Unarguably, the world is moving toward electricity at a breakneck pace. Several manufacturers are pledging to halt or drastically reduce the production of gasoline—and diesel-powered cars and replace them with electric models. The competitive nature of the automotive industry and the latest technological advancements mean there is always something new on the EV and ICE fronts.
As with other model years, it also leaves many options for 2023, which may sometimes seem overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be that way. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 10 satisfying and unique 2023 machines that will be top choices for their ability to deliver the perfect blend of comfort, performance, liveability, and driving enjoyment. Our list of the 10 best cars worth waiting to get behind the wheel includes vehicles from Acura to Maserati, Chevy, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Ferrari.
Please read on to learn more.
10. 2023 Acura Integra
If there’s one car worth anticipating with tremendous excitement, it’s the 2023 Acura Integra. Based on the Honda Civic Si, the relaunched Integra heralds the return of an iconic nameplate to the Acura lineup.
The vehicle, which replaces the ILX, will be powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged inline-4 making 200 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque mated to a continuously variable transmission with standard front-wheel drive (all-wheel drive is not available). Of course, a 6-speed manual transmission is available for hardcore enthusiasts.
9. 2023 Kia Niro
Roughly six years after its first generation launched, the Kia Niro has been reimagined for a new generation of drivers. It features plenty of tech, more interior space and versatility than ever before, and an upscale cabin that delivers a unique, multifaceted luxury experience.
Inspired by the HabaNiro concept, the second generation Kia Niro will be powered by a hybrid powertrain that consists of a 1.6-litre four-cylinder and a 32-kW electric motor, making 139 combined horsepower and 195 lb-ft of combined torque. The 2023 Niro will also feature a plug-in hybrid setup with the same engine as the hybrid model, an 11.1-kWh lithium-ion polymer battery and a 62-kW electric motor for 180 horsepower. A six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission will be used in both vehicles. The Kia Niro will also be available as an all-electric model with an estimated range of 253 miles.
8. 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale
The all-new 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale is a contender for big-name, small luxury SUVs. The first Alfa Romeo vehicle to feature an available plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, the Tonal,e is marketed as a cheap and practical premium sport utility vehicle with standard all-wheel drive.
It offers a standard turbocharged 2.0-litre inline-four generating 256 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The optional plug-in hybrid setup marries a 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a rear-mounted electric motor for a combined 272 hp. The base powertrain links to a nine-speed automatic transmission, while the plug-in hybrid trim has a six-speed automatic and a 15.5-kWh lithium-ion battery pack that’s good for around 30 miles of electric-only driving range.
7. 2023 Maserati Grecale
Maserati is known within the automotive industry for its ever-inventive design and quality craftsmanship. So far, the 2023 Grecale’s legacy will be that of a stellar midsize SUV that lived up fully to those lofty standards. Available in GT, Modena, and Trofeo trim levels, the base Grecale will be propelled by a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-4 paired with a mild-hybrid system with a belt starter generator and an e-Booster to provide a respectable 296 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.
The midrange Modena model will have a boosted turbo-four version, which raises output to 325 horses. The range-topping Trofeo will have a more powerful 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 that pumps out 523 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque. An 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard.
6. 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE
The 2023 EQE continues a new and exciting chapter in Mercedes’ design identity, expanding its electrified lineup with its dedicated EV chassis. A futuristic and daring sedan, the EQE sits on the same platform as the EQS, albeit a more compact variant, and will be available in EQE 350 and AMG EQE models.
The EQE 350 will have a single rear-mounted motor generating 288 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque, while the EQE AMG will use two electric motors, one motor on the rear axle, and one upfront. The setup will produce 617 horsepower (677 hp in the AMG Dynamic Plus) and 701 lb-ft of torque (738 lb-ft in the AMG Dynamic Plus). A 90.6-kWh lithium-ion battery will be utilized in both vehicles. Driving ranges for the EQE 350 and EQE AMG are estimated at 300-plus miles and 250 miles, respectively.
5. 2023 Ferrari Purosangue SUV
The first SUV from the Ferrari model line, the Purosangue (Italian for “thoroughbred”) will undoubtedly be one of the most desirable sport utility vehicles yet. It combines breathtaking modernity with the signature qualities that have made Ferrari popular among automotive aficionados: effortless performance, technological sophistication, and aesthetic grace.
Specifications are under wraps at the moment, but expect the Purosangue to be equipped with a naturally aspirated V12, standard all-wheel drive, four seats, and numerous features that will allow it to upturn convention and push boundaries, as Ferrari so often does.
4. 2023 Toyota GR Corolla
The 2023 Toyota GR Corolla is built for fun at the wheel and displays Toyota Gazoo Racing’s design philosophy down to the finest detail. To imbue it with enhanced aerodynamics and ultra-precise handling, Toyota’s performance division equipped the GR Corolla with functional vents, a sportier suspension, and enchanting design lines that gracefully cut through the air. Regarding its dimension, the GR Corolla is 2.5 inches wider and 1.5 inches longer than the Corolla hatchback; the wheelbase is unchanged at 103.9 inches.
Under the race-oriented hot hatchback hood is a 1.3-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged engine with 300 horses and 273 lb.-ft. of torque. A six-speed manual with a rev-match function and GR-FOUR all-wheel drive are standard.
3. 2023 Nissan Z
Nissan set a course for a future in racing with its iconic Z-cars in the ’70s and is once again reinforcing its racing pedigree on the road for 2023 with the redesigned Z hardtop coupe.
It has a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 makes 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. The powertrain can be mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or a nine-speed automatic with paddle shifters on the steering wheel.
2. 2023 BMW XM
BMW vehicles have never been pushovers, but the all-new XM, with its exceptionally futuristic, sharply defined lines and bold character, is a robust-looking SUV designed to be so much more: the most powerful production BMW ever.
Under the hood, a punchy 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 mated to an electric motor and a battery pack will offer 644 horsepower and an estimated 30 miles of electric-only driving range. In addition, the XM will utilise a coil-spring suspension system with adaptive dampers and active anti-roll bars to help control body roll during tight cornering situations.
1. 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
The new 2023 Corvette Z06 is a sports car like no other. It is a remarkable vehicle that challenges conventional norms and propels Chevrolet into the ranks of luxury car and supercar manufacturers such as Ferrari and Lamborghini.
For this latest update, Chevy engineers focused on elevating the Corvette’s status to a proper mid-engined supercar, departing from previous Corvette models’ usual front-engine setup. To achieve this, the engineers altered the suspension design and equipped the Corvette with new wheels, six-piston Brembo front brakes, and a 5.5-litre naturally aspirated DOHC V8 with a flat-plane crankshaft. This new powertrain develops an astounding 670 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, which is more than enough to deliver the raw excitement of a hardcore, powerful, track-focused supercar.
