2023 New York Auto Show
Over the last few years, auto shows around the globe have weathered some rough patches due to the worldwide health crisis, political upheaval, economic unrest, weather irregularities and chip shortages, to name but a few major factors affecting the vehicles that move us. However, the New York Auto Show appears to be on the upswing with several new vehicles making debuts this year. All new or updated models from companies such as Kia, Subaru, Jeep and Genesis brought some much-needed excitement to the Big Apple. Here’s a quick look at highlights from our visit to the 2023 New York Auto Show.

Genesis GV80 Coupe Concept
One of the sexiest looking new models at the 2023 New York Auto Show appeared in concept form from Genesis. This GV80 Coupe Concept grabbed attention not only for its attractive design, but also because the Magma paint color was simply hard to ignore. Genesis pundits say designers and engineers developed the new concept to add a sporty performance vibe to the brand’s luxurious GV80 SUV.

Genesis GV80 Coupe Concept
The four-seat GV80 Coupe Concept takes notable styling cues from the X Speedium Coupe Concept shown in New York at last year’s show. With its “Double G-Matrix Patterned Crest Grille” surrounded by a familiar quad light motif, the GV80 Coupe Concept is immediately recognizable as a Genesis. And even though the Korea-based brand has been moving toward full electrification of its model line, this concept still gets an internal combustion engine. Shortly after unveiling this eye-catching concept, Genesis announced that the GV80 Coupe Concept would become a production vehicle soon.

Kia EV9
Kia took the wraps off its next dedicated EV at the 2023 New York Auto Show — the brand-new EV9. The EV9 is a midsize 3-row SUV and will be one of the largest EVs on the road when it arrives later this year. This stylish SUV is similar in size to the Telluride, but — thanks to a longer wheelbase and electric powertrain configuration — the cabin is much roomier. The infotainment system and driver display of the EV9 are integrated into one large, curved screen that seems to float on the dashboard. Haptic switches integrated within the dash provide shortcuts to infotainment features and remain out of sight until the vehicle starts.

Kia EV9
The new EV9 will be available in single-motor rear-wheel-drive or dual-motor all-wheel-drive variants with two different battery sizes offered. The single motor with the extended battery is targeted to deliver up to 300 miles of range, while the dual motor will have less range but a significant 379 horsepower. The more powerful EV9 should sprint to 60 mph in about 5 seconds and be able to tow up to 5,000 pounds. The Kia EV9 goes on sale at the end of this year. Pricing will be released close to the on-sale date, but we expect the sticker to start in the $40,000 range.

Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness
A few years ago Subaru introduced the new Wilderness line, which started with the Outback and continued to the Forester. These special variants get more adventurous styling, increased ground clearance and improved off-road capability. This year Subaru is offering the Crosstrek Wilderness for the first time. Based on the all-new Crosstrek that debuted earlier this year, the Crosstrek Wilderness gets unique front and rear bumpers, a bold front grille, a front skidplate and unique hex-shaped LED fog lights. The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness is easily recognizable as something special thanks to its additional body cladding along the wheels and doors, with CROSSTREK spelled across the doors in large copper letters.

Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness
The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness has a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Boxer engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. That power gets directed to all four wheels via a continuously variable transmission tuned specifically for the Wilderness. The revised differential gear ratio gives the Crosstrek better climbing ability. With the addition of a transmission oil cooler, the Crosstrek Wilderness can tow up to 3,500 pounds. Crosstrek Wilderness has a raised ground clearance of 9.3 inches — more than a half-inch higher than the standard Crosstrek. Longer coil springs and shocks increase the ground clearance and provide longer wheel travel to keep the tires connected to the ground in off-road conditions. Crosstrek Wilderness should arrive in showrooms this fall.

Ram 1500 REV
Earlier this year Ram premiered an electric truck concept at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, and only a few months later we now experience the production version. At the 2023 New York Auto Show, Ram introduced the 2025 Ram 1500 REV — its first electric pickup truck, slated to arrive at the end of 2024. The new truck looks much like its gas-powered sibling, and many of the body parts are shared between the two variants. But the REV does have several modern touches, specifically “tuning fork” styled premium LED headlights and a lighted RAM logo within the grille.

Ram 1500 REV
The new electric truck may look similar to the brand’s gas-powered versions, but under the REV’s skin sits a new STLA Frame architecture designed specifically for full-size electric vehicles (it incorporates the battery pack). The Ram REV will be offered with two battery pack options: a 168 kW battery that should deliver a range of 350 miles, and a 229 kW extended pack that is expected to give this full-size truck a range of 500 miles. With its 800-volt charging system, the Ram can add as much as 110 miles of range in just 10 minutes at a 350kW DC fast charger. This new RAM EV boasts a towing capability of 14,000 pounds and a payload of up to 2,700 pounds.

