What’s New With SUVs for 2023?
As sedans slowly disappear from the U.S. market, automakers continue to roll out new SUVs as well as redesigns of their popular SUV nameplates, with some offering electrified powertrain choices. The pace for conventional gas-powered SUVs and hybrids has slowed from the 2022 model year, however, as the spotlight has turned to new electric vehicles for 2023, with more to come through 2026.
Below are the all-new and fully redesigned gasoline and hybrid SUV choices for 2023, with links to more in-depth coverage and details of each. (Note that prices mentioned below include the destination fee.)
Related: Which SUVs, Minivans and Sedans Have the Most Cargo Space?
BMW X1
The redone BMW X1, the automaker’s smallest SUV, is now a little bigger, more upright and, like other BMWs, has a bolder grille. It also gets more power and torque, as well as updated driver-assist, safety and multimedia tech. Power for the 2023 model comes from a 241-horsepower (up from 228), turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine; it is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and newly standard all-wheel drive. Two design packages are available with bigger wheels up to 20 inches and more aggressive looks. The most dramatic change in the updated interior is the BMW Curved Display — a 10.7-inch center touchscreen combined with a 10.25-inch digital instrument display in one curved unit — powered by BMW’s latest iDrive8. Pricing for the X1 starts at just over $40,000.
Dodge Hornet
The American muscle-car brand brings a dose of performance to the small SUV space with its new Dodge Hornet, an SUV based on the Tonale SUV from fellow Stellantis brand Alfa Romeo. The Hornet adopts some of the Tonale’s styling but incorporates a Dodge grille design and some other brand-specific cues. Powering the GT version is a 265-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, while the R/T trim is powered by a plug-in hybrid system with a turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder and an electric motor for a total system output of 285 hp. Dodge estimates it will be rated for 30 miles of all-electric range on a charge. The Hornet’s PHEV system also has PowerShot feature that can add 25 hp for a 15-second performance burst. AWD is standard for both versions of the SUV. The interior features a 12.3-inch configurable digital instrument display and a 10.25-inch central touchscreen that’s powered by Stellantis’ latest Uconnect 5 system and features wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. A full suite of safety and drive-assistance tech comes standard. Pricing for the Hornet starts at about $32,000 for the GT and $37,000 for the R/T. For comparison, pricing for Tonale PHEV starts at nearly $50,000.
Honda CR-V
Honda’s CR-V compact SUV, a mainstay of America’s school drop-off lanes, is fully refreshed for 2023 but remains roomy for its class and notable for its family-friendly features. Its two lower trim levels are powered by a carryover 190-hp, turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, but the two higher trim levels now have an improved two-motor hybrid system. The new 204-hp hybrid system includes a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a pair of electric motors; it is now offered with front-wheel drive as well as AWD. The FWD hybrid is the CR-V’s mileage leader thanks to its EPA-rated 40 mpg combined. The new CR-V has a more SUV-like shape and is slightly bigger overall. Room is increased inside, as well, with added space to the rear seat that already was one of the most comfortable among compact SUVs. Cargo space behind the rear seat also increases to a maximum of 39.3 cubic feet for the gasoline models, according to Honda, and 36.3 for the hybrids — both large for the class. The interior now features upgraded materials and a design that’s inspired by the latest Civic, and tech includes 7- or 9-inch touchscreens with improved usability. Pricing starts at about $33,000 for gasoline versions and just over $34,000 for hybrid models.
Honda HR-V
The redesigned Honda HR-V subcompact SUV moves to a new platform and gets a new engine, an improved suspension and an upgraded multimedia system. It is also 9.4 inches longer and 2.6 inches wider than its predecessor. The HR-V now shares underpinnings with the Civic compact sedan but does not share the Civic’s powertrains. The 2023 model does get a bit more power with a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 158 hp (up from 141 hp in 2022). It also comes with FWD or a revised AWD system with a new Snow mode and standard hill descent control. Ride and handling are improved in part due to a new independent rear suspension. The updated roomy interior has a clean look and adds a bigger standard 7-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; the top trim gets a 9-inch display with wireless CarPlay and Android Auto. Finally, the Honda Sensing bundle of electronic safety features is now standard on all trim levels. Pricing starts at roughly $25,000.
Honda Pilot
The redesigned fourth-generation Honda Pilot gets more in line with competing three-row family haulers by shedding its minivan personality for a more aggressive truck-like look. It also adds a trim level with genuine soft-road-adventure aspirations. The new trim carries over the TrailSport name from a 2022 package that was mostly just appearance enhancements, but it now includes an off-road-tuned suspension, a 1-inch lift, a trim-specific AWD system, all-terrain tires and underbody protection. The redone Pilot keeps its smooth V-6 engine for all versions, and the suspension gets new front struts and a new rear multilink setup. FWD is standard, and AWD is available for all trim levels; the TrailSport and Elite are AWD only. Maximum towing capacity remains 5,000 pounds. The most notable improvement to the interior is a replacement of the previous multimedia tech with a much-improved touchscreen system that features a 9-inch display on all but the base model. The new Pilot’s third row, however, remains one of the tighter in its class for adults. Pricing for the base model starts at just over $40,000 and about $50,000 for the TrailSport.
