Innholdsfortegnelse for January 2023 i MotorTrend

As you know, the automotive industry is living in a transitional period as it moves from internal combustion engines to battery electric powertrains. We saw this coming 10 years ago when we named the Tesla Model S our 2013 Car of the Year, making it the first electric vehicle to ever take home the Golden Calipers. Since then, Tesla has positioned itself as a dominant player in the luxury market, not just among EVs. Last year, the company delivered more Model 3s than Audi did the A4, BMW the 3 Series, and Mercedes the C-Class—combined. And in the past decade, MotorTrend has recognized other EVs with its top honors, including the Chevrolet Bolt, Lucid Air, and Rivian R1T. Today, we’re testing more electric vehicles than ever, including during our SUV…

Small car plus big V-8 engine: It’s been a surefire performance formula since the original Pontiac GTO. With its rumbling V-8 ready to brew up a storm, the nuggety C 63 has always felt right at home here in the land that invented the muscle car. There’s no shortage of muscle under the skin of the new Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance sedan. It packs 670 hp and 752 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful C 63 sedan ever, capable of hitting 60 mph in 3.2 seconds, according to AMG. But it only has four cylinders. Sacrilege? Heresy? Not at all, AMG chief technical officer Jochen Hermann says as he drives a camouflaged C 63 prototype onto the 2.5-mile racetrack at the sprawling Mercedes-Benz proving ground some…

JUDGES/TESTERS ERICK AYAPANA Associate Road Test Editor DUNCAN BRADY Associate Editor MORAY CALLUM Automotive Design Expert GORDON DICKIE Automotive Industry and Engineering Expert ZACH GALE Buyer’s Guide Director AARON GOLD Senior Editor ERIK JOHNSON Digital Director ALAN LAU Road Test Analyst ALEX LEANSE Associate Editor ED LOH Head of Editorial ALISA PRIDDLE Detroit Editor CHRISTIAN SEABAUGH Features Editor ERIC TINGWALL Testing Director CHRIS WALTON Road Test Editor JUSTIN WESTBROOK Senior Editor…

PROS Athletic styling • Tons of standard equipment • Comfy seats CONS Engine doesn’t sound good • Subpremium materials and switchgear • AWD system needs work VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV  ENGINE, TRANSMISSION 2.0L turbo direct-injected DOHC 16-valve I-4, 9-speed automatic  CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 3,999 lb (59/41%)  WHEELBASE 109.4 in  LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 182.5 x 74.1 x 64.6 in  ON SALE Now The redesigned second-gen Buick Envision made its debut last year and recently became available in the brand’s range-topping Avenir trim, which is akin to GMC’s Denali line in that it aims to deliver improved materials and a more premium experience for occupants. The Envision’s new exterior redesign is a success with an athletic and handsome mien, and the Avenir gets 20-inch wheels and clear taillights for an even more attractive…

PROS Clean interior design • Standard driver assist features • Good road manners CONS Painfully slow • Lacks the typical Honda charm • Less efficient than before VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV  ENGINE, TRANSMISSION 2.0L port-injected DOHC 16-valve I-4, cont variable auto  CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 3,290 lb (58/42%)  WHEELBASE 104.5 in  LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 179.8 x 72.4 x 63.4 in  ON SALE Now Sub-$30,000 SUVs can be hard to find in 2022; the average new vehicle transaction price topped $48,000 in August. And the newly redesigned CR-V ditches its base model—which means Honda’s compact SUV is pricier than ever. Thankfully, the automaker has an all-new version of the CR-V’s smaller and more affordable sibling, the HR-V. This is now the only offering in Honda’s SUV lineup with a base model priced below $30K,…

PROS Sharp exterior and interior styling • Standard AWD • Low base price CONS Toyota RAV4 Prime has more electric range • Fussy controls • Not efficient among PHEV SUVs VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine/motor, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV  ENGINE, TRANSMISSION 1.6L direct-injected DOHC 16-valve I-4 plus permanent-magnet elec, 6-speed automatic  CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 4,202 lb (58/42%)  WHEELBASE 108.5 in  LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 182.3 x 73.4 x 64.0 (est) in  ON SALE Now Viewed strictly within the Hyundai ecosystem, the Tucson Plug-in Hybrid is great. Unmistakable styling, a long warranty, and a base price well below $40,000 are only the beginning. The plug-in is also the quietest, the most efficient, and—get this—the quickest Tucson. Although we’d recommend the Tucson PHEV to the right buyer, this SUV doesn’t shine as bright when you consider the competition from other…