Hyundai Kona
At the 2023 New York Auto Show Hyundai introduced the next generation of its popular Kona crossover. The new Kona gets fresh styling, giving the small vehicle a futuristic look. The Kona is one of the few Hyundai models available in America that can be outfitted with either an electric motor or an internal combustion engine (ICE) powertrain. In a rather unusual move, Hyundai first developed the new Kona as an EV before the ICE variant. “The all-new Kona and Kona Electric continue to build upon our extremely successful first-generation model, with outstanding efficiency, innovative technologies, distinctive styling, and comprehensive safety features,” said José Muñoz, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor North America.

Hyundai Kona
The Kona Electric features an available 64.8 kW extended-range battery, providing an estimated driving distance of 260 miles on a full charge. With a 400-volt fast-charging capability, the Kona should be able to charge from 10 to 80 percent in about 40 minutes. Power comes from a single motor delivering 201 horsepower to the front wheels. Kona is also available with two different ICE powertrains, including a turbocharged 1.6-liter four cylinder that delivers 190 horsepower through available all-wheel drive.

Jeep Wrangler
Perhaps one of the most iconic vehicles on (and off) the road, the Jeep Wrangler receives fresh styling and several new features for the 2024 model year. The traditional 7-slot grille gets an updated look with textured slots and a body-color surround. The grille updates improve engine cooling and make room for a factory-installed 8,000-pound capacity Warn winch — newly available on the Wrangler Rubicon. Wrangler also gets some new wheel designs available on tires up to 35 inches for ultimate off-road capability.

Jeep Wrangler
Inside, the Wrangler is now available with a range of new high-end features and materials. Most noticeable is an optional 12.3-inch display running the latest version of the company’s infotainment system, Uconnect 5. The new display can also integrate off-road adventure trail guides via Trails Offroad. The updated Wrangler also gets a Dana 44 HD Full Float solid rear axle that increases the Wrangler’s towing capacity to 5,000 pounds. Jeep also adds two new trims to the Wrangler lineup: Rubicon X and Sport S 4xe, with the latter lowering the price of entry to Jeep’s plug-in hybrid Wrangler.

Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170
A few weeks ago, Dodge introduced the final entry in its “Last Call” series of Challengers: the Challenger SRT Demon 170. These special versions are the brand’s way of saying goodbye to the HEMI V8 internal combustion engine, and this final version puts a giant exclamation point on that legendary powerplant. With more than 1,000 horsepower on tap, the Demon 170 is the quickest, fastest, most powerful muscle car in the world. The Dodge Challenger Demon 170 is the first production car with drag radials developed specifically for the Demon 170 by Mickey Thompson Tires. The rear wheels get shod with 315/50R17 Mickey Thompson ET Street R drag radials, along with Mickey Thompson 245/55R18 ET Street tires on the front for ultimate traction on the street or drag strip.

Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170
The final “Last Call” Challenger Demon 170 is powered by a 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8 boasting an amazing output of 1,025 horsepower and 945 lb-ft of torque at 4200 rpm, when running on E85 ethanol blend fuel. Power gets sent to the rear wheels via a TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic transmission. With the proper fuel and perfect track conditions, the Demon 170 will reach 60 mph in 1.66 seconds while delivering more than 2 Gs of acceleration force. The NHRA certified that the Demon 170 runs the quarter mile in 8.91 seconds at a speed of 151.17 mph — so quick that the NHRA immediately banned the Demon from competition for hitting this speed without a safety cage or parachute. However, both of these features are available (yes, Dodge will sell you a parachute).

Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato
An off-road ready high-performance Lamborghini Huracan, the Sterrato gets off-road tires, integrated fog lights and a raised ground clearance.

Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato
The ultimate off-road toy, the Huracan Sterrato boasts 600 horsepower and a sophisticated all-wheel drive system.

Volkswagen Atlas Peak Edition
Special edition Atlas gets rugged styling inspired by the Volkswagen Basecamp Concept from 2019.

Volkswagen Atlas Peak Edition
Body cladding, unique wheels and all-terrain tires give this special Atlas a more rugged appearance.

Hyundai Ioniq5
Disney-themed Ioniq5 to celebrate Disney’s 100th anniversary.

Hyundai Ioniq5
Special Ioniq5 features Disney elements throughout, including fireworks in the taillight display and hidden Mickeys all around the vehicle.

Lotus Emira
The latest high-performance sports car from this legendary British marque.

Rimac Nevera
This Croatian extreme electric sports car is one of the quickest vehicles on the planet, reaching 60 mph in 1.85 seconds and passing the quarter mile in just 8.58 seconds.

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