2023’s top new cars, trucks and SUVs
New cars and trucks, loaded with new features and technologies, will hit the road at a furious pace over the next few years, as automakers introduce a whole fleet of new electric vehicles, but also work to keep their gasoline-powered fleets appealing.
At least 50 new vehicles – new, not “refreshed” or “facelifted” models that slap a different grille, lights and color on a 3-year-old design – are likely to go on sale in the United States in 2023. The 2024 Ford Mustang just failed to clear that bar. Its new V8 and Dark Horse performance model and other features will delight owners, but the pony car’s basic platform carries over.
Some will be hits; a few will undoubtedly flop. Some will be critical darlings that sell in small numbers, others will literally fill dealership lots – assuming lingering supply chain issues ever end. Many experts say supply problems will diminish this year, but there may still be shortages and delays a year from now.
Which will be worth waiting for? Here’s a list of some I’ll be watching for:
BMW XM
A plug-in hybrid, the XM SUV will be the first standalone model in decades from BMW’s famous M Sport performance branch. A V8 engine and electric motor will combine to provide 664 horsepower, 590 pound-feet of torque and 0-60 sprints in 4.1 seconds. The XM goes on sale this spring, priced at $159,000. The XM’s styling looks a bit understated for a vehicle intended to make a statement about BMW’s commitment to electrified performance, but it’ll undoubtedly be a screamer.
Buick Envista
Buick has carved out an enviable niche providing sleek, advanced SUVs with a strong appeal to women, but the lineup is showing its age. Enter the Envista. It’s not clear how Envista will set itself apart from the brand’s existing models, but recent history suggests it’ll be a competitive small premium/lower luxury SUV.
Chevrolet electric Silverado, Blazer and Equinox
GM’s top-selling brand dives into the electric-vehicle battle with both feet in 2023, as three of its best and best-selling models add EV versions.
Built on a platform developed specifically for EVs, the Silverado aims to outdo the electric Ford F-150 with ranges up to 400 miles and other new features. It’ll be a triumph if it also demonstrates an electric pickup can be a serious towing vehicle, one of the remaining big questions facing EVs.
A base model priced around $40,000 is promised, but expect most early Silverado EVs to be loaded $105,000 RST First Edition models.
The Blazer midsize SUV will offer front-, rear- and all-wheel-drive models, up to 320 miles range on a charge and prices starting around $48,000.
The Equinox EV promises a base model priced around $30,000. If it has a long enough range to be useful, the Equinox may be the long-awaited answer to cries for affordable EVs in the most popular vehicle segments.
Dodge Hornet
The Hornet plug-in hybrid will be the first test of whether Dodge’s image as a high-horsepower rebel brand with affordable prices will speed the transition to electrified and electric vehicles.
Based on an Alfa Romeo platform, the compact SUV will also offer a gasolineonly version.
Honda Accord
Sedan sales are down, but the Accord remains one of America’s best-selling vehicles, and a benchmark for value and reliability.
Prices start at $27,295. Hybrid models boast EPA mileage estimates up to 51 mpg in city driving, a truly impressive feat for a roomy midsize sedan. There’s no word of a plug-in model, but new features include a 6-inch color head-up display, 12.3-inch touch screen and built-in Google virtual assistant and maps.
Mazda CX-90
Mazda hopes a new architecture and drivetrain will help this three-row SUV deliver on the brand’s promise to provide fun, involving driving in every model. Power comes from a new turbocharged 3.3L inline-six engine. That develops 340 horsepower and 369 poundfeet of torque.
Mazda engineered its new rear- and all-wheel drive architecture for handling and performance.
Tesla Cybertruck
Entering the third year since its original 2021 introduction target, awaiting the origami-styled electric pickup begins to feel like a snipe hunt. It’s now considered a possible arrival late in 2023. Tesla could sure use some good news, if delivering the Cybertruck late, and after EV pickups from Rivian, Ford and Chevy constitutes good news.
Toyota Grand Highlander, Tacoma and Prius Prime
A bigger and more luxurious version of the Highlander three-row SUV, the Grand Highlander’s key feature is expected to be a much larger rear seat.
A new version of the Tacoma midsize pickup is also expected, taking the perennial best seller in its segment to a new level.
Finally, a plug-in version of the Prius hybrid goes on sale in the fall. Toyota has intimated a significant increase in electric range.