All The Best New Car Reveals Of 2023 (2024)

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Read in this article:

• Plus-Size EVs
• America’s Favorite Muscle Cars Go Rogue
• Family-Friendly SUVs Aren't Boring Anymore
• Electrified Supercars
• Refreshing Iconic Nameplates
• Special Mention: Volvo EX30
• Honorable Mentions: A Little Bit Of Everything

Plus-Size EVs

In this first group of the best new car models of 2023, we see three entrants providing electric alternatives to large vehicles that would have otherwise required a big, gas-guzzling V8 just a few years ago.

Tesla Cybertruck

Years of spy shots and leaks took some of the sting out of the Tesla Cybertruck's official unveiling, but it finally happened in 2023. Deliveries also began, albeit to a small group of people only, as Tesla works towards ramping up production. Despite the long delay, the Cybertruck is expected to disrupt the pickup segment in a big way, potentially spelling trouble for the Ford F-150 Lightning. We expect the Cybertruck to succeed, even with a much higher price tag than initially promised.

Ram 1500 Ramcharger

The Ram 1500 Ramcharger looks more conventional than the Cybertruck, but its key differentiator is a V6 engine that creates mechanical horsepower that's converted to electrical power. By so doing, it allows the Ram - driven exclusively by electric motors - to cover almost 700 miles on a full charge. This setup also gives the Ram better towing capabilities than a conventional electric pickup like the Ford F-150 Lightning. The revolutionary Ram will arrive in the fourth quarter of 2024.

Cadillac Escalade IQ

Whereas the Cybertruck and Ramcharger can be used as hard-working pickups, the Escalade IQ focuses purely on transporting larger families around in ultimate comfort - but without high fuel bills. This is the first time the Escalade nameplate has gone fully electric, and an even larger model that could be called the Escalade IQL is coming. The IQ is clearly related to the smaller Lyriq, but it has up to 750 hp to play with.

Kia EV9

As things stand right now, the three-row Kia EV9 has no direct rival. You simply won't find another three-row electric SUV at the Kia's starting price of around $55,000. There is the Mercedes EQB, but that's a significantly smaller vehicle sold at a premium price. Besides its unique positioning, the EV9 has concept-like styling and excellent space utilization.

America’s Favorite Muscle Cars Go Rogue

The Dodge Challenger and Ford Mustang have remained America's top-selling muscle cars, with the Chevrolet Camaro - which has just gone out of production - having to settle for third spot. In 2023, Dodge and Ford revealed two high-octane versions of their classic muscle cars, but one costs $200,000 more than the other.

Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170

When running on an E85 ethanol mix, the SRT Demon 170 produces an astonishing 1,025 hp from its supercharged 6.2-liter V8. Its performance is simply staggering, with a 0-60 mph time of 1.66 seconds and an NHRA-certified quarter-mile time of under nine seconds. It's the ultimate version of a string of SRT-badged Challengers that have won countless drag-strip battles. Even at almost $100,000, the 170's performance makes it a bit of a bargain.

Ford Mustang GTD

At $300,000, the Mustang GTD is far more expensive than the Challenger mentioned above yet makes "only" 800 hp. But the GTD is about so much more than straight-line speed, being developed alongside the Mustang GT3 race car. It has a pushrod rear suspension with hydraulically adjustable inboard shocks and springs, aerodynamic tech more commonly found on supercars, and outrageous styling.

Family-Friendly SUVs Aren't Boring Anymore

Spacious two- and three-row SUVs are massively popular in America, emphasized by vehicles like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride. Three key new debuts in 2023 add to a talented group of vehicles, and all will be available with hybrid power.

Hyundai Sante Fe

Hyundai injected new life into one of its oldest nameplates by revealing a completely different Santa Fe a few months ago. Its boxy styling is a total departure from the previous model, while the enormous tailgate and provision for a third seating row make it particularly practical. Knowing the market's appetite for three-row SUVs, the Sante Fe can hardly fail, and the upcoming hybrid model will add further appeal.

Mazda CX-90

This is one of our favorite new car releases of 2023. With elegant styling, a standard six-cylinder engine, and a gorgeously crafted interior, the Mazda CX-90 has emerged as one of the nicest three-row SUVs to drive. It has an expansive lineup of trims, and the upper ones deliver a luxury experience akin to that of a German SUV. The sub-$40,000 base model is great value for money, even if it misses out on some of the best features.

