10 Biggest News Stories of the Week: Jeep Gladiator Deals Blow to Ford Ranger, F-150

We’re not economists here, but the combination of high demand and low supply isn’t likely to create a buyer’s market. With pandemic-precipitated inventory shortage persisting into 2022 and likely beyond, prices remain high while incentives remain scarce. Still, shoppers gonna shop, and if you’re among those bent on buying despite the costly climate, you’re gonna need every price break you can get. And that’s why you need to peep at one of Cars.com’s most popular articles of the past week — a roundup of the best new-car deals, such as they are, that we could find.

Related: 10 Biggest News Stories of the Month: Electric Vehicles Currently Dominate

Topping our list of the best deals for February is the 2021 Jeep Gladiator. As dealers look to clear out last year’s model to make space for the barely changed 2022 version of the off-road-ready pickup truck, eligible buyers can snag factory discounts totaling up to $2,500. Other deals this month include the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee mid-size SUV, eligible for a $1,900 to $2,900 factory discount; the 2022 Kia Sportage compact SUV, eligible for $750 off; and the 2022 Ram 1500 Big Horn or Lone Star full-size truck, eligible for a $1,250 to $4,000 factory discount.

For the full rundown on each discounted model, follow the link below to the No. 2 news story of the week.

In other car-buying advice, this week’s third-place finisher is our official recommendation of whether shoppers interested in the Ford Ranger pickup should opt for the 2022 model — available with the new 1990s-throwback Splash appearance package — or the outgoing 2021 version of the mid-size pickup truck (sans Splash). Given that the 2022 model starts at $26,795 and the 2021 at $26,015 (both prices include a destination charge), and that the vast majority of Rangers on dealer lots are still 2021 models that have yet to go out, we hereby advise you to opt for the slight savings of the outgoing model.

For the full context on our Ranger rec, follow the link below to the No. 3 news story on this week’s countdown.

In further Ford truck-buying guidance, our advice on whether to opt for the 2021 or 2022 F-150 lands further down the list in seventh place. Unless you’re committed to waiting around for the all-new, all-electric Lightning or all-terrain Raptor R variants, you’re generally just as well saving a few bucks on the 2021 F-150 — and save a few bucks you will, with 2022 model-year prices rising $430 to $1,230 depending on trim.

For the full supporting details of our F-150 advice, follow the link below to the No. 7 news story on the countdown.

Beyond that, we have headlines on the Jeep Compass and Grand Cherokee, Tesla Model Y, Infiniti QX60 and much more — so don’t stop reading till the digits double. Here are the top 10 news stories Cars.com readers couldn’t get enough of in the past week:

1. When Will Used-Car Prices Drop? 3 Things Car Shoppers Should Know

2. What’s the Best New-Car Deal for February 2022?

3. Ford Ranger: Which Should You Buy, 2021 or 2022?

4. 2022 Jeep Compass Review: Still Finding Its Way

5. What’s New With Ford for 2022?

6. How Does the Inventory Shortage Impact Leasing?

7. Ford F-150: Which Should You Buy, 2021 or 2022?

8. What Stood Out Most in the Tesla Model Y’s New Software, V11.0

9. 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Review: Grander Across the Board

10. Is the 2022 Infiniti QX60 a Good SUV? 5 Pros and 4 Cons

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