PROS Useful all-electric driving potential • Spacious, versatile, and functional • Excellent driver assist features CONS Disadvantageous powertrain strategy • Hesitant accelerator responses • Six-seat configuration is mandatory VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine/motor, AWD, 6-pass, 4-door SUV  ENGINE/MOTOR, TRANSMISSION 1.6L turbo direct-injected DOHC 16-valve I-4 plus permanent-magnet elec, 6-speed automatic  CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 4,615 lb (55/45%)  WHEELBASE 110.8 in  LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 189.4 x 74.8 x 66.7 in  ON SALE Now We’re Sorento fans over here. The gas-powered version of this crossover enabled fun adventures during its stay in our long-term review fleet and was a surprise finalist at our 2022 SUV of the Year competition. Much has changed since then. Gas prices now hover in the realm of absurdity, making this a great time for the Sorento plug-in hybrid, a late addition to the lineup,…

PROS Fun to drive • Premium interior details • Attractive styling CONS Firm ride • Heavy steering effort • Small panoramic moonroof opening AWD; TURBO AWD VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV  ENGINE, TRANSMISSION 2.5L direct-injected DOHC 16-valve I-4; 2.5L turbo direct-injected DOHC 16-valve I-4, 6-speed automatic  CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 3,779 lb (58/42%); 3,863 lb (59/41%)  WHEELBASE 110.8 in  LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 185.8 x 75.6 x 63.5 in  ON SALE Now Mazda ventures farther into the outdoors than it ever has with the new CX-50. For buyers seeking the go-anywhere look and capability of the Subaru Outback in a less shouty design, the CX-50 could be their ride. Or at least, that’s how Mazda might present its case. So don’t judge it simply based on its stylish headlights, long hood, and entertaining driving…

PROS Usable electric-only range • Quick charging capability • Feature-rich, comfortable interior CONS Puny third row • Wheezy, droning gas engine • Soft suspension struggles with hefty curb weight VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, AWD, 7-pass, 4-door SUV  ENGINE/MOTOR, TRANSMISSION 2.4L direct-injection Atkinson-cycle DOHC 16-valveI-4 plus front/rear elec, CVT plus 1-speed auto  CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 4,747 lb (53/47%)  WHEELBASE 106.5 in  LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 185.4 x 73.2 x 68.7 in  ON SALE Winter 2022 Despite our consistent preaching at the altar of minivan superiority, some folks still can’t bring themselves to buy one. Fair enough. Until recently, if one of those buyers wanted a recommendation for a new affordable three-row plug-in hybrid family car, they’d either need to swallow their pride and buy a Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid or grab a much pricier Volvo XC90 or Lincoln Aviator.…

PROS Significantly reduced emissions • Well-equipped interior with lots of storage • Seats up to eight CONS Engine noise creeps into cabin • XSE lacks sufficient performance differentiation • Cramped third row VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, AWD, 7-pass, 4-door SUV  ENGINE, TRANSMISSION 2.4L turbo port- and direct-injected DOHC 16-valve I-4, 8-speed automatic  CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 4,411 lb (55/45%)  WHEELBASE 112.2 in  LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 197.4 x 76.0 x 68.1 in  ON SALE Fall 2022 The updated Highlander midsize SUV is just as notable for what it adds as for what it discards. The new Highlander swaps in a different gas-only powertrain as an alternative to its available hybrid setup, and the new turbocharged I-4 engine makes more torque but produces less power than the old V-6 it replaces. Can 18 percent more torque make…

PROS Excellent handling • Sublime interior design and details • Hands-free driving tech CONS That face is really something • Overcomplicated, labyrinthine infotainment • Hexagonal steering wheel isn’t for everyone VEHICLE LAYOUT Front- and rear-motor, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV  MOTORS, TRANSMISSION Brushed electromagnet, 1-speed automatic  CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 5,711 lb (48/52%)  WHEELBASE 118.1 in  LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 195.0 x 77.4 x 66.8 in  ON SALE Now From its unconventional, Johnny-Cab-meets-Ralph-McQuarrie-shuttlecraft shape to the acreage of its geometric kidney “grilles,” the BMW iX looks like nothing else on the road. And once our SUV of the Year judges laid eyes on the great, grotesque thing, its looks were all anyone could talk about. “It’s jarring and lacks cohesion.” “I can’t excuse its face.” “It looks like an overweight rodent baring its teeth.” And on and…

PROS Wide spectrum of trims and powertrains • Attractive interior with high-end materials • Intuitive Uconnect 5 infotainment system CONS No remote-folding rear seats • Lacks good lane keep assist • Aging V-6 and V-8 engines LIMITED; SUMMIT; 4XE VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine; front-engine; front-engine/motor 4WD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV  ENGINE/MOTOR, TRANSMISSION 3.6L port-injected DOHC 24-valve 60-degree V-6; 5.7L port-injected OHV 16-valve 90-degree V-8; 2.0L turbo direct-injected DOHC 16-valve I-4 + 2 front permanent-magnet elec, 8-speed auto  CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 4,473 lb (54/46%); 5,062 lb (54/46%); 5,631 lb (52/48%)  WHEELBASE 116.7 in  LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 193.5 x 77.5 x 70.8; 193.5 x 77.5 x 70.9; 193.5 x 77.5 x 70.8 in  ON SALE Now The Jeep Grand Cherokee entered its fifth generation for 2022, moving to a new platform to further enhance its on-road manners while…

