© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Top Cars of 2022
Over the past year a wide variety of vehicles debuted in the U.S., and we’ve had the good fortune to spend some quality time behind the wheels of most new models. Many SUVs, trucks and passenger cars came to market during the last 12 months, including a large influx of plug-in vehicles — with many of those being full electrics. Thanks to advanced technologies and modern manufacturing standards, there aren’t many bad cars anymore, although these selections still bubble to the top as the best among the cars we’ve driven — our top cars of 2022.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2022 Audi RS e-tron GT
The 2022 Audi RS e-tron GT is a sleek grand touring sedan with bold styling and power to match. Beautiful inside and out, the potent RS e-tron GT is the pinnacle of the Audi e-tron lineup. Unlike many new electric vehicles that carry unusual styling cues due to aerodynamic optimization, the RS e-tron GT looks more like a proper sport sedan. A long, low hood, slim headlights and integrated solid grille give the e-tron a unique, powerful stance.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2022 Audi RS e-tron GT
Powering the 2022 Audi RS e-tron GT are dual electric motors that produce up to 637 horsepower (in boost mode) and 612 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via Audi’s electric quattro all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring, which provides excellent grip and handling. Performance figures are impressive — the RS e-tron GT sprints to 60 mph in a mere 3.1 seconds, putting this 4-door 5-passenger GT in the same territory as the company’s V10-powered R8 supercar. Even though the RS e-tron GT may not have the same range as other more efficient electric vehicles, it’s a small sacrifice to make in the name of extreme performance.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2023 Genesis GV60
The 2023 Genesis GV60 is the first dedicated electric model from Genesis — a high-performance electric vehicle with an athletic design and innovative new technology including Face Connect and Crystal Sphere. Face Connect allows the driver to lock or unlock the vehicle without a key via facial recognition. A lighted sphere on the center console, Crystal Sphere rotates to expose a shift-by-wire controller. Genesis provided us with a 2023 Genesis GV60 Performance to test drive. The 2023 Genesis GV60 Performance is all-wheel drive, powered by two 160 kW electric motors, one for each axle, with a total system output of 429 horsepower and 483 horsepower in Boost Mode. Power gets stored in a 77.4 kWh battery for an estimated driving range of 235 miles. The EPA-estimated fuel economy rating is 97 MPGe city / 82 MPGe highway / 90 MPGe combined.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2023 Genesis GV60
The Genesis GV60 offers a distinctive design with a clamshell hood, signature Genesis Crest Grille and the two-line headlight and taillight design similar to other Genesis models. Spacious and comfortable, the GV60 interior features multiple materials that are eco-friendly, including plant-based leather and fabrics made with yarns from recycled PET bottles and fishing nets. Powerful and fast, the GV60 is a thrill to drive and offers a reasonable range even while tapping into all available power. The regenerative brake system allows the driver to choose between four regen levels for different conditions and driving styles. Our tester’s blue interior was beautiful, comfortable and quiet. The GV60 is both smooth and elegant, or powerful and fast.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2022 BMW i4
The 2022 BMW i4 offers all the performance and exhilarating driving characteristics expected of a BMW, taking full advantage of its high-output electric powertrain. If this is the future of BMW, we’re entirely on board. With a design based on the recently updated 4 Series Gran Coupe, the i4’s signature (and controversially large) BMW kidney grille is a closed surface since the EV motor requires scant airflow up front for cooling. Instead, the front camera and ultrasonic and radar sensors get integrated into the space.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2022 BMW i4
The BMW i4 is built on the automaker’s new modular scalable architecture, designed for versatility and efficiency. Power comes from BMW’s fifth-generation eDrive system, which includes electric motors, powerful electronics and charging system as well as a high-voltage battery. The high-performance i4 M50 features two electric motors — a 255-horsepower unit driving the front wheels and a 308-horsepower rear motor for a combined output of 536 horsepower and 586 lb-ft of torque. With that much power on tap, the M50 sprints to 62 mph in 3.7 seconds — about the same as the high-performance M4 Competition. The I4 charges quickly, from 10 to 80 percent, in around 30 minutes on a DC fast charger.
