When Do New Car Models Come Out?
Timing matters when shopping for a new car. Buy too early, and you might miss out on incoming redesigns. Wait too long, and the model you want could be gone. So when do new car models actually arrive at dealerships in the United States?
Traditionally, the cycle runs from summer through fall, with October serving as the peak month for new arrivals. However, in 2025, supply chain issues and tariffs are causing notable delays, especially for luxury and import-heavy brands.
Let’s break down the standard release cycle, what’s changing this year, brand-specific exceptions, and how you can use this timing to your advantage.
Annual New Model Release
Main Arrivals (September–October): The majority of new model-year vehicles hit dealer lots during this period, with October serving as the most consistent and reliable arrival month. For shoppers, this is the ideal time to stay alert — inventory levels peak, trim and color choices are broadest, and negotiating leverage is strongest.
Brand and Category Exceptions
While October is the industry’s anchor point, some brands take their own approach:
- Tesla: The company follows a direct-to-consumer model and often rolls out vehicles outside of the traditional cycle.
- Japanese brands (Subaru, Mazda, etc.): Some models, especially refreshes, may appear in early spring rather than fall.
- Luxury brands: Automakers like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Lexus often prioritize global launch schedules, meaning U.S. release dates may lag behind.
Industry reports, such as Car and Driver’s coverage, also note that manufacturers sometimes adjust U.S. release timing to match broader pricing strategies.
Because of these variations, the best strategy is to confirm specific arrival timelines directly with local dealers.
Tips for Shoppers
Knowing when new models arrive isn’t just trivia — it’s leverage. Here’s how to use timing to your advantage:
- Best Deals: Outgoing models are most heavily discounted from August through December, when dealers clear old stock. Autotrader confirms this is the sweet spot for end-of-year deals.
- Redesign Awareness: Avoid purchasing just before a major redesign. A refreshed body style or technology update can accelerate depreciation on outgoing models. CarEdge advises researching redesign timelines before committing.
Inventory Strategy: If you’re eyeing a rare trim or popular color, shop in October when allocations are widest and supply is strongest.
When Do New Car Models Come Out? Questions, Answered.
What time of year do new cars come out?
Most new car models in the U.S. are released between July and October, with October being the month when most dealerships receive the largest shipments (CarEdge).
When do automakers announce new model year vehicles?
Announcements usually happen in spring, from March through May. CarEdge notes that auto shows often set the stage for these reveals.
When is the best month to buy a new car?
If you want the broadest selection, October is best since most models have arrived. For the deepest discounts, Autotrader recommends November and December, when clearance pricing peaks.
Why do new car models usually come out in the fall?
Fall has become the traditional handoff point in the industry, aligning with marketing cycles and ensuring automakers can showcase fresh inventory ahead of year-end promotions.
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Key Takeaways
In most years, new car models begin arriving in midsummer, but October remains the central month when inventory peaks and shoppers should be most alert.
For 2025, however, delays tied to tariffs and supply chain disruptions mean that many 2026 models — particularly imports and luxury vehicles — will arrive later than usual.
The bottom line: if you want the best selection, aim for October. If you want the best deal, watch for year-end clearance pricing. And if you’re chasing a specific brand or trim, always confirm with your dealer to avoid missing your window.
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