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Subaru’s New Normal

Subaru has a new normal that will affect customers now. Check out the current climate model and what it means for new Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, and other new model shoppers.
2024 Subaru Forester, Outback, Crosstrek

What was typical for Subaru last year is now very different. A new climate model is emerging for Subaru that will affect shoppers. This is good news if you're shopping for a new Subaru Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, or other new model.

According to the Inventory Efficiency Index from Cloud Theory, Subaru is moving up in the rankings that show market and segment trends in the automaker's new model inventory. 

Top 10 Car Brand Inventory Efficiency Index Scores - Total U.S. - April 2024 

  1. Toyota 222.5 
  2. Honda 170.3
  3. Lexus 152.5
  4. Kia 130.9
  5. Land Rover 122.7
  6. Subaru 118.1
  7. Cadillac 115.1
  8. Chevrolet 114.5
  9. Buick 104.8
  10. Acura 104.1

Subaru Forester, Outback, Crosstrek on dealers lot

What Does It Mean For New Subaru Model Shoppers? 

Subaru's new model inventory is on the rise. Subaru rose from ninth to sixth best overall among all car brands. This is significant because it means more new models are available for U.S. shoppers, and Subaru of America's incentives for new car buyers are increasing.

Cloud Theory says, "The top 5 makes (car brands) in Cloud Theory's proprietary Inventory Efficiency Index remained in the same order compared to last month, but notable shifts still occurred in April. Subaru rose from 9th to 6th in the rankings, with turn rate increases for Forester and Ascent helping to improve their efficiency score. 

"General Motors had three brands in the top 10, with Buick moving up three ranks and joining Cadillac and Chevrolet. Buick also appeared in the top 5 in the Pacific and Mountain regions for the first time. GMC, which has been ranked in the top 10 previously, was ranked 11th in the current month, rounding out a strong showing by that OEM overall."

A report from Cox Automotive says that in March, Subaru had a 60-day supply of new model inventory. That's still the sixth-lowest of all car brands, but it's very different from last year when Subaru had the lowest supply of new cars on the ground of any automaker.   

What this means for new Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, and other new model shoppers is that Subaru dealers have not had this situation in recent memory. This means that some Subaru of America retailers are more likely to cut you a deal. Subaru retailers also have more incentive dollars available to move models off their lots. 

The Most Efficient Subaru Inventory Efficiency By Region

Subaru has the most efficient inventory in two regions: the West North Central (North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa, and Missouri).

The next region is the East North Central, which covers Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama.   

In these two regions of the country, Subaru retailers are moving their new models efficiently "across a wide and varied lineup." So they don't have to offer incentives and lower the price. 

So, in high-demand areas of the country like the Mountain West, Pacific Northwest, and New England regions, Subaru retailers have more inventory, and you'll be able to negotiate a better deal on a new 2024 Subaru Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, or other new model. 

NOW, IT'S YOUR TURN

Have you recently purchased a new Subaru vehicle? What was your buying experience like? Click the red Add New Comment link below to let us know.

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed this Subaru model story. See you tomorrow for my latest Subaru Report.

Before you go, check out What Is Happening to Subaru Inventory Right Now? Car Salesman Shares THE TRUTH

I am Denis Flierl, a top Torque News and Subaru reporter since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

I’ve got you covered! - I cover all Subaru all the time. 

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Photo credit: Tucson Subaru

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Comments

Jim Walsh (not verified)    May 9, 2024 - 2:47PM

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I must have been asleep for a while because in this article, the words "climate" and "cloud" have meanings I don't understand. From the context, I assume "climate" is referring to on-hand inventory levels. So, apparently, SOA is moving inventory to dealer lots. This is apparently done to avoid the supply chain issues we experienced in 2021 and 2022.
This "climate" does not serve me, because the last 4 Subarus i purchased were ordered to my specifications. I won't buy a color somebody else wants, or equipment that I don't want. Subaru has made this difficult, because their online catalogs leave out a lot of detail of what is included on what trim levels. (For example, my 2020 Outback Base did not include a dual note horn, console box power port, or door mounted courtesy lamps).

Dennis Rzyczycki (not verified)    May 10, 2024 - 10:22AM

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In March purchased new Outback Touring XT paided dealer invoice and got 1.9 % financing it was a great deal in my book!

Happy Camper (not verified)    May 10, 2024 - 3:29PM

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Bought a 2024 Forester Sport two months ago from a Portland, OR dealer. There were several to choose from. Discounted over $3000 off sticker. Delighted with the car so far, and glad I didn’t hold off for a 2025.

Jeffrey G. (not verified)    May 12, 2024 - 7:31AM

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I bought my first subaru in April, a 2024 Outback Touring XT. I bought it through the Costco auto program. It was a very pleasant, no pressure, experience. The car was fully loaded as requested. I test drove it for 30 minutes while they checked out my trade. When I got back to the dealership, they upped the trade offer by $1000 over what they offered via email. That amount was $4600 more than Carmax offered me and $5600 more than Carvana offered. The price I paid was $1500 under invoice. Costco requires the dealer to show the buyer the invoice. I am very happy with my purchase so far and I plan to buy my wife a new Outback later this year, same trim. I bought it from Herb Gordon in Silver Springs, MD. Their follow up service in the weeks after the sale to make sure I'm happy with the purchase has been exemplary.