© Mike Meredith, Automotive Content Experience
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4xe
One of the most popular SUVs of all time, the redesigned Grand Cherokee arrived as a 2021 model with the first ever three-row Grand Cherokee L and the two-row version as 2022 models, including the Grand Cherokee 4xe plug-in hybrid. The 2022 Grand Cherokee 4xe combines two electric motors, a 400-volt battery pack, a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine, a TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic transmission and a Quadra Trac II 4WD system with a 2-speed transfer case. Total combined output for Grand Cherokee 4xe is 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, and the estimated all-electric range is 25 miles. The Grand Cherokee 4xe has a fuel economy rating of 56 MPGe and is rated to tow up to 6,000 pounds.
© Mike Meredith, Automotive Content Experience
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4xe
The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is offered in four trim levels: 4xe, Trailhawk, Overland and Summit. Jeep provided us with a Grand Cherokee Overland finished in Silver Zynith paint with a black roof and Global Black interior to test drive. Our test vehicle featured additional options including the Luxury Tech Group IV, Advanced Protech Group III, Off-Road Group and Front Passenger Interactive Display. Features of the various groups include Nappa leather seats; 12-way power front seats; active driving assist; a head-up display; an intersection collision-assist system; a surround-view camera and an integrated off-road camera; skidplates; an electronic limited-slip rear differential; 18-inch polished aluminum wheels and Trail Rated badging.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5
Hyundai’s previous Ionic EV was a battery-electric version of the Ioniq compact car also sold in hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions, but the new IONIQ 5 is exclusively battery electric and built on Hyundai’s new Electric-Global Modular Platform. The exterior design is inspired by Hyundai’s 45 EV concept and is another example of the automaker’s Parametric Dynamics design with front and rear shapes that merge together at the doors. The IONIQ 5 is offered in both single-motor rear-wheel drive and dual-motor all-wheel drive. The single-motor version is available in four trim levels, and the all-wheel-drive version has three trim levels.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5
The IONIQ 5 SE Standard Range is powered by a 125 kW electric motor producing 168 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, combined with a 58.0 kWh battery pack for a U.S. EPA-estimated range of 220 miles. The other three trim levels receive a 168 kW rear motor producing 225 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque combined with a 77.4 kWh battery for an EPA-estimated range of 303 miles. The all-wheel drive version of IONIQ 5 adds a 74 kW motor at the front axle combined with a 165 kW motor at the rear and the 77.4 kWh battery for a total output of 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque and an EPA estimated range of 256 miles. The INOIQ 5 with all-wheel drive features a unique front motor disconnect device that increases range by an estimated 6 percent.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R
Ford introduced the third generation of the Raptor last year, carrying the torch as the brand’s extreme off-road performance truck. The only complaint was the lack of a V8 engine. Now the V8 is here, and it’s powering an even more aggressive 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R with 700 horsepower. The 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R has subtle yet noticeable exterior features that help it stand apart from the standard Raptor. All exterior accents are black, and the hood gets a larger vent that sits about an inch higher than the EcoBoost, adorned with the RAPTOR name with the final letter R in Code Orange. The R badge is prominent in the revised grille, and the tow hooks get the same Code Orange treatment.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R
Powering the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R is a 5.2-liter supercharged V8 engine initially used in the Mustang Shelby GT500. The big V8 is optimized to handle the Raptor’s off-road performance, pumping out 700 horsepower and 640 lb-ft of torque — a full 250 horsepower more than the EcoBoost Raptor. All that power gets delivered via a smooth-shifting 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. This increased power is available at the low- and mid-range rpm, giving the big truck better performance in most off-road situations. Like the standard EcoBoost Raptor, the R features a 5-link rear suspension with extra-long trailing arms to better maintain axle position on rough terrain. Wheel travel of 13 inches up front and 14.1 inches in the rear gives the Raptor R plenty of ability to traverse just about any terrain.
