Ever wonder which brand new cars are gathering dust in dealer lots across America? iSeeCars dug into more than 2.6 million new cars in the U.S. to reveal some surprising answers.
The data shows what percentage of inventory remains unsold in 2024, and the results paint an interesting picture of what today’s buyers are actually demanding. From luxury SUVs to sports cars, these 12 models are more difficult to find than dealers expected.
Some names may surprise you, while others make perfect sense once you consider pricing, timing, and market trends.
Dodge Hornet plug-in hybrid – 82.1%
Image credit: Dodge.
The Dodge Hornet plug-in hybrid leads the market with a staggering 82% of inventory remaining, but it’s struggling to find its audience. The compact crossover arrives with much anticipation, bringing electrification to the Dodge lineup in unexpected ways.
Pricing falls in an awkward middle ground, with buyers seeking practicality likely to opt for cheaper options, while performance enthusiasts may not view the Hornet as a true Dodge muscle car. Plug-in hybrid systems add complexity and cost that many consumers in this segment simply don’t want.
It’s a challenging market position to be in when your brand image is built on roaring V8 engines and quarter-mile times.
Jeep Grand Cherokee – 70.8%
Image credit: Jeep.
The Grand Cherokee has long been a cornerstone of the Jeep lineup, but more than 70% of the 2024 model remains unsold, with an average price above $64,000. This price point puts it in direct competition with luxury European SUVs that offer prestigious badges and a refined experience.
The midsize SUV market is extremely competitive, especially at this price point, where buyers have dozens of full-fledged two-row luxury and near-luxury options to choose from. Jeep’s recent perceived quality issues haven’t helped matters, as buyers spending so much money want to be sure their investment is solid.
The Grand Cherokee is still capable and roomy, but convincing buyers to choose it over established luxury rivals at this price requires a compelling value proposition.
Alfa Romeo Tonale Hybrid – 46.8% ($51,917)
Image credit: Sue Thatcher/Shutterstock.com.
Alfa Romeo’s entry into the compact luxury crossover market has been met with lukewarm response, with nearly half of the 2024 Tonale Hybrid still available. The Italian brand brings undeniable style and driving dynamics, but in a segment where buyers often prioritize pure efficiency or pure performance, hybrid powertrains pose an identity challenge.
For nearly $52,000, shoppers gain access to well-known German competitors with stronger dealer networks and better resale values. The Tonale looks great and drives in typical Alfa style, but breaking into the U.S. market with limited brand reach remains an uphill battle.
Enthusiasts love what Alfa Romeo stands for, although convincing mainstream luxury buyers to take the leap is another matter entirely.
Chevrolet Malibu – 31.0%
Photo credit: Chevrolet.
The Malibu’s plight reflects a broader trend: American sedans are facing an existential crisis. With 31 percent of inventory unsold, this reliable midsize sedan has a market that has shifted significantly toward SUVs and crossovers.
Chevrolet has announced it is discontinuing the Malibu, which certainly doesn’t help sales as buyers tend to avoid models they know are being phased out. Reasonably priced, the Malibu offers solid value, good fuel economy, and a comfortable ride.
However, when most buyers can buy a Chevrolet Trax or Trailblazer for a similar price and add the versatility of a crossover, traditional sedans become a harder sell.
Dodge Hornet – 26.3%
Image source: Stellantis.
The non-hybrid Dodge Hornet is back, this time as a base model, with 26% still in stock. Priced at nearly $32,000, the crossover based on the Alfa Romeo Tonale is facing an identity crisis in the Dodge lineup.
Traditional Dodge buyers expect American muscle and V8 roar, not a turbocharged four-cylinder crossover from Italy. The Hornet offers decent performance and modern features, but it doesn’t fit the brand’s muscle-car image that draws customers into showrooms. Meanwhile, buyers simply looking for a compact crossover have dozens of more established options to choose from.
Dodge is trying to move toward a more diverse lineup, though that transition is proving challenging when your brand loyalty is built on very specific vehicle types.
Jeep Grand Wagon L – 24.1%
Image credit: Jeep.
When your average transaction price approaches six figures, you’re competing with some serious luxury irons. The Grand Wagoneer L further expands the already large Grand Wagoneer, creating a true land yacht for families requiring maximum space.
With a price tag of more than $92,000, buyers in this class expect the refinement and cachet of a Range Rover, which represents a significant leap forward for the Jeep brand. The Grand Wagoneer L offers impressive performance and roomy three-row seating, but the price tag puts it in rarified air, where badge perception is important.
Jeep has made huge strides in luxury execution, but convincing ultra-luxury buyers to choose Jeep over established European rivals remains a difficult challenge.
Genesis GV60 – 21.8%
Image source: Genesis.
