On the Dash:
- Pricing decisions are becoming tougher due to concentrated inventory pressure across Stellantis brands, luxury SUVs, and EVs, where high prices are meeting slower demand.
- As the year-end sales rush coincides with model-year transitions, 2025 models approaching the end of their life cycle will likely require aggressive incentives.
- To prevent prolonged stagnation on lots, discontinued vehicles with high inventory levels, such as the Dodge Hornet, may require strategic pricing or marketing adjustments.
As 2026 model-year vehicles reach dealership showrooms, a surprising number of new 2024 and 2025 models remain unsold on dealer lots, creating great negotiation leverage for buyers as the year winds down.
An iSeeCars analysis of more than 2.6 million new-vehicle listings found that certain models have more than 80% of their inventory remaining from the 2024 model year. That compares with an overall industry average of just 0.4% for new 2024 vehicles and 21.3% for 2025 models.
Notably, the Dodge Hornet Plug-in Hybrid tops the list, with 82.1% of its new 2024 inventory still on dealer lots. Other models with elevated leftover shares include:
- Jeep Grand Cherokee at 70.8%
- Alfa Romeo Tonale Hybrid at 46.8%
- Chevrolet Malibu at 31.0%.
Analysts say these levels indicate supply has greatly outpaced demand.
The lingering inventory of luxury SUVs is a considerable factor contributing to the current backlog. A total of 17 SUV models have 5% or more of their stock still consisting of 2024 models, and a dozen of these carry a price tag exceeding $50,000. Despite strong overall demand in the segment, certain high-priced models, such as the Jeep Grand Wagoneer L (average price $92,497) and the Maserati Grecale (average price $89,870), are selling more slowly.
EVs also show elevated leftover inventory, averaging 1.3% of 2024 stock remaining, more than triple the industrywide average. Models such as:
- Genesis GV60 at 21.8%
- Dodge Charger at 20.9%
- Chevrolet Silverado EV at 11.9% remain widely available, even as prices range from $57,764 to $101,853.
However, the expiration of the federal tax credits has further complicated demand.
Pressure is mounting on dealerships to sell their remaining 2025 inventory, which is quickly approaching “leftover” status. Of particular concern are 22 models, including the BMW i4 (89.2% of inventory remaining) and the Lexus GX 550 (87.8% remaining), each with 60% to 90% of their 2025 stock remaining. There is a growing urgency for dealers to clear these units before the start of the new year on January 1, 2026.
iSeeCars identified 23 models discontinued as of 2025, including the Dodge Hornet and Chevrolet Malibu. Analysts say discontinued vehicles with large remaining inventories may offer buyers added leverage as dealers work to clear aging stock.
