Innholdsfortegnelse for October 2022 i MotorTrend

Hey, new car shopper! Welcome back. We understand wanting to stick your head in the sand with today’s chaotic market conditions, but keep your noggin up—there’s a way through this moment. Yes, things are different now, but if you know what’s changed since you last bought or leased a new car, SUV, truck, or van, you’re halfway there. This is the underdog’s moment. We know how tough it is to purchase a car in the best of markets; that’s why it’s so crucial you ask yourself how attached you are to the model or brand you’ve relied on previously. After all, you’re probably not the only one who wants that specific brand, model, and trim. You might need to broaden your horizons, especially with ongoing supply issues. We’ve seen this…

In chess, the queen is the most powerful piece on the board, the one with all the moves. And since the Bronco’s resuscitation, Ford and Jeep have been engaged in a fierce, chesslike battle for off-road supremacy. With the launch of the Bronco Raptor, FoMoCo has rolled out what might be its queen—certainly its most capable piece to date. Compared to the 2.7-liter version in the regular Bronco, power in the 3.0-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V-6 rises from 330 hp to 418, and torque goes from 415 lb-ft to 440 lb-ft. The 10-speed transmission is reprogrammed, and the transfer case is beefier. Like the F-150 Raptor, the SUV is widened significantly—mostly at the tires—to the tune of nearly 10 inches (!) front and rear. Ford installed new shock towers all around,…

Many of us fret about sulfates in shampoo and sulfites in wine, but I just learned about the awful effect of employing sulfates in battery cathode production. Apparently, the way most lithium-ion cathodes have been made for 30 years results in a colossal amount of waste. Fortunately, I learned about this problem while discovering a potential solution. The cathode is a battery’s positive electrode, where charging energy is applied. In most of today’s lithium-ion batteries, these are made of lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC). The way these have been made involves mining the metals, turning them into metal sulfates or salts, converting lithium carbonate to lithium hydroxide, then transporting these materials to the cathode manufacturer where they’re mixed in water. A caustic material like sodium hydroxide gets added to precipitate out a powder…

With literally hundreds of models on the new car market today, it would be insane to track every last one of them. Yet that’s exactly what we do year-round in our online Buyer’s Guide, because we’re a little crazy. We’re also passionate and want to help people make smarter buying decisions. That’s why we always strive to deliver the most thoughtfully presented info, insightful perspective, and useful tools for consumers on their way to the dealership as well as for the curious enthusiast virtually kicking tires. The industry’s rapid evolution doesn’t make things easy. It seems we hear news about a new hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or electric car every week, but there’s tons of activity beyond those electrified options, too—on the next 41 pages, you’ll see what we mean. Parts…

VANTAGE Aston Martin hasn’t updated its regular Vantage beyond the options available through its Q customization shop, but it did shove in the marque’s 5.2-liter twin-turbo V-12 boasting 690 hp and 555 lb-ft of torque. Sadly, it’s only shipping 333 units as a fun farewell to the family V-12, on its way out by decade’s end. Naturally, all 333 are spoken for. DBX A 697-hp version called the DBX707 is new for this year. Its claimed 0–60 time of 3.1 seconds charts it as one of the quickest SUVs ever built, and thanks in part to that ability, Aston is convinced it could represent up to 70 percent of DBX sales—even with an eye-watering starting price of more than $239,000. MINOR UPDATES DB11 CARRYOVER DBS…

2 SERIES Last year’s redesigned 2 Series coupe offered many improvements—and without BMW’s controversial new grille treatment. Now BMW is fleshing out the lineup with a newly available all-wheel-drive 230i and rear-drive M240i. Once those enter production, all 2023 2 Series variants will gain the fancy BMW Curved Display, as seen in the iX, as standard. A new M2 based on the 2 Series’ revised chassis is coming. Based on our drive of the prototype, it should be an enthusiast’s dream, offering a manual transmission and a mildly detuned M3/M4 engine, a similar formula to the phenomenal previous-generation M2 Competition. M3/M4 After last year’s significant addition of all-wheel drive—a first for these M twins—changes for 2023 are relatively minor. The most notable, at least for Americans, is the addition of…

LYRIQ The Lyriq is Cadillac’s first all-electric vehicle. Built on GM’s Ultium EV architecture, it comes in both rear- and all-wheel-drive versions powered by a single rear or dual front and rear motors good for 340 or 500 hp. They can carry the luxury SUV up to 312 miles on a charge. Interestingly, the Lyriq forgoes air springs and active dampers in favor of finely tuned steel springs and passive dampers. Like the Escalade, the Lyriq features a 33-inch curved OLED screen spanning half the dash and incorporating the instrument cluster and infotainment screens. It also offers Super Cruise, Cadillac’s hands-free highway driving assist system. Outside, the concept car looks are accentuated by a flashy light show performed by the running lights, turn signals, headlights, taillights, and light-up badge. The…

