Ever wonder which brand-new cars are gathering dust on dealer lots across America? iSeeCars did a deep dive into more than 2.6 million new car listings across the United States, revealing some surprising answers.
The data shows the percentage of 2024 inventory still sitting unsold, and the results paint an interesting picture of what today’s buyers are actually looking for. From luxury SUVs to sports cars, these twelve models are having a tougher time finding homes than dealers probably anticipated.
Some of the names might surprise you, while others make perfect sense once you consider pricing, timing, and market trends.
Dodge Hornet Plug-in Hybrid – 82.1%
Leading the pack with a staggering 82% of inventory still available, the Dodge Hornet plug-in hybrid is struggling to find its audience. This compact crossover arrived with plenty of expectations, bringing electrification to the Dodge lineup in an unexpected package.
The pricing sits in an awkward middle ground where buyers shopping for practicality might opt for less expensive options, while performance enthusiasts may not see the Hornet as a true Dodge muscle vehicle. The plug-in hybrid powertrain adds complexity and cost that many shoppers in this segment simply aren’t asking for.
It’s a challenging market position when your brand identity is built on roaring V8s and quarter-mile times.
Jeep Grand Cherokee – 70.8%
The Grand Cherokee has long been a cornerstone of Jeep’s lineup, but more than 70% of 2024 models remain unsold at an average price above $64,000. That price point puts it in direct competition with luxury European SUVs that offer prestigious badges and refined experiences.
The midsize SUV market is fiercely competitive, especially at this price point where buyers have dozens of well-established two-row luxury and near-luxury options to choose from. Jeep’s recent quality perception issues haven’t helped matters, as buyers spending this much want assurance their investment will be reliable.
The Grand Cherokee remains capable and spacious, but convincing buyers to choose it over established luxury competitors at this price requires a compelling value proposition.
Alfa Romeo Tonale Hybrid – 46.8% ($51,917)
Alfa Romeo’s entry into the compact luxury crossover segment has met a lukewarm reception, with nearly half of the 2024 Tonale Hybrid inventory still available. The Italian brand brings undeniable style and driving dynamics, but the hybrid powertrain in a segment where buyers often prioritize either pure efficiency or pure performance creates an identity challenge.
At almost $52,000, shoppers have access to well-established German competitors with stronger dealer networks and better resale values. The Tonale looks fantastic and drives with characteristic Alfa flair, but breaking into the American market with limited brand presence remains an uphill battle.
Enthusiasts love what Alfa Romeo represents, though convincing mainstream luxury buyers to take the leap is another story entirely.
Chevrolet Malibu – 31.0%
The Malibu’s struggles reflect a broader trend: the American sedan is facing an existential crisis. With 31% of inventory unsold, this dependable midsize sedan is caught in a market that has decisively shifted toward SUVs and crossovers.
Chevrolet has already announced the Malibu’s discontinuation, which certainly doesn’t help sales as buyers tend to avoid models they know are being phased out. The pricing is reasonable and the Malibu offers solid value with good fuel economy and a comfortable ride.
However, when most buyers can get into a Chevy Trax or Trailblazer for similar money with the added versatility of a crossover, the traditional sedan becomes a tougher sell.
Dodge Hornet – 26.3%
The non-hybrid Dodge Hornet appears again, this time the base model with 26% of inventory still on lots. At nearly $32,000, this Alfa Romeo Tonale-based crossover faces an identity crisis within the Dodge lineup.
Traditional Dodge buyers expect American muscle and V8 rumble, not a turbocharged four-cylinder Italian-rooted crossover. The Hornet offers decent performance and modern features, but it doesn’t fit the brand’s muscle car image that draws customers to showrooms. Meanwhile, buyers simply looking for a compact crossover have dozens of more established options to choose from.
Dodge is attempting to pivot toward a more diverse lineup, though this transition is proving challenging when your brand loyalty is built on a very specific type of vehicle.
Jeep Grand Wagoneer L – 24.1%
When your average transaction price approaches six figures, you’re competing with some serious luxury iron. The Grand Wagoneer L stretches the already-large Grand Wagoneer even further, creating a true land yacht for families who need maximum space.
At over $92,000, buyers at this level expect Range Rover levels of refinement and prestige, which represents a significant leap for the Jeep brand. The Grand Wagoneer L offers impressive capability and generous three-row seating, but the price tag puts it in rarefied air where badge perception matters enormously.
Jeep has made tremendous strides in luxury execution, yet convincing ultra-luxury buyers to choose a Jeep over established European competitors remains a formidable challenge.
