Trade-in is basically a very elongated and elaborate mark-up when you think about it
Give you a much lower than market price for your used vehicle and re-sell it for a significant profit.
I get it though, there's no inventory at places for used cars. I'm also stuck myself trying to get a new car because my newest current car is a 2004 and there's no way I'm trading anything in.
It's half tempting to go find a great deal on a newish car you don't even like or have an interest in and try to buy it for close to trade-in price just to have something to trade in lol!