drop, but even not, you still get more for your money, said Melanie Musson, an insurance and finance expert at Clearsurance.com.
“Hyundai is including several extra features in each trim while keeping the price steady, so you get a better-equipped vehicle for the same price, which is almost like saving money,” she said.
The base Hyundai Kona SE trim offers 31 combined miles with front-wheel drive and 28 combined miles with all-wheel drive, smart cruise control with stop and go and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display.
6. Mazda CX-70 Plug-in Hybrid
- 2026 Starting MSRP: $54,400
“Many EVs and plug-in hybrids are getting cheaper in 2026 because that’s how manufacturers are choosing to bring business without tax incentives,” Musson said.
Specifically, the Mazda CX-70 Plug-In Hybrid starting price dropped more than $10,000 for the 2026 model year, according to Kelley Blue Book. The Phev Premium base trim has a 1500-watt charging outlet, Mi-Drive with four driving modes — sport, off-road, towing and EV — and a combined engine and electric motor with 323 horsepower.
Disclaimer: MSRP starting prices were sourced from official retailers’ websites as of Jan. 11, 2025 and are subject to change.
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