
Affordability Crisis Shrinks U.S. Car Sales as Monthly Payments Climb
Rising new-car prices, higher financing costs, and longer loan terms are squeezing buyers and tempering demand, with 2026 U.S. new-car sales expected around 16 million (down from 16.3 million in 2025). Tariffs and higher destination charges have raised costs for automakers, production shifts and pricey new tech add to sticker prices and insurance costs. The average monthly payment is about $774 for late-2025 loans, and more consumers face affordability hurdles even as affluent buyers keep some momentum in the market.












