2026 RAV4 HEV & PHEV
U.S. Auto Sales Set to Dip in October as EV Demand Falls After Tax Credit Expiration
U.S. new-vehicle sales in October 2025 are projected to cool after a strong third quarter, with Cox Automotive forecasting a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of 15.7 million—down from 16.4 million in September and 16.1 million a year ago. Total sales volume is expected to reach about 1.3 million units, a 3% year-over-year decline but up 2.7% from last month. The slowdown is largely attributed to falling electric vehicle (EV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) sales following the expiration of federal $7,500 tax credits.
National Gas Prices Hold Steady as Regional Variations Persist Across the U.S.
As of October 6, 2025, the U.S. national average gas price stood at $3.08 per gallon, rising slightly by 0.3 cents over the past week but still down 10.8 cents from a month ago and 4.7 cents year-over-year, according to GasBuddy. Regional trends varied: the East Coast averaged $2.98, the Midwest $2.93, the Gulf Coast $2.72, the Rocky Mountains $3.06, and the West Coast remained the most expensive at $4.23. GasBuddy’s Patrick De Haan noted significant regional variation, with prices climbing in Ohio and Michigan, falling in Indiana and Delaware, and expected increases on the West Coast following a refinery fire near Los Angeles. Despite OPEC’s plans to boost oil output in November, most regions should see stable or slightly lower prices. Oklahoma continued to offer the nation’s cheapest gas at $2.59 per gallon, followed by Mississippi and Arkansas.