As the automotive world continues to evolve at a rapid pace, 2023 brings a fresh wave of innovative and compelling vehicles that may surprise even the most seasoned car enthusiasts. From groundbreaking electric vehicles to revamped classics, there is no shortage of impressive options to explore.
In this article, we’ll delve into the surprisingly great cars to consider this year, shedding light on models that excel in value, performance, design, and technology. Whether you’re in the market for a new car or simply keeping tabs on the latest trends, these standout vehicles are sure to pique your interest.
What To Look For
When looking for a new car, there are several factors to consider that can make a car stand apart from others. One of the most important factors is safety, so look for cars with good crash test ratings and advanced safety features such as blind spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking. Fuel efficiency is also important for both saving money and reducing environmental impact, so consider cars that get high miles per gallon, as well as hybrid or electric powertrains. A car’s reliability and overall value are crucial, so look for makes and models with a good reputation for reliability and consider factors such as resale value and warranty coverage.
Comfort and convenience features such as heated seats, a sunroof, and a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto can also enhance your driving experience, though many people don’t find them critical. Ultimately, the car that stands apart will depend on your individual needs and preferences, so take the time to research and test drive different models to find the one that’s right for you, even if it isn’t one of these surprising 2023 gems.
ShutterstockMazda CX-50
2023 MSRP: From $27,550
This compact SUV is an exciting new addition to the market that has seriously impressed drivers and been awarded a 9.5/10 from Car and Driver. The Mazda CX-50 has a turbo engine that makes it fun to drive and all-wheel drive with a towing capacity of up to 3,500 lbs. There are ten different trim levels, allowing buyers to really customize what features and capabilities they need and want to pay for.
The interior of the vehicle is high-class, but functional, refusing to entirely trade practicality for an overly futuristic or modern look. The CX-50 is truly a comfortable ride with great handling, at an exceptional price point. Also exciting is the news that Mazda is working on a hybrid model of the CX-50, which should be released in the next couple of years.
Source: MazdaHonda Civic
2023 MSRP: From $25,050
The Honda Civic is a popular compact car that offers a number of benefits for a great price. One of the biggest advantages of the Civic is its reputation for reliability and durability, making it a great choice for those looking for a car that will last for many years. This isn’t new to this year’s model, but it’s always of note with any Honda vehicle. Similarly, the Civic is known for its excellent fuel efficiency, with some trim levels achieving up to 42 miles per gallon on the highway. This car is also known for its impressive safety ratings and advanced safety features known as the Honda Safety Suite, including a standard backup camera and available driver assistance technologies such as adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning.
Another benefit of the Civic is its comfortable and spacious interior, with ample room for passengers and cargo. The 2023 Civic, which was fully redesigned in 2022, has a particularly aesthetic exterior and interior design. The car is fun to drive, with sporty handling and a smooth ride. Gone are the days where the Civic is only a sensible vehicle – it’s now a surprisingly fun car to drive in 2023!
Source: HondaKia Telluride
2023 MSRP: From $35,890
The Kia Telluride is a popular midsize SUV that offers a range of refined benefits for drivers and passengers alike. One of the standout features of the Telluride is its spacious interior, which provides ample room for up to eight passengers and plenty of cargo. The Telluride also offers a smooth and comfortable ride, thanks to its well-tuned suspension system and refined cabin.
Kia gave this SUV a full styling refresh this year and it shows. The Telluride comes equipped with an expansive list of standard features that make it a near-luxury vehicle, comparable to the likes to the BMW iX and Cadillac Escalade. Other benefits of the Telluride include its modern and stylish exterior design, a user-friendly infotainment system, dual 12.3-inch screens, and a strong warranty that includes a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Source: KiaSubaru Outback
2023 MSRP: From $28,395
The Subaru Outback is a versatile and capable crossover SUV with nine different trim levels that offer a range of benefits for drivers. One of the main benefits of the Outback is its standard all-wheel drive, which provides excellent traction and handling in a variety of weather and road conditions. Additionally, the Outback has a spacious and comfortable interior with ample cargo space for hauling gear and supplies.
The Outback received some updates to the rugged front-end styling and driver assistance features for 2023, improving the look and feel. It also added 1.4 inches of legroom to the back seats. This crossover boasts excellent safety ratings and advanced safety features such as adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. Overall, the Subaru Outback offers a winning combination of versatility, capability, safety, and comfort that makes it a popular choice among drivers.
Source: SubaruKia EV6
2023 MSRP: From $48,700
The Kia EV6 is an impressive electric vehicle that offers a range of benefits for drivers. It can reach up to 310 miles on a single charge and charged from 10 to 80 percent in just 18 minutes with a DC fast charger, allowing for quick and convenient recharging on longer trips. The car also boasts fast acceleration, going from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds. It has sporty handling and is a fun EV to drive, giving luxury performance cars a run for their money.
