The auto industry is in flux, facing the challenge of a revolutionary shift from fossil-fuel dependence to electrification. But the vast majority of us still drive gas-powered vehicles, and that’s what we buy new, too. The new and updated cars on the market are better than ever – good news for shoppers and good news for the future. These great cars will force the next generation of electrified vehicles to be great, too – not just electrified and efficient but compelling, attractive, and fun to drive.
The Autotrader editorial team examined the new crop of cars available for sale as 2023 models and picked the 11 best for your consideration. This year’s list includes one pure electric (EV) and four hybrid gasoline-electric vehicles (HEVs), joined by six traditional gasoline internal combustion engine (ICE) models. The transitional mix feels suitable for the times.
Because there are many new or redesigned vehicles for 2023, we focused on those available for purchase within the next nine months. We included vehicles offering either significant value or groundbreaking in some other way.
To qualify for our list, the base model of a vehicle had to start below $110,000. However, most cars on this list are thousands of dollars below that.
Here are Autotrader’s Best New Cars for 2023 (presented in alphabetical order by manufacturer):
1. 2023 Acura Integra
Starting at $31,300, the 2023 Integra represents the return of the entry-level luxury sport compact to the Acura lineup. Integra debuted as one of the original 1986 Acura models and ran for four generations of production through 2006. The new model comes with a 200-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. It’s available with either a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) or a 6-speed manual transmission. “With the return of the Integra, Acura has done a terrific job keeping the car true to its roots while differentiating it from the Civic,” says senior editor Allyson Harwood. “It’s exactly what it used to be, despite the cries of enthusiasts who expected a budget supercar,” agrees senior video editor Jeff Glucker. “This is a nicer version of its Civic sibling — and that’s a good thing since the newest Civic is also an excellent machine.” See 2023 Acura Integra models for sale near you
2. 2023 BMW 740i/760i xDrive
Rumors of the death of the full-size sedan are premature, a fact proven by the 2023 BMW 7 Series, specifically the gasoline-powered 740i and 760i xDrive versions (there’s also an electric i7 xDrive60 model). Starting at $95,700, the 7 Series got a total redesign this year, and our editors were impressed.
“‘Masterpiece.’ That was the only word I could think of that encapsulates the latest BMW flagship sedan,” says senior editor Matt Degen. “The all-new 7 feels like the pinnacle of executive sedans that also have a high-performance flair.” Befitting a luxury sedan, it was the details and the extras that captured our attention. “Rear entertainment systems are often compromised in one way or another, but the optional 31-inch Theater Screen with 8K resolution is as close as you can get to a movie theater experience in a car,” says senior editor Eric Brandt. “The latest 7 Series is a striking example of modern art on wheels,” says senior editor Rob Nestora. See 2023 BMW 7 Series models for sale near you
3. 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
The Z06 has always been the Corvette model enthusiasts wait for, and the eighth-generation Corvette finally gets one for 2023. Starting at $105,300, the mid-engine 2-seater manages to limbo under our price limit. With 670 hp, it will test your limits as it zooms from 0 to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds with 1.22 G of available lateral G-force. Glucker says that “Chevy isn’t holding back anymore… the new Z06 is a world-beating monster. And that flat-plane crank V8 sounds amazing.” Nestora is similarly impressed, saying, “The Z06 removes any doubt about this supercar’s pedigree. It’s the real deal and only the first of many C8 iterations to come.” See 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 models for sale near you
4. 2023 Genesis GV60
The only all-electric vehicle on our list this year, the 2023 Genesis GV60 SUV debuts with a starting price of $59,290. Expanding the Genesis design language with a sleek exterior, the GV60 is available for sale in just nine states (Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Utah, and Washington). Not coincidentally, these are the states with the best EV charging infrastructure. The geographically fortunate buyers will choose between 234-kW/314-hp and 320-kW/429-hp models, capable of 248 miles and 235 miles of range, respectively.
