We track new car inventory monthly, and it’s been encouraging to see automakers like Ford and Toyota having more cars shipped to dealers. Still, automakers are selling every car they can make. With that said, more drivers are placing factory orders for vehicle builds that might not arrive until well into next year, or worse. Here’s how long car buyers are waiting for the vehicle they want.

Important note: These times are strictly for factory ordered cars. Many of these models are now available on dealer lots.

Kia and Hyundai Wait Times

Hyundai Motors owns 51% of Kia, and the two Korean automakers have grown increasingly close over the past decade. Today, many of their vehicles share components, and therefore have been similarly impacted by supply chain constraints.

These are the factory order wait times our team of Car Coaches is hearing in 2023:

• IONIQ 5 – 3 to 5 months for factory orders
• Elantra (some trims) – 2 to 4 months
• Accent – 2 to 4 months
• Kia Sportage – 3 to 4 months
• Kia Telluride – 3 to 4 months

Subaru Wait Times

Right now, buyers placing orders for a Subaru are regularly being told that the wait time for delivery will be between one and four months, and in some cases longer. Subaru was hit hard by the chip shortage, and has yet to pull out of the slump. These are the Subaru factory wait times we’re hearing today:

• Ascent: 1-4 months
• Crosstrek: 1-3 months
• Forester: 1-2 months
• Impreza: 1-3 months
• Legacy: 1-3 months

Toyota Factory Order Wait Times

How long you should expect to wait depends on the Toyota model and spec that you’ve ordered. For Toyota hybrids and plug-in hybrids, wait times are much longer. For the Toyota RAV4 Prime and Prius Prime, wait times are longest.

In 2023, these are common Toyota factory order wait times our team is hearing:

4Runner: 2-4 months
GR86: 5-8 months
Camry: 2-4 months / Hybrid 6+ months
Corolla: 2-4 months / Hybrid 6+ months
Highlander: 2-4 months / Hybrid 6+ months
Prius: 4-6 months / Prime 8+ months
RAV4: 2-4 months / Hybrid or Prime 8+ months
Sequoia: 2-4 months / Hybrid 6+ months
Sienna: 2-5 months / Hybrid 6+ months
Tacoma: 2-4 months
Tundra: 2-4 months / Hybrid 6+ months
Venza: 2-4 months

Honda Wait Times

On average, Honda factory orders placed today can expect a four month wait before delivery. For the popular, newly redesigned Civic, the wait is more likely to be six months. Honda has been hit particularly hard by the chip shortage and pandemic-related disruptions. Japanese automakers were even dealt a blow from an earthquake earlier this year. 

These are the Honda factory order wait times we’re seeing in 2023:

Accord: Immediate
Civic: 1-2 months
CR-V: 1-2 months
CR-V Hybrid: 3+ months
Odyssey: 2-4 months
Pilot: 1-2 months
Ridgeline: Immediate

In late 2023, the Honda Prologue electric crossover will arrive. Pre-orders are expected to open soon, so keep an eye out for that if you want to be first on the list for this GM-built Honda EV. It will qualify for at least half of the new EV tax credit. 

See which new electric vehicles qualify for the new EV tax credit

Ram and Jeep Wait Times

For Jeep and Ram factory orders, wait times depend on what model and trim you want. Waiting three to four months for a Ram 1500 or Jeep Grand Cherokee is a lot easier to swallow if you’re getting a better deal with incentives. 

These are the Ram truck factory wait times our team is encountering in 2023:

1500: 1-3 months
2500: 2-4 months
3500: 2-4 months

Ford Factory Orders Wait Times Faring Slightly Better

These are the Ford factory order wait times we’re seeing this year:

Bronco: 3+ months
Bronco Sport: 1-3 months
F-150: 1-3 months
F-250: 2-3 months
F-350: 2-3 months
F-450: 2-6 months
Mustang: Immediate
Mustang Mach E: 1-3 months

Hybrids, Plug-In Hybrids and EVs Have the Longest Wait Times

We’re seeing wait times for popular hybrid vehicles extending up to one year for several automakers. It’s easy to forget that gas prices were over $5.00/gallon nationally just a few months ago, and that caused a massive spike in orders for more fuel-efficient vehicles. 

Not only is demand higher, but OEMs are rationing their supplies of semiconductor chips and in some cases, even batteries.

In a silver lining to the confusing new EV tax credit, America will soon have its first used EV tax credit. The used EV tax credit began in January 2023, but only used EVs under $25,000 will qualify (if sold by a dealer, and the buyer meets income restrictions.) Learn more about the used EV tax credit and eligibility here. 

Tesla Wait Times

Tesla regularly updates wait times for the Model Y, Model 3, Model S and Model X. As of fall 2023, here are Tesla wait times as shared on Tesla.com. Note that there are many possible configurations that affect estimated delivery dates, so check Tesla’s configurator for the most accurate estimate.

• Model 3 RWD with Aero wheels: Less than 1 month
• Model 3 RWD with Sport wheels: Less than 1 month
• Model 3 Long Range AWD with Sport wheels: Less than 1 month
• Model Y Long Range with Gemini wheels: 1-3 months
• Model Y Long Range with Induction wheels: 1-3 months
• Model S Dual-Motor with Arachnid wheels: Less than 1 month
• Model X Dual-Motor with Cyberstream wheels: 1-3 months

Taking Delivery After a Long Wait? Beware of the Infamous Dirt Mountain

Although Ford has somewhat improved factory order wait times in recent months, customers are still taking delivery of Broncos that had spent months waiting around at the so-called Dirt Mountain in Michigan. How could that impact those taking delivery of their beloved Ford Bronco? Field mice. 

Anytime vehicles sit idly for months at a time, there’s the risk of rodents making the car their home. Before taking delivery, have all wires under the hood checked for signs of gnawing rodents. Ford even admitted in their earnings report that their number one challenge right now is quality control, and the infamous Dirt Mountain issues are certainly part of that. Of course these new vehicles are under warranty, but you’d hate to be left stranded with power failure shortly after driving your new car home.