Kia tops a new Consumer Reports list revealing which 2025 models are selling above MSRP, with surprising names still commanding premium prices
Buying a new car can be exciting, but it can also send your finances into a tailspin. If you’re shopping for a new set of wheels yet hoping to stretch your money as far as possible, you may want to think twice about the following ten models, all of which are reportedly selling for more than their official sticker prices.
While some names on the list, like Toyota’s Prius, might make sense given their popularity, the inclusion of Chevrolet’s discontinued Malibu is sure to catch a few people off guard.
The worst offender, according to Consumer Reports, is the Kia Sportage. Using data from TrueCar and narrowing the field to specific trims of 2025 models under $50,000, the publication found that the Sportage EX AWD averages $33,343, around seven percent higher than its $31,290 MSRP.
Read: Average New Car Price Breaks $50,000 Barrier For The First Time Ever
Two other models from Hyundai and Kia have also crept above their official prices. The Hyundai Kona SE is selling for roughly $26,091, or six percent more than its $24,550 MSRP, while the new Kia K5 GT commands a similar six percent premium, with buyers paying around $35,159 instead of $33,290.
Less surprisingly, the pattern continues with the 2025 Toyota Prius LE. Although it lists for $28,350, actual transaction prices hover near $29,934, a six percent jump that reflects the model’s enduring demand.
Pickup truck buyers aren’t getting a pass either. According to TrueCar, The GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab Pro 4WD is going for about five percent above its $47,500 list price, at $50,185, while the Nissan Frontier King Cab SV 4WD leaves dealerships closer to $39,173, roughly four percent more than its $37,690 MSRP.
The Surprise Entries
Consumer Reports also flagged a few unexpected entries, including the aging Mitsubishi Outlander Sport and Kia Soul, but the biggest surprise by far is the discontinued 2025 Chevrolet Malibu. Despite production ending in late 2024, TrueCar’s data suggests the midsize Chevy sedan is somehow fetching a premium as the last units make their slow exit from dealer lots.
The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Trail Edition 2.0 AWC comes with a five percent markup over its $29,245 MSRP, while the 2025 Kia Soul S, listed at $22,990, is averaging around $24,051.
If TrueCar’s numbers hold, the Chevrolet Malibu 2LT continues to command attention even in retirement, selling for around $32,885, or roughly four percent above its $31,500 list price
Rounding out the top ten is the Hyundai Palisade SE AWD. With an MSRP of $39,200, it’s currently selling for around $40,767, representing a four percent premium over the list price.
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Brad Anderson’s lifelong affair and fascination with cars started young. Before even graduating high school,… Read full bio

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