Toyota Land Cruiser

Toyota revealed a unique Land Cruiser for the USA after the nameplate went on a three-year hiatus. The new one is smaller than before but gains rugged looks and a far lower starting price in the mid-$50,000 range. By returning to its roots as a tough, more attainable SUV, Toyota has a potential winner on its hands, and we can't wait to see how it stacks up against the Ford Bronco.

Electrified Supercars

In 2023, at least three important electrified supercars were revealed, further rewriting the rulebook for how carmakers can achieve ultimate performance.

Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale

For the first time since the departure of the 4C, Alfa has a flagship mid-engine sports car, while honoring the original 33 Stradale with its name. Intriguingly, the new 33 Stradale comes with both twin-turbo V6 (612 hp) and fully electric (740 hp) powertrain options. The latter can hit over 200 mph yet also has a WLTP-estimated range of 280 miles. Being an Alfa, it comes as no surprise that the 33 Stradale is a strikingly styled specimen.

Lamborghini Revuelto

Effectively replacing the Aventador Ultimae, the Revuelto is Lamborghini's first HPEV (High Performance Electrified Vehicle), pairing a V12 with a trio of electric motors to make 1,001 hp combined. It will rocket to 62 mph in 2.5 seconds and reach over 217 mph. The Revuelto steps deeper into electrification than Lamborghini is used to, and it has electric torque vectoring enabled by the front motors. It looks almost as wild as the Sian, a more experimental hybrid with supercapacitor technology.

Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray

Chevy's only hybridized Corvette marks a new chapter for the legendary nameplate. Making 655 hp combined from the 6.2-liter V8 and an electric motor, it's even quicker than the Z06, yet has a Stealth Mode for electric-only driving that can instantly change up the Corvette's character. The Z06 may be the more visceral car, but the E-Ray has an even broader range of talents.

Refreshing Iconic Nameplates

911. 5 Series. E-Class. Tacoma. Each of these famous nameplates received either an all-new generation or a new variant in 2023. We take it for granted, but it's not easy for automakers to maintain a standard of excellence for models that are deeply ingrained in the psyche of enthusiasts. Here's what these popular models brought us in 2023.

Porsche 911 S/T

The world's most complete sports car moved even closer to perfection with the reveal of the S/T, the Porsche 911 for purists. The S/T has a short-ratio manual gearbox, a high-revving 4.0-liter flat-six engine, rear-wheel drive, and a lighter body than any other 992. It's not meant to be the quickest 911 of all but the one from which the driver can derive maximum enjoyment. At almost $300,000 and limited to under 2,000 examples, this is a guaranteed future classic.

BMW 5 Series/i5

The all-new eighth-generation of the 5 Series, one of BMW's longest-running nameplates, arrived in 2023. It has edgier styling, a 7 Series-inspired co*ckpit, and more technology than ever. But it's the arrival of the fully electric i5 that has catapulted the 5 Series into the future. It barely looks different from the gas-powered 5 Series, so customers can choose their desired powertrain without compromising on how the car looks or feels in any way.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The BMW's great rival, the Mercedes E-Class, was also completely revised this year. Like the 5 Series, the E-Class has digitalized the luxury experience, for better or worse, with a host of technologies to keep drivers connected. Mild hybrid assistance provides a mix of good performance and admirable efficiency, and the styling is less blob-like than the electric EQE. We expect another closely fought battle with the 5 Series.

Toyota Tacoma

The outgoing, third-generation Tacoma remained hugely popular in the midsize pickup segment, chiefly because it was highly dependable and a great off-roader. However, it had started to fall behind more modern rivals in terms of tech and modern design, which is why the new one launched this year is such a big deal. The new one arrives with a trim for every need, an available coil-spring suspension that improves ride comfort, and an available hybrid. It's a far more complete package than before.

Special Mention: Volvo EX30

Attainable luxury EVs are a rare breed, but the Volvo EX30 was a big reveal in 2023 that will hopefully lead to that changing. The EX30 has a sub-$35,000 starting price, undercutting the cheapest EVs from Germany easily, yet it enjoys the quality and tech associated with the Swedish brand's more expensive products.

Honorable Mentions: A Little Bit Of Everything

There were many other significant reveals over the course of the year, including perennial favorites like a new Toyota Camry and the entry of some brands into new segments, such as Lotus with the Eletre electric SUV. The high-value Buick Envista isn't as glamorous as many cars on this list, but we deemed it good enough to win our People's Car award for the 2023 CarBuzz Awards. Below are the other reveals from this year that we think are significant for one reason or another.