Video editor Lyn Woodward says, “From its sleek exterior styling, elegant interior fit, finishes, materials, and colors, to the spirited driving experience, which doesn’t disappoint, the GV60 turns heads in every way. And extra kudos for the magic 8-ball-looking shift knob.” “Who says EVs don’t have character?” asks video production manager Micah Muzio. “I like everything about this EV,” says senior editor Joe Tralongo. “But, as a lover of all things automotive, the GV60’s interior draws me in.” Editorial director Jason Allan has the final say: “Two words: Boost Mode. Two more: Hold on.” See 2023 Genesis GV60 models for sale near you
5. 2023 Honda Civic Type R
Starting at $43,295, the 2023 Honda Civic Type R is the fastest Civic ever. Boasting a 315-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter VTEC engine and 6-speed manual transmission, the front-wheel-drive Type R is a throwback pocket-rocket sedan aimed directly at the hearts of enthusiasts. Brandt says, “The new Honda Civic Type R finds a just-right balance of thrilling performance, ostentatious styling, and modern technology while retaining a manual transmission and a sub-$50,000 price tag.” Nestora recognizes the exceptional nature of the Type R, saying, “In terms of driving experience, the Civic has never been this good. Ever.” See 2023 Honda Civic Type R models for sale near you
6. 2023 Honda CR-V
The CR-V (short for “Comfortable Runabout Vehicle) has been near the top of the sales charts almost since U.S. sales began in 1997. It has come a long way from its “cute ute” roots, growing and maturing into a respectable compact crossover SUV. In the new 2023 version (starting at $31,610), the CR-V has regained a touch of ruggedness inside and out, highlighted by a new grille, snow-driving mode, and hill-descent control. Buyers get a choice of gasoline-only or hybrid powertrains.
“I don’t know how Honda does it, but it makes every generation of the already terrific CR-V even better,” says Harwood. “It is more spacious, even nicer to drive, and has better tech.” Senior editor Colin Ryan agrees, saying, “Both the Honda CR-V and CR-V Hybrid are everything a CR-V should be — blending quality with practicality and affordability — yet with an extra special something that makes them more engaging than any CR-V that’s come before.” Allan agrees, saying, “In the increasingly competitive compact SUV segment, the CR-V’s key strength is — everything. None of its competitors do so much, so well.” Muzio has the last word, saying of the CR-V, “It kinda makes me want to trade my 2008 CR-V in for a new one.” See 2023 Honda CR-V models for sale near you
7. 2023 Hyundai Palisade
The 2023 Hyundai Palisade makes our list thanks to a midcycle refresh that touched its interior and exterior, moving it ever closer to the luxury category while retaining a competitive $35,550 starting price. We’ve praised the Palisade since its introduction as a 2020 model. This year, Hyundai has given the 3-row crossover SUV an update with improvements that add up to a substantial makeover.
“The Palisade’s striking and richly appointed interior would impress in many luxury SUVs,” says Allan. “No matter which trim level you pick, you won’t feel cheated,” says senior editor Russ Heaps. Brandt says, “The 2023 update is more than just a facelift; it now has the rugged-looking XRT trim and more luxury options like a massaging driver’s seat and heated third-row seats.” Executive editor Brian Moody says, “the Palisade’s updates are enough to keep it fresh while not messing with a winning formula.” See 2023 Hyundai Palisade models for sale near you
8. 2023 Kia Sportage
Starting at $26,290, the 2023 Kia Sportage represents the start of the fifth generation of Sportage models sold in the U.S. since 1995. The current model is available with an internal combustion gasoline-only (ICE), hybrid gas-electric (HEV), or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. Kia has sold over five million Sportage SUVs worldwide during its run, and the latest version is the best yet.
“It’s hard to express what a dramatic improvement the Sportage is,” says Harwood. “More refined, more powerful, and much bigger inside. This generation of the Sportage is very easy to recommend.” Senior editor Frankie Rogers gives the Sportage her highest endorsement. “If it’s possible to be in love with a car, then I’m in love with the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid,” she says. “Why? Because Kia does everything right with the Sportage Hybrid. From the punchy 1.6-liter turbocharged engine that puts out 227 hp to the luxury look and feel of the interior to its advanced safety tech and driver-assist features. Not to mention, the Sportage’s styling, which exudes confidence.”
