Pickup Trucks Drive Average Transaction Prices
Prices in both full-size and mid-size truck segments were up 4%, and it is shaping up to be a pivotal time for pickups.
General Motors also was up 4% year-over-year, with the Chevrolet brand rising the most at 5%. Chevrolet's increase came on a strong mix of Silverado sales (Silverado 6500HD pictured).
Photo courtesy of General Motors
The analysts at Kelley Blue Book reported the estimated average transaction price for light vehicles in the United States was $35,635 in May 2018. New-vehicle prices increased by $1,187 (up 3.4%) from May 2017, while falling $145 (down 0.4%) from last month.
"Average transaction prices rose a healthy 3 percent this month and remain strong even as new-vehicle demand is expected to falter in 2018," said Tim Fleming, analyst for Kelley Blue Book. "It's no surprise prices were helped by SUV demand, but pickup trucks played a big role in May's increases as well. Prices in both full-size and mid-size truck segments were up 4%, and it is shaping up to be a pivotal time for pickups with the new Ram truck now on the market, a new Chevrolet Silverado coming later in the year, and the Ford Ranger returning to the U.S. early next year."
Ford Motor Company is among the automakers benefitting from strong utility and pickup truck lineups. Ford Motor Company average transaction prices grew nearly 5% in May 2018, as both brands put up solid numbers. Lincoln's average transaction prices are up 14%, due to the new Navigator, which jumped 32% from this time last year. For the Ford brand, the new Expedition increased 15%. A strong mix of F-Series sales also helped Ford, as the brand climbed 4%.
General Motors also was up 4% year-over-year, with the Chevrolet brand rising the most at 5%. Chevrolet's increase came on a strong mix of Silverado sales.
SEGMENT | May 2018 Avg. Transaction Price | April 2018 Avg. Transaction Price | May 2017 Avg. Transaction Price | Percent Change April 2018-May 2018 | Percent Change April 2017-May 2017 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Compact Car | $20,528 | $20,516 | $20,548 | 0.10% | -0.10% |
Compact SUV/Crossover | $28,459 | $28,624 | $28,140 | -0.60% | 1.10% |
Electric Vehicle | $36,539 | $36,820 | $37,840 | -0.80% | -3.40% |
Entry-level Luxury Car | $42,144 | $42,147 | $42,186 | 0.00% | -0.10% |
Full-size Car | $34,356 | $34,406 | $34,461 | -0.10% | -0.30% |
Full-size Pickup Truck | $48,213 | $47,653 | $46,459 | 1.20% | 3.80% |
Full-size SUV/Crossover | $63,349 | $63,038 | $60,515 | 0.50% | 4.70% |
High Performance Car | $98,422 | $101,606 | $92,250 | -3.10% | 6.70% |
High-end Luxury Car | $98,584 | $97,830 | $99,084 | 0.80% | -0.50% |
Hybrid/Alternative Energy Car | $26,614 | $26,673 | $26,494 | -0.20% | 0.50% |
Luxury Car | $59,420 | $59,267 | $57,511 | 0.30% | 3.30% |
Luxury Compact SUV/Crossover | $44,662 | $44,902 | $42,825 | -0.50% | 4.30% |
Luxury Full-size SUV/Crossover | $89,426 | $89,539 | $82,354 | -0.10% | 8.60% |
Luxury Mid-size SUV/Crossover | $55,968 | $56,222 | $55,308 | -0.50% | 1.20% |
Mid-size Car | $25,791 | $25,881 | $25,151 | -0.30% | 2.50% |
Mid-size Pickup Truck | $33,177 | $33,284 | $32,039 | -0.30% | 3.60% |
Mid-size SUV/Crossover | $38,175 | $38,072 | $37,748 | 0.30% | 1.10% |
Minivan | $34,588 | $34,459 | $33,715 | 0.40% | 2.60% |
Sports Car | $31,670 | $31,629 | $31,186 | 0.10% | 1.60% |
Subcompact Car | $15,152 | $15,224 | $15,225 | -0.50% | -0.50% |
Subcompact SUV/Crossover | $24,281 | $24,439 | $24,224 | -0.60% | 0.20% |
Van | $35,148 | $34,938 | $35,510 | 0.60% | -1.00% |
Grand Total | $35,635 | $35,780 | $34,448 | -0.40% | 3.40% |
More Vehicle Research
Electrification Incentives: The Acquisition Windfall Fleets Can't Miss
Discover how fleets can use tax credits, grants, rebates, and vouchers to dramatically reduce electric truck and charging infrastructure costs—before today’s funding disappears.
Read More →
Top 50 Executive Fleets
It is that time of year again! Time for the 2026 list of the Top 50 Executive Fleets, presented by Automotive Fleet and Volvo as part of its annual Fleet 500. Download now to see this year's list of companies!
Read More →
Back at Star Nation for a Closer Look at Western Star Trucks and the People Behind Them
Work Truck returned to Western Star’s Star Nation Experience for another hands-on look at the trucks, technology, and operator community behind the brand.
Read More →
The Top 300 Commercial Fleets
The Top 300 Commercial Fleets: See the List
Read More →
Mack Defense Receives Additional Order for 115 Heavy Dump Trucks Under U.S. Army’s M917A3 Program
The latest order of 115 Heavy Dump Trucks (HDTs) from Mack Defense for the National Guard is part of the $47-million order from the U.S. Army approved in the 2026 National Defense Appropriations Act.
Read More →
Rizon Introduces Service Combo Body, Increases Electric Truck Applications
Rizon now offers a combo service body that combines lockable storage and a spacious cargo bed in a single zero-emission vehicle. The body supports unique options including cranes, ladder racks, generators, lift gates, and work lighting for a wide range of vocational applications.
Read More →
MFTBC Establishes FUSO Academy Dubai Training Center to Strengthen Network Capabilities in Middle East & Africa
Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation’s new FUSO Academy Dubai Training Center will support technical and non-technical capability development. It features enhanced training infrastructure to improve service quality, uptime, and readiness for advanced vehicle technologies.
Read More →
Paccar Updates MX-11 and MX-13 Engine Software to Enhance Customer Operations
Kenworth Truck Company and Peterbilt Motors Company will update software for vehicles equipped with Paccar MX-11 and Paccar MX-13 engines to ensure they comply with EPA guidance on diesel exhaust fluid inducements.
Read More →
GM #1 in U.S. Sales for the Second Quarter of 2026
General Motors said it was America’s #1 automaker in U.S. sales for the second quarter of 2026 with total sales of 714,896 vehicles, down 4.2%. GM led in full-size pickup and large SUV sales and reported growth in fleet sales.
Read More →