Autotrader Names Hottest Cars of Summer 2021, Factoring in Shortage
Lisa Steuer McArdle
· 4 min read
- The Ford F-150: always in high demand
- Toyota had two cars make the list
- Chevrolet brought three cars to the party
- The Honda Accord rarely disappoints
- Everybody wants a piece of the #JeepLife
- Ram is making some of the hottest trucks on the market
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Autotrader recently released its list of Hottest Cars of Summer 2021, with popular brands like
Ford
and Toyota making the list. However, this year’s list is a little different from prior years. Usually, Autotrader defines "hottest" cars as the ones most in demand. But as many are aware, the microchip shortage plus delays related to COVID-19 mean there has been an inventory problem for popular vehicles on many dealership lots.
So this year’s list combines the most-searched vehicles on Autotrader with the most-available vehicles—all based on Cox Automotive data. The list also considered vehicle brands with the most available inventory this year, with editors avoiding vehicles with high demand and low inventory.
Since car shopping looks different in 2021,
Autotrader
wanted to reflect that in its list. When analyzing the data, editors say they got a better picture of what car shoppers are facing this year. Here’s a look at the cars that made the Hottest Cars of Summer 2021 list (in no particular order).
The Ford F-150: always in high demand
The Ford F-150 has been one of the most popular pickup trucks in the country for years. Consumers like its towing power, functional interior and innovative features.
For anyone looking for a used full-sized
pickup truck
, there are plenty of Ford 150s available. In addition, even though the Ford F-150 took a sales hit in June of this year, in July it was announced that Ford would soon be ready to ship thousands of F-150s after getting a new supply of chips. Let Jerry find your price in only 45 seconds
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Toyota had two cars make the list
Toyota has two vehicles on the hottest cars of the summer list—the Toyota Camry and the Toyota RAV4.
The Camry has been very popular for many years, and is now available in several versions like hybrid or a gasoline-only V6. Autotrader suggests getting a 2018 Camry if you’re looking at used models, since that was the last year it was redesigned.
The RAV4 is still the best-selling SUV in the U.S., and there are a few options to choose from—there’s the budget-friendly RAV4 LE, as well as the hybrid, upscale Limited, rugged Adventure and TRD Off-Road.
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Chevrolet brought three cars to the party
Three cars from Chevrolet made the list: the Equinox, Silverado and Tahoe.
The Equinox is a good option for those looking for a compact SUV, while the Silverado is a perfect choice for those wanting a newly redesigned pickup truck. Autotrader points out that Tahoe combines the toughness of a truck with family-car comfort, and that there are plenty for sale right now.
The Honda Accord rarely disappoints
There are plenty of Honda Accords available to purchase, even though it’s not as highly searched as other models. The sedan was redesigned in 2018 and has a reputation for reliability.
Everybody wants a piece of the #JeepLife
Jeep is the fourth-most-searched brand on Autotrader, and has two vehicles on the list: the Wrangler and the Grand Cherokee.
The Wrangler is fairly easy to find currently, although it is a fan-favorite that’s in high demand. This is probably due to the fact there are many Wrangler packages to choose from, with different modifications and accessories. So if you want to purchase a Jeep Wrangler, they are available—you just might not get the one you want.
The Grand Cherokee is a popular choice for an off-road vehicle. The 2021 version also has three rows of seating available, which is a first for the model.
Ram is making some of the hottest trucks on the market
The Ram 1500 remains popular and according to Autotrader, the middle to upper trim levels of the Ram even outclass both Ford and the Chevy when it comes interior design and materials and overall ride quality. More good news for those wanting to purchase a Ram 15—its inventory has remained high.
