February 2026 new vehicle inventory: Hybrids rise to meet new demand

New vehicle inventory in the US increased by approximately 110,000 units, or 3.9%, month-over-month in February 2026, according to S&P Global Mobility Retail Advertised Inventory data. Total advertised new vehicle inventory for February was 2.88 million units.

Since the end of the federal EV tax credits, hybrid electric vehicles have surged in demand. Automakers that already had hybrids in their portfolio have been ramping up inventory to meet that demand. 

There were 354,905 hybrid electric vehicles listed for sale in February, a 16% increase from January. This surpasses the previous high inventory of 346,661 in October 2025. Overall, hybrids account for 12.3% of the total new vehicle inventory in the marketplace today, not including plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) or mild hybrid electric vehicles.

Toyota continues to lead the way with hybrids, accounting for nearly 41% of total hybrid inventory including Lexus models. Inventory for best-selling Toyota nameplates like the RAV4 and Camry has grown significantly from January, up 76% and 36% respectively. Interestingly, the Toyota Prius, which has long been synonymous with hybrid vehicles, is down 38% in inventory MoM and down 68% YoY.

Other notable shifts in hybrid inventory include Jeep coming to market with a redesigned Cherokee available as a hybrid for the first time. Ford hybrid inventory is down YoY driven by the discontinuation of the Ford Escape in all fuel types and fewer F-150 Powerboost versions available. However, the popular Maverick compact pickup has increased its hybrid availability by 35% YoY. 

According to a recent S&P Global Mobility analysis of retail advertised inventory data (The price premium of hybrid electric vehicles), hybrid vehicles are typically priced about $4,300 higher than their non-hybrid counterparts. However, hybrids also come with an average additional discount of around $500, which shoppers often weigh alongside expected fuel savings when making their purchase decisions. This pricing dynamic plays a key role in the growing demand for hybrids, as consumers evaluate both upfront costs and long-term benefits. 

Currently, 11 brands provide a full-hybrid electric vehicle, reflecting the growing adoption of hybrid technology across the industry. Some brands are focusing on PHEV or fully electric options, giving consumers a variety of choices based on their preferences and needs. Notably, luxury brands like Acura and Genesis, which offer hybrids through their non-luxury counterparts Honda and Hyundai, are well-positioned to expand their hybrid offerings in the future. 

As hybrid inventory surges and EVs stabilize, automakers are responding by adjusting their portfolios and pricing strategies. While hybrids are capturing increased demand, especially with more models and competitive pricing, EVs face an adjustment period with longer days on lot and declining prices.

Looking ahead, it will be important to monitor how inventory trends evolve, especially for used EVs, as fuel prices and incentives continue to impact both consumer behavior and manufacturer strategies.