296 GTB/GTS Ferrari’s new mid-engine sports car was covered in last year’s guide, as we thought we would see it on streets earlier in 2022. Instead, it lands in customers’ hands this fall with a sizzling plug-in hybrid twin-turbo V-6 powertrain, the first Ferrari series production model to feature such a configuration. The 296 (the GTB is a coupe, the GTS has a retractable hard top) carries a 7.5-kWh battery pack that delivers up to 15 miles of electric-only driving range, but you don’t care about that. What you do care about is its huge total output of 818 hp. Combined with active aerodynamics and rear-wheel drive, it provides a rare level of performance and thrills. Oh, and don’t worry about the 2.9-liter six-cylinder failing to deliver the traditional Ferrari…

G80 The Electrified G80 joins the lineup this year. Currently only available in California, Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York, it trades the sedan’s gas engine and some trunk space for motors and an 87.2-kWh battery pack. Total system output is 365 hp, and it can travel a Genesis-estimated 282 miles per charge. G90 Genesis’ flagship sedan enters a new generation for 2023. The new G90 is a showstopper, low-slung and somehow menacing in its opulence; we’re fans of the way its headlights flow through the wheelwells and continue through the front quarter panels. Inside, the base model features a rich mix of textures, colors, and materials. Genesis will offer standard and long-wheelbase forms, with four-wheel steering and two powertrains to begin with: a 375-hp 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 and a…

ELANTRA The N Line variant of this compact sedan loses its available manual transmission—boo!—but gains a 10.3-inch instrument cluster display and standard navigation. SEL models with the Convenience package also get the bigger screen and nav, as well as bigger 17-inch wheels. Finally, 2.0-liter Elantras can no longer be equipped with the SEL Premium package. IONIQ 5 This electric crossover/hatch receives a battery heating system and preconditioning function as standard. Additionally, towing capacity increases to 2,300 pounds except on the SE Standard Range RWD variant. AWD versions of the Ioniq are now rated at 266 miles of range, up from 256. The SEL loses its standard LED headlights and accent lighting but adds Hyundai’s phone-as-key function. Gravity Gold Matte paint has been added to the color palette. IONIQ 6 Hitting…

NIRO After six long years of toiling in anonymity, the Niro finally gets an injection of style thanks to a chunkier look modeled after the 2019 HabaNiro concept. The new 2023 model is bigger, too. Three electrified powertrains return, all with improvements: The basic hybrid is more fuel efficient, the plug-in hybrid is more powerful, and the fully electric EV has more range, though it lacks the Kia EV6’s quick-charging ability. SPORTAGE With the Seltos assuming the mantle of Kia’s small and affordable SUV, the Sportage was free to grow—and it has for 2023, now being bigger than even Toyota’s RAV4, with a massive increase in rear-seat and luggage space. An underwhelming 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder is the base engine; we much prefer the hybrid version with 40 extra horsepower…

GX After finally getting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10.3-inch touchscreen for 2022, the GX treks into 2023 adding only a Black Line special edition with black exterior details, dark chrome grille trim, and clear taillights with black inserts. RX The most popular Lexus is fully redesigned this year, and it veers more substantially—though not too far—from the formula that won it legions of buyers over the decades. Yes, it has an all-new look including a new interpretation of the long-serving spindle grille, but the biggest changes come inside the cabin and under the hood. For example, the infotainment system is upgraded from worst-in-class to actually good; expect the tech to trickle across the Lexus lineup over the next couple years. The lineup comprises four models, starting with the…

AIR Three new models round out the lineup. The entry-level Pure is priced at $87,400 in single-motor rear-drive form and $92,900 with two motors. One step up, the 620-hp, all-wheel-drive Touring model starts at $107,400. Finally, there’s the $179,000 Grand Touring Performance, which builds on the Grand Touring’s 819-hp AWD powertrain to the tune of 1,050 total hp, dropping the 0–60 time by 0.4 second to 2.6 and range by 70 miles to 446.…

ARTURA McLaren Automotive is nothing if not deliberate: It’s been around for a dozen years, and the Artura represents only its second all-new entry-level car. That said, although the Artura unveils a brand-new plug-in hybrid powertrain, it isn’t a huge break from convention; this is particularly evident in the styling, a crisp take on McLaren’s familiar schtick. Under the skin, the 720S’ complex hydraulically crosslinked suspension is replaced by adaptive dampers, with control arms up front and a multilink design in the rear. Smart tires with a chip embedded in the carcass feed data to the Artura’s computer about temperature and compound. An electronically locking differential—a first for McLaren—provides enhanced torque distribution and more precise adjustment of the car’s handling. The lighter, stronger carbon-fiber chassis accommodates a 7.4-kWh battery pack…

ECLIPSE CROSS LED headlights and all-wheel drive are now standard. MIRAGE Hey, we’re writing about the Mirage! The tiny economy car gets a standard passenger-side vanity mirror, as well as exterior welcome and departure lighting. Automatic headlights and automatic windshield wipers become available on the SE and Black Edition trims. OUTLANDER The Nissan Rogue–based Outlander arrived for 2022, and now a plug-in hybrid version comes online for 2023. The previous Outlander PHEV was one of the bestselling plug-in hybrid SUVs in the world, and this new generation seems much improved. It now packs a 20-kWh battery pack (up from 13.8), promising more electric oomph and driving range from the all-wheel-drive powertrain. In conjunction with a larger fuel tank, overall range should increase, too. It’s all still wrapped in the standard…