“The latest Sportage feels like a quantum leap over the past model and another Cinderella story for Kia,” says Degen. “What was once a competent but rather dowdy compact SUV has been recast as a stylish, tech-laden, and highly alluring competitor in the red-hot compact SUV segment.” See 2023 Kia Sportage models for sale near you
9. 2023 Nissan Z
A newly redesigned sports car always raises our temperature. When it’s an attainable update of a classic, we’re in danger of overheating. The 2023 Nissan Z (starting at $39,990) takes over the lineage that began with the Datsun 240Z in 1970 and ran through the Nissan 370Z, the sixth-generation car that left production last year. The new Z shares a chassis with the outgoing model. However, it wears a new skin, a new interior, and a 400-hp twin-turbo V6 under its long hood.
“The newest Nissan Z is a nice evolution over the aged 370Z. While it’s not a reinvention of the Z car, the touches to the past blend well with the modern powertrain and excellent exterior styling,” says Glucker. “A fun 2-seater, whether heading to the store or ripping through the turns on Tennessee’s Tail of the Dragon. Its torquey turbo V6 is the gift that just keeps on giving,” says Heaps. “This new Z has just enough retro and just modern enough to make it stand out. The nod to the past is obvious in many areas of the car, but the performance is thoroughly modern. An excellent sports car all around,” says Moody. See 2023 Nissan Z models for sale near you
10. 2023 Toyota GR Corolla
And the next hot new sports car is a Corolla? While the Toyota Corolla is the best-selling car in history, few have mistaken it for a sports car. Until now. The 2023 Toyota GR Corolla (starting at $35,900) takes the compact 5-door hatchback concept to its extreme. Toyota gave it over to the maniacs at Gazoo Racing (GR) for retuning. The result: the GR Corolla is fitted with a 300-hp 3-cylinder turbo, all-wheel drive, and a 6-speed manual transmission. High-performance brakes and a circuit-tuned suspension, not to mention a big ol’ wing, assure the GR Corolla is a genuine performer.
“The GR Corolla is the most fun I’ve had behind the wheel of a new car in the past year … maybe the past few years. It’s everything an enthusiast should want from a performance machine. In fact, it feels more like a homologated rally car special than a souped-up Corolla,” says Glucker. “I’m shocked … SHOCKED … that the most emotive car I’ve driven in recent memory is a Corolla,” says Muzio. “If you’re not excited about the GR Corolla, you might be dead,” says Nestora. See 2023 Toyota GR Corolla models for sale near you
11. 2023 Toyota Prius
The 2001 Toyota Prius was revolutionary when it went on sale in the U.S. Since then, “Prius” has become shorthand for “hybrid,” which has not always been meant as praise. With the new 2023 Prius, Toyota sheds the utilitarian looks and sluggish performance for a sleek, modern, fun-to-drive hybrid sure to awaken the masses again. Starting at $27,450, the new Prius demonstrates that a pure EV is not the only way.
“The new 2023 Toyota Prius is like a normal car from the future. It has the efficiency you’d expect from a Prius, plus the latest tech and a lovely design that won’t embarrass the driver,” says Brandt. “Talk about a “glow-up!” The Prius has never looked as good as it does now. See y’all, hybrids don’t have to be ugly,” says Nestora. “It’s quite impressive to go from an anonymous hybrid appliance to a car that causes people to step back and take a second look,” says Glucker. “The Prius design glow-up is one of the most impressive stories in the automotive world from the past year.”See 2023 Toyota Prius models for sale near you
Autotrader’s Best Cars of 2023
- 2023 Acura Integra
- 2023 BMW 740i/760i xDrive
- 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
- 2023 Genesis GV60
- 2023 Honda Civic Type R
- 2023 Honda CR-V
- 2023 Hyundai Palisade
- 2023 Kia Sportage
- 2023 Nissan Z
- 2023 Toyota GR Corolla
- 2023 Toyota Prius