PROS Spacious interior • Impressive tech for the money • Excellent hybrid model CONS Mediocre standard engine • Overall economy could be better • Frustrating dual-purpose controls X-PRO; HEV; X-LINE VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine; front-engine/motor, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV  ENGINE/MOTORS, TRANSMISSION 2.5L port- and direct-injected DOHC 16-valve I-4, 8-speed automatic; 1.6L turbo direct-injected DOHC 16-valve I-4 plus 2 permanent-magnet elec, 6-speed automatic  CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 3,715 lb (58/42%); 3,901 lb (59/41%); 4,246 lb (59/41%)  WHEELBASE 108.5 in  LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 183.5 x 73.4 x 66.9; 183.5 x 73.4 x 66.1; 183.5 x 73.4 x 66.9 in  ON SALE Now Stop! Put away those outdated preconceptions about the Kia Sportage, because most of them are wrong. Kia has transformed the Sportage, and we’re not just talking about its futuristic styling. From bumper to bumper, the new…

PROS Genuinely handsome, head-turning design • Same jaw-dropping performance as the R1T • Great interior package CONS Heat-soaking sunroof • No Apple Carplay, Android Auto, or SiriusXM • Fussy infotainment and driver assistance systems LAUNCH EDITION; LAUNCH EDITION & A/T TIRE VEHICLE LAYOUT 2x front- and 2x rear-motor, AWD, 7-pass, 4-door SUV  MOTORS, TRANSMISSIONS Permanent-magnet electric, 1-speed automatic  CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 7,068 lb (48/52%); 7,091 lb (48/52%)  WHEELBASE 121.1 in  LENGTH X WIDTH X HEIGHT 200.8 x 79.3 x 71.5–77.3 in  ON SALE Now How? HOW?! How could the Rivian R1S not be our SUV of the Year? Less than 12 months earlier we named its older brother, the R1T, our 2022 Truck of the Year. Is it possible there’s something better? Let’s explore. The R1S uses the R1T’s powertrain, down to the 133-kWh battery…

SPECS Vehicle Layout Front-engine, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door truck Engine 2.5L turbo port- and direct-injected DOHC 16-valve I-4 Power (SAE Net) 281 hp @ 5,800 rpm Torque (SAE Net) 311 lb-ft @ 1,700 rpm Transmission 8-speed twin-clutch auto Curb Weight (F/R Dist) 4,124 lb (56/44%) 0-60 MPH 6.0 sec EPA City/Hwy/Comb fuel econ 19/27/22 mpg ON SALE Now Base Price $37,425 As tested $38,020 “Time to see if Hyundai’s little pickup was worth the long gestation period.”Alisa Priddle The Hyundai Santa Cruz is coquettish. It’s been playing hard to get since we first laid eyes on the compact lifestyle truck concept at the 2015 Detroit auto show. It created enough buzz that execs said it was a surefire addition to the company’s car-heavy lineup. For years we pestered Hyundai for updates on when it would go into production. We were intrigued by a five-passenger pickup that would drive like…

Hey, Toyota—is everything, um, OK? Strapped into the new Toyota GR Corolla and sitting in pit lane awaiting our turn at a 2.1-mile section of Utah Motorsports Park’s wildly undulating road course, we felt slightly silly. Until now, we imagined, the only people who’d ever worn helmets inside a dealership-ready Corolla were unbalanced folks with visions of, well, something as absurd as a track-ready production Toyota Corolla. One such person is Toyota President Akio Toyoda. He’s been pushing the company’s Gazoo Racing (GR) subbrand, and he personally signed off on the final product. The result is the craziest showroom-spec Corolla hatchback ever built. Just how out of bounds is it? We can count on one hand the sporty Corollas sold here over the decades. It was long ago typecast as…

It sounds like every gearhead’s childhood dream: two days to drive 45 brand-new vehicles ranging from the tediously mundane to the truly magnificent, all in the consequence-free environment of Honda Proving Center. Once actually faced with the task, though, you might wish your childhood dream was to be a dentist. It’s not just the pitfalls you might encounter (scorpions, rattlesnakes, dehydration, heatstroke, irate Scotsmen, silly hats, poor liquor choices, and Christian Seabaugh’s biannual tradition of getting a car mired in sand). It’s the realization that you must evaluate each SUV thoroughly lest you miss the hidden gem, the vehicle most deserving of MotorTrend’s coveted Golden Calipers. It’s a title growing in importance. Car of the Year is arguably still our flagship award, but SUVs now make up more than half…

