Buying a new car, most people typically prefer the latest models. New designs, new technology, new engines – it seems like anything that is the newest is definitely worth buying.
However, there is a type of car that may actually have a special period of attention just before leaving the market.
As a car model is about to be discontinued, dealers need to clear out their remaining inventory, which could provide consumers with more negotiating room.
Of course, discontinuation does not necessarily mean a car will be cheaper, nor does it guarantee it will become a classic. What really matters is the price, practicality, and whether the car is truly to your liking.
According to a report from the Associated Press, the American automotive testing and data service agency Edmunds has compiled a list of 5 car models that will be exiting the market after 2026, with some of them still worthy of consideration for potential car buyers.
Position:
Family SUV
Starting price for the 2026 model:
$31,845
Why discontinued?
The Ford Escape has been around for 25 years, spanning 4 generations, and it has now reached the end of its lifecycle.
Facing strong competitors such as the Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Tucson, its market presence in recent years hasn’t been as prominent. However, this doesn’t mean the car itself has suddenly become worse.
Is it worth buying now?
If you’re looking for a comfortable, smooth, and easy-to-operate family SUV, the Escape still has its advantages.
Its seats are comfortable, the drive is smooth, the interior controls are relatively simple, and it offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions.
The hybrid version is estimated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to have a combined fuel consumption of
39 miles per gallon
; while the plug-in hybrid version can drive on pure electric power for up to
37 miles
and then continue on fuel once the battery is depleted.
So if you already like the Escape, it might be worth heading to a dealer and asking the question, “It’s the last year, how much can we negotiate the price?”
This may be more practical than debating over one more or one fewer feature.
Position:
Mainstream electric SUV
Starting price for the 2026 model:
$46,570
Why discontinued?
When the ID.4 was introduced in 2021, it was one of the early challengers to the Tesla Model Y in the mainstream electric SUV market. However, the electric car market has been changing rapidly in recent years.
Competitors like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 are becoming stronger, and lower-priced models like the Chevrolet Equinox EV have also entered the competition, diminishing the ID.4’s original advantages.
Is it worth buying now?
This particular model may be one of the top choices to inquire about its price among the 5 listed cars.
Based on transaction data analysis by Edmunds, the actual transaction price for the 2026 ID.4 model could be
about $10,000 lower
than the suggested retail price.
For those seeking a high value version, the Pro model is worth considering. It comes with rear-wheel drive and features like heated front seats, wireless charging, a 12.9-inch touchscreen, and various driving assistance functions.
If you were already planning to buy an electric car, it’s worth test-driving this model and seriously looking into pricing.
The reason is simple:
If a decent electric SUV suddenly becomes nearly $10,000 cheaper, the value proposition naturally changes.
Position:
The last British SUV of the fuel era
Starting price for the 2026 model:
$58,375
Why discontinued?
Jaguar is transitioning to becoming a fully electric luxury brand, and the F-Pace has become one of the last remaining fuel models for the brand.
In other words, if you’ve always wanted to purchase a brand new fuel-powered Jaguar,
2026 might be one of the last chances to do so.
Is it worth buying now?
The F-Pace has been on sale for about 10 years without a full redesign. Compared to the latest luxury SUVs, it has indeed fallen behind in terms of technological features and freshness.
However, it still boasts a beautiful exterior, strong engine options, and good handling performance.
Especially the performance version,
SVR 575 Edition
, equipped with a 567-horsepower V8 engine.
So those buying this car might not be looking for the “best value in its class.”
Instead, they might be thinking:
“Will we be able to buy a new fuel Jaguar in the future?”
As for whether it will become a classic car in the future, no one can guarantee that.
But if you already like Jaguars, then having one of the “last batch of fuel cars” is already a special label in itself.
Position:
A sports car for pure driving pleasure
Starting price for the 2026 model:
$59,595
Why discontinued?
The GR Supra is Toyota’s flagship sports car, and the modern successor to the classic Supra from the 1990s.
In 2026, it will be the last year for this generation of the GR Supra. However, its discontinuation is not solely due to poor sales.
Toyota collaborated with BMW to create the GR Supra, and BMW also had a convertible sports car, the Z4, which shared many technologies with it. With the end of Z4 production, continuing production of the Supra also became challenging.
Is it worth buying now?
If you’re merely looking for a daily driver, the answer is simple: it might not be suitable for you at all.
But if you enjoy driving, this car is a completely different story.
382 horsepower + rear-wheel drive + manual transmission
, this combination is becoming rarer nowadays.
Especially in an era where electric cars and automated driving aids are becoming more prevalent, a traditional sports car that still offers a manual transmission has a bit of a “last generation” appeal.
So if the words “manual transmission” still catch your eye,
the GR Supra might really be worth a look.
Position:
The pioneer in changing the history of electric cars
Resale price for the 2026 model:
Starting at around $110,000
Why discontinued?
The Model S holds a special place in the history of electric cars.
Many years ago, when electric cars were still often seen as mere city commuting tools, the Model S showed consumers that electric cars could be fast, luxurious, and have a long range.
Now, after years of production, the Model S is no longer as groundbreaking in the luxury electric car market as it used to be.
But its performance and long-distance capabilities are still considerable.
Is it worth buying now?
It’s definitely not a car that you can snag for a bargain simply because it’s “discontinued.”
The base model of the Model S features all-wheel drive, with an estimated range of
410 miles
according to the EPA, and Tesla claims a 0-60 mph acceleration time of approximately
3.1 seconds
.
Tesla’s Full Self-Driving feature is also a selling point, though drivers still need to remain attentive and be prepared to take control of the vehicle.
Tesla has stopped selling new Model S units on its official website, but there are still pre-owned cars available for selection.
Rather than viewing it as “getting a deal,” this car is more about:
Do you have an interest in collecting an electric car that once revolutionized the auto industry?
In fact, remember one thing:
Don’t rush to buy just because it’s been discontinued, but also don’t hesitate to purchase it solely because it’s no longer in production.
If your focus is on
value for money and practicality
, consider:
Ford Escape + Volkswagen ID.4
Especially the ID.4 – if local dealers are offering nearly $10,000 discounts, that’s worth a serious consideration.
If you prioritize
driving pleasure and nostalgia, look at
Jaguar F-Pace + Toyota GR Supra,
these two models serve different purposes.
One may mark the end of the fuel Jaguar era, while the other is a traditional manual sports car that’s becoming increasingly rare.
As for the Model S, it’s more of an automobile history “memorial.” It’s not cheap, but it once represented a significant shift in the electric car industry.
2026 might be the end of the road for these 5 listed cars.