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Average New-Car Loans Surge to $43,899 Amid Affordability Crisis

4/2/2026

31 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

In early 2026, average new-car loans reach $43,899, up nearly $2,500 from the previous year.
Monthly payments average $773, up from $569 in 2020.
Twenty-three percent of car buyers take loans of 84 months or more.
A record 30.5% of car buyers owe more on their trade-ins than their vehicles are worth, pushing monthly payments to $916.
The average new car price has also surged to $51,440, highlighting affordability pressures.

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Story summary

In early 2026, average new-car loans reach $43,899, up nearly $2,500 from the previous year.
Monthly payments average $773, up from $569 in 2020.
Twenty-three percent of car buyers take loans of 84 months or more.
A record 30.5% of car buyers owe more on their trade-ins than their vehicles are worth, pushing monthly payments to $916.
The average new car price has also surged to $51,440, highlighting affordability pressures.