Every October, the BLS releases information about the dollar value of quality changes for the upcoming model year for domestic passenger cars and light trucks – which includes SUVs, crossovers, and minivans. For 2025, the adjustment is modest.
In the October data, the quality change for 2025 for passenger cars in the PPI averages $76.36. This translates into an average increase of $857.71 or 8.9 percent for manufacturers’ invoice prices compared to 2024. The retail equivalent of the quality changes is $81.74, which is a 9.3 percent increase to an average $880.18 in manufacturers’ list prices. The BLS did not provide details of where the quality changes are being made.
Quality changes in light trucks in 2025 average $96.79. This is an 11.8 percent increase to an average of $817.22 for manufacturers’ invoices compared to 2024. The retail equivalent of the quality changes averages $102.41, an increase of 12.1 percent or an average of $845.72 to manufacturers’ list prices. Quality adjustments were from improved infotainment systems, safety features, and other standard or optional equipment.
