Welcome to our annual look at virtually every model from every major manufacturer. If you’ve been in the market for a new ride, you already know the landscape has changed. Prices can be eye-watering, and even finding the vehicle you want can be difficult. In other words, patience is more crucial than ever, but it’s worth it when you see just how many cars offer performance, styling, and features that not so long ago would’ve seemed out of this world. For even more info and year-round updates—plus our latest rankings of the best choices in every segment—visit MotorTrend.com/cars.
ACURA
INTEGRA Last year, Acura announced the Integra was coming back, and after the four-door fastback launched that summer, the automaker confirmed the Integra Type S would return in 2023. The Integra Type S is closely related to the Honda Civic Type R. Both cars use the same 2.0-liter turbo-four, but the Type S gets a 5-hp bump, punching out 320 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. All that power is routed to the front wheels via a six-speed manual.
Although the Type S and Type R are mechanically related, they drive differently. The current Type R has a stiff ride, while the Type S delivers a softer and more comfort-oriented experience. It’s still very driver focused, but the Acura’s cabin is filled with creature comforts you won’t find in the Honda, such as heated seats with soft bolsters instead of sport seats.
ZDX The ZDX nameplate is back, except this time it’s a whole different thing. The 2024 ZDX, an electric SUV, will make its debut in the first quarter of next year, and it will be Acura’s first dedicated EV. But don’t get confused. The original ZDX and the new ZDX share nothing in common except the big A at the front. In fact, the new ZDX will be more closely related to the Chevrolet Blazer EV, as the Acura and Chevy models will share GM’s Ultium electric platform.
As of this writing, Acura hasn’t revealed many details of its EV, but a Type S variant will offer more power and likely a dual-motor setup. We expect to see between 400 and 500 hp in the Type S, and range could be north of 300 miles, depending on the model.
One key difference between the ZDX and Blazer EV: GM’s future EVs will not support Apple CarPlay, but Acura made headlines by announcing the ZDX will have wireless CarPlay through its Google-based infotainment system, which also supports Android Auto, Google Assistant, and Google Maps.
MINOR UPDATES TLX
CARRYOVER MDX, RDX
ALFA ROMEO
The scintillating sport sedan sees a digital gauge cluster as standard, refreshed grille innards and adaptive LED headlamps, smoked taillight lenses, and the cancellation of the Estrema and Lusso trims. The new Competizione combines tons of performance and luxury items in one 2.0T four-cylinder package; Alfa calls it “limited” but doesn’t say what that limit is. For a truly limited variant, check out the 100th Anniversary Quadrifoglio—just 100 will be built, all with gold calipers, a carbon-fiber grille surround, and special upholstery and gold stitching.