718 BOXSTER/CAYMAN The Boxster and Cayman lines get new color options, while wired Apple CarPlay is now included on the 718 Cayman GT4 and 718 Boxster Spyder, the final two Porsches not to offer the tech. It’s worth noting the Cayman GT4 RS—the most capable, extreme incarnation of the coupe to date—is now fully available, replete with laugh-out-loud handling limits and a stunningly raucous 4.0-liter flat-six shared with the 911 GT3. Prices start at $150,550; the weight-shaving Weissach package adds $13,250. If you really want to go all the way, you can spec magnesium wheels for another $15,640. 911 All 911s receive various updates and additions to available wheel designs and colors, plus an optional Heritage Design Package Classic. The latter brings a significant portion of the Sport Classic’s interior…

PHANTOM As might many of its buyers, the Rolls-Royce Phantom—or “Phantom Series II” in Rolls parlance—gets a minor nip and tuck this year. Its distinctive nose retains the majestic and opulent graphic the car has had since its 2017 debut, but the headlights and an illuminated grille are new. Other exterior changes include fresh wheel options and optional black trim. Inside, the Phantom Series II gets a slightly thicker steering wheel rim and a new infotainment system. The Phantom’s 6.7-liter twin-turbo V-12, which produces 563 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque, remains unchanged. SPECTRE It’s been a long time coming, but Rolls is finally electrifying. Slated to go on sale in late 2023 as a 2024 model, the Spectre coupe is a big, stately showcase of what to expect from…

4RUNNER The long-running off-road SUV nameplate turns 40 this year, and to celebrate, Toyota whipped up a sweet-looking anniversary model with rad retro graphics, bronze wheels, special interior touches, and a run of just 4,040 units for the U.S. BZ4X Toyota is finally getting into the electric vehicle game with the bZ4X compact crossover. Although the name is confusing, the bZ subbrand will expand to other segments in the next few years. The compact crossover is available in front- and all-wheel drive, and its range is 228 miles for the AWD and 252 for the FWD model. Charging the Toyota bZ4X is slower than the competition given its 150-kW rate for front-drive models and 100 kW for all-wheel drive. CAMRY Certain types of nightshade plants are considered invasive species, and…

XC40 Volvo’s smallest SUV and its first vehicle to offer a full EV powertrain gets a mildly updated look inspired by the electric C40 SUV-coupe-thing introduced last year. The most significant mechanical update comes to the gas-powered XC40, which will now only be offered with mild hybrid powertrains for better fuel economy and lower emissions. It also gains the Google-based infotainment software that made its debut on the XC40 Recharge EV last year, where functions like navigation and the digital assistant will now be handled by Google Maps and “Hey, Google” voice commands. Over-the-air update capability will keep features fresh. (The new software spreads to every other Volvo this year, too.) The fully electric XC40 Recharge, meanwhile, is mostly the same under the skin but gains new interior upholstery options…

“This is going to be the biggest challenge since the beginning of the company.” Lamborghini boss Stephan Winkelmann knows a thing or two about challenges. He was at Lambo in 2009 when the global financial crisis hit and sales of expensive supercars tanked. A few years later he had to convince the aficionados a Lamborghini SUV built using Porsche and Audi parts would be a good thing, and it wouldn’t corrupt a brand famous for building some of the fastest, most extreme cars ever made. So what now could be more of an existential threat to Lamborghini than either of those ructions? Winkelmann doesn’t hesitate. “Electrification,” he says, “and the acceptance of electrification. I strongly believe that what we have done in the past was evolutionary. Now it’s really a…

Ask the DeLorean crew about their upcoming Alpha5 sports car, and they’ll tell you it’s the result of 40 years of ongoing evolution. But wait, didn’t DeLorean go bankrupt in the mid-1980s? Of course it did—but the new DeLorean company has created an alternate timeline where it didn’t. Along with the Alpha5, DeLorean imagined a complete history of what might have been, including three seminal DeLorean concept cars. We realize this sounds like an exercise in corporate navel-gazing, but when Troy Beetz, DeLorean’s chief brand officer, explained it to us, the logic made sense. “We knew from the beginning that we couldn’t just redo the DMC-12,” Beetz said, referring to the original DeLorean production car. “The way we could make this brand legitimate was to suggest that the DMC-12 was…

In its first complete makeover since the Great Recession, the Sequoia gets a new powertrain, platform, and design. The three-row body-on-frame SUV is now a hybrid-only model, but it’s also the most powerful Sequoia to date. After some time behind the wheel, we can say right away the changes do much to justify the long wait. The new platform—TNGA-F, same as the Tundra and global Land Cruiser—makes the Sequoia more comfortable while keeping its trucky feeling alive. The outgoing Sequoia suffered from lackluster ride and handling, but the 2023 model vastly improves in those areas. With a new independent front and multilink rear suspension, the Sequoia feels smoother and more planted. Despite its big body, hard cornering doesn’t provoke as much body roll. An optional air suspension makes the ride…