© Kia America
2023 Kia Telluride
The original 2020 Telluride debuted in 2019, and for 2023 it gets refreshed with exterior design updates, interior enhancements and new trim levels. Since its debut three years ago, Telluride has become one of the top-selling SUVs in the Kia lineup. The 2023 model receives a revised front fascia, revised vertical headlight design with standard LEDs, a new grille, a new bumper, a new rear fascia and revised taillights. Telluride also receives new side sills, revised door trim, new wheel designs and three new exterior colors: Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red and Jungle Wood Green. An interesting choice: Kia designers changed the Telluride’s rectangular yellow daytime running lights, a distinctive feature of the original Telluride, to two vertical white lights in the new design.
© Kia America
2023 Kia Telluride
Inside, the 2023 Telluride features a redesigned dashboard with new trim, revised air vents and a new steering wheel design as well as available curved dual 12.3-inch display screens with gauge cluster and navigation. Two new trim levels, X-Line and X-Pro offer more off-road capability with standard all-wheel drive and additional upgrades over other trim levels. The 2023 Telluride X-Line replaces the Telluride Nightfall Edition and includes a unique grille design, bridge-type roof rails, body-color door handles, exclusive 20-inch wheels and X-Line badging. Telluride X-Line offers higher ground clearance and adds tow mode for improved trailering performance with shift logic and sway control and an upgraded traction control system. Telluride X-Pro adds 18-inch black wheels, 18-inch Continental all-terrain tires and X-Pro badging. Towing capacity is increased from 5,000 to 5,500 pounds.
© Mike Meredith, Automotive Content Experience
2022 Toyota GR86
Toyota’s compact sports car receives its first major update since debuting in 2013 as the Scion FR-S, with revised styling and a more powerful engine. Although slightly larger than the previous model, the 2022 Toyota GR86 remains true to its original formula of a lightweight, responsive rear-wheel-drive coupe built to satisfy driving enthusiasts while remaining practical and affordable. Developed as a joint venture with Subaru, the Toyota GR86 shares chassis, drivetrain and mechanical components with the Subaru BRZ. The 2022 Toyota GR86 comes in two trim levels. Toyota provided us with a GR86 Premium to test, finished in Pavement Grey and equipped with an automatic transmission. The new exterior design features a black G-mesh-shaped grille, LED headlights with the same internal L-shape as the GR Supra, wide front fenders with aerodynamic vents and aggressive rocker panels that sweep up into the rear fenders. The GR86 Premium adds a ducktail spoiler.
© Mike Meredith, Automotive Content Experience
2022 Toyota GR86
The rear-drive 2022 Toyota GR86 has a new 2.4-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine that produces 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque — an increase of 23 horsepower and 33 lb-ft of torque over the outgoing model. Peak horsepower comes at 7000 rpm and peak torque starts at 3700 rpm — a significant change versus the 6600 rpm peak of the previous model. The new engine gets paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission or an optional 6-speed automatic that has paddle shifters. A new Sport mode improves downshifts with automatic rev matching. The ride is fairly firm for a street car, especially on rough roads, although enthusiasts will consider it a fair tradeoff for the control and precision of the steering and suspension. Although we still prefer the 6-speed manual, even with the automatic the GR86 is an engaging everyday driver. The small, sporty GR86 offers a measure of practicality thanks to a rear seat and reasonable trunk room.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2023 Kia EV6 GT
The EV6 is Kia’s first dedicated battery-electric vehicle, and it has earned acclaim for its standout styling, roomy interior and fun-to-drive characteristics. This year the Korean company turned up the heat with a new high-performance variant, the EV6 GT. The 2023 Kia EV6 GT takes its place at the top of this electric car’s lineup and tees up performance never before seen in a Kia. With dual motors generating 576 horsepower, the EV6 GT is the most powerful and quickest Kia ever produced. Kia says the GT can sprint to 60 mph quicker than exotic sports cars such as the Ferrari Roma and Lamborghini Huracan EVO Spyder RWD — undoubtedly good company to keep or beat.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2023 Kia EV6 GT
The new GT employs the same sheet metal as the rest of the EV6 lineup, but a few styling cues help the high-performance variant stand out. Unique 21-inch wheels with Goodyear Eagle F1 high-performance rubber and neon green brake calipers are the most apparent differentiating features of the GT. According to Kia, the EV6 GT can sprint to 60 mph in a mere 3.4 seconds and achieve a top speed of 161 mph — strong figures not typically associated with Kias. Not just a one-trick pony, the EV6 GT has precise steering that provides excellent feedback with extensive power and grip to deliver an entertaining ride. But the EV6 GT is still efficient with a rating of 79 MPGe combined and a driving range of more than 200 miles.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2022 Ford Escape PHEV