Land Rover Range Rover Sport
Land Rover followed the 2022 redesign of the top-of-the-line Range Rover with a 2023 update of the smaller Range Rover Sport two-row mid-size luxury SUV. The new Range Rover Sport has a sleeker look with slimmer lights and gets new powertrains and tech. Coming in 2024 will be an all-electric version, but for now its power options for the four trim levels start with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine that puts out 355 hp (SE) or 395 hp (SE Dynamic). Next up is a PHEV (Autobiography) with the six-cylinder and an electric motor; it has a total output of 434 hp and a manufacturer-estimated all-electric range of 48 miles. The range-topping First Edition variant is powered by a 523-hp, turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8. AWD is standard. The Range Rover Sport’s updated interior includes a 13.7-inch configurable instrument display, and the old center layout of dual 10-inch media and control touchscreens has been swapped out for a single portrait-oriented 13.1-inch screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and a Meridian Signature Sound system upgrade is available. Starting prices for the SUV’s four trims range from about $85,000 to more than $106,000.
Lexus RX
The venerable Lexus RX, a pioneer in car-based luxury SUVs, was redone from the pavement up for 2023, but it’s still an SUV that emphasizes quiet comfort. The extended L version with a small third row has disappeared, as has the old standard V-6. The 2023 model offers four powertrains, including a standard turbocharged four-cylinder in the RX 350; it offers slightly better gas mileage at the expense of the quiet smoothness of the old V-6. Also available is a more responsive and economical hybrid, the RX 350h, as well as a more aggressive 500h F Sport Performance hybrid. Coming soon is an RX 450h PHEV that will offer some miles of all-electric range, though Lexus has not yet released details. The RX 350 has standard FWD or optional AWD, and AWD is standard on the 350h and 500h. A new suspension improves the driving feel but keeps a comfortable ride. The new RX’s interior has been upgraded with higher-quality materials, and the higher trim levels get a 14-inch touchscreen — the old touchpad controller is history. Pricing starts at just under $50,000 for the base RX 350.
Maserati Grecale
A new competitor among luxury performance SUVs is the 2023 Maserati Grecale, which features three trim levels that offer escalating AWD performance. The base GT is powered by a 296-hp, turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system; it makes 325 hp in the Modena. Topping the lineup is the Trofeo with its twin-turbocharged V-6 putting out 523 hp. An all-electric Folgore version of the SUV is planned for later this year. The trim levels vary in exterior style, wheels and colors, and the upscale interiors include a 12.3-inch digital instrument display paired with an 8.8-inch or 12.3-inch touchscreen media system. The base Grecale GT starts at about $65,000.
Mazda CX-50
The Mazda CX-50 compact SUV is a new model, though it is similar in size to the CX-5. The CX-50 is aimed at the growing market for SUVs that are more soft-road-capable — or at least look more adventurous. The CX-50 is blockier than the sleek CX-5 and has more body cladding. Mazda says it has added high-strength roof rails and reinforced roof pillars to support cargo accessories. A more capable Meridian Edition trim level adds smaller 18-inch wheels with fatter all-terrain tires. The CX-50 also includes standard AWD and a new Off-Road drive mode, as well as a Towing mode if you get the turbocharged engine option that raises the towing capacity to 3,500 pounds. Power comes from one of two 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines: a base 187-hp engine and a turbocharged version producing up to 256 hp on premium fuel. Much like the CX-5, the interior is nicely trimmed in the Mazda way and offers the automaker’s first panoramic moonroof. An 8.8-inch media display is standard, and a 10.25-inch screen is optional along with a knob controller on the center console. The screen also functions as a touchscreen when the CX-50 is stopped or when using wireless Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. The starting price is about $29,000; the more off-road-ready Meridian Edition starts at nearly $42,000.
Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
The redesigned 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class luxury compact SUV looks a lot like the outgoing model, but more significant changes include a revised mild-hybrid powertrain and an infusion of new multimedia and control tech that has migrated down from its bigger, more expensive siblings. The GLC’s interior gets a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, a portrait-oriented 11.9-inch screen in the center console and the latest MBUX multimedia system. There are touch controls for functions such as the climate system along with upgraded voice control. As before, advanced safety and driver-assistance tech require option packages, but leather upholstery is no longer an option — all versions get Mercedes’ MB-Tex imitation leather. The only powertrain available for now is a new 258-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that’s paired with a 48-volt integrated electric starter/generator that can add 23 hp and 148 pound-feet of torque as needed. The automaker says that a performance AMG version of the GLC will not be available for model year 2023. Pricing is not official yet; the 2022 base model with rear-wheel drive started at about $45,000.
Toyota Sequoia
The redesigned 2023 Toyota Sequoia full-size SUV is bigger and more sophisticated, sharing its new platform with the latest Tundra pickup, the Lexus LX SUV and the newest Land Cruiser, which is no longer sold in the U.S. The Sequoia builds on those models’ more efficient engines, better ride and handling, and upgraded interiors. The SUV is now powered by a 437-hp, twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 iForce Max hybrid-electric system that first appeared on the Tundra as an option. EPA-rated fuel economy is 22 mpg combined with the RWD that is standard on most versions; four-wheel drive is an option for all but the TRD Pro trim level, which has it standard. Interior materials are significantly improved, and a big 14-inch touchscreen media system is standard on all but the base model. The first and second rows are roomy, but the new Sequoia’s third-row and cargo room are limited by the design of the new rear suspension and underfloor battery pack for the hybrid system; the third-row seats also do not fold flat. Pricing starts at about $60,000.
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New Electric SUVs for 2023
There also is a large group of new 2023 all-electric SUVs, which we cover in a separate roundup. Among the new electric SUVs from mainstream brands are the Nissan Ariya, Subaru Solterra and Toyota bZ4X. Folks with deeper pockets can pick from new luxury-brand ones that include the Cadillac Lyriq, Genesis GV60 and Electrified GV70, Lexus RZ 450e, and Mercedes-EQ EQE and EQS. SUVs from new EV brands include the Fisker Ocean and VinFast VF8 and VF9.
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