PROS Unstoppable off-road • Surprisingly docile and agile on pavement • This is hardcore off-roading done right CONS Wide as a building • Extreme width makes it tricky to drive and park • Engine note doesn’t match up to the rest of the package VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, 4WD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV  ENGINE, TRANSMISSION 3.0L twin-turbo direct-injected DOHC 24-valve 60-degree V-6, 10-speed automatic  CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 5,747 lb (56/44%)  WHEELBASE 116.5 in  LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 191.0 x 85.7 x 77.8 in  ON SALE Now We’re pretty sure we heard Ford’s new Bronco Raptor snicker when we brought it to the off-road course at our SUV of the Year competition. Said course is set up to test the off-road abilities of the average SUV, but when it comes to off-roading, there’s nothing average about the…

PROS Sharp handling • Accessible performance • Huge, huge fun CONS No manual or AWD options • Stiff ride • Strictly an on-pavement SUV VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, FWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV  ENGINE, TRANSMISSION 2.0L turbo direct-injected DOHC 16-valve I-4, 8-speed twin-clutch auto  CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 3,342 lb (64/36%)  WHEELBASE 102.4 in  LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 165.9 x 70.9 x 61.6 in  ON SALE Now The recently deceased Hyundai Veloster N was a magnificent, manual-offering sporty hatchback with sharp handling and tons of value and thrills. But nobody buys hatchbacks, so now Hyundai has taken its subcompact Kona SUV and given it most of the same N go-fast goodies—a smart decision given consumer tastes, but one that ultimately results in compromises on both the SUV and performance fronts. Just looking at it, you’d hardly qualify…

PROS Strong new Hurricane engine • Excellent stereo and infotainment system • Lots of space and amenities in all three rows CONS Exterior styling not distinctive enough • Weak lane keep assist • Basic three-year warranty is not competitive VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, 4WD, 7-pass, 4-door SUV  ENGINE, TRANSMISSION 3.0L twin-turbo direct-injected DOHC 24-valve I-6, 8-speed automatic  CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 6,410 lb (51/49%)  WHEELBASE 130.0 in  LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 226.7 x 83.6 x 77.3 in  ON SALE Late 2022 The Grand Wagoneer L is the largest and grandest Jeep on the market, extending more than a foot longer than the shorter-wheelbase Jeep Grand Wagoneer, which is an already huge full-size SUV. It’s a tale of two designs. The exterior is bland—with no Jeep badging, you might not guess what it is if not for…

PROS More interior cargo space • Hasn’t lost its off-road chops • Comfortable first and second rows CONS Bouncy, trucklike ride on the road • Third row is tough to access • Interior quality still falls behind competitors VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, 4WD, 7-pass, 4-door SUV  ENGINE, TRANSMISSION 3.4L twin-turbo direct-injected DOHC 24-valve 60-degree V-6, 10-speed automatic  CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 5,918 lb (53/47%)  WHEELBASE 112.2 in  LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 200.2 x 78.4 x 72.6–81.6 in  ON SALE Now The 2022 Lexus LX 600 is the all-new version of the luxury brand’s body-on-frame off-roader, even moving to an all-new chassis mostly in an attempt to make it more comfortable and handle better on-road. Yet the LX still feels strikingly old-school, for better or worse. The big change is the switch to the Toyota GA-F platform, which…

PROS Right size for city living • Handsome baby box styling • Surprisingly agile CONS Low maximum charging speed • New … except it’s not • Interior comes across as dour VEHICLE LAYOUT Front- and rear-motor, AWD, 7-pass, 4-door SUV  MOTORS, TRANSMISSIONS Asynchronous induction (front), permanent-magnet (rear) elec, 1-speed automatic  CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 4,813 lb (51/49%)  WHEELBASE 111.3 in  LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 184.4 x 72.2 x 65.6 in  ON SALE Now Who doesn’t love a juice box? Fun to look at and packed with funky flavor, they’re the perfect beverage analogue for the new Mercedes-EQ EQB electric luxury SUV—right down to the little straw. But for as much as we like the EQB 350, the SUV’s little straw, er, limited maximum charging speed, stands out as wholly inadequate in today’s EV marketplace. Where some small…

PROS Improved around-town grunt • Plush ride • High-quality materials CONS Lacks feature-per-dollar value • Dated infotainment • Still no hybrid option VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV  ENGINE, TRANSMISSION 1.5L turbo direct-injected DOHC 12-valve I-3, cont variable auto  CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 3,721 lb (58/42%)  WHEELBASE 106.5 in  LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 183.0 x 72.4 x 66.5 in  ON SALE Now Look familiar? Nissan’s compact Rogue SUV competed in our 2021 SUV of the Year contest fresh off a full redesign. We were impressed enough that it earned a finalist spot despite its thrashy, underpowered engine, but Nissan then equipped its small crossover with a new standard powerplant for 2022 and beyond. The 2022 Rogue’s new turbocharged three-cylinder engine is rare among its compact crossover competition; most of its peers rely on turbo-fours. Although there’s…