After an eight-year hiatus, the Ford Escape Hybrid is back; this time, it’s available with a plug. When Ford introduced the current Escape for the 2020 model year, it was a departure from the rest of the SUV lineup in terms of design. The roomy interior has a high-tech vibe thanks to an available 8-inch touchscreen display and a 12.3-inch all-digital instrument cluster. The rear seat of the 2021 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid is surprisingly roomy and comfortable. The vehicle has plenty of legroom, and even taller occupants will find headroom more than adequate. A relatively flat floor means less of a penalty for those stuck traveling in the middle seat.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2022 Ford Escape PHEV
Powering the Ford Escape PHEV is a 2.5-liter Atkinson Cycle 4-cylinder engine teamed with an electric motor for a combined output of 220 horsepower. Power gets sent to the front wheels (PHEV is not available with AWD) via a continuously variable transmission. According to the U.S. EPA, the Escape PHEV achieves 105 MPGe combined / 40 MPG combined with an all-electric range of 37 miles. Charging the Escape from empty using a standard household 110-volt outlet takes about nine hours; a Level 2 charger would complete the same task in about 2.5 hours. During our time in the Escape PHEV, we charged the battery every night and traveled more than 130 miles while averaging 126 mpg, running on gasoline for less than 30 miles.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2022 Hyundai Kona N
The Kona is Hyundai’s small, stylish 5-passenger crossover that received updated styling for the 2022 model year. Add the letter N to the end of the name (along with a few goodies), and the Kona becomes a track-ready hot hatch with racing suspension, fantastic handling and extreme performance. The Kona N stands out from the rest of the less-exciting lineup with body-color fenders that give the vehicle a wider stance, as well as a unique front fascia, side skirts and rear valance. A large Hyundai logo sits at the center of the grille, and three nonfunctional vents between the lights add a visually sporty flair. An expansive lower intake provides additional airflow to the Kona N’s more powerful engine.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2022 Hyundai Kona N
The 2022 Hyundai Kona N draws power from a 2.0-liter turbocharged GDI 4-cylinder engine producing up to 276 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque delivered to the front wheels. This powerful engine gets teamed with an 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission enhanced to handle high-performance demands. Hyundai says the Kona N will sprint to 62 mph in 5.5 seconds on its way to a top speed of almost 150 mph – impressive figures for a compact crossover. In addition to the turbocharged engine, the Kona N gets an electronic limited-slip differential that distributes power for better handling, especially in corners at speed. Kona N also gets launch control and a variable exhaust system as standard equipment, along with high-performance brakes and 19-inch lightweight forged wheels.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning
The F-Series has been the best-selling pickup truck in America for more than 40 years. And now, for the first time, this popular pickup truck is available with an all-electric powertrain as the F-150 Lightning. While the chassis and powertrain are unique to the Lightning, there’s no mistaking this new model for anything but an F-150 — at first glance, many consumers won’t even notice any differences. Inside the Lightning are features that owners expect from an F-150, including the available vertical 15.5-inch display and spacious front and rear seats. In addition to the standard hauling capability in the truck bed, the F-150 Lightning has an all-new storage option. Referred to as the Mega Power Frunk, the power-operated hood opens to reveal a spacious front trunk (or frunk), complete with power ports and a drainable storage space.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning
The 2022 F-150 Lightning is powered by dual three-phase fixed-magnet AC electric motors — one at each axle — so all Lightnings are all-wheel drive. The total output for the extended-range Lightning is 580 horsepower with 775 lb-ft of torque — the most torque ever in a production F-150. According to the U.S EPA, the Ford F-150 Lightning with the extended battery is rated at 78 MPGe city / 63 MPGe hwy / 70 MPGe combined — not bad for a full-size pickup. The Lightning can tow up to 10,000 pounds, although that can chop the 300-mile driving range in half. Not only does the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning possess all the capabilities expected of an F-150, but it can also be a mobile energy source. With the 9.6 kW Pro Power Onboard, the Lightning can provide external power through 11 outlets distributed around the bed, cabin, and frunk. With this option, the F-150 Lightning can supply power to the job site, campsite, or any outdoor function, even powering a house in the event of a power outage.
