Most Impactful New Models of 2024

2024 was a year of tumult and transition in the U.S. auto industry. These are WardsAuto’s picks for the most significant all-new models of the year.

David Kiley, Senior Editor/Podcast Host

December 31, 2024

3 Min Read
The best-selling midsize sedan, Camry, is all-hybrid now.

Here are 10 of the most significant and praised all-new or fully redesigned models introduced in 2024:

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1. Kia EV9

  • Segment: All-electric 3-row SUV

  • Highlights: Kia's first flagship electric SUV, offering a bold design, spacious interior and advanced Level 3 autonomous features.

  • Why It Matters: Marks Kia’s entry into the large electric SUV market and showcases their EV platform's scalability.

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2. Toyota Land Cruiser

  • Segment: Midsize off-road SUV

  • Highlights: A reimagined Land Cruiser returns to the U.S. market, blending retro-inspired styling with modern hybrid powertrains.

  • Why It Matters: Balances Toyota's off-road legacy with eco-friendly hybrid technology.

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3. Volvo EX30

  • Segment: Compact electric SUV

  • Highlights: Volvo’s smallest and most affordable EV, offering sustainability-focused materials and cutting-edge safety features.

  • Why It Matters: Aimed at urban EV buyers, the EX30 positions Volvo in the growing compact EV market.

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4. Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

  • Segment: Performance electric crossover

  • Highlights: The high-performance variant of the Ioniq 5 features 641 hp and track-ready capabilities.

  • Why It Matters: Hyundai's first performance EV expands the brand's reach into the enthusiast market.

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5. Chevrolet Silverado EV

  • Segment: Fullsize electric pickup truck

  • Highlights: Combines the Silverado's utility with GM’s Ultium battery platform, offering up to 400 miles (644 km) of range.

  • Why It Matters: A key player in the emerging EV truck segment, competing with the Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T.

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6. Tesla Cybertruck

  • Segment: Fullsize electric truck

  • Highlights: Noteworthy for its polarizing design and robust performance, with over 500 miles (805 km) of range in top trims.

  • Why It Matters: Represents Tesla’s push into the pickup segment, reshaping expectations for truck design. But it also reflects CEO Elon Musk’s unwillingness to listen to others who have traditional concerns, like manufacturability, in mind. The Cybertruck is a nightmare to manufacture. Quality is a real problem.

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7. Porsche Macan EV

  • Segment: Luxury electric compact SUV

  • Highlights: All-new electric version of the Macan, blending Porsche’s sporty handling with advanced EV technology.

  • Why It Matters: Positions Porsche as a leader in luxury EVs while appealing to its existing customer base.

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8. Nissan Z Nismo

  • Segment: High-performance sports coupe

  • Highlights: A tuned version of the Nissan Z, featuring sharper handling, a more aggressive design and increased power.

  • Why It Matters: Revitalizes Nissan's sports car lineup and strengthens its appeal to driving enthusiasts.

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9. BMW 5-Series (i5)

  • Segment: Luxury sedan and EV

  • Highlights: Redesigned 5-Series lineup includes the i5, an all-electric luxury sedan with cutting-edge tech and strong performance.

  • Why It Matters: Signals BMW’s commitment to electrifying its core models.

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10. Toyota Camry

  • Segment: Midsize sedan

  • Highlights: Stylish interior design and 100% hybrid production.

  • Why It Matters: Offers midsize sedan buyers only one powertrain for the top seller in the category: a hybrid. Toyota is telling its customers there is no mystery around hybrids, and the increased fuel economy is a good thing for them and the planet.

About the Author

David Kiley

Senior Editor/Podcast Host

David Kiley is senior editor at WardsAuto, and Host of WardsAuto Podcast. Kiley has written on the auto industry for USA Today, Businessweek,Forbes, Fortune, Autoblog, Adweek, CNN and more.

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