Record-high negative equity drives bigger loans in 2026 car market
Edmunds reports a record $6,884 average negative equity on traded-in cars in Q2 2026 as buyers roll remaining loan balances into new auto loans, with new-car prices near $50,000 and about 30% underwater. The top models with the highest negative equity are the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ford F-150, and Ram 1500, and longer loan terms amid higher interest rates are boosting total interest paid as buyers carry over debt into newer vehicles.
