The Worst-Selling Cars of the Year--and Why No One Wants Them

Audi S6

Audi S6

The Audi S6 struggles to find buyers, sitting on lots for an average of 482 days. One major reason is its high price tag, which starts at over $70,000. While it offers impressive performance and luxury, many buyers feel they can get similar features in less expensive models, even within Audi’s own lineup.

The S6 faces stiff competition from rivals like the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, which offer more modern interiors and better tech integration. The S6’s understated design also doesn’t stand out in a crowded luxury sedan market, making it less appealing to buyers seeking something distinctive.

Image via Audi Newsroom

Nissan Versa

Nissan Versa

The Nissan Versa, an affordable subcompact sedan, is designed for budget-conscious buyers with its excellent fuel efficiency and spacious interior. However, the Versa is spending an average of 472 days on dealership lots, making it the 2nd slowest-selling car on this list.

This extended time may reflect the declining interest in small, basic sedans as consumers gravitate toward SUVs and crossovers.

Image via Nissan

Audi A6

Audi A6

The Audi A6, despite being a well-rounded luxury sedan, spends an average of 409 days on dealer lots. Its main issue is that it’s overshadowed by its sportier sibling, the A7, and the more affordable A4. Buyers often see the A6 as stuck in the middle, offering little to differentiate itself.

Another factor is the rise of SUVs, which have eaten into sedan sales across the board. Even loyal Audi customers are opting for crossovers like the Q5 or Q7, leaving the A6 to languish as a less practical choice in today’s market.

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Jeep Grand Wagoneer

Jeep Grand Wagoneer

The Jeep Grand Wagoneer, a full-size luxury SUV, offers rugged capability paired with opulent features and a spacious interior. Despite its premium positioning, the Grand Wagoneer is sitting on dealership lots for over 400 days on average, making it one of the slowest-selling vehicles in its class.

Its extended time on lots may be due to its steep price tag, which places it in competition with luxury SUVs like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. Additionally, its large size and high fuel consumption may deter buyers in an era of increasing environmental awareness and rising fuel costs.

Image via Stellantis

Volkswagen ID.4

Volkswagen ID.4

The Volkswagen ID.4, VW’s electric SUV, spends an average of 297 days on lots. One reason is its relatively high price compared to competitors like the Tesla Model Y, which offers better range and performance. The ID.4’s range of around 275 miles doesn’t stand out in the EV market.

Another issue is Volkswagen’s lack of brand recognition in the EV space. Buyers are more likely to trust established EV leaders like Tesla or even Hyundai and Kia, leaving the ID.4 struggling to gain traction despite its solid build quality and features.

Image via Volkswagen Newsroom

Audi A4

Audi A4

The Audi A4, a refined luxury sedan with advanced technology and Quattro all-wheel drive, is a well-rounded option in its class, but it's sitting on dealership lots for an average of 276 days, reflecting the declining popularity of sedans in a market dominated by SUVs.

Fierce competition from rivals like the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, combined with Audi’s own extensive SUV lineup, has overshadowed the A4’s appeal. As consumer preferences shift, the A4 struggles to maintain its relevance despite its strong feature set.

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Audi Q4 E-Tron

Audi Q4 E-Tron

The Audi Q4 E-Tron, Audi’s compact electric SUV, sits on lots for an average of 271 days. Its main problem is its price-to-performance ratio. With a starting price above $50,000, it doesn’t offer the range or features to justify the cost compared to rivals.

The Q4 E-Tron faces fierce competition from both luxury and mainstream brands. Models like the Tesla Model Y and Hyundai Ioniq 5 offer better range and tech for less money, making the Q4 E-Tron a tough sell in a competitive EV market.

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Maserati Grecale

Maserati Grecale

The Maserati Grecale, a luxury compact SUV, combines Italian craftsmanship with sporty performance. Despite its premium design and powerful engine options, the Grecale is spending an average of 259 days on dealership lots, struggling to compete in the crowded luxury SUV segment.

Its slow sales may be due to its high price point and limited brand recognition compared to rivals like the Porsche Macan and BMW X3. Furthermore, Maserati’s reputation for high maintenance costs and reliability concerns may deter potential buyers, further extending its time on lots.

Image via Stellantis

Jaguar F-Pace

Jaguar F-Pace

The Jaguar F-Pace, a luxury SUV, spends an average of 239 days on dealer lots. One reason is Jaguar’s declining brand appeal, as buyers often perceive the brand as less reliable compared to German rivals like BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

The F-Pace’s interior feels dated compared to competitors. While it offers strong performance and a stylish exterior, buyers expect more cutting-edge tech and luxury features at its price point, leading them to choose alternatives.

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Nissan Murano

Nissan Murano

The Nissan Murano lingers on lots for an average of 234 days, largely due to its aging design. The current generation has been around since 2015 with only minor updates, making it feel outdated compared to newer midsize SUVs.

The Murano’s lackluster performance and mediocre fuel economy don’t help its case. Buyers in this segment often prioritize practicality and efficiency, and the Murano struggles to compete with more modern and versatile options like the Toyota Highlander or Honda Passport.