PROS Much improved fuel economy • Chiseled, chunky looks • Well-considered three-row functionality CONS Generally unrefined driving manners • Feels overwhelmed off-road • Top trims are quite expensive VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, 4WD, 7-pass, 4-door SUV  ENGINE/MOTOR, TRANSMISSION 3.4L twin-turbo port- and direct-injected DOHC 24-valve 60-degree V-6 plus front elec, 10-speed automatic CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 6,183 lb (50/50%)  WHEELBASE 122.0 in  LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 208.1 x 79.6 x 74.5 in  ON SALE Now After 14 years, the Toyota Sequoia turns a new leaf and is—finally—redesigned for 2023. Beyond its headline-grabbing turbocharged V-6 hybrid powertrain, the third-gen Sequoia’s design and features are thoroughly modernized. Even so, the Sequoia seemed old-school amid the futuristic field at our 2023 SUV of the Year contest. Hybridization drastically improves this full-sizer’s efficiency; it gets better city fuel economy than its…

PROS Stunning, distinctive design • Natural brake feel for an EV • Google Maps can plan charge stops CONS Fussy exterior door handles • Must use infotainment for basic tasks • Early-run build quality needs improvement VEHICLE LAYOUT Rear-motor, RWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV  MOTOR, TRANSMISSION Permanent-magnet elec, 1-speed automatic  CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 5,654 lb (49/51%)  WHEELBASE 121.8 in  LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 196.7 x 77.8 x 63.9 in  ON SALE Now The Lyriq, which ushers in Cadillac’s electric vehicle future, is being unfairly critiqued by those doubting EVs in general and Cadillac in particular. Here’s what we concluded after our judging: The Lyriq is a strong harbinger of what’s to come for the marque, thanks to its striking good looks, spirited driving dynamics, excellent regenerative braking, and innovative touches. From a styling perspective, the Lyriq…

PROS Excellent new Hurricane I-6 engine • Huge, well-appointed interior • Handles well for such a large SUV CONS Body-on-frame shudder over rough pavement • Nondescript exterior styling • Weak lane keep assist VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, 4WD, 7-pass, 4-door SUV  ENGINE, TRANSMISSION 3.0L twin-turbo direct-injected DOHC 24-valve I-6, 8-speed automatic  CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 6,410 lb (51/49%)  WHEELBASE 130.0 in  LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 226.7 x 83.6 x 77.3 in  ON SALE Late 2022 The 2023 Jeep Wagoneer L is a new long-wheelbase model—the L is more than a foot longer than the standard version—introduced to compete with other behemoths such as the Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon XL, and Ford Expedition Max. The idea is that the L can carry up to eight passengers and all their stuff, providing extra utility over the short-wheelbase Wagoneer,…

PROS Looks expensive • Smells expensive • Performs as a Range Rover should CONS It is expensive • Closely resembles the old one • Base engine not nearly as nice as the optional one P400; P530 VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, 4WD, 7-pass, 4-door SUV; front-engine, 4WD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV  ENGINE/MOTOR, TRANSMISSION 3.0L turbo and e-superch’d, direct-injected DOHC 24-valve I-6 plus permanent-magnet elec*; 4.4L twin-turbo direct-injected DOHC 32-valve 90-degree V-8, 8-speed automatic  CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 5,938 lb (50/50%); 5,980 lb (49/51%)  WHEELBASE 126.0; 118.0 in  LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 207.0 x 80.6 x 73.6; 198.9 x 80.6 x 73.6 in  ON SALE Now The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover is a feast for the senses. Words like “looks,” “feels,” “sounds,” and even “smells” were common in our SUV of the Year judges’ notes. Land Rover’s attempt to…

Most EV owners rarely think about where or when they’ll charge their car next. Typically, they plug in at home and wake up to a full battery. But there’s nothing typical about MotorTrend’s SUV of the Year program, where we gather the newest SUVs for 10 days of intense evaluation in the California desert. With 14 EVs and seven plug-in hybrids among 45 contenders, the far-flung public charging stations in the surrounding areas weren’t going to cut it. In years past, we’ve occasionally charged EVs at these events with massive diesel generators, but portable charging power has matured alongside EV technology in general. The hydrogen fuel cells we used this year made for a significantly quieter and cleaner competition. Those fuel cells came courtesy of Hydrotec, a division of General…

