Don’t Buy a 2021 SUV: Huge Price Cuts Are Happening on 2020 Models as Dealerships Are Clearing Space

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When you’re shopping for a new car, you want the latest and greatest model available. Yet what many new car buyers don’t realize is that often, the newest model year offers very few changes. You could purchase a new SUV from the previous model year and get all of the same features at a far lower price. So, instead of eyeing 2021 SUV models, consider a 2020 SUV instead – as dealerships try to clear out their unsold inventory before the end of the year, prices are dropping. And you could score a huge clearance deal on a new 2020 SUV.

Last Year’s SUVs Offer the Same Features for Less

Last Year’s SUVs Offer the Same Features for Less?

Think the latest model year is the most up-to-date SUV on the lot? Sometimes that’s true, but more commonly it’s exactly the same as the current model year. While new models are released every year, the vehicles themselves aren’t typically updated very much. That’s because every single automaker follows what AutoTrader¹ calls the “model cycle,” a six-year cycle that determines when an SUV gets a big update or fresh new look. Here’s what happens each year of the model cycle:

Years 1 and 2:

The vehicle stays the same, with little or non changes made.

Year 3:

The model gets a facelift. This is a subtle update meant to keep the SUV’s design fresh and modern with a few adjustments, some new technology, and occasionally some style updates like new paint colors or headlights.

Years 4 and 5:

Little or no changes are made.

Years 6:

Time for a redesign. The entire SUV is updated, often with an entirely new style of vehicle. Everything from the engine to the interior to the chassis is redesigned.

Dealerships Need to Clear Out 2019 & 2020 SUVs Now

Now more so than ever, new SUV buyers will benefit from incentives offered by dealers who need to make space for the new 2020 models arriving soon. With 2020 and sometimes even 2019 SUVs still sitting on their lots from as long ago as the summer of 2018, dealerships need to make sales to move SUVs. As new models arrive at dealerships for the 2021 model year, incentives and pricing will likely change – and automakers are always ready to offer even better discounts on last year’s models still sitting on the lot. SUV incentives change each month, and sometimes even throughout the week.

Closing Advice

Now that you know why last year’s model year is just as good as the newest SUVs on the road, you’re ready to get a deal on your next SUV. But in order to score a clearance deal, you’ll need to know exactly what dealerships are willing to offer. That’s why researching online for 2020 or even 2019 models is so important before you head to your local dealership. It’s easy to be swayed by the brand-new 2021 SUVs sitting on a dealership lot – but you don’t need to pay thousands of dollars more for an SUV that’s changed very little. Do your research beforehand, searching for affordable 2019 or 2020 SUV models at clearance prices. And don’t forget to compare the 2021 SUVs you like with their 2020 counterparts. This online research is crucial to ensure you aren’t overpaying for an SUV that’s had few improvements from 2019 to 2020. Know just what dealerships are offering on 2020 SUVs so you can get the lowest possible price on a brand-new car you love, it's just a click away.