7 New 2025 Cars Under $50K Still Waiting for Buyers

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The transition period between model years is typically the time when dealerships drop prices or offer incentives to make room for new arrivals. But according to a new study from iSeeCars, 22 new 2025 models are about to enter “leftover” status, seven of which are under $50,000.

Chris Pyle, an auto expert with JustAnswer, said that there are two reasons for leftover inventory. “The manufacturer made more than the market would buy,” he explained. “Dealerships ordered too many of them, and the area they are located in just does not have much buyer interest in them.” These cars may not be as appealing in the new year, which could give buyers some leverage.

Below, car experts share their thoughts on why these vehicles have a substantial leftover inventory and what could make them worth buying.

1. Hyundai Elantra Hybrid

• Average price: $27,969
• Percentage of 2025 inventory: 73%

“The Elantra Hybrid faces a lot of strong competition, and Hyundai manufactures many of them,” Melanie Musson, auto industry expert with AutoInsurance.org, wrote in an email. “Because of the competition, buyers are opting for other models, and with the large quantity produced, demand couldn’t keep up with supply.”

And if you don’t care about looks, then it may be a good buy. “Kind of ugly on the front and rear. Kind of cramped inside. Sedans are not overly popular,” Pyle noted. “The fuel mileage is awesome for the car cost, plus a great warranty.”

2. Volkswagen Taos

• Average price: $30,796
• Percentage of 2025 inventory: 80.6%

“Even though the 2025 Taos has proven to be fairly reliable, earlier years struggled with reliability, so buyers have been leery of buying,” Musson noted.

And according to Pyle, it has an underpowered engine, and Volkswagens are notoriously difficult to get repaired, as not many independent shops will work on them. However, Pyle said a positive is that it’s not a bad price for a small SUV.

3. Kia Niro

• Average price: $31,914
• Percentage of 2025 inventory: 80.8%

“There’s stiff competition for the Niro, and the 2025 model didn’t feature anything drastically updated, so buyers weren’t as excited to buy one as they were to buy from the competition,” Musson wrote.

And it’s not the best-looking vehicle, Pyle added, especially the one with the two-tone stripe. “Cramped interior. Overpriced for the size,” he noted. “A long base warranty is about it.”

4. Ford Maverick (Gas and Hybrid)

• Average price: $34,549
• Percentage of 2025 inventory: 78.9%

“There was a recall on models made before April, which set the entire fleet back because no buyers could get their trucks, even if they had paid for them,” Musson explained. “Some potential buyers heard about the recall and decided not to buy. It was not a good year of sales, so there is a lot left over.”

The Ford Maverick also has a low towing and hauling capacity for the cost. “Ford needs to remove many of the amenities to bring the cost down,” Pyle said. “They are great little trucks for someone who needs to haul small things like trash and furniture.”

5. Subaru BRZ

• Average price: $38,516
• Percentage of 2025 inventory: 87.1%

“The sports car market isn’t booming. The BRZ eliminated its base-level trim, so the starting price is higher, which has pushed some potential buyers to other options,” Musson wrote. “The BRZ is one of the vehicles that sold the fewest models this past year, so there is a huge amount of inventory left.”

And similar to Volkswagen, there aren’t many shops that will work on them, which means you’re stuck with the dealer for service. “They are fun to drive as long as you can afford the speeding tickets,” Pyle said.

6. Subaru Outback

• Average price: $41,612
• Percentage of 2025 inventory: 66.1%

The 2025 Subaru Outback was the last year of the earliest model design. “Many people who are thinking about getting an Outback are waiting until the 2026 launch of the new body style,” Musson explained.

And again, there aren’t many shops that work on them. “They look like a station wagon. They are more for the adventure person who camps in the woods. Camping and being in the woods are losing their excitement for this generation,” Pyle said. However, he also added that they are great cars and can handle some off-road use.

7. Toyota GR Corolla

• Average price: $46,015
• Percentage of 2025 inventory: 83.2%

For the 2025 Toyota GR Corolla, Musson explained that there were simply more made than were bought. “It’s not as drastic a discrepancy as some of the other cars on this list,” she added.

According to Pyle, the four-door mini sports car is also not the best to look at, overpriced and has no room in the hatchback. “No one needs or wants this car,” he said. And the only reason he would recommend this car is that it’s a Toyota, which typically lasts longer than other vehicles.

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