© Mike Meredith, Automotive Content Experience
2022 Mazda Mazda3 2.5T AWD
Even though the Mazda3 has always been a sporty, fun-to-drive car, the addition of the 2.5-liter Turbo combined with i-Active all-wheel drive really boosts the performance of this compact sedan. Originally developed for the larger CX-9 crossover, the 2.5 Turbo was engineered to develop more low-end torque over peak high-rpm horsepower to improve everyday drivability. The 2.5 Turbo gets combined with a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode and sport mode. The car we tested was the new Mazda3 2.5 Turbo sedan in Mazda’s signature color of Soul Red Crystal Metallic, with a black interior and the Premium Plus Package.
© Mike Meredith, Automotive Content Experience
2022 Mazda Mazda3 2.5T AWD
The Mazda3 2.5 Turbo offers a sporty interior with top-level equipment including a 7-inch digital gauge cluster display, an 8.8-inch large center display, an 8-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar, heated seats, a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, dual-zone automatic climate control and a powered glass sunroof. Every Mazda3 we have ever driven has been a fun, engaging car to drive and the new Mazda3 2.5 Turbo is the best Mazda3 yet. The additional torque is felt immediately—for normal acceleration and everyday driving, little throttle input is needed in most situations. Not surprisingly, spirited driving on twisty back roads is where the Mazda3 2.5 Turbo really shines. In Sport mode the transmission holds the lower gear longer and the driver can also shift manually with the paddle shifters. The chassis and steering feel responsive and balanced, and the all-wheel drive delivers torque to the rear wheels to maintain balance through corners.
© Mike Meredith, Automotive Content Experience
2023 Nissan Z
More than 50 years after the original 240Z, the new seventh generation Nissan Z arrives as a 2023 model. Although the new 2023 Nissan Z is not technically all-new because it’s based on the same platform as the previous generation, it looks and more importantly feels new with a fresh exterior design, powerful twin-turbo engine, revised suspension and modern interior. The new design incorporates elements from previous generations such as the classic silhouette that closely follows the shape of the original 240Z with a long hood, short rear deck and fast slope to the roofline that ends at the blunt rear end slightly lower than the front fenders. The 2023 Nissan Z is offered in two trim levels: Z Sport and Z.