A Common Misconception MotorTrend is my go-to magazine for all things new and interesting in the automotive world. You people rock! I’m 79, but I feel like a kid thumbing through each new issue. The ongoing EV revolution is fascinating. They’re too pricey for me, but that’s OK; it’s fun to see this gas-to-electric trend grow. I’m old school—the sound of a fully massaged V-8 is like music to me—but to go from 0 to 60 in 3.0 seconds or less in a 3.5-ton electric vehicle is amazing. Charging? Another story. One thing I’ve noticed is you describe virtually all EVs as having a one-speed automatic transmission. Hybrids have the “normal” setup, but EVs don’t need a transmission per se. Now, I’m not tech savvy by any means, but isn’t…

INTEGRA It’s back! After being absent for more than a decade, the Integra replaces the ILX as the gateway to the brand. In typical Honda/Acura fashion, the Integra is almost a carbon copy of the concept we saw last year, and it returns to the fold with a history of performance. With the new Acura competing against the Mercedes-Benz CLA, Audi A3, Cadillac CT4, and BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, the company aims to score a bigger slice of the entry-level sedan pie. Mechanically, everything from the strut towers down is a copy of the Civic Si, but Acura’s engineers made changes to several chassis parts to give the car its own identity. Designers also made sure the Integra doesn’t look like a Civic; the models share zero sheetmetal. Paying…

A3 Extenuating circumstances somewhat hindered the latest A3’s rollout. Revealed in April 2020 and officially slated as a 2021 model, our first drive didn’t happen until October 2021, and our test team couldn’t put it through its paces until spring of 2022. But Audi’s entry-level sedan is out now—consider it, perhaps, as a stylish indicator of the company’s return to business as usual. To that end, Audi is already enhancing the essentially new-for-2022 A3, adding full LED headlights and soft-touch armrest upholstery across the range. The Premium Plus trim level gets extended interior ambient lighting and gray wood trim. Two-tone 18-inch wheels come with the Black Optic Sport package. A wireless charging pad is now part of the Convenience package. On the Premium trim, Audi makes adaptive cruise control available…

CHIRON The Chiron is due for replacement soon by, well, whatever Bugatti has up its sleeve. What it will be isn’t yet clear; the company, recently purchased from VW by Rimac, is keeping the form and details of its next model secret. In the meantime, special editions keep the lights on at Bugatti’s Molsheim atelier. The most recent three examples—one regular Chiron and two Sports—go by “L’Ébé” in honor of Ettore Bugatti’s oldest daughter of the same name. They’re the final versions of the Chiron to be delivered in Europe and are turned out spectacularly with art deco style. Highlights include 24-karat gold badging and details, blue-tinted carbon-fiber body panels, door cards decorated with images of top Bugatti sports cars throughout history, and L’Ébé’s signature on the underside of the…

BLAZER Four years into its incarnation as a front-drive-based crossover, the Blazer gets a proper face-lift for 2023. Updates include the front fascia and grille styling; new LED headlamps, daytime running lights, and taillamps; new 18-, 20-, and 21-inch wheel designs; and three new paint colors. Inside there’s a bigger 10.0-inch infotainment screen, a newly available “Nightshift Blue” color scheme for RS models, and expanded availability of driver assist systems like adaptive cruise control. BLAZER EV The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV shares nothing but a name and design ethos with the conventional Blazer. Design-wise the SUV keeps the edginess of the current Blazer with a little Camaro and Corvette tossed in. It rides on GM’s Ultium electric vehicle platform, and the wheelbase grows 9.1 inches to fit a large battery.…

OCEAN This upstart Austrian import from California-based Fisker is sized like a Model Y or Mustang Mach-E and is expected to deliver between 250 and 350 miles of range from a choice of lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) or nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery packs supplied by China’s CATL. Base front-drive, 250-mile Sport models with an attention-grabbing $37,499 starting price get the LFP pack, while the fancier Ultra, Extreme, and One variants (the latter, at $68,999, will account for the first 5,000 models produced) get the pricier chemistry and deliver the maximum range from what we believe will be an 80.0-kWh pack. Power ranges from 275 horses in the Sport to 540 or 550 hp in the pricier dual-motor AWD variants. Inside, Fisker goes for an eco-friendlier vibe, with virtually everything you touch having been…

HUMMER EV SUV The 2024 Hummer EV SUV is expected to eventually outsell the truck version because it’s the body style most people associate with the brand. Like the pickup, the SUV begins its latest run as a special Edition 1 model. It’ll come fully loaded and only available in one color combo at launch, Moonshot Green Matte with black paint above the beltline. It seats five and offers the ability to emulate a convertible by removing roof panels and glass. Cargo space is more than 81 cubic feet in back with the second row folded down and about 36 with the seats up. One-pedal driving for energy regen is standard. The SUV is smaller than the truck, with a wheelbase 8.9 inches shorter, so there’s less room for the…

