Best New Car Deals for Memorial Day Spotlighted by Consumer Reports

If you have been looking for a new SUV, sedan, or compact car earlier this year, you have most likely found that some models are either difficult to get or come at a price that does not fit your budget. However, as in all things, timing is an important car shopping factor and according to Consumer Reports automotive experts for new car shoppers, now is the time to shop for some special deal models.

Related article: Consumer Reports' Most Popular Used Cars, SUVs, and Trucks

Car Shopping This Memorial Day

“Memorial Day weekend is traditionally one of the best times of the year to buy a new car, with deep discounts and reduced finance rates widely advertised. But the new-car market remains challenging this year, with various factors having an impact on supply, demand, and pricing. Yet there are still some good deals available now if you know where to look. That’s where we come in.”

After analyzing current national incentives focused on new car deals, Consumer Reports’ analysts found fourteen models worth considering that not only possess strong overall scores factoring in road-test performance, owner satisfaction, reliability, and safety; but also range in new incentive discounts 7-19% below current MSRP sticker prices for this top car buying holiday weekend.

The Best Deals List

That said, here is a summary of the current listings to help consumers find their new car deals to fit a range of budgets which CR analysts focused on as their recommended deals, “…currently available and most last until June 3. Each model has rebates, is available for below $50,000, and has the potential for 7 percent or more off the sticker price with negotiation.”

1. Audi A6 2024 (19% OFF)

Price Range:  $58,100 - $62,600

CR MPG:  Overall 26 / City 17 / Hwy 39 mpg

#3 of 13 Luxury midsized cars
Selected Model: 2024 Audi A6 Premium Plus 45 TFSI Quattro
Incentives expire: June 3, 2024
MSRP: $58,100
Potential savings off MSRP: $10,985
Bottom line price: $47,115
Average transaction price: $57,189
The significant price reduction is aided by a national $7,500 rebate from Audi. And the transaction price reflects purchases last month, before that offer

2. Hyundai Ioniq 5 2024 (16% OFF)

Price Range:  $41,800 - $59,400

CR MPGE:  Overall 98 / City 110 / Hwy 87 mpge

#4 of 14 Electric SUVs

Selected Model: 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 SEL AWD
Incentives expire: June 3, 2024
MSRP: $48,750
Potential savings off MSRP: $7,987
Bottom line price: $40,763
Average transaction price: $48,917

3. Audi A4 2024 (12% OFF)

Price Range:  $41,900 - $44,100

CR MPG:  Overall 27 / City 18 / Hwy 40 mpg

#7 of 15 Luxury compact cars

Selected Model: 2024 Audi A4 Premium Plus 40 TFSI Quattro
Incentives expire: June 3, 2024
MSRP: $41,900
Potential savings off MSRP: $5,014
Bottom line price: $36,886
Average transaction price: $40,788

4. Ram 1500 2024 (10% OFF)

Price Range:  $39,420 - $96,340

CR MPG:  Overall 17 / City 11 / Hwy 24 mpg

#1 of 17 Full-sized pickup trucks

Selected Model: 2024 Ram 1500 Big Horn 4x4 Quad Cab 6’4" Box
Incentives expire: June 3, 2024
MSRP: $48,435
Potential savings off MSRP: $5,068
Bottom line price: $43,367
Average transaction price: $48,094

5. Hyundai Tucson 2024 (10% OFF)

Price Range:  $27,500 - $45,450

CR MPG:  Overall 26 / City 18 / Hwy 35 mpg

#7 of 31 Compact SUVs

Selected Model: 2024 Hyundai Tucson SEL AWD
Incentives expire: June 3, 2024
MSRP: $31,150
Potential savings off MSRP: $3,246
Bottom line price: $27,904
Average transaction price: $31,837

6. Hyundai Elantra 2024 (10% OFF)

Price Range:  $21,625 - $35,200

CR MPG:  Overall 33 / City 21 / Hwy 49 mpg

#9 of 18 Compact cars

Selected Model: 2024 Hyundai Elantra SEL IVT
Incentives expire: June 3, 2024
MSRP: $23,575
Potential savings off MSRP: $2,443
Bottom line price: $21,132
Average transaction price: $23,851

