The Best New Cars Debuting This Year

Published

3 years ago

February 10, 2022

Money + Investing Staff

With each passing year, automobiles of all kinds are getting exponentially better in all ways. Style, safety, and functionality are at the forefront of every new model, and boy did 2021 deliver.

No matter if you’re in the sedan, offroading or luxury class, there is a new vehicle tailored for you. Need an upgrade? Thanks to J.D. Power, we’ve compiled the very best cars on the market in 2021. Take a look!

2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E

This car took many people by surprise because they never thought they’d see a Mustang like this! But with Ford and sports cars joining the E-game, Tesla has a new competitor. The Mach-E offers 300 miles of driving range, and includes all-wheel drive and a slick sportback design.

2021 Kia K5

Kias have gotten uncharacteristically stylish over the past decade, and many drivers have switched over because of their redesigns. That’s the case for the K5, which replaces the Optima. It comes with a turbocharged 1.6 liter, 4 cylinder engine and up to 290 horsepower.

2022 Volkswagen Taos

Volkswagen has been making quality cars for a long time, as even as they got bigger to compete in the SUV market, their performance has remained the same. The brand new Taos, which debuts in the spring, is on the smaller side, but still rocks a turbocharged engine and plenty of space.

Acura TLX

These days Acura is all about performance, and the brand new ATX is an all-wheel drive, 4-door sedan that offers turbocharged capabilities and a whole new sleek design that’s become the norm from the automaker as of late.

2021 Ram 1500 TRX

Everyone knows how popular the Ram has been over the years, but this advanced version of their classic model brings extra power and performance to the table. It’s fully equipped for all-terrain travel and its 702-horsepower and V-8 prove it’s strength, matched with its fortified frame.

2022 Hyundai Tucson

The Tucson has been redesigned with some serious upgrades, mainly focusing on giving drivers a variety of eco friendly options. The 2022 model releasing this spring comes in gas, hybrid, and hybrid plug-in models, and a sport-tuned version will be available in the future. The tech has also been upgraded significantly.

2021 Polestar 2

Polestar has separated itself as a standalone brand (previously Volvo’s line of performance vehicles) now strictly for high-end electric models. The second version presents a fastback design with a slightly elevated ride height, packing 233 miles of travel per charge.

2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer

After a 30-year hiatus, the Jeep Grand Wagoneer is making a comeback to play with the big boys in Cadillac and Lincoln. This V-8, 3-row luxury SUV will have everything you love about Jeep and more, and is as design-conscious as any modern vehicle out there.

2022 Infiniti QX55

Infiniti is often slept on, but with the new QX55 model replacing their previous FX35, it’s off to new beginnings with their performance crossover. This one has less space and caters to the more compact crowd, but don’t underestimate the bells and whistles that come in this coupe.

2022 Nissan Ariya

10 years after Nissan offered one of the first electric vehicles to the mass market with the Leaf, they’ve upgraded a newer, bigger model in the 2022 Ariya. This 5-passenger SUV is compact, but also boasts a 300-mile drive range on a full battery charge.

2022 Audi A3 and S3

Every time Audi releases new models, you know they’re hard to resist. The new redesigning of the A3 and S3 bring a whole new body style, electric powertrain with better performance and efficiency, and a totally upgraded interior, featuring all the latest tech.

2021 Toyota Mirai

The Mirai is probably not what you think of when you envision a Toyota, but it is the first of its kind to bring a vehicle with a fuel-cell to market. This powertrain is coupled with an adventurous design, mostly noticeably the elongated nose. With great technology, it’s a wonder it’s not a Lexus.

2021 Toyota Sienna

Though minivans have fallen off in general popularity, that doesn’t mean they’re not still state of the art passenger vehicles. And with the new decade, the 2021 Sienna is getting a whole redesign, including a hybrid powertrain, all-wheel drive, and tons of features for the riders.

2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI

The Golf has long been a pioneer in the compact car category, and with Volkswagen’s name, you know they’re not going to stop pushing its capabilities because of size. Sadly, only these higher performance models are available in the US now, but we’re not complaining because now the improved performance and tech is coming straight from Germany.

2021 Ford Bronco

The iconic Ford Bronco is back and it’s been turning heads since the announcement of its release. Ready to go head to head with Jeep’s Wrangler, Broncos come in 2 and 4-door models, include removable tops and doors, contains turbocharged V-4 or V-6 engines, and of course features the patented, retro design.

2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain

Mercedes isn’t necessarily blowing anyone away in the off-roading category, but when introducing their station wagon to the e-class lineup, they’ve decided to dabble with this 362-horsepower, 3.0 liter, 6-cylinder engine that’s turbocharged, and electric. The all-wheel drive and suspension lift are also featured.

2021 Kia Seltos

For an absolute steal of a price, Kia’s new Seltos model offers a great stylish crossover that’s also small and efficient. You can pick between 147-horsepower and 195-horsepower turbocharged, front or all-wheel drive, and the best part is they’re all in the $20,000 range.

2022 GMC Hummer EV

Making its debut later in the year, Hummer’s first electric model is bound to cause a stir. The first edition features the pickup truck style, but with a removable roof and 1,000-horsepower and 11,500 ft. of torque. Driving range is also 350 miles, and the price is steep, but cheaper models will be available in the future.

2022 BMW iX

The BMW iX is the electric version of the X5, and is similar in size and can get you and 4 others about 300 miles in one charge. This ecologically friendly and aerodynamic design is geometric, and come stocked with enhanced safety features and next-generation electronics, including a quick-charge mode.

