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.
Here are 10 of the most significant and praised all-new or fully redesigned models introduced in 2024:
Kia EV9
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.
Landcruiser
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.
Volvo Ex30
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.
Ioniq 5N
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.
Silverado EV
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.
Cybertruck
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.
Macan EV
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.
Nissan Z Nismo
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.
BMW i5
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.
Toyota Camry
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.
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