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10 upcoming cars we can’t wait to see: (2023—2026)

You don’t have to be in the car business to appreciate the constant flow of fresh metal-hitting showrooms. Here’s a quick look at some of the most anticipated upcoming cars coming in the next few years. Unsurprisingly, most entries are SUVs or EVs (or both). However, ICE-powered offerings aren’t totally dead.

1. 2024 Acura ZDX

Honda’s luxury division is resurrecting last decade’s ZDX name to launch its first EV. And it can’t come soon enough, given the number of all-electric offerings appearing at competing dealers. Acura is tight-lipped but has mentioned a performance-oriented Type S variant is in the works. The rumor mill suggests the ZDX could be built alongside Cadillac’s Lyriq.

2. 2026 BMW i8 M

2026 will see the launch of an all-new BMW i8 flagship sports car that hopes to make up for its predecessor’s performance shortfalls. As things stand now, expect a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a four-cylinder turbo engine motivating the rear wheels and an electric motor moving the front pair. BMW is teasing a total output of 591 horsepower, a 60% boost over the last i8.

3. 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV

Chevy is happy to fill the gap for affordable EVs with the all-electric Equinox crossover and a promised $30,000 starting point. If the Bowtie folks can actually pull off that price tag and make the car eligible for federal tax incentives, Chevy dealers will sell every Equinox EV they can get their hands on. 

4. 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona SRT

While still technically a concept, the Dodge Charger Daytona SRT sure gives off production car vibes the way Dodge’s CEO talks about this EV sports car being the brand’s “North Star” for the future. Performance junkies will appreciate up to 670 horsepower, and purists may even like the artificial exhaust sound. 

5. 2023 Dodge Hornet

Dodge’s first new nameplate in a decade has just hit showrooms, so technically it’s already arrived. However, we couldn’t resist adding this game-changing crossover to the list. Sharing much with the Alfa Romeo Tonale, the Hornet GT offers a jaw-dropping $30,000 base price, which includes 268 ponies and all-wheel drive. More performance-oriented versions are coming, including a plug-in hybrid.

6. 2024 Ford Mustang 

With ICE-powered muscle cars from Chevy and Dodge going away, the all-new seventh-generation Mustang will continue to dominate as the world’s best-selling sports car. This ‘Stang is more evolutionary than revolutionary (power comes from the trusty 5.0 V8 or the stalwart turbo four-cylinder). However, the dual-screen cockpit is spaceship-worthy. 

7. 2024 Honda Prologue

Honda dealers are likely counting the days until the brand’s first modern EV reaches their showrooms. The handsome Prologue doesn’t deviate too far from Honda’s design language, but wild looks have never been part of the brand’s playbook. Although the company is developing its own EV platform, the Prologue incorporates many systems from the Chevrolet Blazer EV.

8. 2024 Fisker Ocean

Grant Henrik Fisker credit for never giving up; he’s on his third shot at a namesake vehicle. Rather than hitting six figures (like past efforts), the Fisker Ocean EV (starting at $38,000) might actually leave a lasting impression. Initial units, including the 585-horsepower Ocean Extreme variant, will come out of Europe, but the company is looking for a U.S. assembly option.

9. 2024 Polestar 3

Think of Polestar as the little EV company that can. Sure, it’s backed by Gheely and Volvo, but there’s something to be said for pulling off a stand-alone automotive brand. While enjoying limited success with the Polestar 2 sedan, the upcoming Polestar 3 crossover should bring more into the Polestar fold. This is even with an $85,000 price tag. 

10. 2024 Volkswagen ID. Buzz

Oozing vintage vibes from the original Volkswagen Microbus, the ID. Buzz provides a shot of nostalgia while incorporating the company’s embrace of the EV world. Europe is getting several ID. Buzz variations, including a commercial trim. However, U.S. buyers will have to “settle” for the long-wheel-base passenger edition.

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David Goldberg
David Goldberg
David Goldberg is a contributing writer and reporter for CBT News. He brings a unique combination of dealership experience, a lifelong love of automobiles, and a journalism background to his writing for CBT News. He has a BA in journalism from The George Washington University.

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