New Cars for 2023

The past few years have been like a sadistic version of Groundhog Day. While the future has felt on hold, it's about to make up for lost time. Judging by the new-car offerings for 2023, we predict we'll be leaving our houses, going on- and off-road, in vehicles that are sleek, rugged, high-tech, bewinged, bedazzled, and dazzling. While some aging favorites retire, nascent companies offerings will rev and whir onto our streets. New-car temptation will come in many forms with electricity, old-fashioned gas grunt, or a combo of both to your covetous heart and, manufacturers hope, your garage. We present the cars, trucks, and SUVs for 2023.

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Fashionable and Late

THE WELL-DRESSED ALFA ROMEO TONALE IS TARDY TO THE PARTY.

First off, Alfa Romeo's new model is not called "toenail." The brand's entry into the luxury-subcompact-SUV market is pronounced toh-NAH-lay. We're expecting pricing for the Tonale to be just below $40,000 for base models competitive with the BMW X1 and the Volvo XC40. Buyers choose from two powertrains: a 256-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder or a 272-hp plug-in hybrid that pairs a turbo 1.3-liter four with a 121-hp electric motor at the rear axle. A 15.5-kWh battery pack should give the plug-in around 30 miles of electric-only range.

The Tonale features the same Sprint, Ti, and Veloce trim levels seen elsewhere in the Alfa lineup. Adaptive cruise control comes standard, and stop-and-go capability and steering assist are offered. The interior appears to draw inspiration from Mazda. While cabin space is generous up front, the rear seat is a bit cramped. Standard wireless phone charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also help the Tonale present a convincing debut into a red-hot segment.

Acura