F-PACE Jaguar is quiet as it sets up for its electric future, but its SV Bespoke personalization division put its mitts on the 550-hp supercharged V-8-powered F-Pace SVR for a limited-edition model. The resultant Edition 1988 is a celebration of the brand’s 1988 Le Mans win with the purple-liveried XJR-9 race car. It features exclusive Midnight Amethyst paint, gold wheels, laser-etched badging, and gold interior details. Nostalgia ain’t cheap, though; this F-Pace costs $111,150, with just 394 units available globally. CARRYOVER E-Pace, F-Type, I-Pace, XF…

HURACÁN TECNICA This is essentially an Huracán Evo combined with the wild, track-scorching STO, making it the best Huracán of them all. Compared to the already impressive rear-drive Huracán Evo, the Tecnica gets a 35 percent increase in rear downforce while cutting drag by 20 percent, plus a new brake-cooling system and a revised exhaust for even better engine sound. Its 5.2-liter V-10 from the STO makes 631 hp and 417 lb-ft of torque, an extra 29 hp and 4 lb-ft compared to the Evo RWD. This Huracán includes a refreshed design with new aerodynamic functionality that stretches the car by a hair more than 2.4 inches. Up front, it sports a new facial signature, incorporating some of the newer Y-shaped “Ypsilon” Lamborghini design language introduced on the Terzo Millennio…

AVIATOR The fine-driving Aviator adds two new paint colors (Diamond Red and Jewel Sandstone) and a Jet Appearance package. Limited to the upper Reserve and Black Label trims, the Jet pack includes 22-inch black wheels, blacked-out exterior brightwork, and body-color door cladding, wheel arches, and lower fascias. Powertrains remain unchanged, with a twin-turbo V-6 available with and without plug-in hybrid assistance; the hybrid serves up 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque. CORSAIR As part of a midcycle refresh, the Corsair gets updated exterior lighting, revisions to the front and rear styling, new colors and wheels, and more tech inside and out. The interior is already quite nice, but base models could improve to better align with the more premium top-shelf trims. The gas engine options are likely to remain…

GRECALE The Grecale is just the product Maserati needs to reinvigorate its lineup. The midsize SUV, named after the northeasterly wind that sweeps across the Italian peninsula, is built on a modified version of the platform that underpins the Alfa Romeo Stelvio. But it’s more luxurious than its Stellantis stablemate, boasting an interior with unique Italian flair and four crisp screens (one of which is the round clock). Because Maserati estimates the Grecale will account for more than 40 percent of its U.S. sales, it’s fortunate the SUV is practical and enjoyable to drive. It features a spacious cabin, complemented by a compliant suspension with well-controlled body motions. A few powertrains will be available at launch, including a mild hybrid four-cylinder making between 296 and 325 hp depending on configuration,…

C-CLASS The C-Class was all-new last year; 2023 sees the W206 generation get its first AMG spinoff, the C 43. This is an old name with a fresh twist: Although the previous C 43 had a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6, the new car gets a turbocharged and mildly hybridized 2.0-liter four-cylinder. (This makes the C 43 the first Mercedes performance sedan with a longitudinally mounted four-pot since the 1989–1993 190E 2.5-16.) Power output is 402 hp and 369 lb-ft versus 385 hp and 384 lb-ft in the outgoing C 43. The standard 4Matic all-wheel drive has a fixed 31/69 percent front/rear torque split. The C 43’s clever turbocharger is largely exhaust driven, but an 8-hp electric motor mounted between the turbine and compressor spools up at low engine speeds when exhaust…

ARIYA After some delay, the all-electric Ariya SUV finally arrives as a more upscale and modern foil to the budget-friendly Leaf EV hatchback. Powertrains include single-motor front-wheel drive and dual-motor all-wheel drive, while range, er, ranges from 265 to 300 miles depending on the model. Unlike the Leaf, the Ariya’s batteries are replenished via a CCS1 plug that allows 130-kW charging; the Leaf still uses the harder to find (and rapidly disappearing) CHAdeMo standard. Available equipment includes a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, wood trim, 19- or 20-inch wheels, and Nissan’s ProPilot Assist 2.0 semi-automated driving function. FRONTIER A new Midnight Edition for the SV Crew Cab comes with 17-inch black-painted wheels and blackens the grille, side mirror caps, and exterior badging. LEAF Now in its second generation, the Leaf still plays…

PROMASTER One of the more aesthetically challenged vehicles on the road today now looks somewhat better thanks to an all-new face with slimmer, pointier headlights and a reshaped grille and bumper. The result isn’t a pageant winner, but the ProMaster’s redone nose at least works better with the front end’s general shape. The rest of the updates are functional, including brighter headlamps, a new “super high roof” configuration that raises the ceiling on the “high roof” option, and an available roll-up rear door. Look for one to carry your packages starting in late 2022, followed by an electric model in 2023. MINOR UPDATES 1500, 2500/3500HD CARRYOVER ProMaster City…