Service Life 2 months/3,383 miles Average Fuel Econ 17.8 miles Unresolved problems None Maintenance cost $0 Normal wear $0 Base price $42,774 As tested $43,170 EPA City/Hwy/Comb fuel econ 23/29/25 mpg “A trip to Yosemite provides a bit of adventure.”Alex Leanse With the CX-50, Mazda seeks to make outdoor adventure a new brand attribute in addition to the sportiness its vehicles are known for. Our SUVOTY evaluations already put the CX-50 through standardized off-road testing (page 47), but a recent road trip to Yosemite National Park provided additional insights. We stayed in Oakhurst, where our retreat was reachable only by a steep, winding offshoot. Traversing that and other twisty stretches around Yosemite, the Mazda felt in its element. These roads suited its lithe handling and adept chassis tuning. Weighty steering…

I’m hammering an Audi RS 5 Sportback along a quiet Spanish road with Audi Sport chassis development engineer Andrei Filep riding shotgun in the passenger seat. We’re talking about steering feel and weighting. “It’s a topic of endless debate,” he acknowledges as the Audi darts from apex to apex through a quick series of corners. This RS 5 Sportback is fitted with Audi Sport’s new Competition Plus options package, which, among other things such as an upgraded rear diff and height-adjustable coil-over suspension, includes new steering with a 13.1:1 fixed ratio. It’s one of the quickest steering setups on a modern production car, and it’s integral to making the Competition Plus–equipped RS 5 one of the most agile and responsive front-engine Audis I’ve ever driven. But why, I ask Filep,…

“I always see a streamliner badge,” SangYup Lee says when describing Hyundai’s swoopy new EV. But when the Hyundai design chief shows pictures of classic streamlined vehicles he says inspired the Ioniq 6’s design, he isn’t playing visual games. This is one of the most aerodynamic sedans ever built. While the newest addition to Hyundai’s electric car lineup shares its platform and powertrain technology with the highly regarded Ioniq 5, the soap-bar-smooth Ioniq 6 has a claimed drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.21, compared with the relatively bricklike Ioniq 5’s 0.29. All that wind-cheating means the Ioniq 6 should have 15–20 percent better range than the 5 across the board, largely thanks to its aero. For our first drive of the Ioniq 6, Hyundai put us in a fully loaded AWD…

Have you noticed about every 10 years or so, your phone’s performance takes a leap forward? Clunky first-gen 1980s car phones and bag phones carried analog voice communication only. Things sounded better with second-gen (2G) digital voice service in the early ’90s. New-millennium 3G could send and receive data (simple websites and texting). When 4G and LTE mobile broadband brought the full internet in the 2010s, drivers proved unwilling to ignore their phones, so cars evolved with screen mirroring. Now, get ready for the biggest leap of them all: 5G. Fifth-gen wireless tech relies on broadcast technology like 4G’s, but you won’t be able to flash-upgrade a 4G phone. That’s because 5G is designed to operate over a broader range of radio frequency spectra. Leveraging multiple frequencies allows 5G to…

Before you read a word, look at the pictures accompanying this story and answer this question: If the 911 GT3 RS carried a sticker price of $1 million, how long would you need to pick yourself up after you collapsed in laughter? Whatever your estimate, it’s likely fair enough on the surface. The 911’s enduring, insuperable popularity has encouraged Porsche to crank out as many derivatives of its 59-year-old sports car as its assembly lines can accommodate—and selling every one of them, mind you. Another year, another month, another week; ho-hum, look out, here comes another 911! People who don’t get it understandably hit the snooze button. If the average 911’s ubiquity is at least partially a result of its inherent goodness, the GT3 RS is the line’s bucket of…

PROS Great audio system • Nice steering feel • More fun to drive than the standard MDX CONS Not as fast as it sounds • Not as sporty as it looks • Poor brake and transmission tuning VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, AWD, 7-pass, 4-door SUV  ENGINE, TRANSMISSION 3.0L turbo direct-injected DOHC 24-valve 60-degree V-6, 10-speed automatic  CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 4,769 lb (58/42%)  WHEELBASE 113.8 in  LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 198.4 x 78.7 x 67.1 in  ON SALE Now A year ago, the Acura MDX went home from our SUV of the Year competition empty-handed as it felt a touch underpowered, unrefined, and claustrophobic in the third row. The updated MDX Type S—a new high(er)-performance variant—aims to right those wrongs and have its vengeance. Acura made three major changes to the MDX in creating the new Type…

PROS Genesis designers clearly had fun with this one • 800-volt architecture = seriously quick charging • It’s a blast! CONS Interior quality is a mixed bag • More expensive than its Hyundai/Kia siblings but not notably better • Limited availability VEHICLE LAYOUT Front- and rear-motor, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV  MOTORS, TRANSMISSIONS Permanent-magnet elec, 1-speed automatic  CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 4,863 lb (50/50%)  WHEELBASE 114.2 in  LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 177.8 x 77.4 x 62.6 in  ON SALE Now At most big, full-line automakers—say, GM, Volkswagen, or Toyota—it’s easy for the luxury brands to stand out from their mainstream counterparts. The luxe variants usually have more power, more advanced technology, and more upscale interiors. Here, Hyundai Motor Group doesn’t grant its luxury arm, Genesis, that grace. The undeniable strength of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and…

