How the New Tariffs Affect Hyundai Cars

Important: Tariff rates on vehicles and parts are subject to change and may be updated by the U.S. government at any time.

The new US car tariffs are having a significant impact on the auto industry, as imported models and components face increased costs. These tariffs on cars are set to raise the prices of vehicles that rely on overseas parts or are imported directly from other countries. As the tariffs on cars come into effect, it’s important to understand how these changes might affect your next purchase. At Lithia Hyundai of Reno, we’re committed to keeping you informed on how the US car tariffs could influence Hyundai cars and how you can make the best decision considering these developments.

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What Does the New Tariff Mean?

The new tariff on cars, signed into effect under the proclamation of President Donald Trump, introduces tariffs on imports of automobiles and certain car parts. This move was taken in response to concerns about U.S. national security, aiming to protect American manufacturing. The tariff will impact both finished vehicles, such as sedans, SUVs, and light trucks, and key car parts like engines, transmissions, and powertrains. The government intends to monitor the situation, expanding the tariffs on additional auto parts if necessary, which could further affect the cost of vehicles in the U.S.

One of the key provisions of these US car tariffs is that manufacturers importing vehicles under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) will have the chance to certify that their vehicles meet the required U.S. content standards. This means the 25% tariff would apply only to the imported non-U.S. components.

These developments could make a real difference in the prices of vehicles going forward, as the new tariffs on cars are likely to push up costs for automakers. Given that many popular vehicles in the U.S. include significant numbers of foreign-made components, you might see price increases. This could especially affect imported cars and trucks, with their higher reliance on overseas parts.

How Hyundai Pricing Are Influenced by Tariffs

You might notice an increase in the prices of certain Hyundai cars. The tariffs on cars target both finished vehicles and the components used in their production. For vehicles like the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid and PHEV, which are made in Korea, the tariffs could raise their price. This price hike results from the additional costs of importing parts and finished vehicles that are affected by the tariffs.

Fortunately, if you’re considering purchasing Hyundai cars that are assembled in the United States, such as the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 9, Santa Cruz, or Santa Fe, the impact of the tariffs may be less pronounced. Since these models are built in the U.S., you won’t face the same price increases that come with imports. Even with the additional costs, the effect on these U.S.-made models will likely be more moderate compared to fully imported vehicles.

If you act quickly, you can still find vehicles that were manufactured and imported before the tariff implementation date. At Lithia Hyundai of Reno, you’ll find inventory that won’t be impacted by the tariffs on cars, helping you secure a better deal on a new Hyundai. Vehicles already in stock or those imported before the tariffs went into effect are exempt from the added costs, so you can avoid the increased prices associated with the new tariffs.

Hyundai’s production strategy also means that some of its models will be more affected than others. The Tucson combustion model, which is built in both the U.S. and Mexico, might face some tariff-related price increases, though it will likely be less affected than the Tucson Hybrid or PHEV. Since the Tucson Hybrid and PHEV are exclusively made in Korea, they will be more directly impacted by the tariffs.

To navigate these changes, Lithia Hyundai of Reno can help you make an informed decision. You can take advantage of available inventory that was produced before the tariff implementation. Additionally, if you’re interested in Hyundai cars assembled in the U.S., you’ll likely experience a smaller increase in price. As the impact of the tariffs continues to affect the automotive industry, working with a trusted dealership like Lithia Hyundai of Reno ensures that you’re getting the best possible deal on your next Hyundai!

What Can Buyers Do in Light of the Tariff?

With the new US car tariffs in effect, you might be concerned about how the rising prices of Hyundai cars could impact your next purchase. The tariffs on cars will directly affect vehicles imported from overseas, causing an increase in the cost of vehicles.

Buy Unaffected, Pre-Tariff Hyundai Vehicles

Consider getting a Hyundai vehicle now, before the full impact of the tariffs takes hold. At Lithia Hyundai of Reno, you can find vehicles that were imported before the tariffs went into effect, meaning you won’t face the same price hikes that will affect newer inventory.

Seek Models Made in the USA

Another strategy to mitigate the effects of the tariffs on cars is to prefer US-made vehicles. Many of Hyundai’s popular models, such as the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 9, are assembled right here in the United States. While these vehicles still use some global parts, they are less affected by the rising costs of imported components. When you choose these U.S.-assembled Hyundai cars, you avoid some of the price increases associated with the tariffs, giving you a better value for your purchase.

Take Advantage of Special Promos

At Lithia Hyundai of Reno, you can also take advantage of dealership promotions. While US car tariffs are driving up prices, the dealership often offers special financing, discounts, or sales events to help offset some of the impact. These promotions can make a big difference in reducing the overall cost of your Hyundai vehicle, even with the higher car prices brought on by the tariffs. It’s a great opportunity to save money while still getting the Hyundai car you want.

Our dealership’s knowledgeable team can guide you to the right vehicles that offer the best value (see our 15k and under deals, as well as our certified pre-owned ones), whether you choose to act quickly, prefer US-made vehicles, or take advantage of the latest dealership promos. Get in touch with us today!

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