--- title: "Americans Are Sick of High Car Prices: TDS" date: "2025-12-01" modified: "2025-12-01" authors: - name: "Joel Feder" job_title: "Director of Content and Product" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/joel-feder" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/americans-are-sick-of-high-car-prices-tds" categories: - "News" - "The Downshift" --- # Americans Are Sick of High Car Prices: TDS ![ford dealership]() *\Brandon Bell/Getty\* Good morning and welcome to *The Downshift*, or *TDS* for short. Short, snappy, and simple, *TDS* gathers the latest automotive news from around the globe and puts it in one place. Stories are summarized in a single, sometimes long, sentence accompanied by a link for those seeking more information. A special thanks to Senior Editor Adam Ismail for stepping in and taking over *TDS* last week while I spent some time recharging with the family. Hope you and yours had a meaningful, and fulfilling, Thanksgiving holiday. I'm back. I'm caffeinated. And I'm ready to sprint to the holidays and new years. Let's get into it. 😡 With the average transaction price of a new vehicle hovering at about $50,000 American consumers have moved past sticker shock and [are drawing a line in the new car lot sand]() by keeping their current vehicles longer, downsizing, or buying used instead of new. 🏠 The Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 9 will soon join the Kia EV9 with the ability to power your house thanks to [V2H (vehicle-to-home) functionality](). ✨ The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ EV will bring [up to 374 miles of EPA-rated range for $47,250]() as it hits dealers. ⌨️ Audi will [bring back certain buttons and physical co]()[n]()[trols]() to its vehicles due to "feedback from customers." 🏕️ The [Kia EV5 WKNDR concept debuted]() at the Guangzhou auto show in China as a rugged-looking EV that would be right at home in American against the upcoming Rivian R2. 🦉 The quickest EV in the world, the [Aspark Owl, debuted in roadster form]() without a roof. ‼️ Over [20,000 Ford Escape and Lincoln Corsair plug-in hybrids were recalled]() due to a fire risk thanks to an issue with the vehicles' high-voltage batteries that could lead to an internal short. ⛽️ Vinfast is reportedly [considering adding gas-powered range-extenders]() to its EVs. ‼️ BYD [recalled 88,981 plug-in hybrids]() due to a battery-related safety concern. 🏁 Weekend Race Results: - Formula 1 - Max Verstappen took the win for Red Bull Racing at the 2025 Qatar Grand Prix *Have feedback on the formatting of TDS? Send us a note: tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Overseeing what you see, read, touch, hear, and interact with from the vast lakes of Minnesota, Joel Feder shapes how The Drive looks and operates as the head of content and product initiatives. On a daily basis, Joel leads the newsroom and editorial staff playing point on both short-term coverage and long-term strategic plans. His mission is to help ensure The Drive shapes the future of automotive media by helping the team execute original reporting, breaking news, and exclusive opportunities. Regarded as an industry insider and recognized by colleagues, fellow journalists, and manufacturers as a point-person and leader in the industry, Joel owns and runs the largest automotive professionals group on Facebook in an effort to serve and help others. Joel serves as a juror for the World Car Awards. In addition, he is the board chair and chair of the governance and nominating committee for Move Forward MN, a local non-profit that helps at-risk youth with barrier-free mental health and housing services. While you’re reading this he’s either on his computer or iPhone chasing the latest news or drafting a story. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]() [Bluesky]() [Email]()