U.S. new-car market 2026: inventory hangover, high prices
2026 U.S. new-car inventory surges while prices hold
U.S. new-car market 2026: inventory hangover, high prices
U.S. new-car inventory swelled to 3,010,839 by Nov 2025, yet prices stay near records. Stellantis leads the overhang, from Dodge Hornet PHEV to Jeep Cherokee.
2026-01-02T22:57:43+03:00
2026-01-02T22:57:43+03:00
2026-01-02T22:57:43+03:00
The U.S. new-car market rolled into 2026 with an unexpected inventory hangover. Industry tallies show that by the end of November 2025 dealers had 3,010,839 new vehicles on hand—noticeably more than midyear and close to late-2024 levels. At the same time, 60.3% of the available stock already belongs to the 2026 model year, yet 2024 and 2025 cars remain very much in the mix.The twist is that this surplus has not triggered broad price cuts. In November, the average listing hovered around $49,422, keeping the market near historic highs, even though aging stock is typically cleared more aggressively. The gap suggests pricing discipline still outweighs the urge to discount, at least for now.The heaviest overhang sits with Stellantis. Inside the group, Dodge stands out: dealers were estimated to have 82.1% of their 2024 model-year Hornet Plug-in Hybrid inventory still unsold, against a market average of about 0.4% for 2024 leftovers. Jeep is in a tough spot as well, with the Grand Cherokee at a 70.8% 2024 carryover, and Alfa Romeo’s Tonale Hybrid at 46.8%.Some 2025 models are lingering too: the lists include the BMW i4 (about 89% still in stock), the Lexus GX 550, the Subaru BRZ, and several Toyotas, among them the GR Corolla and hybrid versions of the 4Runner and Tacoma. All of this underscores that even a powerful badge does not guarantee quick turnover if pricing and positioning miss what buyers want. In showrooms, when the value story doesn’t land, even loyal shoppers tend to wait.
U.S. new-car market, 2026 inventory, high prices, Stellantis, Dodge Hornet PHEV, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Alfa Romeo Tonale Hybrid, BMW i4, Lexus GX 550, Subaru BRZ, Toyota GR Corolla, pricing discipline
2026
Michael Powers
news
2026 U.S. new-car inventory surges while prices hold
U.S. new-car inventory swelled to 3,010,839 by Nov 2025, yet prices stay near records. Stellantis leads the overhang, from Dodge Hornet PHEV to Jeep Cherokee.
Michael Powers, Editor
The U.S. new-car market rolled into 2026 with an unexpected inventory hangover. Industry tallies show that by the end of November 2025 dealers had 3,010,839 new vehicles on hand—noticeably more than midyear and close to late-2024 levels. At the same time, 60.3% of the available stock already belongs to the 2026 model year, yet 2024 and 2025 cars remain very much in the mix.
The twist is that this surplus has not triggered broad price cuts. In November, the average listing hovered around $49,422, keeping the market near historic highs, even though aging stock is typically cleared more aggressively. The gap suggests pricing discipline still outweighs the urge to discount, at least for now.
The heaviest overhang sits with Stellantis. Inside the group, Dodge stands out: dealers were estimated to have 82.1% of their 2024 model-year Hornet Plug-in Hybrid inventory still unsold, against a market average of about 0.4% for 2024 leftovers. Jeep is in a tough spot as well, with the Grand Cherokee at a 70.8% 2024 carryover, and Alfa Romeo’s Tonale Hybrid at 46.8%.
Some 2025 models are lingering too: the lists include the BMW i4 (about 89% still in stock), the Lexus GX 550, the Subaru BRZ, and several Toyotas, among them the GR Corolla and hybrid versions of the 4Runner and Tacoma. All of this underscores that even a powerful badge does not guarantee quick turnover if pricing and positioning miss what buyers want. In showrooms, when the value story doesn’t land, even loyal shoppers tend to wait.