ASCENT The three-row SUV’s midcycle update includes freshened exterior styling front and rear, standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a vertical 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, and the latest version of Subaru’s EyeSight driver assistance tech. The Onyx Edition trim piles on even more features. CROSSTREK Largely unchanged, this popular small SUV/lifted hatchback adds a Special Edition with exclusive Desert Khaki paint, dark gray wheels, and black exterior elements. LEGACY Subaru’s family sedan gets a more aggressive front end with a larger grille and restyled LED headlights. Inside, the Legacy adopts the huge vertical screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The new version of EyeSight is here, too. The Legacy Sport adopts the 260-hp 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four in place of last year’s 182-hp naturally aspirated four, which remains available…

VF 8 AND VF 9 You may not have heard of VinFast—unless you read our September issue—but you will soon, as the Vietnamese automaker enters the U.S. market with a flurry of electric SUVs. The product line starts with two midsizers, the two-row VF 8 and three-row VF 9, slated to go on sale by the end of this year. They will be followed by the subcompact VF 6 and compact VF 7 in 2023. All will be imported from Vietnam and sold direct to consumers via corporate-owned retail outlets, starting with 30 stores in California. The vehicles were designed in tandem with Pininfarina, and the larger SUVs ride on a new platform developed with the help of engineering consultants from manufacturing and supplier giant Magna. None features a traditional…

Service Life 2 months/2,557 miles Average Fuel Econ 16.9 mpg “Technology can make things easier—assuming it works.”Miguel Cortina Unresolved problems None Maintenance cost $0 Normal wear $0 Base price $54,195 As tested $64,670 EPA City/Hwy/Comb fuel econ 19/25/21 mpg The learning curve can be steep, but technology can make your life easier—especially when it comes to cars. For instance, when was the last time you printed MapQuest directions to get around? Or carried paper maps in your glove box? Or twisted a key to start a new car? Motoring used to be complicated, but some things are more streamlined now. With connected cars becoming increasingly common and access to the world at our fingertips, we’re able to get around easier and quicker. Genesis has embraced the newest technology trends, and…

We liked the old Honda Fit–based HR-V, even if it was poky. More power, a bit more rear space, and a richer-feeling interior were all it needed. On paper, the new Civic-based HR-V resolves those issues. Buyers will appreciate the interior upgrade most of all. An adaptation of the Civic’s, it’s far more upscale than before and brings a great deal more functionality. The hidden vents in the decorative honeycomb trim are classy, and the infotainment system is massively improved. The center console and armrest were one of the old model’s least liked aspects, so Honda moved the cupholders from under your elbow to forward of the shifter, making them simpler to reach and increasing your elbow room. The pass-through shelf that was by your knees is now behind the…

You want to hear God laugh? Make some plans. Mine: Compete in the 100th running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, racing to the top of the famous mountain. Most people’s response upon hearing about what I had planned was a good-natured version of, “Try not to die!” Pikes Peak, as you might have heard, is about as extreme as motorsports get. Dying was the last thing on my agenda, however. First was to make it to the top. Second was to make it to the top quickly. These were of course my plans before I arrived in Colorado. I soon learned the mountain doesn’t even bother with a chuckle. The mountain does not care. I ran in the Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy by Yokohama class, driving a 2019…

TONALE The 2023 Tonale SUV is the brand’s first electrified vehicle. Alfa will offer the small crossover with a 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 gasoline engine or as a plug-in hybrid when it goes into production in late 2022, for sale in the first quarter of 2023. The Tonale PHEV is the higher trim and performance model. It combines a 1.3-liter turbocharged I-4 engine with a 15.5-kWh battery and a 90-kW electric motor, generating 272 hp and 30 miles of electric range, teamed with a six-speed automatic transmission. The conventional Tonale generates 256 hp and 295 lb-ft and has a nine-speed automatic. Both versions are all-wheel drive. Tonales feature the latest Uconnect 5 infotainment system, large screens, standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, and a full suite of driver…

BENTAYGA An extended-wheelbase model comes online as Bentley’s new flagship, catering to titans who miss the palatial rear quarters of the discontinued Mulsanne sedan. The Bentayga is even roomier, however, thanks to the additional 7.0 inches wedged between the wheels, which necessitated more than 2,500 new parts. Special touches include power-closing rear doors, a unique grille, EWB-exclusive wheels, and rear seats that automatically react to your body temperature to activate the heating or cooling. Power comes exclusively from Bentley’s 542-hp twin-turbo V-8, as the marque reserves the W-12 for the Bentayga Speed. Prices start north of a quarter mil. CONTINENTAL GT/GTC The quintessential modern Bentleys, the GT family adds a Mulliner coupe and S coupe and convertible. The Mulliner is the new topper to the Continental range, combining the performance…