2022 Honda Civic

Civics are almost unrecognizable these days, and it’s almost a good thing, because they’re getting better by the year. In the 6th year of this design, the body gets a bit sleeker, and the added tech gets much nicer. Hatchbacks and higher performance models are also on the way.

2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer

The Trailblazer is another crossover SUV that’s been revamped in the age of SUV popularity, offering five trims that feature all and front-wheel drive, and two turbocharged editions. Chevy’s new Activ mode also makes it perfect for improvisational off-roading, while the RS is made for the streets.

2021 Toyota Venza

This midsize crossover from Toyota is a hybrid powertrain that gets upwards of 40 mpg, making it one of the more fuel-efficient 5-passenger midsizes out there. All-wheel drive is also standard on this model, but there are LE, XLE, and other trims available as well.

2021 Lexus IS

The new and improved Lexus IS looks nothing like it did when bursting into the lineup in 2014, but you can especially see that with the interior, equipped with plenty of snazzy features. They also upgraded the handling and ride experience, claiming it’s their most fun vehicle to drive.

2022 Genesis GV70

Genesis isn’t just Hyundai anymore, and they’re expanding their SUV lineup to more than one for the first time ever. The new GV70 is smaller than the GV80, and fits a powertrain similar to the sedam, complete with high tech inside and a rack on the roof for the outdoorsy folks.

2022 Subaru BRZ

Subaru’s flagship sports car is still flying under the radar, but this year’s flat four engine is their best yet, toting a choice between manual and automatic transmission, and sticking with the real-wheel drive format. The new upgrades on the tech side are quite savvy as well.

2021 Land Rover Defender 90

Land Rover has been around the off-roading and luxury games since their rise, but more recently they’ve become experimental in their designs. This smaller version of the Defender is just as capable as its counterpart, and still fits up to 6 passengers. The twin turbo engines and 4-wheel drive capabilities are also premier.

2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV

Chevrolet is increasing the size of their Bolt, now offering a small electric utility vehicle into the mix, giving the old favorite a bit more space for fun. Their latest battery will take you 250 miles, and there’s plenty of upgraded enhancements as far as the electronics and storage go.

2021 Volkswagen ID4

Volkswagen’s first electric vehicle comes in the form of an SUV, and it’s battery is stated to last up to 250 miles per charge. It seats 5 comfortably, and should be within the competitive price and size range to attract the new crowd flocking toward the influx of electric vehicles.

2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe

The Wrangler 4xe is a plug-in hybrid of Jeep’s most successful model, and it offers the first of its kind while keeping it’s “unlimited” body style that allows full exterior customization. While the functionality on and off road is essentially the same as the original, the electric power is state-of-the-art.

2022 Nissan Z

Nissan’s Z is its premier sports car, and it hasn’t lost a beat with enthusiasts in quite some time. That remains the same for the 2022 model, which could feature the twin turbo 400z engine that carries a V-6 and 400-horsepower. The design and tech is as clean as ever, and it’s expected to come in manual transmission.

2021 Genesis G80

Style comes first when we’re talking about Genesis, and this midsize sedan is the epitome of luxury. All-wheel drive is available, and turbocharged engines are a given, you just have to pick between the V-4 and V-6. You can also choose a premier package that comes with enhanced features.

Kia Sorento

The off-road capabilities of the new Sorento are what stand out most, coming packaged with more room and new hybrid and plug-in variants if desired. The safety and improved technology specs make the car fun from an interactive standpoint, and multiple prestige levels allow for better touring packages as well.

2021 Nissan Rogue

The Rogue has established itself as Nissan’s most popular and functional model, with its 2.5 liter 4-cylinder engine. It also continues to feature a variety of transmission choices, but what’s really improved in the newest model is the improved safety and overall design.

2021 Ford F-150

You knew you were going to read this name on the list eventually, because Ford’s F-150 is as top notch as they come in the truck category. It’s the largest light-duty truck, and it’s become the best-selling Ford vehicle for some time now, so you can tell they put thought and care into each year’s model.

2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

Chevrolet is a master when it comes to perfecting the big cars, and they’ve been leading the way in the SUV game before it was cool. The Tahoe is a bit shorter these days, but it fits more people than ever before with 3 rows, and the cargo space doesn’t suffer. Not to mention the outstand tech that’s in these larger vehicles.

2021 BMW 4 Series

BMW doesn’t mind taking their time when developing their models, because frankly, the luxury and effort always tends to pay off. This new design with the large grill and versatile trim package options make it a standout from the rest of BMWs, oh, and it also comes as a convertible. The performance and manual version also features 500-horsepower.

2021 Hyundai Elantra

As you can see, efficient vehicles are all the rage these days, and they have the metrics to back it up. Hyundai now is offering the revamped version of their popular Elantra, and this thing has all new tech features inside and impressive performance and fuel efficiency within the compact car class.

2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge P8

Unleashing the new electric version of their most popular SUV, Volvo is making the Recharge P8 version of their XC40 that carries over 400-horsepower and instant electric motor torque. It’s battery is made to last up to 200 miles in range, and it can also tow up to 2,000 lbs.

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA

The smallest of the Mercedes Benz SUVs, the GLA has been rebuilt from the ground up for 2021. The interior is now more stylish and hands-on than ever, and the outside is sleeker with a more aerodynamic shape. An AMG performance model is also set for future release.

2021 Buick Envision

If you haven’t noticed, Buick no longer really makes cars, and is instead a functioning luxury SUV company. Their new Envision model is also the most compact of the lot, but it’s new and improved interior makes the riding experience much better. Also, the 4-cylinder engine and improved safety make it a top pick.

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