Image via Nissan Newsroom

Ram 2500

Ram 2500

The Ram 2500, a heavy-duty truck, spends an average of 233 days on dealer lots. One reason is its niche appeal; heavy-duty trucks cater to a specific audience, and not all buyers need the towing and payload capabilities it offers.

Its high price and fuel costs are among its most significant problems. With rising gas prices, many buyers are opting for more fuel-efficient trucks or even SUVs, leaving the Ram 2500 as a less practical choice for everyday use.

Image via Stellantis Newsroom

Porsche Taycan

Porsche Taycan

The Porsche Taycan, Porsche’s flagship EV, sits on lots for an average of 229 days. Its high starting price, which exceeds $90,000, is a major barrier for many buyers. While it offers incredible performance, its range lags behind competitors like the Tesla Model S.

The Taycan’s charging infrastructure isn’t as robust as Tesla’s, making it less convenient for long-distance travel. Buyers looking for a luxury EV often prioritize range and practicality, areas where the Taycan falls short despite its stunning design and driving dynamics.

Image via Porsche Newsroom

Ford Mustang

Ford Mustang

The Ford Mustang, an iconic American muscle car, continues to offer thrilling performance and aggressive styling. Nevertheless, this legendary nameplate is sitting on dealership lots for an average of 225 days, reflecting a broader decline in demand for sports cars.

Rising fuel prices and the shift toward SUVs and electric vehicles have likely contributed to the Mustang’s slow sales. While it remains a symbol of automotive passion, the Mustang faces challenges in adapting to changing consumer preferences and market trends.

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Alfa Romeo Giulia

Alfa Romeo Giulia

The Alfa Romeo Giulia, a luxury sports sedan, combines Italian styling with dynamic performance and sharp handling. Despite its distinctive design, the Giulia is sitting on dealership lots for an average of 221 days, struggling to compete in the highly competitive luxury sedan market.

Its slow sales may be due to Alfa Romeo’s limited dealership network and concerns about reliability. 

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Lincoln Aviator

Lincoln Aviator

The Lincoln Aviator, a midsize luxury SUV, emphasizes comfort and sophistication with its plush interior, advanced technology, and powerful twin-turbocharged engine. Despite these features, the Aviator is spending an average of 219 days on dealership lots, struggling to gain traction in the crowded luxury SUV market.

Its slow sales may be linked to its high price tag and competition from established brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Reliability concerns and the growing popularity of electric SUVs may also be factors, making it harder for the Aviator to stand out despite its premium appeal.

Image via Lincoln Media Center

Kia EV6

Kia EV6

The Kia EV6, despite its futuristic design and solid performance, spends an average of 217 days on dealer lots. One reason is its price, which can climb quickly with higher trims, putting it in competition with more established EVs like the Tesla Model 3.

While Kia has made strides in quality and innovation, some buyers still hesitate to spend premium money on a Kia, especially when other brands offer similar or better features at comparable prices.

Image via Kia Newsroom

Land Rover Discovery

Land Rover Discovery

The Land Rover Discovery lingers on lots for an average of 216 days, largely due to its reputation for reliability issues. Buyers in the luxury SUV market often prioritize dependability, and the Discovery’s history of mechanical problems is a major deterrent.

The Discovery’s high price and underwhelming interior might be a huge factor for many buyers. While it offers excellent off-road capabilities, most buyers in this segment prioritize on-road comfort and tech features, areas where the Discovery falls short compared to rivals like the BMW X5.

Image via Land Rover Newsroom

Volkswagen Taos

Volkswagen Taos

The Volkswagen Taos, a compact SUV designed for affordability and practicality, offers a fuel-efficient engine and modern tech features. However, the Taos, sitting on dealership lots for an average of 215 days, is a surprise for a vehicle in the popular small SUV segment.

This sluggish performance may stem from its modest powertrain and lack of standout features compared to competitors like the Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V. It may also be attributed to greater interest in Volkswagen's larger offerings.

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Audi Q8

Audi Q8

The Audi Q8 is a luxury SUV that blends coupe-like styling with advanced technology and a spacious interior. Despite its premium positioning, the Q8 spends an average of 201 days on dealership lots, suggesting a lack of consumer interest.

Its slow sales may be attributed to its high price point and competition from rivals like the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe. Its focus on style over practicality may also deter buyers seeking more cargo space or family-friendly features.

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Audi S4

Audi S4

The Audi S4, a high-performance version of the A4 sedan, offers a turbocharged V6 engine, Quattro all-wheel drive, and a luxurious interior. Despite its sporty handling and premium features, the S4 is sitting on dealership lots for an average of 198 days, far longer than expected for a performance sedan.

This sluggish turnover may be due to stiff competition in the luxury sports sedan market, with rivals like the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class offering similar appeal. Additionally, the growing preference for SUVs over sedans has made it harder for the S4 to attract buyers, even with its impressive capabilities.

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