The EV6 is also designed with sustainability in mind, with a vegan leather interior and recycled materials used throughout the vehicle. On top of that, the EV6 comes with a range of advanced safety features known as their Drive Wise features, such as blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning. A standard 14-Speaker Premium Audio System and two 12.3-inch Panoramic Displays make for a tech-laden interior as well. Plus, Kia offers an industry-leading warranty that covers the car for 10 years/100,000 miles, which includes the EV6’s battery, ensuring you can hit the road with peace of mind.
Source: KiaHonda Accord
2023 MSRP: From $27,295
The Honda Accord is a popular mid-size sedan known for its reliability, which is backed by Honda’s reputation for producing long-lasting vehicles. The Accord is fuel-efficient, with some trims, which include both gasoline and hybrid powertrain options, achieving up to 44 miles per gallon on the highway. The car boasts a comfortable and spacious interior, making it a great choice for families or those who frequently travel long distances.
Honda redesigned the Accord for 2023 without omitting everything drivers already love about it. Attractive new interior and exterior styling and more ways to spec the hybrid model are two of the exciting additions this year. The Accord also comes with a variety of advanced safety features, including lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking, which provide peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.
Source: HondaFord Bronco
2023 MSRP: From $34,595
The Ford Bronco is a versatile and capable SUV that Car and Driver rates a surprising 10/10. One of the main advantages of the Bronco is its off-road capability, with features such as standard 4×4, a terrain management system, and available front and rear locking differentials. This makes it a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy activities such as camping, hiking, and trail riding. However, unlike the popular Jeep Wrangler, drivers don’t have to sacrifice good paved-road behavior to get those back-road capabilities.
The Bronco is available in both two-door and four-door configurations, providing flexibility for buyers who have different passenger and cargo needs. The Bronco also offers a range of modern technology features, including an available 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless smartphone charging, and Ford’s Co-Pilot360 driver-assistance suite. With its rugged and distinctive styling, the Ford Bronco stands out and offers a unique personality that sets it apart from other SUVs in its class.
Source: FordHyundai Ioniq 6
2023 MSRP: From $45,500
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is a new award-winning electric sedan that is one of the top EVs on the market right now. One of the most notable benefits of the Ioniq 6 is its impressive range, which is around 361 miles on a single, 18-minute 10-80% charge. It has a powerful electric motor that delivers quick acceleration and smooth handling. Both single- and dual-motor configurations are available, with two battery-pack options as well.
The car offers safety feature such as automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning, to help drivers stay safe on the road. The Ioniq 6 has a sleek, modern design – part of Hyundai’s attempt to compete with Tesla – which is sure to turn heads and make a statement on the road. The interior is stylish and has great tech features like two 2.3-inch displays, dynamic voice recognition, five USB ports, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Overall, this sedan is an exciting addition to the electric market and a great option for those looking for a upgrade.
Source: HyundaiTesla Model 3
2023 MSRP: From $41,990
The Tesla Model 3 is a revolutionary electric car with an impressive range, with the Long Range version offering up to 358 miles on a single charge, depending on what trim you choose. It also boasts lightning-fast acceleration, reaching 0-60 mph in just 3.1 seconds. The Model 3 is incredibly efficient, with a low cost per mile and minimal maintenance needs due to its electric powertrain. The car is also loaded with technology, such as a large touchscreen display, Autopilot advanced safety features, and over-the-air software updates that improve the car’s performance.
The Model 3’s design is sleek and modern, with a minimalist interior and ample cargo space, especially for its segment. The entire roof is glass, creating a sense of openness in the vehicle. Additionally, the car has a high safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and is environmentally friendly, emitting zero emissions.
Source: TeslaSubaru Forester
2023 MSRP: From $26,495
The Subaru Forester is a popular SUV that offers a standard all-wheel drive system, providing excellent traction and handling in all weather conditions. The Forester is known for its impressive safety features, including EyeSight driver assist technology, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.
The interior is spacious and comfortable, with plenty of room for both passengers and cargo. It also has a high ground clearance and rugged styling, making it a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy off-road adventures, but still need a daily driver. Other benefits of the Forester include its fuel efficiency of 33/26 (highway/city) mpg, reliability, and long-lasting value, as well as its advanced infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Source: SubaruMazda MX-5 Miata
2023 MSRP: From $28,050
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a highly regarded sports car that offers some of the best in the industry handling and driving dynamics. The car’s lightweight design and responsive steering provide a thrilling driving experience that is super fun. The MX-5 Miata offers a stylish and attractive exterior design that turns heads wherever it goes, with one additional paint color added in 2023. It’s a very affordable sports car – even the highest trim level starts at only $33,050. All three trim levels come standard with great safety features including lane departure warning and blind spot monitoring.
The car’s fuel efficiency is also impressive, with EPA-estimated ratings of up to 35 mpg on the highway. The Miata is highly reliable, with a proven track record of durability and long-term value. Other benefits of the MX-5 Miata include its affordable price point, comfortable interior, and high-tech features such as a Bose audio system and a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Source: Mazda
