President Donald Trump’s new 25% auto tariffs are expected to ripple across the U.S. car market — and the price tags are already under pressure. According to fresh estimates from Cox Automotive and Wedbush, the average price for new cars could surge by up to 20%, with increases ranging between $5,000 and $10,000 per vehicle, depending on the model and country of origin.

While the White House says the move will accelerate domestic manufacturing, analysts warn that it could hit consumer wallets, dent auto sales, and even “blow a hole” in the industry’s recovery.

Key Estimates on Car Price Increases

Wedbush Analyst Dan Ives: Up to $10,000 in added cost per vehicle
Cox Automotive: ~$5,855 average increase for cars built in Mexico or Canada
Goldman Sachs: Average $5,000–$15,000 jump if full 25% tariff applies
New Vehicle Price Increase: Up to 20%

Cars Most at Risk: Vehicles Imported From Mexico & Canada

About 22% of all vehicles sold in the U.S. are imported from Mexico and Canada, many by U.S. brands themselves. Here’s a breakdown of what’s at stake:

Vehicles Assembled in Mexico:

  • BMW: 3 Series, 2 Series Coupe, M2
  • Ford: Mustang, Bronco Sport, Maverick
  • GM: Chevrolet Silverado, Equinox, GMC Sierra, Terrain
  • Kia: Pride, Rio, K3
  • Nissan: Sentra, Versa, Kicks
  • Stellantis: Ram Pickups, Jeep Compass, Jeep Wagoneer

Vehicles Assembled in Canada:

  • GM: Silverado (Heavy & Light Duty), V8 Engines
  • Ford: Edge, Lincoln Nautilus (Super Duty trucks soon)
  • Stellantis: Chrysler Pacifica, Grand Caravan, Dodge Charger, Jeep Compass (2026)

Automakers Most Exposed to Tariffs

$GM | General Motors

  • 4 Plants in Mexico, 2 in Canada
  • High dependency on North American cross-border production
  • Estimated tariff cost: $14B, wiping out nearly all of GM’s global profits
  • Stock Impact: -3.1% on Wednesday

$F | Ford

  • 80% of vehicles assembled in the U.S.
  • Smaller exposure to Canada/Mexico
  • Estimated tariff cost: $6B, about 75% of Ford’s 2025 global EBIT
  • Stock Impact: -1.2% on Wednesday
  • CEO Farley: Tariffs could “blow a hole in the U.S. industry”

$STLA | Stellantis

  • Assembly of Ram, Jeep, and Dodge vehicles in Mexico/Canada
  • Stock Impact: -3.6% on Wednesday
  • Faces price increases on core U.S. models due to reliance on North American integration

$TSLA | Tesla

  • All cars built in the U.S.
  • Elon Musk: Tariff impact “not trivial,” parts still imported from China, Japan, Korea
  • Analysts: Tesla “best positioned” due to 100% U.S. assembly
  • Stock up +6% this week despite marketwide pressure
    → Read our deep dive on Tesla’s tariff outlook here.

What Has Trump Told Automakers?

In a private call earlier this month, Trump reportedly warned CEOs not to raise car prices, saying tariffs would “benefit” them by pushing manufacturing back to the U.S.

“You’re going to see prices going down,” Trump told reporters. “They’re going to buy what we’re doing — incentivizing companies, even countries, to come into America.”

Still, automakers aren’t convinced. Ford’s Farley warned of “cost and chaos,” while U.S. sales forecasts are already being revised lower.

Sales Forecast Cut

Cox Automotive has now revised its 2025 new vehicle sales forecast from 16.3M → 15.6M, citing:

  • Tariffs
  • Affordability challenges
  • Economic uncertainty

Trump’s 25% auto tariffs are shaking the entire car industry — and the bill is coming due fast. GM and Ford could lose billions. Consumers could pay thousands more. Sales are already sliding. And while Tesla may catch a break, the road ahead looks bumpy for just about everyone else.

Disclosure: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Investors should conduct their own research and consult with a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Related: Trump’s Auto Tariffs: Here’s How Every Major Carmaker Could Be Affected