Genesis GV60 – 21.8%
Genesis continues working to establish itself in the American luxury market, and the electric GV60 crossover exemplifies both the brand’s potential and its challenges. With nearly 22% of inventory unsold, this stylish EV offers distinctive design and impressive technology at a price point below comparable European EVs.
The challenge is brand awareness and dealer network size, as Genesis simply doesn’t have the visibility or accessibility of established luxury brands. The GV60 delivers genuine luxury and engaging driving dynamics in an eye-catching package.
However, when spending nearly $58,000 on an electric vehicle, many buyers gravitate toward Tesla’s established Supercharger network or prestigious German alternatives with decades of luxury credibility.
Dodge Charger – 20.9%
The legendary Charger’s presence on this list might seem surprising given its cult following, but at nearly $60,000 average price, we’re looking at well-equipped or performance variants. The Charger has enjoyed an incredible run as one of the last V8-powered sedan options, yet the transition to electric power looms on the horizon.
Buyers interested in the traditional Charger experience may be waiting for deals as inventory clears, while those interested in the upcoming electric version are simply waiting for its arrival. The pricing also reflects how expensive these muscle sedans have become, potentially pricing out some traditional buyers.
The Charger remains an automotive icon, though this transitional moment creates uncertainty in the marketplace.
Nissan Z – 18.8% ($53,289)
The reborn Z sports car brought tremendous excitement when it launched, combining retro-inspired styling with modern performance. However, with nearly 19% of inventory unsold at an average price above $53,000, the market reality for two-seater sports cars is challenging.
This price point puts the Z in competition with the Toyota Supra, Chevrolet Corvette, and various European sports cars that offer different flavors of performance. The Z delivers fantastic driving dynamics and that classic long-hood proportions that enthusiasts love, but sports car sales volumes are inherently limited.
Additionally, the automatic-only NISMO trim disappointed some purists, even though manual transmissions remain available on other Z trims.
Jeep Wrangler Plug-in Hybrid – 18.2% ($60,740)
The Wrangler 4xe brings electrification to Jeep’s most iconic nameplate, yet 18% of inventory remains unsold at an eye-watering average of nearly $61,000. This price reflects the technology premium for the plug-in hybrid system, pushing the Wrangler into luxury vehicle territory.
Traditional Wrangler buyers often prioritize simplicity and proven off-road capability, while the added complexity of a PHEV system may not align with how they use their vehicles. The 4xe actually offers impressive off-road benefits with instant electric torque and silent running capability, plus daily driving efficiency that traditional Wranglers can’t match.
However, convincing buyers to spend this much on a Wrangler requires demonstrating clear advantages over the less expensive conventional powertrains.
Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid – 14.0%
Hyundai’s electrified Tucson represents a logical evolution of the popular compact crossover, though 14% of PHEV inventory remains available. At over $45,000, the plug-in hybrid commands a significant premium over the regular Tucson, which already offers excellent value and features.
Buyers interested in electrification at this price point have numerous options, including fully electric vehicles that eliminate gas stations entirely. The Tucson PHEV makes sense for drivers who want electric-only commuting capability with gas backup for longer trips, though that specific use case represents a smaller slice of the market.
Hyundai’s rapid advancement in quality and technology is impressive, yet the price premium for plug-in capability remains a hurdle for value-conscious crossover shoppers.
Jeep Grand Wagoneer – 12.9% ($83,928)
The standard-length Grand Wagoneer rounds out our list with 13% of inventory unsold at an average price approaching $84,000. Jeep’s flagship SUV aims to reclaim the brand’s heritage of premium American utility vehicles with genuine luxury appointments.
The execution is impressive with high-quality materials, advanced technology, and commanding road presence that makes a statement. Yet at this price, buyers comparison shop against well-established luxury SUVs from brands with long histories of premium vehicle production.
The Grand Wagoneer succeeds in offering Jeep capability with upscale execution, though breaking into the established luxury SUV market requires time for brand perception to catch up with product reality.
Conclusion
This inventory analysis reveals some clear patterns about today’s automotive market. Plug-in hybrids face an uphill battle as buyers increasingly choose either conventional powertrains or fully electric vehicles, skipping the middle ground entirely.
Premium pricing pushes vehicles into competitive territory where brand perception and established luxury credentials matter enormously. The data also shows that even beloved nameplates like the Wrangler and Charger face sales challenges when configurations push prices into unexpected territory.
These inventory levels don’t necessarily indicate bad vehicles, but rather misalignments between product offerings, pricing, and what buyers are actually seeking in today’s market.