Genesis continues to work toward establishing itself in the U.S. luxury market, and the electric GV60 crossover exemplifies both the brand’s potential and the challenges it faces. With nearly 22% of inventory unsold, this stylish electric vehicle offers a unique design and impressive technology at a lower price than similar European electric vehicles.
The challenge is brand awareness and dealer network size, as Genesis simply doesn’t have the visibility or accessibility of an established luxury brand. The GV60 delivers true luxury and engaging driving dynamics in an eye-catching package.
However, when spending nearly $58,000 on an electric vehicle, many buyers will gravitate toward Tesla’s proven Supercharger network or a well-known German alternative with decades of luxury credentials.
Dodge Charger – 20.9%
Image credit: Dodge.
Considering its cult following, it may seem surprising that the legendary Charger appears on this list, but with an average price of nearly $60,000, we’re looking at a well-equipped or well-performed variant. The Charger has done an incredible job as one of the last V8-powered sedan options, but the transition to electric is imminent.
Buyers interested in the traditional Charger experience will likely wait for deals to come as inventory clears, while buyers interested in the upcoming electric version will simply wait for it to arrive. Pricing also reflects how expensive these muscle sedans are, which may turn off some traditional buyers.
Despite the uncertainty this transitional moment has brought to the market, the charger remains an automotive icon.
Nissan Z – 18.8% ($53,289)
Image source: Nissan.
The reborn Z sports car generated huge excitement upon its launch, blending retro style with modern performance. However, with an average price of over $53,000 and nearly 19% of inventory unsold, the market realities for the two-seat sports car are challenging.
This price point puts the Z into competition with the Toyota Supra, Chevrolet Corvette, and a variety of European sports cars that offer varying capabilities. The Z offered excellent driving dynamics and the classic long-hood proportions beloved by enthusiasts, but sports car sales were inherently limited.
Additionally, the automatic-only NISMO model disappointed some purists, although other Z models still come with manual gearboxes.
Jeep Wrangler Plug-in Hybrid – 18.2% ($60,740)
Image credit: julie deshaies/Shutterstock.
The Wrangler 4xe brings electrification to Jeep’s most iconic nameplate, but 18 percent of inventory remains unsold, with an eye-popping average selling price of nearly $61,000. That price reflects the technology premium of the plug-in hybrid powertrain, pushing the Wrangler into the luxury segment.
Traditional Wrangler buyers typically prioritize simplicity and proven off-road capability, and the added complexity of a plug-in hybrid system may not mesh with how they use the vehicle. The 4xe actually offers impressive off-road advantages, including instant electric torque and quiet ride capabilities, as well as daily driving efficiency unmatched by a traditional Wrangler.
However, convincing buyers to spend that much money on a Wrangler will require demonstrating clear advantages over less expensive conventional powertrains.
Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid – 14.0%
Image source: Hyundai.
Hyundai’s electric Tucson represents a logical evolution of the popular compact crossover, although PHEV inventory is still 14% available. At more than $45,000, the plug-in hybrid is significantly more expensive than the regular Tucson, which already offers excellent value and features.
Buyers interested in electrification at this price point have plenty of options, including all-electric vehicles that eliminate gas stations entirely. The Tucson PHEV makes sense for drivers who want all-electric commuting capability and gas backup for longer trips, although that particular use case represents a smaller market share.
Hyundai’s rapid progress in quality and technology is impressive, but the premium price of plug-in features remains a roadblock for value-conscious crossover buyers.
Jeep Grand Wagoneer – 12.9% ($83,928)
Image source: Stellantis.
The standard-length Grand Wagoneer rounds out our list, with 13% of inventory unsold and an average price of nearly $84,000. Jeep’s flagship SUV aims to revive the brand’s legacy of premium American utility vehicles with true luxury features.
High-quality materials, advanced technology and eye-catching road presence impress. However, at this price, buyers will be comparing it to a well-known luxury SUV from a brand with a long history of producing high-end cars.
The Grand Wagoneer successfully provides Jeep with high-end performance, but breaking into the mature luxury SUV market will take time for brand perception to catch up with product reality.
in conclusion
Image source: Nissan.
This inventory analysis reveals some clear patterns in today’s automotive market. Plug-in hybrids face an uphill battle as buyers increasingly opt for conventional powertrains or all-electric vehicles, skipping the middle ground entirely.
The premium pushes the car into a competitive segment where brand recognition and established luxury credentials matter. The data also shows that even beloved brands like Wrangler and Charger face sales challenges when configurations push prices to unexpected levels.
These inventory levels don’t necessarily indicate poor vehicle quality, but rather a misalignment between product offerings, pricing, and what buyers are actually looking for in today’s market.
