According to a recent market study that looked at over 1.2 million new car listings in the US, the average new car price in the country is 9.9% more than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price or MSRP. Although some models may not have a significant price increase, the most popular models are priced far more than the market average. The Jeep Wrangler is a popular choice among enthusiasts with its excellent powertrain. On the other hand, the Ford Maverick is known for its practicality and features. Both these vehicles are a part of the list.
The Wrangler tops the list with an average price of $8,925, or 26.7 percent above MSRP, followed by the Maverick hybrid, which boasts $5,601, making it 25 percent above MSRP.
Jeep Wrangler’s 26.7 Percent Jump
The markup on the Jeep Wrangler is 26.7 percent above MSRP, coming to $8,925 over the retail price. This hike in numbers is one of the largest, especially in terms of percent. On the other hand, the Jeep Gladiator has seen a maximum price increase of any American car in terms of pure cash. The Gladiator has a $9,824 adjustment, forming a 22.5 percent increase. The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited sits in the center of the two, with a price increase of 22.9 percent ($9,534), making it one of the top five most overpriced cars.
The Wrangler can be broadly classified into two and four-door versions. The two-door vehicle is available with the Sport and Rubicon trims. On the other hand, the four-door SUV, known as the Unlimited, is offered with the Sahara, a 4xe plug-in hybrid, and Rubicon 392. Most of them are equipped with a part-time four-wheel-drive system with low-range gearing. A full-time 4WD system is also available as an option. The SUV features five engine choices, depending on the trim level. The first is a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 285 HP and 260 lb-ft of torque and is mated with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. Then there's the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which produces 270 HP and 295 lb-ft of torque. This engine is only available with an automatic gearbox. The four-door Unlimited trim has an optional turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel V6 with 260 HP and 442 lb-ft of torque. Rubicon is also available with a plug-in hybrid powertrain dubbed the 4xe, which produces 375 HP and 470 lb-ft of torque, together with Sahara trim.
Maverick Gets A 25 Percent Jump
The Ford Maverick is offered in both hybrid and all-gas variants and is ranked among the top 10 cars sold above the MSRP. The off-road truck is also equipped with a hybrid powertrain. According to the build and pricing tool, the 2.0L EcoBoost engine is a $1,085 improvement. In terms of percentage, the hybrid Maverick comes in second behind the Jeep Wrangler, with a price increase of 25%, or $5,601 over MSRP. The gas-powered Maverick, on the other hand, costs $22.2 percent more than the MSRP, or $5,368. The Ford Bronco is also a worthy choice, ranking eighth on the list of new automobiles priced the most above MSRP. It has a 20.6 percent price increase or a $7,783 increase. The average price increase is less than 10%, or $3,753.
Ford has resurrected the Maverick moniker for its new compact pickup truck, which sits beneath the mid-size Ranger. Instead of sharing components and mechanicals with the Ranger, the Maverick rides on the same chassis as the Bronco Sport small crossover. All versions have a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for 191 HP. This configuration only includes front-wheel drive and a continuously variable automatic transmission. Buyers may also choose a non-hybrid powertrain with a 250 HP 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is available with this powertrain.
Reason For The Price Surge
Several factors have contributed to the price surge. The global microchip crisis continues in full swing, with no signs of improvement project until at least the middle of next year. Other worldwide crises, such as Ukraine’s conflict, also hamper manufacturing.
Another challenge automobile manufacturers face is that carmakers have been losing money for more than a year due to the bottlenecks and the semiconductor supply crisis. Even if the chip situation improves in the future, most automakers have a massive backlog due to increasing demand and reduced output. Besides, the price rise reflects the considerable increase in material costs and ongoing supply chain challenges. Conversely, demand for new, safer, fuel-efficient, and better-looking cars continues to rise, resulting in a large disparity between the production of cars and the number of customers.
According to analysts, dealers have responded to market conditions by pricing automobiles over MSRP to earn larger profits on certain models and offset decreased sales volumes owing to limited new car manufacturing. Furthermore, manufacturers claim that buyers are prepared to spend considerably above the sticker price for the most in-demand automobiles in today's market since it's the only option to receive the vehicle of their choice without having to wait a long time.
Sources: Car And Driver, Motor 1, Edmunds