US Tariffs and Car Prices: What CDJR Shoppers Need to Know

June 15th, 2025 by

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

Anyone planning to buy a Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or RAM this 2025 has tariffs as the last thing on their minds. Who would have thought that the government would add import duties to all foreign cars and parts?

While the tariffs aim to boost US automobile production, smart shoppers can still find incredible savings through dealership promotions and attractive financing options at Lucas Smith Chrysler Center!

Learn how tariffs affect Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM prices.

Also Read: Things You Should Know Before Trading Your Car

What Tariffs Are: Why Do They Affect Car Prices?

Tariffs, aka import duties, are taxes on imported goods — vehicles and vehicle parts included. When a car or part comes from outside the US, an import duty is added to its cost.

While manufacturers and suppliers pay these levies upfront, they eventually trickle down to consumers through higher vehicle prices.

The US government announced a 25% tariff on car imports starting April 3rd, 2025. This tariff will also apply to imported parts from May 2nd, 2025. As a result, manufacturing and logistics costs will increase.

Are Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM Vehicles at Risk?

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With all this tariff news buzzing around, how will it affect Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM vehicles?

CDJR vehicles may carry the badge of an American-made brand, but only most of this is true. Their parent company, Stellantis (STL), is located in the Netherlands. They have factories in Mexico, Canada, Italy, and China.

But, they’re not alone in doing this move. Even the most famous vehicles depend on a complex network of global manufacturing and supply chains. This keeps its prices low while maintaining quality.

Hence, these new US tariffs will directly or indirectly affect many CDJR models. Its parent company recently announced that it will temporarily stop or idle its factories in Canada and Mexico. This will give them time to make adjustments.

Here’s how tariffs will affect the CDJR line:

Chrysler 

Despite being known for its family-friendly Pacifica minivan and 300 sedan, it isn’t immune. Manufacturers make the Pacifica (hybrid) and Voyager vans in Canada, and some of their trims are imported. After adding tariffs, the costs are expected to increase.

But Lucas Smith Chrysler Center has a Certified Pre-Owned Program that will help you get behind the wheel of a Pacifica or a 300 without stretching your budget.

Dodge 

The all-electric Charger Daytona EV and the upcoming Charger Sixpack use lithium-ion batteries for power. But, since these batteries are often sourced from countries like South Korea and China, their price tags may reflect these added costs. Add that they build them in their production facility in Brampton, Ontario, Canada.

Their Hornet SUV will also be affected as it is built in their production facility in Italy.

Fortunately, Lucas Smith Chrysler Center offers new vehicle specials and tailored financing solutions to make it easier to drive home your dream Dodge vehicle.

Jeep 

The Wrangler and Grand Cherokee are made in the US. However, some parts, like raw materials, electronics, and suspension components, come from other countries. If these parts are imported from countries with higher tariffs, production costs will rise. This increase will affect prices at the dealership.

Some models, like Compass and Wagoneer S, and soon Recon EV, are built in Toluca, Mexico. They will also face higher production costs with added levies.

At Lucas Smith Chrysler Center, we offer Jeep shoppers excellent value through exclusive dealership offers, CPO Jeep models, and a trade-in program.

RAM

RAM trucks (particularly the RAM 1500) and Promaster vans are partially produced in Mexico. The new tariffs also impact vehicles and parts imported from Mexico. This depends on their origin and trade agreement status (USMCA). As a result, prices may rise, even if sellers label them as “American trucks.”

Simply put, tariffs directly impact CDJR vehicles and are vulnerable to shifting US policies. This is not because they’re not American but because of how interconnected their auto industry is.

The market is still adjusting to tariff changes, but you can find financing specials, trade-in incentives, and pre-owned RAM models at Lucas Smith Chrysler Center.

How to Shop Smart Despite the Tariff Tension

With US tariffs on cars in flux, it pays to be a more strategic shopper now more than ever. If you want a classic CDJR model or a newer one like the Charger Daytona EV, you can find great deals.

Here are some practical tips to combat the potential increased pricing of the CDJR line.

Time Your Purchase Wisely

Acting sooner rather than later could help you avoid rising costs. Many dealerships still sell cars that were imported or made before these tariff changes started.

Note: New tariffs take effect on April 3rd, 2025. Reciprocal tariffs are on hold for 90 days. These tariffs are on car parts or products from foreign countries. They are in response to similar tariffs from those countries.

Go for CDJR Models Made in the US

Buying American-built CDJR vehicles is a no-brainer and a smart way to sidestep the effects of tariffs on cars. Many newer models have parts made overseas. However, many Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and RAM vehicles are proudly built in the US. These vehicles may be less affected by changes in international trade.

Plus, you get to support domestic jobs while avoiding incurring extra costs.

Here are US-built models of the CDJR line that you can find in dealerships like Lucas Smith Chrysler Center:

Not only are they tariff-smart —they’re also among the best-performing and most popular vehicles in their respective classes.

Explore Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vs. Certified Used vs. Used Vehicles

For budget-conscious buyers, owning a certified pre-owned (CPO) or used CDJR vehicle is one option you can explore. Though both categories have their pros, CPO models offer the best balance between reliability and value in this tariff-driven market.

Certified pre-owned CDJR vehicles, like a certified pre-owned Jeep, come with perks, some of which include the following:

  • Multi-point inspection from the manufacturer/auto-maker
  • Qualifies for dealership incentives
  • Come with extended warranties

All these and more give you extra peace of mind, especially now that vehicle pricing is unstable.

Check out the array of benefits that the Certified Pre-Owned Program at Lucas Smith Chrysler Center offers.

But if you’re on a tight budget, Certified Used and Used Chrysler, Used Dodge, Used Jeep, and Used RAM are also great alternatives.

Certified Used CDJR vehicles are a step below CPOs. Certification comes from the dealer instead of from the manufacturer; hence, they are less standardized than a CPO. However, this is a decent middle ground for those seeking lower upfront prices while enjoying the peace of mind that certification brings.

Used CDJR vehicles, meanwhile, aren’t formally certified or thoroughly inspected. But, they are more budget-friendly compared to CPO or CU vehicles.

Lucas Smith Chrysler Center has a Certified Used selection that will help you shop with more confidence, knowing every vehicle has been thoroughly inspected and comes with great warranty options.

Ask Dealers About Tariff-Driven Incentives and Local Stock 

Don’t be shy when asking your dealership whether there will be pricing changes in certain CDJR models due to the recent tariff imposition. Some dealers are even proactive in offering incentives on vehicles that will be affected by such a move.

Ask dealers near you if they have “pre-tariff inventory” and local stock so you can gain that pricing edge.

Next Steps: Buying a CDJR at Lucas Smith Amid Tariffs

Tariffs may have impacted the car industry, but Lucas Smith Chrysler Center remains committed to providing you with exceptional value, a robust local inventory, and flexible financing options.

You don’t have to navigate these market changes alone. Visit our expert team at Lucas Smith Chrysler Center today and avail of dealer specials, competitive financing, and strong US-built and certified pre-owned CDJR vehicle selections!

Read Next: The Amazing Value of the 2025 Jeep Wrangler for Sale

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