Every other week or so, it seems automakers are launching new concepts for future models. The majority of them are electric vehicles (EVs), but there are still many new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles headed our way, many of which are electrified in one way or another.
Although this list revolves around cars and SUVs worth waiting for in 2023, the fact of the matter is that if it’s really worth waiting for, you probably won’t be able to take delivery in 2023. The ongoing global microchip shortage and other supply chain issues are still putting the hurt on automakers’ ability to build vehicles fast enough to meet pent-up demand.
While we’d love to split the list evenly between EVs and ICEs, the reality is that the future belongs to electric cars, which is why they make up the majority of these highly anticipated models. Even so, we made sure to include at least one V8 and a few turbocharged petrol-chugging vehicles.
Here are our top 11 cars worth waiting for in 2023, listed alphabetically:
2023 Chevrolet Colorado / GMC Canyon
Midsize pickups are big business for automakers in North America. Although already popular options in the segment, the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon return for 2023 with all-new and impressive visual upgrades both inside and out, and some real power. The standard turbocharged 2.7L four-cylinder engine for all versions will be offered in three different states of tune. The trucks will include serious feature upgrades and, most importantly, the magnificent ZR2 version returns.
2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV
Expectations are high for what GM says will become the first truly affordable fully electric SUV. The current gas-powered Equinox has run out of steam, meaning that Chevy must be excited about the coming of what promises to be an attractive and efficient vehicle that Canadian families are sure to appreciate. The only catch is that the more expensive versions will launch first in late 2023 followed by the base $37,250 1LT iteration in early 2024.
2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV
Ford may have been the first to produce an all-electric full-sized truck, but this battle victory has only ensured that the war will be fiercer than ever. Ford owns the ICE truck segment but all bets might be off when it comes to electric trucks. The new Silverado EV will be available in many trims including the 664-hp RST First Edition. Fleet purchases are expected to begin in early 2023, while consumer models should be delivered in the fall.
2024 Ford Mustang
Many expected that the new Mustang was going to be very different from the car Ford recently introduced. Instead of a hybrid powertrain and AWD, the new pony car sticks to its guns with a 5.0L V8, rear-wheel drive, and a manual transmission. What’s more, Ford introduced a new ultimate performance edition in the Dark Horse with the brand’s most powerful street-legal naturally aspirated production V8 engine ever for a Mustang.
2023 Honda Civic Type R
Once more, Honda has created the decisive front-wheel drive performance car. Unlike the previous version, the new car is far more attractive and grown-up. While this might not please all true Type R fans, the fact remains that few cars are as involving and rewarding to drive. Although the car is available now, very few will trickle onto the Canadian market over the next three model years. Best get on the phone now with a Honda dealership if you’re hoping to snag one.
2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6
Vehicles like the Ioniq 6 show that Hyundai’s not concerned with conventions. This car’s design is unique and may not please everyone, but the EV technology will deliver impressive performance. Like the Ioniq 5, the 6 will be capable of extremely fast charging speeds and serious on-road speed with the available dual-motor version and its 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque. And once more like the Ioniq 5, we think a performance-focused N iteration can’t be too far off.
2024 Kia EV9
Three-row SUVs are another big deal in the U.S. and Canada, and whichever automaker mass produces and sells an electric one first will win some kind of award. And odds are that Kia’s going to take it in 2023 with the new EV9. The large SUV looks poised to have all the required capabilities for an average family and based on what the Hyundai Motor Group has so far introduced with each of its new EVs, the EV9 will offer range, impressive charging speeds, and plenty of performance.
2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB
The small premium electric SUV segment is packed with plenty of options including the all-new Mercedes-Benz EQB. For its ideal urban size, instantly recognizable styling, and potential versatility thanks to its optional third row, the EQB fits is every scenario. Performance from its standard dual-motor layout and 66.5-kWh lithium-ion EV battery promises plenty of range as well as passing power.
2024 Polestar 3
Polestar is on a roll. Volvo’s offshoot EV company’s next trick, the 3, is designed to impress in every regard. The styling alone is a dynamic cross between an SUV and a station wagon, while the powertrain technology will not leave owners wanting more. The Polestar 3’s large 111-kWh battery pack, which will enable roughly 480 km of range, will feed two electric motors that generate 489 hp and 620 lb-ft of torque or, optionally, up to 517 hp and 671 lb-ft. Also loaded with an immense amount of onboard technology, it won’t be cheap, though.
2024 Tesla Cybertruck
This truck has been on lists like the one you’re reading for three years or so. But now, if we’re to believe the latest news, production of Tesla’s extremely anticipated Cybertruck should begin in 2023. The electric pickup’s highlights are numerous and include being amphibian, at least briefly, and optionally being offered with four electric motors. There’s no doubt that the Cybertruck will surprise and amaze based solely on Tesla’s other vehicles and current track record.
2023 Toyota GR Corolla
This car is a gift from the automotive gods and Akio Toyoda, president of the Japanese car-making giant. In creating the new GR Corolla, Toyota has given sport compact car and driving enthusiasts the ideal combination of Civic Type R driving dynamics and Volkswagen Golf R AWD traction. This car is raw, loud, and engagingly fast thanks to its wonderful turbocharged three-cylinder engine and rewarding six-speed manual transmission. This one will be rare as well and should the Morizo special edition be the version you want, forget about it. Only 10 will come to Canada.
A number of other vehicles could have made this list. Notable omissions include the two Rivian R1 models, the Nissan Ariya, the Volvo EX90 (the Polestar 3’s non-identical twin), the Honda Prologue, and a few others. Regardless, 2023 is shaping up to be another exciting year for cars!
