Which new vehicles have the largest inventory?

 

 

As the world grapples with the ongoing microchip shortage , new car buyers may have noticed that dealers are running low on inventory , which often causes problems for buyers looking for a specific model or hoping to get a good deal. Unfortunately, all signs point to this area continuing to be tough. Representatives from several automakers told Car and Driver that inventory shortages are expected to last through the 2022 calendar year.

It's not impossible to park a new car, truck, van or SUV in your driveway this year, but you should be flexible, not commit to a specific model or color , and be prepared to travel to another part of the country to complete your purchase. To help you in your search for a new car, we've created this list of the vehicles in each of the most popular segments that have the highest numbers in stock . The following list is based on data from Wards Auto's inventory report , which lists the number of vehicles in stock nationwide as of the end of September.

small SUV: Honda HR-V

Brad Fick|Car and Driver

The HR-V is the smallest Honda on the market, but it retains its status as an SUV thanks to its high seating position and cargo-friendly interior. Thanks to a novel rear seat design, the HR-V can carry more cargo than most other subcompact crossovers. Our biggest criticism is the HR-V's powertrain, which is unrefined and underpowered, as evidenced by the SUV's slow acceleration times during our testing. In our highway fuel economy test at 75 mph, the HR-V achieved a result of 30 mpg.

Review, prices and specifications

Compact SUV: Honda CR-V

Michael Simari|Car and Driver

Although it's neither spectacular nor exciting to drive, the Honda CR-V is a good choice for a compact SUV. It's practical, generously equipped and, most importantly, comes standard. A hybrid powertrain is optional, but even the non-hybrid models are fuel efficient. There's no third row of seats here, but there's plenty of room for carrying cargo and Honda includes a variety of infotainment and driver assistance features on most models .

Review, prices and specifications

Mid-size SUV: Jeep Grand Cherokee

jeep

Both the all-new three-row Grand Cherokee L model and the outgoing two-row Grand Cherokee model come with decent features and should be the easiest midsize SUVs to get . Fortunately, they're both good options in the segment. The L model is more attractive because it rides on a newer platform, offers a third row of seats, and has the most modern tech options. A two-row version of the new model will arrive later.

Grand Cherokee: review, prices and specifications

Grand Cherokee L: review, prices and specifications

Compact car: Kia Forte

Kia

The Forte is a high-quality compact car with Stinger - like styling and a 10-year Kia warranty. What's not to like? Well, we criticized the Forte for its blasé handling and sluggish standard four-cylinder engine . But if you don't care about that, head to your local Kia dealer, where you'll likely find examples in stock that you can take home right now.

Review, prices and specifications

mid-size sedan: Toyota Camry

Brian Rozar|Car and Driver

Normally a family sedan would be an easy weekend purchase, but these days you're lucky if you can find a dealer with more than one sedan on the lot. Of the midsize sedans, the one with the largest inventory is the venerable Toyota Camry. There's no telling which of the Camry's many available powertrains is the easiest to find, but we're willing to bet that few of them are the sporty V6-powered TRD model we'd normally recommend.

Review, prices and specifications

Minivan: Toyota Sienna

Toyota

Do you like hybrids and need a minivan too? Good, because the Toyota Sienna, which is offered exclusively as a hybrid , is currently the van with the largest inventory. As a family hauler, the Sienna is good, but not as versatile or as fast as competing vans from Chrysler and Honda . The second-row seats , for example, cannot be removed or folded flat into the floor.

Review, prices and specifications

Mid-size pickup: Jeep Gladiator

Michael Simari|Car and Driver

Is this a Wrangler that thinks it's a pickup truck? Or a pickup truck that thinks it's a Wrangler? Either way, the Jeep Gladiator is the midsize pickup truck you're most likely to find at your local dealer. It's charming, capable off-road, and technically a convertible, but the Gladiator isn't without its compromises. It's not the easiest truck to get along with on a daily basis, as we're currently learning in our 40,000-mile test . Towing capacity is generous and the bed is convenient, but the Gladiator is a gas guzzler and offers a relentless ride.

Review, prices and specifications

Full-size pickup truck: Ford F-150

ford

Ford's best-selling F-150 is probably already on many truck shoppers' shopping list due to its capability and versatility. The latest version is offered with a hybrid powertrain that also offers a built-in generator that can be used as a backup power source if you're unlucky enough to live in an area that experiences a power outage. According to our sources, the F-150 is the full-size pickup with the largest inventory, although the 10Best award-winning Ram 1500 is close behind.

Review, prices and specifications

Luxury car: BMW 3 Series

Chris Doane Automotive|Car and Driver

The 3 Series has long been BMW's most important product, and it's still one of our favorite compact sports sedans. It's available in many different models, including the four-cylinder 330i, the six-cylinder M340i, and the high-performance M3 model. The 330i won our last comparison test in this highly competitive segment, and we've put 40,000 miles on an M340i , both of which confirm that the latest generation represents a return of sorts to the magic that gave the 3 Series its stellar reputation.

Review, prices and specifications

Luxury SUV: BMW X3

BMW

a facelifted version of its compact X3 crossover , but that hasn't changed the essence of this upscale SUV: it offers refined driving characteristics and a beautiful interior. While it's not as flashy as some rivals like the Genesis GV70 or Porsche Macan , the X3 is a great car, practical, and available in a wide range of models. The xDrive30i comes with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the M40i has a powerful six-cylinder, and the range-topping X3 M offers up to 503 hp in Competition trim. If you can't find what you're looking for in this range, we don't know where to find it.

Review, prices and specifications

electric car: Ford Mustang Mach-E

Andi Hedrick|Car and Driver

Many were shocked when Ford unveiled its latest electric crossover, featuring Mustang-inspired styling and even the iconic pony car's nameplate . But now that we've been behind the wheel ourselves, there's nothing controversial about the Mach-E's impressive combination of low price, long range and satisfying driving experience. We even named it our first Electric Car of the Year . Ford estimates you'll have a long wait if you special order a Mach-E to your specifications, but vehicles are currently in dealer inventory if you're willing to compromise on your exact specification.

Review, prices and specifications