These New Cars, SUVs, and Trucks Are Languishing on Dealer Lots During the Chip Shortage

Here are some vehicles you can probably find on dealer lots right now.

Jill Ciminillo | 

Jul 28, 2022 | 3 min read

With the computer chip shortage kneecapping production and pinching supplies, many new vehicles sell as fast as they arrive at a dealer. That’s bad news for anyone who needs a car right now.

However, there are some cars, trucks and SUVs that spend more time on dealer lots, which means they may be available immediately — and without breathtaking dealer markups. Here are a few models in that category, based on data from Cox Automotive as of May 30, 2022.
Chevrolet

Chevrolet Bolt EUV

The electric Chevrolet Bolt EUV was all new for 2022, but battery fire concerns and recalls have contributed to an average of 57 days on dealer lots. Some of that may be due to the lingering effects of a stop-sale Chevy placed on the Bolt while it looked to replace faulty battery modules. The Bolt EUV is now one of the cheapest EVs you can buy, with a base price of $34,495, and some shoppers may qualify for additional rebates. This subcompact SUV delivers 247 miles of range and offers limited, hands-free, driver-assistance tech called Super Cruise.
Dodge

Dodge Durango

This midsize, three-row SUV was last redesigned in 2011, though minor updates have kept it tech-fresh. Sadly, the latest fuel-sipping tech is absent here; its 21 mpg combined rating, according to the EPA, may be contributing to its slow sales. On average, Durangos languish on lots for 68 days, even though the $39,355 base price isn’t bad for an eight-seat model.
Ford

Ford EcoSport

The Ford EcoSport, a subcompact crossover, dawdles at dealerships for an average of 73 days. On paper, the EcoSport is a steal, with a base price of $23,335 and standard all-wheel drive. Limited underhood power and a small interior likely kept it low on buyers’ radars. Even Ford knows, which is why the automaker has given the EcoSport the ax after the 2022 model year. But if you need something now, EcoSport offers an easy-to-operate, swing-open cargo door and a compact footprint, plus a high seating position.

Ford

Ford Mustang

Compared with an SUV, the Ford Mustang offers limited practicality in exchange for sporty performance. Consequently, the Mustang can be a tough sell, as suggested by its 70-day stopover at dealerships. For a fun car that doesn’t cost a fortune to spice up the daily commute, the base fastback model with the 6-speed manual, starting at $28,865, could be just the thing to inject some zip into your summer drive — or even as a second or third car in your garage.
Nissan

Nissan Titan

In contrast to the nearly 50,000 F-Series pickups Ford sells every 30 or so days, the 2,000 Nissan Titans sold in that same period is a pittance. They hang around Nissan stores for an average of 83 days. The truck’s reception has been lukewarm since its introduction, partly a result of the limited configurations Nissan offers. Titan carries a base price of $40,605 in King Cab, rear-wheel-drive configuration. A thirsty 400-hp V8 is the standard and sole power plant.

Jill Ciminillo

Jill Ciminillo is a Chicago-based automotive writer, YouTube personality, and podcast host, with her articles and videos appearing in outlets throughout the U.S. Additionally, she co-hosts a weekly radio show on cars for a local Chicago station. Previously, Jill has been the automotive editor for both newspaper and broadcast media conglomerates. She is also a past president for the Midwest Automotive Media Association and has the distinction of being the first female president for that organization.