PROS Impressively low base price • 30-mile electric range • Spacious interior CONS Apple CarPlay and Android Auto require a cord • Lacks a use-EV-miles-later mode • Busy front styling VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine/motor, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV  ENGINE, TRANSMISSION 1.6L direct-injected DOHC 16-valve I-4 plus elec, 6-speed automatic  CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 4,496 lb (56/44%)  WHEELBASE 108.9 in  LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 188.4 x 74.8 x 66.3 in  ON SALE Now Hyundai is the rare automaker offering something for nothing. Well, in a way. When you consider the Santa Fe plug-in hybrid, you’re getting a midsize SUV with PHEV technology for essentially the same price as the compact Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in. With no other midsize competitors for less than $60K, the Santa Fe plug-in hybrid deserves some recognition just for existing. The electrified Hyundai is an…

PROS Airy, attractive, practical cabin layout • Impressive digital displays • Three ways to save on gas CONS Choppy, noisy ride quality • EV model’s slow recharging • Simply not an SUV EV; HYBRID; PHEV VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-motor; front-engine/motor, FWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV  ENGINE/MOTOR, TRANSMISSION Permanent-magnet elec, 1-speed automatic; 1.6L direct-injected DOHC 16-valve I-4 plus permanent-magnet elec, 6-speed twin-clutch auto  CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 3,717 lb (56/44%); 3,216 lb (60/40%); 3,465 lb (57/43%)  WHEELBASE 107.0; 107.1 in  LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 174.0 x 71.8 x 61.8; 174.0 x 71.8 x 60.8 in  ON SALE Now Here’s a rare instance where the Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo can be equated to the Kia Niro. Not because of its electrified focus, but because we struggled to decide which Of The Year contest to invite them to—SUV or Car? In…

PROS Magnificent engine and chassis • Thrilling to drive • Dripping with Italian charm CONS High price • Hard ride • Alfa Romeo Stelvio delivers similar thrills for less cash VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV  ENGINE, TRANSMISSION 3.0L twin-turbo port- and direct-injected DOHC 24-valve 90-degree V-6, 8-speed automatic  CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 4,584 lb (53/47%)  WHEELBASE 114.2 in  LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 191.3 x 77.9 x 65.3 in  ON SALE Fall 2022 Although it wears an SUV body, Maserati’s new Grecale Trofeo is an Italian exotic in nearly every other respect, and if the visuals don’t make that obvious, firing up and revving the 523-hp MC20-sourced engine sure as hell will. From the lipstick-red interior to the screaming turbo engine, no other contender in our SUV of the Year competition waved the flag for…

PROS Quiet, somewhat nimble driving experience • First-class accommodations up front • Big, smart HUD CONS Not as refined as EQS sedan • Nonlinear brake feel • Awkwardly designed third row VEHICLE LAYOUT Front- and rear-motor, AWD, 7-pass, 4-door SUV  MOTORS, TRANSMISSIONS Permanent-magnet elec, 1-speed automatic  CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 6,423 lb (48/52%)  WHEELBASE 126.4 in  LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 201.8 x 77.1 x 67.8 in  ON SALE Fall 2022 As full electric luxury flagship SUVs go, the EQS 580 certainly looks like it has the goods to take out the Tesla Model X. Prior to the arrival of this Benz and the Rivian R1S, the Tesla was the only three-row, seven-passenger electric SUV. Mercedes brings the right specs. At 107.8 kWh, the 580’s battery is larger than the Model X’s and is second only to the…

PROS Lots of standard safety features • Available high-end convenience features • Straightforward, easy-to-use controls CONS Sluggish acceleration • Driving dynamics are less than dynamic • Some cheap interior fittings VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV  ENGINE, TRANSMISSION 2.0L direct-injected DOHC 16-valve I-4, cont variable auto  CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 3,389 lb (59/41%)  WHEELBASE 103.9 in  LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 175.6 x 71.9 x 64.8 in  ON SALE Now We’ll be honest: None of us expected Toyota’s new Corolla Cross to win SUV of the Year, nor did we expect it to be a raging disappointment. We figured Toyota’s newest SUV, which squeezes into the lineup between the smaller C-HR and larger RAV4, would exhibit the kind of hard-working, no-frills competence that keeps society functioning. And that’s exactly what it did. The Corolla Cross…

