What better way to welcome the new year than by checking out what breakthrough vehicles are on the horizon in 2024? We’ve highlighted 10 of the most exciting examples.
Of course, “exciting” means different things to different people. In addition to cars with stellar performance capabilities, you’ll find vehicles that stand out for other reasons. For instance, Chevy and Volvo are breaking through with lower-priced EVs, while Toyota is going upscale. Meanwhile, the VW ID Buzz brings a modern twist to nostalgia.
Acura ZDX
Sharing technology with the Cadillac Lyriq, the performance-oriented 2024 Acura ZDX is the second Honda product to incorporate GM’s Ultium EV platform (see the Prologue below). The “base” ZDX A-Spec starts around $60,000, but buyers will have to shell out more if they want the true benefit of electric propulsion. The range-topping ZDX Type S offers 500 horsepower and a sub-five-second run time for the 0-60 dash.
Cadillac Celestiq
Six-figure Caddys are no longer limited to loaded Escalades. The 2024 Cadillac Celestiq is an ultra-exclusive hand-built flagship with a $340,000 starting price. It checks all the boxes, and the MSRP hits north of $400,000. Cadillac touts a bespoke experience for each Celestiq as this 600-horsepower EV is tailored to individual preferences. All-wheel drive helps deliver a 0-60 mph time of 3.8 seconds.
Chevrolet Equinox EV
Chevy couldn’t pull off the once-promised $30,000 base price for the Equinox EV crossover, but a $35,000 entry point will still bring buyers into the showroom. The cheapest version offers front-wheel drive and a 319-mile range. Stepping up to all-wheel drive reduces the range to 280 miles. Buyers shouldn’t associate the modest price with a smaller EV. At 190 inches, the Equinox EV is seven inches longer than the conventional Equinox.
Ford Mustang
Ford didn’t reinvent the wheel with the introduction of the seventh-generation Mustang. But who cares? It’s a new Mustang. Still, the world’s best-selling sports car gets more aggressive bodywork and a more powerful V8, making 480 horsepower. The turbo-four EcoBoost carries over. The most exciting part of the S650 generation is the launch of a new performance variant, the Dark Horse, which dials up the Coyote 5.0 V8 to 500 ponies.
Honda Prologue
Honda is finally getting its first mainstream EV with the arrival of the midsize Prologue crossover. With understated looks and a practical and elegant cabin, the Prologue is all Honda. However, under the skin lies GM’s Ultium platform, which helped Honda get its EV act together sooner. The automaker hasn’t released all the details of the Prologue but is estimating a 300-mile range for the entry-level front-wheel-drive edition.
Hyundai Santa Fe
Korean car maker Hyundai has a knack for revolutionary more than evolutionary car designs. A case in point is the radically restyled fifth-generation Santa Fe. About the only thing this squared-off crossover has in common with its predecessor is a Hyundai badge. Muscular fenders give the Santa Fe a go-anywhere look, while a longer wheelbase makes for a more usable third-row. Clever H-style front and rear lighting plays off the Hyundai name. Gas and hybrid models are the first out; we’ll have to see if a PHEV is on the horizon.
Jeep Recon
Jeep’s all-electric Recon isn’t quite a gasless Wrangler, but removable doors certainly provide a similar vibe. At the same, the automaker promises true trail-rated capability supported by a traction management system, electronically locking differentials, underbody armor, and off-road tires. Jeep is being tight-lipped about production specs for the Recon, which will join another Jeep BEV, the Wagoneer S.
Toyota Crown Signia
Toyota is going upscale with its replacement for the Venza. The all-wheel drive Crown Signia is a premium midsize crossover that could easily wear a Lexus badge. Expect comments like, “That’s a Toyota?” to be common for this five-seat hybrid. 243 horsepower may not appear overly powerful, but that’s enough to take the Crown Signia to 60 mph from a standstill in a brisk 5.6 seconds. Toyota is promising 36 mpg.
Volkswagen ID Buzz
Volkswagen revives the magic and charm of the classic VW Bus with the retro-futuristic styling of the new ID Buzz electric minivan. U.S. buyers only get the stretched version, which seats up to seven. Rear-wheel drive with a 282-horsepower system is the standard configuration, while there’s an option for all-wheel drive with 303 horsepower. If there’s one vehicle that will create a lot of “buzz,” it will be the ID Buzz.
Volvo EX30
Volvo is plugging a hole in the affordable EV crossover market with the EX30. Its $35,000 starting price provides rear-wheel drive and a respectable 275 miles of range. Speed demons will appreciate a dual-motor upgrade that increases output to 422 horsepower while enabling a neck-snapping 0-60 mph acceleration time of 3.4 seconds, making it the fastest production Volvo ever.