ELECTRA Buick has two compact electric SUVs on tap. They feature the same wheelbase, but one is sportier, more sedanlike, and geared to singles and couples. The second model sits higher and has more cargo room for families. One will hit the market next year; Buick hasn’t confirmed which one. Our money is on the family-oriented SUV. All future electric Buicks will have Electra in their name, followed by an alphanumeric designation. Buick hasn’t released images, but the Wildcat EV concept previews the new look. Expect optional hands-free driver assist. MINOR UPDATES Enclave CARRYOVER Encore GX, Envision DISCONTINUED Encore…

ESCAPE A 2023 face-lift aims to butch up a design that, to make room for its boxier Bronco Sport sibling, went ovoid and soft when the Escape was redesigned for 2020. To arrest a sales slide this design precipitated, an entirely new front end features angrier headlights joined by an LED light bar that runs between a new power-dome hood and a more angular and purposeful grille. The taillamps are also new, and inside we expect a larger central screen with improved Sync 4 functionality. Escapists should act soon, though, as CEO Jim Farley declared of the future, “We’re going to have passion brands. We’re not going to have commodity products like Edges and Escapes.” EXPLORER As we go to press, Ford remains tight-lipped about the 2023 Explorer for North…

ACCORD After introducing the all-around excellent 10th-generation Accord in 2018, Honda delivers a fully redesigned Accord for 2023. New styling inside and out should look like more upscale versions of what we see with the new Civic, and we also expect updates like those Honda is bringing to its 2023 CR-V. Anticipate carryover powertrains for gas models, but with a breathed-upon 1.5-liter turbo-four featuring a wider powerband and less engine noise. The 2.0-liter turbo-four should share improvements Honda made to the Civic Type R’s engine. A redesigned Accord Hybrid will almost certainly implement the dual-motor hybrid system Honda also uses in the 2023 CR-V Hybrid, which is slightly less powerful but torquier than the outgoing model. We think it’s safe to expect the 2023 Accord will include the CR-V’s technological…

GRAND CHEROKEE The big—and pretty much only—news here is that the Trailhawk package is now exclusive to the 4xe plug-in hybrid version. Trailhawk 4xe models are known by their knobbier tires, blue tow hooks, blue-trimmed 18-inch wheels, and black and blue matte “Trailhawk” hood decal. Order one, and you can expect 25 miles of electric range, 56 mpg-e, 375 hp, 470 lb-ft of torque, 2.72:1 low-range gearing for a 47.4:1 crawl ratio, a rear electronic limited-slip differential, 10.9 inches of ground clearance, and the ability to ford up to 24 inches of water. Naturally, the Trailhawk 4xe conquered the Rubicon Trail to earn Jeep’s “Trail Rated” badge—but it also did so solely using electricity via the selectable Electric mode. WAGONEER A new L model offers more passenger room by splicing…

DEFENDER The 90 and 110 gain a range-topping big brother: the 130. It has the same wheelbase as the 110, but the 130 features 13.4 inches of additional rear bodywork to accommodate a more spacious three-row, eight-person configuration with 13.7 cubic feet of stowage while all seats are in place. The 130’s approach angle is the same as the 110’s, but its bigger booty reduces the departure angle about 9 degrees, to 28.5. Inside, the third row gets standard seat heaters and USB-C ports, and four-zone climate control is a 130-exclusive option. The 130 won’t launch with the Defender’s V-8 option, instead serving up Land Rover’s mild hybrid 3.0-liter turbocharged I-6 in 296-hp/347-lb-ft and 395-hp/406-lb-ft strengths. A First Edition model is limited to the 2023 model year. RANGE ROVER The…

EMIRA This is the final gas-powered Lotus before the storied automaker succumbs to the sweet embrace of full electrification. As the company moves away from solely building wispy, scintillating sports cars—an electric SUV is on the way—the charismatic Emira places comfort, usability, and quality alongside razor-sharp handling on its list of priorities. It uses Lotus’ familiar bonded and extruded aluminum construction but in a new platform that allows for a roomier interior. The cabin is trimmed nicely and packed with modern tech touches such as a 10.3-inch central touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rain-sensing wipers, adaptive cruise control, and lane keep assist. Power comes from an AMG-sourced 365-hp turbo-four or a 400-hp 3.5-liter supercharged Toyota V-6. We’ve driven the V-6 Emira and found the…

3 The versatile, compact 3 courts shoppers with two body styles, two engines, two transmissions, and even available AWD. For 2023, the 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine, the powerplant under the hood of most 3 trims, gets increases in both power and fuel economy—efficiency has held back the 3 against its rivals in the past. This engine improvement is timely, as the weak 2.0-liter in the base model is gone. CX-30 Like the 3, the CX-30 benefits from an updated 2.5-liter four-cylinder. We’ve called the non-turbo CX-30 “a bit underpowered” in the past, so we look forward to testing the changes on Mazda’s smallest SUV. CX-50 The CX-50 isn’t a CX-5 replacement—the latter continues—but is instead Mazda’s interpretation of the outdoorsy crossover segment led by the Subaru Outback. Unlike the Subie,…