© Nissan North America
2023 Nissan Z
All versions of the Nissan Z are powered by the same twin turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 used in the Infiniti Red Sport models, producing 400 horsepower at 6400 rpm and 350 lb-ft of torque from 1600 to 5200 rpm. The 3.0-liter twin turbo gets matched with a 6-speed manual transmission with an EXEDY high-performance clutch and a new shift mechanism. Available at no additional cost is a new 9-speed automatic transmission with standard paddle shifters, manual shift mode, launch control and downshift rev matching. The new Nissan Z is incredibly fun to drive, looks great and the new engine has a lot of power. The car’s overall drivability comes from maximum torque at low rpm. Long known as a driver’s car, the Nissan Z is sporty, fun and comfortable for everyday use. And although the Z’s new 9-speed automatic transmission is admittedly very good, we would still choose the manual transmission for its engaging experience.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2023 Lamborghini Urus Performante
Lamborghini has earned a worldwide reputation for building sports cars exuding extreme performance and styling. A few years ago, the company added the Urus — an SUV deserving of the Lamborghini name. Now the Italian automaker comes to market with its most intense Urus yet — the Performante. The Urus Performante stands out with a prominent hood and bumper design as well as extensive use of carbon fiber throughout. According to Lamborghini, this high-performance SUV carries the segment’s highest number of carbon fiber components. It may have the performance of an extreme sports car, but the interior of the Urus Performante is more like a luxury model, with almost every surface covered in soft Alcantara or stylish carbon fiber.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2023 Lamborghini Urus Performante
The Urus is already immensely powerful, and the new Performante kicks that muscle up a notch with an increase to 657 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque from its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. Power gets sent to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Urus Performante can sprint to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a mere 3.3 seconds, and 124 mph comes up in 12.8 seconds on its way to a top speed of 190 mph. Not only does the design of the Urus grab attention wherever it goes, the V8 sound amplified by the standard lightweight titanium Akrapovic sport exhaust certainly turns heads. At home on a race course, dirt track or daily commute, the Lamborghini Urus Performante is a multitasking supercar disguised as an SUV.
© Mike Meredith, Automotive Content Experience
2023 Nissan Ariya
The 2023 Nissan Ariya is the first all-electric crossover from Nissan, sporting a new exterior design language, a modern interior and excellent use of available space. Offered initially in front-wheel-drive configuration, more powerful e-4ORCE all-wheel drive versions will follow. The entry trim levels of Engage and Engage e-4ORCE both feature a 63 kWh battery for a U.S. EPA-estimated range of 216 miles for Engage and 205 miles for Engage e-4ORCE. All other trim levels add an 87 kWh battery for an estimated range up to 304 miles for front-wheel drive and up to 270 miles with e-4ORCE. According to Nissan, with DC fast charge Ariya will charge from 20 percent to 80 percent battery capacity in 35 minutes at 130kW.
© Mike Meredith, Automotive Content Experience
2023 Nissan Ariya
The electric motor for Ariya Engage is rated at 214 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque and all other front-wheel drive trims are rated at 238 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. Total power output for Engage e-4ORCE is 335 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque and all other all-wheel drive trims are rated at 389 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. Nissan brought us to the Nashville area to drive the 2023 Ariya Premiere — a front-wheel-drive version with an 87 kWh battery and an electric motor producing 238 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. In this configuration the Ariya is not all that quick, but there is enough power for decent all-around drivability. Once the Ariya gets moving, full torque is readily available at any speed, providing the quick response we now expect from electric vehicles. The 2023 Nissan Ariya is smooth and quiet, making it comfortable to drive. The steering is responsive and the ride well controlled — not necessarily sporty, but overall what one might expect from a compact crossover.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2023 BMW i7
BMW introduced the next generation of its flagship 7 Series this year, and for the first time this big luxury sedan is available as the full-electric i7. Showcasing a new design language for upper-level BMWs, the 2023 BMW 7 Series gets a fresh face and a clean design emphasized by a long, sculpted hood. BMW’s iconic kidney grille dominates the front end, flanked by slim LED running lights and adaptive LED headlights. Inside, the 7 Series gets outfitted with a blend of high-end materials and high-tech features. Most noticeable is an elegantly curved screen comprised of a 12.3-inch display in front of the driver and a 14.9-inch center control display. Other standout features include power doors and an available BMW Theater Screen with a 31.3-inch 8K touchscreen display, built-in Amazon Fire TV, and a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2023 BMW i7
