Years from now, when we look back on 2022, it will be seen as a pivotal year for new cars and the automotive industry in general. Electric cars aren’t new; driver assist technology isn’t new; and fun, efficient, and affordable gasoline-powered cars aren’t new either. What is new? Choices. Thanks to the broader availability of high-tech features and fully electric cars, consumers now have an abundance of choices when it comes to great new cars. Our list of the best new cars for 2022 reflects that abundance.
Today, automakers build a wider variety of vehicle types. Want an electric car? There are now many good all-electric cars in various prices, sizes, and shapes. In fact, electric vehicles make up one-third of our list this year, and two of those EVs are trucks. By this time next year, there will be more than 10 all-new, worthwhile electric cars.
Because there are many new or redesigned vehicles for 2022, we focused on those available for purchase within the next nine months. We included vehicles offering either significant value or groundbreaking in some other way. For example, Kia reinvented the minivan with the Carnival. Rivian has already delivered all-electric pickups to customers — and this from a company that didn’t exist before 2009.
To qualify for our list, the base model of a vehicle had to start below $110,000, but most cars on this list are tens of thousands of dollars below that.
Here is our list of the best new cars for 2022 (presented in alphabetical order by manufacturer).
1. 2022 Acura MDX
Our editors like the smooth, quiet ride, sharp handling, and interior comfort of the 2022 Acura MDX.
The MDX is all-new for 2022, and it now boasts features like dual 12.3-inch display screens. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also come standard, along with Amazon Alexa Built-in. One of our favorite features is the 1,000 watt, 25 speaker ELS audio system. If you’re an audiophile, this is one of the best in-car systems you can find. As far as driving dynamics, that’s Acura’s thing. Our editors like the smooth, quiet ride, sharp handling, and spacious, comfortable interior.
“I’ve always preferred the way the MDX drives, and Acura has some of the best seats out there. Plus, SH-AWD is the best all-wheel-drive system around.” — Jeff Glucker, Video Host/Editor
See 2022 Acura MDX models for sale near you
2. 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning
The electric version of the F-150 is the perfect tool for consumers and contractors.
When you combine the popularity of the F-150 pickup with the capability of an all-electric vehicle, it’s bound to be a winner. Bonus points for the large “Frunk.” Add to that Ford’s Intelligent Backup Power, over-the-air software updates, and 11 power outlets, and this version of the F-150 is the perfect tool for consumers and contractors.
“This might be the smartest move anyone has made in the EV field so far. The popularity of the F-150 mated to an EV powertrain may finally convince mainstream buyers to take electric vehicles seriously.” – Jason Fogelson, Editor
See 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning models for sale near you
3. 2022 Ford Maverick
The Maverick can tow 2,000 lbs, has a multi-position tailgate, and is attractive.
Great tools and services usually fill an unmet need, and that’s exactly what the Ford Maverick does. Remember when the Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, and Ford Ranger were affordable compact trucks? Those popular small trucks have grown in price and size over the years. With the 2022 Maverick, the base price is right around $20,000. A hybrid version is standard, estimated to get 42 mpg in city driving. The Maverick can tow 2,000 lbs, has a multi-position tailgate, and is attractive.
“Pickup trucks are great, but they have gotten too big. We’ve said it for years. The Ford Maverick has a chance to fill the gap left by the beloved mini trucks of the 1980s and 1990s, with a modern twist. Hopefully, buyers will be brave enough to buy the truck they need rather than the truck their ego wants.” – Jason Fogelson, Editor
See 2022 Ford Maverick models for sale near you
4. 2022 Genesis GV70
The 2022 Genesis GV70 has an available 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine.
Genesis is a relatively new luxury brand, but with the GV70, they have hit an out-of-the-park home run. It’s good-looking, is both smooth and quick on the road, and has tons of up-to-date tech. One of our favorite tech features is the slightly off-center 360-degree parking camera. Somehow, it manages to give a camera view that looks like there’s a drone hovering just off the right rear side of the car. It comes off more like augmented reality than just a parking camera. The available 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 makes 375 hp and is smooth as a BMW or Mercedes-Benz.
“This is probably the best small SUV I’ve driven. It’s crazy good-looking, is a blast to drive, and has a nice, cozy interior with lots of cool tech. The high-tech features in a new car should make your life easier, not more complicated. The 2022 Genesis GV70 does exactly that.” – Brian Moody, Executive Editor
See 2022 Genesis GV70 models for sale near you
5. 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5
Cars like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 are purpose-built EVs designed to be electric from their very inception.
Electric cars are maturing. Until now, most electric cars began life as gasoline-powered cars. An electric powertrain was fitted to that vehicle, and an EV was born. Today, cars like the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 are purpose-built EVs designed to be electric from the very beginning. Why does that matter? Mainly because when you eliminate the need for a large gas tank and delete a huge chunk of metal from under the hood, the designer is freer to make dramatically different choices regarding the car’s overall look, interior space, and even technology. We also like the way the Ioniq 5 looks.
“The Hyundai Ioniq 5 lies at the intersection of everything Hyundai seems to do exceptionally well. It is a stylish, well-packaged EV that is priced right, and its 300-mile electric range makes it a low-compromise choice for those on the fence about moving toward an electric future.” —Andrew Ganz, Editor
See 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 models for sale near you
6. 2022 Honda Civic
The 2022 Honda Civic’s interior boldly takes a minimalist approach and makes that feel elegant.