PROS Shocking, bat-out-of-hell acceleration • Stylish, sustainable interior • Cute crossover-coupe countenance CONS Poor handling • Head-tossing ride • Range is only adequate VEHICLE LAYOUT Front- and rear-motor, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV  MOTORS, TRANSMISSIONS Permanent-magnet elec, 1-speed automatic  CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 4,762 lb (52/48%)  WHEELBASE 106.4 in  LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 174.8 x 73.7 x 62.8 in ON SALE Now In one obvious way, there is less to love about the Volvo C40 Recharge compared to its older brother, the XC40 Recharge. The two all-electric crossovers are based on the same architecture, including a 75-kWh battery pack and single-speed automatic transmissions, but the rearward-sloping roofline of the coupelike C40 means it provides less cargo-carrying capacity (with a gain of 3 miles of range, to 226 miles total on a full charge). Safety has long been Volvo’s…

PROS Excellent build quality and engineering • Peppy handling, comfortable ride • Straightforward, functional, user-friendly CONS Prosaic exterior design • Outdated technology features • Less value than some of its peers EX-L; HYBRID VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine; front-engine/motor, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV  ENGINE/MOTOR, TRANSMISSIONS 1.5L turbo direct-injected DOHC 16-valve I-4, cont variable auto; 2.0L direct-injected Atkinson-cycle DOHC 16-valve I-4 plus permanent-magnet elec, 2-sp auto (gas), 1-sp auto (elec)  CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 3,613 lb (58/42%); 3,904 lb (59/41%)  WHEELBASE 106.3 in  LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 184.8 x 73.5 x 66.5 in  ON SALE Fall 2022 Few vehicles at our 2023 SUV of the Year carried higher expectations than the CR-V. After all, it won the contest the last two times it was eligible, in 2015 and 2018. The attributes we praised in those victories remain largely true…

PROS Usable range and quick charging • Bonkers EV6 GT and fun volume models • Well-done standard driver assists CONS Carlike seating position (if you want an SUV, that is) • Finicky dual-purpose touch controls • Not as intriguing as its Hyundai cousin GT-LINE RWD; GT-LINE AWD; GT VEHICLE LAYOUT Rear-motor, RWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV; front- and rear-motor, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV  MOTORS, TRANSMISSIONS Permanent-magnet elec, 1-speed automatic  CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 4,393 lb (46/54%); 4,668 lb (49/51%); 4,790 lb (49/51%)  WHEELBASE 114.4; 114.4 in; 114.2 in  LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 184.8 x 74.4 x 60.8 in  ON SALE Now; now; winter 2022 As the SUV sphere has shifted from majority truck-based behemoths to crossovers with car underpinnings to the more recent crop of low-slung hatchback EVs marketed as crossovers, we constantly discuss what qualifies…

PROS Good-looking exterior, great-looking interior • Outstanding Pro Pilot Assist system • Approachable and easy to operate CONS High price for what you get • Range, charging speed, and one-pedal mode are just OK • Vague steering with strange off-center feel VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-motor, FWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV  MOTOR, TRANSMISSION Permanent-magnet elec, 1-speed automatic  CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 4,725 lb (53/47%)  WHEELBASE 109.3 in  LENGTH X WIDTH X HEIGHT 182.9 x 74.8 x 65.7 in  ON SALE Now There was plenty of debate at this year’s SUV of the Year competition about which electric vehicles were really SUVs and which were merely hatchbacks. The judges were split on many aspects of Nissan’s all-new Ariya, but we all agreed it’s an SUV through and through. It certainly makes a good first impression. “Design is probably its strongest…

What is an SUV? No, seriously. Ask a dozen people and you’ll get a dozen answers. To some, it’s a body-on-frame vehicle with four-wheel drive, much like the original Jeeps that birthed the segment. To others it’s a two-box shape with high ground clearance and room for a weekend getaway. Yet others define it as any hatchback larger than a typical car. We can all agree, generally, what an SUV should do but not on what it should look like. As Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart once said when struggling to define pornography, “I know it when I see it.” Well, we know a great SUV when we drive one. A great SUV must inspire confidence; it’s capable of commuting comfortably, road-tripping for days, and tackling both snow and light…

Service Life 13 months/23,539 miles Base Price $74,895 As Tested $96,895 Average Fuel Econ 17.6 mpg Options Executive package ($4,100: remote engine start, soft-close doors, panoramic sunroof, head-up display), Dynamic Handling package ($3,850: active steering, M Sport brakes), Bowers & Wilkins sound ($3,400); Merino leather ($2,450); Drivers Assistance Professional package ($1,700: Traffic Jam Assist, Active Driving Assistant Pro), Luxury Seating package ($1,600: front ventilated and massaging seats), 22" wheels ($1,300); Cold Weather package ($1,200: front and rear heated seats, 5-zone climate control); Alcantara headliner ($1,000); leather dashboard ($850); trailer hitch ($550) Problem Areas None Maintenance Cost $0 (2x inspection, oil change; 1 in-cabin air filter) Normal Wear $0 3-Year Residual Value* $90,600 (94%) Recalls None *IntelliChoice data; assumes 42,000 miles at the end of three years. “BMW’s biggest boat isn’t bad, but it could be better.”William…