Car buyers sometimes overlook models that quietly deliver great value, comfort, and reliability. In 2023, several lesser-known cars stood out with smooth rides, smart features, and strong fuel efficiency without a high price tag. Many under-the-radar choices often matched or beat more famous rivals in everyday use, giving drivers a chance to enjoy a practical, enjoyable vehicle that still feels like a pleasant, welcome surprise.
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.
Mazda CX-50
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.
Kia Telluride
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.
Subaru Outback
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.
Kia EV6
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 20 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.
Honda Accord
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.
Ford Bronco
The Ford Bronco is a versatile and capable SUV that Car and Driver rates a surprising 9.5/10. 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.
Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 is a revolutionary electric car with an impressive range, with the Long Range version offering up to 363 miles on a single charge, depending on what trim you choose. 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.
Subaru Forester
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.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
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. 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.
Explore the Standout Vehicles of the Year
Choosing a standout vehicle in 2023 often meant looking beyond the most talked-about models and paying attention to the cars that quietly delivered impressive value. Whether you needed efficiency, comfort, off-road capability, or advanced technology, these often overlooked options proved that great performance can come from unexpected places.
With thoughtful study and a clear sense of your needs, it becomes easier to find a vehicle that offers long-lasting satisfaction and a driving experience that truly feels rewarding.