The new version is the most mature, sophisticated Civic ever. Technically, the new Honda Civic competes against cars like the Toyota Corolla, but here, the Honda feels like a level up. The interior boldly takes a minimalist approach and makes that feel elegant. We especially like the Civic EX’s combination of features, power, and value.
“Occasionally, Honda makes mistakes with the Civic, but what makes Honda so successful is they learn from their errors and come back with a car so good it can hardly be called entry-level anymore. This is the best Civic yet, and I can’t wait to see the variants that will follow.” — Jason Fogelson, Editor
See 2022 Honda Civic models for sale near you
7. 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee
This year, the Grand Cherokee is available with a third-row seat for the first time.
The Grand Cherokee has long been popular with outdoorsy types and suburbanites. It’s long been the perfect vehicle to explore the kind of living that starts where the pavement ends but with a little extra space versus a Wrangler. This year, the 2022 Grand Cherokee is available with a third-row seat for the first time. Jeep has taken the Grand Cherokee and made it grow up, and the result is not one but two handsome versions.
“The standard Grand Cherokee is great, but the Grand Cherokee L has three rows, smart looks on the outside, and is available with one of the cleanest sounding audio systems I’ve ever heard in any car I’ve tested. If you’re buying one, check the box for the McIntosh audio system, please” – Jeff Glucker, Video Host/Editor
See 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee models for sale near you
8. 2022 Kia Carnival
The 2022 Kia Carnival retains the function of a minivan but with the sophistication of a luxury SUV.
It’s hard to remake something very familiar. With the Carnival, Kia has reworked the trusty minivan into something that retains the function of a minivan but with the sophistication of a luxury SUV. It sounds like a lot of marketing spin, right? Maybe not. When driving the 2022 Carnival, several people on the street, in the valet queue, and at the carwash have asked if this is a “new Kia SUV.” Nicely done Kia.
“Family van, MPV, minivan, whatever you call it, the Carnival is attractive, functional, and sophisticated.” – Brian Moody, Executive Editor
See 2022 Kia Carnival models for sale near you
9. 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS
If you want something like a Tesla but with the luxury, reputation, and innovation of Mercedes-Benz, the EQS is for you.
Tesla taught us what we really wanted all along was a long-range, luxury electric car. If you want that exact thing but with the luxury, reputation, and innovation of Mercedes-Benz, the EQS is for you. The range is decent too. Depending on the version you get, you can expect a range of 340 – 350 miles.
“The range and interior are enough to win over many Tesla shoppers. In addition, the EQS is one of the best-looking sedans around, regardless of how it’s powered” – Rob Nestora, Production Manager/Editor
See 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ models for sale and See 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 models for sale
10. 2022 Nissan Frontier
The Frontier has the best-in-class horsepower, and its torque is second only to the Ford Ranger.
The Frontier is a dramatic update of the previous version. That may sound dismissive, but it isn’t meant to. The 2022 Frontier is, essentially, a new truck. The engine and transmission were introduced on the 2021 model, but there’s so much about the truck that seems “just right” we can argue with the results no matter how Nissan got there. That engine is a 3.8-liter V6 that makes 310 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque. That means the Frontier has the best-in-class horsepower, and its torque is second only to the Ford Ranger. Inside, you’ll find newly available features like Zero Gravity seats, wireless phone charging, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, USB-A, and USB-C power outlets, plus a 120-volt household-style outlet.
“The new package just works. I like it better than the Tacoma.” – Brian Moody, Executive Editor
See 2022 Nissan Frontier models for sale near you
11. 2022 Rivian R1T
The Rivian R1T isn’t a concept or a plan or a “someday” electric truck, it’s here now, and it is excellent.
Pickups and SUVs have been a blind spot for electric vehicles. Their size and weight (and often demands placed on trucks) make them poor candidates for all-electric power. But Rivian has opened that door. Like Tesla, Rivian isn’t a long-standing legacy automaker yet has created a very compelling electric vehicle that looks good, performs well, and has trucks that are already making their way into consumers’ hands. The 2022 Rivian R1T isn’t a concept or a plan or a “someday” electric truck, it’s here now, and it is excellent.
“After years of seeing all kinds of cutting-edge EV concepts from would-be Tesla rivals, the Rivian R1T is a high-tech electric pickup you can actually buy. With a long-range, premium interior, and promising capabilities, the R1T checks every box for an adventurous EV.” — Eric Brandt, Editor
See 2022 Rivian R1T models for sale near you
12. 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI
The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI comes standard with a 6-speed transmission and is a blast to drive.
This is the eighth generation of VW’s affordable and fun performance car. The car now has an Audi-like interior, compelling tech, more power, and a modern new look. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine makes impressive power, and that’s paired through a 6-speed manual transmission.
“The iconic hatchback returns for another go. It boasts tighter styling on the nose, 241 hp, and 273 lb-ft of torque, and the cabin is stylish and cozy. Oh, and it comes standard with a 6-speed stick! You don’t see that very often anymore.” — Jeff Glucker, Video Host/Editor
Jeff, can that MDX be fitted with an aftermarket CD Player?
1/3 of the vehicles on the list are American
American cars take a back seat again. Do we know the difference between a car and truck today? Two Ford trucks and a Jeep SUV. Looks like the Japanese and Koreans are dominating the market.