Subaru's Super-Tight Inventory And The New 2022 Model Outlook

Subaru of America has the tightest inventory of vehicles of any car brand, and it's affecting how shoppers buy a new all-wheel-drive Subaru model. According to a report from Automotive News (by subscription), Subaru's supply of new 2022 Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, and other models shrinks to a five-day supply in October from September's already low seven days.

It's not only Subaru; analysis from Cox Automotive and data from LMC Automotive reveals overall new car supplies across America are at their lowest since 1985 because of the microchip shortages and plant shutdowns. And it may not improve anytime soon.

photo credit: Planet Subaru

Cox Automotive executive analyst Michelle Krebs said the days' supply figure has stabilized in recent months as the sales rate has slowed, and says, "However, ongoing production and supply issues mean new-vehicle inventory is expected to contract further before it recovers."

The AN report says, "Subaru continued to have the tightest supply among reporting automakers," and they have the fewest new cars on their lots and showrooms.

photo credit: Planet Subaru

A large Subaru retailer near Denver only has four new cars on the ground that have not been sold; all Ascent Limited 3-Row SUVs. A source close to Subaru told us that their pipeline report shows the first 2022 Forester models are expected to arrive in mid-December. But those are likely already pre-sold to customers.

What should new 2022 Subaru Forester, Outback, and Crosstrek shoppers do now? Savvy car shoppers who can wait are ordering the 2022 Subaru Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, and other models in the color and trim level they want from their Subaru retailer. How long is the wait? It's taking about four months if a customer orders a new model today.

Check out our latest Subaru Report: Subaru Isn't Gouging Customers During The Chip Shortage, But 6 Car Brands Are.

photo credit: Glendale Subaru

What is Subaru's new model inventory forecast for 2022?

The inventory crunch is expected to ease next year for Subaru and other automakers, but "It's going to take a long time to fill the pipeline," Krebs said.

The refreshed 2022 Subaru Forester arrives in December, but those are likely pre-sold. The 2022 Forester and Crosstrek will be in the most demand and will have the shortest supply. The 2022 Outback will be a close third, but the midsize SUV is manufactured in Lafayette, Indiana, exclusively for North American customers and should be in greater supply.

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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Photo credit: main image Competition Subaru