CLUBMAN The Clubman is mostly unchanged for 2023, but Mini expanded the color availability for last year’s multitone roof option, and there’s a new Untold Edition with Sage Green Metallic paint and brass accents. Also, the Driver Assistance package now includes park assist and a head-up display, but adaptive cruise control is now a stand-alone option. CONVERTIBLE A Resolute Edition brings a Rebel Green exterior and bronze trim to Mini’s droptop. Beyond that, the Driver Assistance package gains a head-up display and park assist here, too, while adaptive cruise control is separated as an individual option as it is for the Clubman. COOPER SE We anticipate a major update for 2024, but the electric Mini is largely unchanged this year. Minor updates include the available Resolute Edition, new multitone roof…

2 The mechanical heat pump in the Plus package has been revised to provide additional mileage in extreme temperatures, and the dual-motor model gets 11 more miles of range for a total of 260. Way more exciting, the BST Edition 270 is a production version of Polestar’s Goodwood hill climb car. Regarding the name, BST is for “Beast,” and 270 is for the number of cars that will be built. (Just 47 will come to the U.S.) Each one will cost $75,000 or so; for that sum, the car is juiced from 408 hp and 487 lb-ft to 476 hp and 502 lb-ft, lowered by nearly an inch on special Öhlins adjustable front dampers with remote reservoirs, and outfitted with a strut tower brace, unique 21-inch wheels, and specific software…

R1S EV maker Rivian’s hotly anticipated second model is a three-row SUV version of its MotorTrend Truck of the Year–winning R1T pickup. The R1S is built on the same architecture and shares nearly all its hardware with the R1T but covers them with a boxy SUV body rather than one with an open bed. R1S Launch Edition models will come with a four-motor electric powertrain, with an individual unit powering each wheel separately for precise control and metering of torque. Later, a dual-motor powertrain with one motor in front and one in the rear will become the entry-level option, with the quad-motor drivetrain available as an upgrade. With four motors, the R1S is estimated to hit 60 mph in just 3.0 seconds. All R1S SUVs will be offered with Standard…

MODEL Y The Model Y Standard Range AWD produced by Tesla’s new Gigafactory in Texas might look the same, but its 4680-type structural battery pack has a new design and chemistry to reduce cost, increase range, and improve charging speed. The new model’s 279 miles of range is within 50 miles of the current Long Range trim’s, though it’s being offered initially only to Tesla employees as the company tests the new battery assembly. These models also incorporate single-piece “megacast” front and rear subframes to make production simpler and cheaper. The user interface is also faster than previous iterations, courtesy of additional computing power. Navigation now requires a subscription after eight years on all new Teslas. CYBERTRUCK No, we didn’t forget about the Cybertruck, even if it seems at times…

ID4 Volkswagen’s sensibly sized electric SUV receives minor changes as production moves from Germany to VW’s Chattanooga, Tennessee, factory. Only three years into its lifecycle, the 2023 ID4 won’t get any significant revisions. The biggest update is an increase in peak charge rate from 125 to 135 kW; 2021 and 2022 ID4s will benefit, too, thanks to an over-the-air software update. Base rear-drive examples can now travel up to 275 miles on a charge and feature one motor that makes 201 hp and 229 lb-ft of torque, while dual-motor AWD variants return up to 251 miles and have 295 hp and 339 lb-ft. ID BUZZ Although not expected to hit dealers stateside until late 2024, anticipation is building for the reborn electric Microbus. Foreign markets will get the standard-wheelbase van…

“It wasn’t immediate, but the Odyssey has won over at least one minivan convert.”Ed Loh Unresolved problems None Maintenance cost $92.52 (oil change, inspection, tire rotation) Normal wear $0 Base price $39,635 As tested $39,635 EPA City/Hwy/Comb fuel econ 19/28/22 mpg After many months driving a Honda Odyssey EX-L, my wife, Julia, and I have thoughts about our first minivan “ownership” experience as a couple. This was her first time in the segment; she grew up with American pickups and, as an adult, rotated through Japanese and German compact cars. I, however, have vast minivan experience, both professionally and personally. After our Chevrolet Caprice Classic station wagon, my parents went on a minivan bender. First it was a blue 1985 VW Vanagon GL. Then came our white egg van, a…

Service Life 3 months/12,281 miles Average Fuel Econ 10.0 mpg “Scientific? Not at all. But when you’re heads-up with an R1T, do you have any choice but to race?”Miguel Cortina Unresolved problems None Maintenance cost $0 Normal wear $0 Base price $72,020 As tested $91,185 EPA City/Hwy/Comb fuel econ 10/14/12 mpg At MotorTrend, we’re huge fans of drag races. Any time we have a chance to safely race cars, trucks, or SUVs side by side, we take it. One such opportunity presented itself when we took a coast-to-coast off-road road trip in the Rivian R1T, with our long-term Ram 1500 TRX along for the ride. We had no choice but to test whether the 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 could beat four electric motors One major caveat: This drag race isn’t anything…