Navigating the current car market can be a daunting task, with its varying inventory levels and volatile prices. In this context, knowledge truly is power. A critical piece of this knowledge is understanding the Market Day Supply (MDS). This is a measure of the number of days it would take to sell all of a particular model of car, based on the current sales rate, assuming no additional inventory is added. A high MDS suggests an oversupply, potentially giving buyers leverage for negotiation, while a low MDS might indicate a seller’s market, where negotiating could prove tougher.

Using CarEdge Data, we identified which new cars have the most and least inventory available today. What we found was shocking. In today’s new car market, inventory ranges from just a week’s supply, to a staggering two-year supply. Inventory weighs very heavily on negotiability. This valuable insight can give you an edge in your car buying journey, helping you save money and avoid the hassle.

The Top 10: New Cars With the Highest Inventory

When we analyzed new car inventory, we found a significant presence of American brands in the top 10. The reason? Oversupply, mainly driven by overpriced trucks and SUVs. It seems American automakers have been flooding the market with these models, leading to an inflated Market Day Supply. 

These are the 10 new cars with the most inventory right now:

Yes, you read that right. There’s a two-year supply of the Jeep Renegade right now. At recent daily sales rates, it would take two whole years to sell the existing inventory of new Jeep Renegades. Other Jeeps make the top 10. The Jeep Cherokee (391 MDS), Compass (352 MDS) and Gladiator (283 MDS) are all sitting on dealer lots right now. There’s BIG potential for great deals on these Jeeps, with negotiation know-how.

The Bottom 10: New Cars With the Lowest Inventory

On the other side of the coin, Asian automakers have the lowest inventory. They were hit hard by the chip shortage of 2021-2022, and as of 2023, they’re still working through supply chain issues that are keeping inventory far below normal. Interestingly, these automakers discovered that profit margins remained high (and even increased) despite record low inventory, hinting at a possible shift in their business model. Inventory may never return to pre-pandemic levels for some of these brands.

If you’re shopping for any of these new cars in 2023, you’ll be up against stiff competition and in many cases, greedy dealers:

At the very bottom of the list, the Kia Seltos and Lexus NX both have a market day supply (MDS) of just 9 days. This means that their current inventory could theoretically be sold out in a little over a week given the recent sales pace. The Kia Carnival and BMW X5 aren’t far behind, with an MDS of 13 and 14 respectively. Similarly, the Subaru Impreza and Kia Forte are also experiencing low inventory levels, boasting an MDS of 15 and 19 respectively.

These depleted stock levels reflect the ongoing supply chain struggles that these automakers are grappling with, making these models harder to come by and potentially more expensive due to high demand and low supply.

Save More With Free Car Buying Tools

To wrap things up, we’d like to share a powerful, 100% free resource: the Car Buying Cheat Sheet. This reader-favorite can give you an extra boost in your quest for the perfect car at the perfect price. For an even deeper dive into pricing insights, download your first CarEdge Report today. This comprehensive report breaks down the most important numbers in an easy-to-understand format, setting you up for success at the negotiating table.

Finally, if you’re looking for personalized guidance and expertise, CarEdge Coach is your key to savings. Our experienced car buyers can provide personalized advice and help you negotiate thousands off your next car. Don’t go into the car buying process alone; let CarEdge guide you every step of the way. You’ll be glad you did.