Powering the i7 are two highly efficient electric motors. Up front is a 258-horsepower unit; the rear motor produces 313 horses for a combined output of 536 horsepower and 549 lb-ft of torque — almost the same as the V8-powered 760i and good enough to reach 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. The BMW i7 can be charged on a DC fast charger at rates up to 195 kW, which means BMW’s electric flagship can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in about 34 minutes, or add 80 miles of range in about 10 minutes. According to the U.S. EPA, the i7 has a range of 318 miles and achieves 87 MPGe city / 89 MPGe hwy / 87 MPGe combined.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV
Chevrolet has offered the Bolt electric vehicle since 2017, and last year the company introduced a refreshed model along with a larger variant – the Bolt EUV. The Bolt EV gets a more upright fascia with slim LED daytime running lights that wrap around the corners, seeming to point at the center-mounted bowtie. The Bolt EV’s LED headlights are positioned lower, flanking the color-keyed solid grille. The new Bolt EUV is slightly longer than the standard Bolt EV, which translates to a more spacious rear seat, complementing the useful cargo space.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV
The Bolt EUV sticks with the tried-and-true powertrain from the previous Bolt EV. A permanent magnet electric motor producing 200 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque drives the front wheels. Instantly available torque makes the Bolt EUV responsive and great fun to drive. The 65 kWh lithium-ion battery pack delivers an estimated 250 miles in the Bolt EUV. According to Chevrolet, the Bolt EUV can add 4 miles of range for every hour plugged into a standard household outlet, so getting to a full charge does take a while. However, with a Level 2 charger, the Bolt EUV will be fully charged in about 7 hours, and with a DC fast charger the Bolt can add 100 miles of range in about 30 minutes.
© Mazda North American Operations
2023 Mazda CX-50
The all-new 2023 CX-50 is designed to project a more rugged off-road persona as Mazda follows the lead of other automakers by chasing the outdoor-oriented buyer. While the CX-50 offers more off-road capability enticing owners to venture farther off the beaten path, the good news is that it also continues to provide the excellent on-road driving dynamics and fun-to-drive experience that many consumers have come to know and expect from every Mazda product. Similar in size to the Mazda CX-5, the CX-50 projects a more powerful, rugged stance with more traditional SUV styling. The CX-50 is not intended to replace CX-5, which that has become Mazda’s top-selling model.
© Mazda North American Operations
2023 Mazda CX-50
The CX-50 is offered in 10 trim levels, six with the 2.5-liter engine and four with the 2.5-liter Turbo. Both engines are mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard i-ACTIV all-wheel drive. The normally aspirated 2.5-liter engine produces 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. The 2.5-liter turbo produces 256 horsepower and 3,200 lb-ft of torque at 2500 rpm with 93 octane fuel. As much as we like the look of the new 2023 Mazda CX-50, the road is where it really shines, delivering the driving dynamics and fun driving experience of a Mazda. The powerful 2.5 T engine was originally developed for the larger CX-9 and boasts abundant low-end torque, which is even more evident in the smaller CX-50.
© Stellantis North America
2023 Wagoneer L
For 2023 Stellantis adds Wagoneer L and Grand Wagoneer L — extended-length version of models introduced in 2022 that feature two new powerful twin-turbocharged inline 6-cylinder Hurricane engines. The 2023 Wagoneer L and Grand Wagoneer L are 12 inches longer overall than the standard models. The additional length creates 44.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the third row — 15.8 cubic feet more than the standard-wheelbase variant. Wagoneer L is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder Hurricane engine producing 420 horsepower and 468 lb-ft of torque at 3500 rpm. The Grand Wagoneer L is powered by the Hurricane 510 producing 510 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque at 3500 rpm.
© Stellantis North America
2023 Wagoneer L
The original Wagoneer inspires the exterior and interior designs of the new Wagoneer L. Within the first few minutes of our drive in the 2023 Wagoneer L Carbide 4WD, our overall impression of the L was similar to when we first drove the Wagoneer in August 2022 — surprisingly, it feels a lot smaller than it should. Although a large full-size SUV, the Wagoneer L’s steering is responsive and the ride smooth. The new twin-turbo Hurricane inline 6-cylinder powerplant provides plenty of motivation for excellent drivability. Acceleration from a standstill is commendable, but the new engine really shines via the available torque at cruising speeds, delivering plenty of power for easy passing on two-lane mountain roads.
