Future Cars: The Hottest Non-SUVs Going on Sale in the Next Year

They’re losing market share to trucks and SUVs, but traditional passenger cars are far from dead. Although some automakers (ahem, Detroit) aren’t even trying to sell sedans and coupes anymore, all the car companies remaining are working twice as hard to make their offerings sleeker, more compelling alternatives to the taller, truckier versions of the same underlying vehicles. Whether it’s sexier styling, more power, or more batteries, there’s a car for anyone not taken by the SUV craze.

What’s New: Roma is the first car to come off an all-new modular vehicle architecture that will eventually underpin next-gen versions of the Portofino and GTC4Lusso, as well as the long-awaited Ferrari Purosange SUV. Critically, this architecture has been designed from the outset to accommodate a plug-in hybrid powertrain, though the Roma will launch only with internal combustion engine power. The 3.9-liter twin-turbo V-8 under the Roma’s hood makes 612 hp and 593 lb-ft, enough to scoot it from 0 to 60 mph in about 3.2 seconds, and drives the rear wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Ferrari claims the best weight-to-power ratio in the class. The Roma will feature the latest version of the company’s excellent Side Slip Control, with a drift mode that uses brake pressure to adjust the yaw angles.

What’s Not: The engine is an upgraded version of the V-8 used in the Portofino and GTC4Lusso T, and the transmission comes from the SF90.

When: 2020

How Much: $230,000 (est)

What’s New: Everything. If you take a look at previous life cycles, the Honda Civic has been replaced roughly every five years—and if the New York auto show had happened in April as scheduled, we would have pictures by now. We expect the 11th generation to be completely redesigned for the 2021 model year, with new styling and technology and upgraded powertrains. Given the popularity of the coupe and hatchback, we think Honda will continue to offer those body styles, along with the popular four-door sedan. Expect to see the traditional trims first, followed by the performance-oriented Si and Type R in later year models.

What’s Not: It’s likely we’ll see at least one engine carried over from the current model and parts shared with other Honda products.

When: Late 2020

How much: $22,000 (est)

What’s New: The new Elantra continues Hyundai’s design revolution with its odd new mug, lots of triangular themes, and an all-new compact car platform underpinning it. In true Hyundai fashion, the 2021 Elantra is available with an overload of tech features, including two 10.3-inch displays, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and phone-as-key capability. For the first time, a hybrid model joins the lineup, and it brings fuel economy of more than 50 mpg. Expect an N-Line and full-fledged N model to follow the standard Elantra and the hybrid.

What’s Not: The base 2.0-liter I-4 and CVT carry over from the previous-generation Elantra.

When: Fall 2020

How Much: $19,000 (est)

What’s New: Underpinned by a new Genesis-exclusive RWD platform shared with the GV80 SUV, the second-generation G80 returns with an assertive new look. Two new turbocharged engines, also shared with the GV80, offer 300 hp or more, powering the rear wheels (or all four). Step inside, and you’re greeted with a minimalist yet stylish design highlighted by the infotainment system’s massive 14.5-inch screen.

What’s Not: The standard eight-speed automatic transmission in the 2021 Genesis G80 is an updated version of the same unit found in the G70 and G90.

When: Summer 2020

How Much: $49,000 (est)

What’s New: It’s basically a refresh of the current E-Class, with a new grille and front bumper, a new hood with twin power domes, new LED rear lights and rear bumper, and the latest generation of the MBUX user interface. The 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 that powers today’s E 450 is gone, replaced by the 3.0-liter turbocharged mild hybrid inline-six that produces the same 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. And the plug-in hybrid E 350e sedan joins the lineup with a powertrain composed of the 2.0-liter turbo-four from the E 350 augmented by a 120-hp electric motor that contributes to a combined output of 315 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque.

What’s Not: The entry-level 255-hp, 273-lb-ft 2.0-liter turbo-four is unchanged. This engine, which shares its architecture and 48-volt mild hybrid system with the new inline-six, arrives in the U.S. with refreshes of the C-Class sedan and GLC SUV.

When: 2020

How Much: $55,000 (est)

What’s New: Yes, they’re really going with that grille. Make peace with it, because BMW isn’t backing down. Behind it, the 4 Series will be nearly identical mechanically to the 3 Series. For the U.S., this means turbocharged gasoline four- and six-cylinder inline engines with eight-speed automatic transmissions and rear- or all-wheel drive. The M4 is expected to use the new twin-turbo inline-six from the X3 M. The manual transmission is likely dead for this market.

What’s Not: Body styles are expected to remain the same: coupe, convertible, and four-door Gran Coupe hatchback.

When:  Late 2020

How Much: $45,000-$70,000 (est)

What’s New: The second-generation Acura TLX is getting a makeover to match the brand’s emphasis on performance. Previewed by the sexy Type S concept in 2019, the new TLX showcases a new design direction with a longer nose and dash-to-axle ratio. The luxury sport sedan will also see the return of a Type S model, which will come with a new turbocharged V-6 and the latest version of SH-AWD.

What’s Not: Despite its more cab-rearward proportions, the Acura TLX will continue to ride on a front-drive-based platform.

When: 2021

How Much: $35,000 (est)

What’s New: The very last Jaguar XJ sedan powered by an internal combustion engine rolled off the line in July 2019, ending 51 years of continuous production of the iconic nameplate. Replacing it is an all-new, all-electric Jaguar flagship that will be a more conventionally styled car than the company’s groundbreaking I-Pace, with a low-slung sedan profile, though it will have a large rear hatch instead of a conventional trunk. The new car won’t share its underpinnings with the I-Pace, either, but will be built on Jaguar’s new Modular Longitudinal Architecture, which is designed to accommodate mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains in addition to a BEV powertrain. Top-spec models are said to be equipped with a 100-kW-hr battery and four motors developing a total of 800 hp.

What’s Not: Everything else is new, but Jaguar’s flagship retains the XJ name.

When: 2021

How Much: $90,000 (est)

What’s New: Every beautiful inch of this car is thoroughly (and thoughtfully) reimagined and designed (a word that scarcely applied to its predecessor) to appeal to a vastly broader audience and command a higher price tag. Longer, lower, and wider (by about 3 inches each), it rides on new rear-drive architecture and 20-inch rolling stock. We’re promised unprecedented driving dynamics apropos of the Lexus-look four-door-coupe styling. Expect a quieter cabin, a 12.3-inch infotainment system, a 14-speaker JBL sound system, and comfortable seating for five. Slicker aerodynamics, improvements in efficiency of the next-gen fuel cell stack, and a larger hydrogen tank will extend the driving range of this bigger, faster, better-handling car to about 400 miles.

What’s Not: The name, which means “future” in Japanese.

When: Late 2020

How Much: $60,000 (est)