As the world grapples with the ongoing microchip shortage, those shopping for a new car may have noticed dealers are short on inventory, often leading to issues for buyers looking for a specific model or hoping to strike a good deal. Unfortunately, all signs point to continued difficulty in this area of commerce, with representatives from several automakers telling Car and Driver that inventory shortages are expected to last through the 2022 calendar year.
Parking a new car, truck, van, or SUV in your driveway this year isn’t impossible, but it’s best to be flexible, avoid getting your heart set on a specific model or color, and prepare to travel another part of the country to complete your purchase. To aid in your new-car quest, we’ve created this list of the vehicles in each of the most popular segments that have the highest amount of units in inventory. The list below is based on data from Wards Auto’s inventory report, which details the number of vehicles in stock nationwide as of the end of September.
Subcompact SUV: Honda HR-V
The HR-V is the smallest Honda you can buy, but it holds on to its status as an SUV thanks to its tallish driving position and cargo-friendly interior. Thanks to a novel rear seat design, the HR-V can haul more cargo than most other subcompact crossovers. Our biggest critiques are for the HR-V’s powertrain, which is unrefined and underpowered, as evidenced by the SUV’s poky acceleration times during our testing. The HR-V delivered a 30 mpg result in our 75-mph highway fuel economy test.
Review, Pricing, and Specs
Compact SUV: Honda CR-V
While it isn’t flashy or exciting to drive, the Honda CR-V is a fine choice for a compact SUV. It’s practical, generously equipped, and, most importantly, in stock. A hybrid powertrain is optional, but even the nonhybrid models are fuel efficient. There’s no third row of seats here, but there is plenty of space for hauling cargo and Honda includes a host of infotainment and driver-assistance features with most models.
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Mid-Size SUV: Jeep Grand Cherokee
Mid-Size Sedan: Toyota Camry
Normally a family sedan would be an easy weekend purchase, but these days you’ll be lucky to find a dealer with more than one on the lot. Of the mid-size sedans, the venerable Toyota Camry is the one with the most inventory. There’s no telling which of the Camry’s many available powertrains is the easiest to find, but we’re willing to bet few of them are the sporty, V-6–powered TRD model we’d normally recommend.
Review, Pricing, and Specs
Minivan: Toyota Sienna
Do you like hybrids and also need a minivan? Good, because the Toyota Sienna, which is offered solely as a hybrid, is the van with the most inventory right now. As a family hauler, the Sienna is good but not as versatile or as quick as rival vans from Chrysler and Honda. Its second row seats, for example, can’t be removed, nor do they fold flat into the floor.
Review, Pricing, and Specs
Mid-Size Pickup: Jeep Gladiator
Is it 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 mid-size 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 doesn’t come without compromise. It’s not the easiest truck to live with on a daily basis, as we’re currently learning during our 40,000 mile test. Towing capacity is generous and the truck bed does come in handy, but the Gladiator guzzles gas and offers an unforgiving ride.
Review, Pricing, and Specs
Full-Size Pickup Truck: Ford F-150
Ford’s top-selling F-150 is likely on the shopping list of many truck buyers already because of its capability and versatility. The latest version is offered with a hybrid powertrain which also provides an onboard generator that can be used as backup power if you’re unfortunate enough to live in an area hit by a power outage. According to our sources, the F-150 is the full-size pickup with the most inventory, although the 10Best award winning Ram 1500 was a close second.
Review, Pricing, and Specs
Luxury Car: BMW 3-Series
The 3-series has long been BMW’s bread and butter, and it’s still one of our favorite compact sports sedans. It’s available in a wide range of models including the four-cylinder 330i, six-cylinder M340i, and full-bore M3 performance model. The 330i won our most recent comparison test of this competitive segment, and we spent 40,000 miles with an M340i, both of which served to confirm that the latest generation is somewhat of a return to the magic that earned the 3-series its stellar reputation.
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Luxury SUV: BMW X3
BMW recently rolled out a refreshed version of the X3 compact crossover, but that didn’t change the core of this upscale SUV, which has refined driving manners and a nice interior. While it’s not as flashy as some competitors such as the Genesis GV70 or Porsche Macan, the X3 is great from behind the wheel, practical, and offers a wide range of models. The xDrive30i comes with a turbo four-cylinder engine, the M40i has a powerful six-cylinder, and the top-dog X3 M offers up to 503 horsepower in Competition form. If you can’t find what you’re looking for amongst that lineup, we’re not sure where you’ll find it.
Review, Pricing, and Specs
EV: Ford Mustang Mach-E
Many were shocked when Ford rolled out its latest EV crossover wearing Mustang-inspired styling and even the iconic pony car’s nameplate. But now that we’ve gotten behind the wheel, there’s nothing controversial about the Mach-E’s impressive combination of a low price, a high driving range, and a satisfying experience from behind the wheel. We even named it our inaugural EV of the Year. Ford estimates a long wait time if you special-order a Mach-E to your liking, but vehicles are currently in dealer inventory if you’re willing to compromise on your exact spec.
Review, Pricing, and Specs
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