7. Hyundai Santa Cruz 2024 (10% OFF)

Price Range:  $26,900 - $41,320

CR MPG:  Overall 24 / City 16 / Hwy 34 mpg

#3 of 3 Small pickup trucks

Selected Model: 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT AWD
Incentives expire: June 3, 2024
MSRP: $40,100
Potential savings off MSRP: $4,104
Bottom line price: $35,996
Average transaction price: $40,346

8. Ford Mustang 2024 (10% OFF)

Price Range:  $30,920 - $58,185

CR MPG:  Overall 20 / City 13 / Hwy 30 mpg

#6 of 25 Sports cars 4/5-seat

Selected Model: 2024 Ford Mustang GT Fastback
Incentives expire: June 3, 2024
MSRP: $41,960
Potential savings off MSRP: $4,098
Bottom line price: $37,862
Average transaction price: $41,934

9. Nissan Kicks 2024 (8% OFF)

Price Range:  $21,340 - $23,900

CR MPG:  Overall 32 / City 24 / Hwy 40 mpg

#1 of 7 Subcompact cars

Selected Model: 2024 Nissan Kicks SV
Incentives expire: June 3, 2024
MSRP: $23,200
Potential savings off MSRP: $1,846
Bottom line price: $21,354
Average transaction price: $24,207

10. Audi Q3 2024 (7% OFF)

Price Range:  $37,400 - $39,800

CR MPG:  Overall 23 / City 15 / Hwy 33 mpg

#4 of 12 Luxury entry-level SUVs

Selected Model: 2024 Audi Q3 Premium Plus 40 TFSI Quattro
Incentives expire: June 3, 2024
MSRP: $37,400
Potential savings off MSRP: $2,743
Bottom line price: $34,657
Average transaction price: $36,907

11. Audi A3 2024 (7% OFF)

Price Range:  $35,800 - $47,400

CR MPG:  Overall 31 / City 20 / Hwy 44 mpg

#1 of 8 Luxury entry-level cars

Selected Model: 2024 Audi A3 Premium 40 TFSI Quattro
Incentives expire: June 3, 2024
MSRP: $37,800
Potential savings off MSRP: $2,767
Bottom line price: $35,033
Average transaction price: $36,568

12. Nissan Sentra 2024 (7% OFF)

Price Range:  $21,180 - $24,270

CR MPG:  Overall 32 / City 22 / Hwy 44 mpg

#15 of 18 Compact cars

Selected Model: 2024 Nissan Sentra SV CVT
Incentives expire: June 3, 2024
MSRP: $22,110
Potential savings off MSRP: $1,603
Bottom line price: $20,507
Average transaction price: $22,265

13. Hyundai Elantra Hybrid 2024 (7% OFF)

Price Range:  $26,250 - $29,450

CR MPG:  Overall 48 / City 40 / Hwy 55 mpg

#5 of 18 Compact cars

Selected Model: 2024 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue DCT
Incentives expire: June 3, 2024
MSRP: $26,250
Potential savings off MSRP: $1,892
Bottom line price: $24,358
Average transaction price: $26,560’

14. Mazda CX-50 2024 (7% OFF)

Price Range:  $30,300 - $43,300

CR MPG:  Overall 24 / City 16 / Hwy 33 mpg

#12 of 31 Compact SUVs

Selected Model: 2024 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Premium Plus Package AWD
Incentives expire: June 3, 2024
MSRP: $37,500
Potential savings off MSRP: $2,438
Bottom line price: $35,062
Average transaction price: $37,577

What Do I Need to Know Before Buying a New Car?

Shopping for a new car involves a lot of decision making, much of which requires some pre-planning before going to a dealership.

If you want to learn more about the vehicles listed above, be sure to use Torque News’ search option in the header above to find related past news articles and reviews.

For a more detailed breakdown of the data, please visit the CR website. Note that while access to some information requires a CR membership, the potential savings make it negligible in comparison when looking for the latest information to aid your car buying research.

Plus, here is a useful video with some tips from Consumer Reports to help guide new car shoppers on what to look for and focus on when deciding on a new car:

Tips for Buying a New Car | Consumer Reports

For additional articles related to new and used car shopping, here are a few for your consideration:

• Best Hybrid SUVs for Less Than $35,000
• Best Hybrid SUVs That Cost $35,000 to $45,000
• Consumer Reports Rates Tesla Number 1 for This Car Ownership Benefit

Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites  and Facebook for daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.

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