The SUV and crossover craze shows no sign of slowing down, and automakers are doing their level best to feed the fire with all sorts of new models in the pipeline. They’ll be greener, higher-tech, and more luxurious than ever. Some will even question what it means to be a driver, as opposed to a mere occupant. Whether you plug them in or fill them up, whether you drive them or they drive you, there will be more options than ever for an off-road-looking vehicle in the years to come.
Cadillac Lyriq
What’s New: The Cadillac Lyriq is an electric midsize crossover with a long wheelbase, wide stance, fastback roof, big air inlets, body-flush door handles, and 23-inch wheels—at least on the concept. The traditional grille is replaced with backlit lines in a precision pattern with Cadillac’s iconic crest between vertical headlights. There are vertical taillights beneath an upper set of lights, called a “sail tail,” that start behind each D-pillar and flow into the directional lights on the tailgate. It will be Cadillac’s first pure EV, using GM’s BEV3 dedicated electric vehicle architecture and Ultium fast-charging batteries. All-wheel drive will be available. The five-passenger vehicle has a 34-inch curved LED touchscreen that dominates the dashboard.
What’s Not: It takes its styling cues from the Cadillac Escala concept.
When: 2022
How Much: $75,000 (est)
Cruise Origin
What’s New: The Cruise Origin is a boxy, six-passenger, electric, autonomous ride-hail van developed by Cruise in collaboration with General Motors. The robotaxi has two big sliding doors and a low load floor for easy access. The six passengers sit facing each other, with room for their luggage. There is no driver; sensors, cameras, radar, and lidar assess the surroundings and make the driving decisions. The Origin uses GM’s BEV3 dedicated electric vehicle architecture and likely GM’s Ultium fast-charging batteries. It will be a commercial vehicle only, for use in ride-hail services, with plans to also build a delivery van.
What’s Not: Everything is new.
When: 2022
How Much: $50,000 (commercial sale only)
Jeep Wagoneer/Jeep Grand Wagoneer
What’s New: FCA is going all-in on full-size three-row SUVs with the Jeep Wagoneer and Jeep Grand Wagoneer. The former, designed to be more mainstream, will go up against the Tahoes and Expeditions of the world. The latter will be a luxury flagship for the Jeep brand, set to square off against the revitalized Escalade and Navigator. Expect the Jeep’s unique selling proposition to be exceptional off-road capability and a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Here’s hoping for the return of wood paneling, too.
What’s Not: If the modified Ram 1500 test mules that frequently pass by our Los Angeles headquarters are any indication, the Jeep Wagoneers will share much with our 2019 Truck of the Year. The two Wagoneers will be built on a modified Ram 1500 platform in Michigan with a ride-enhancing independent rear suspension. Expect a 3.6-liter V-6 and 5.7-liter V-8—likely both with emissions-reducing eTorque motors—and an eight-speed automatic to be borrowed from the Ram, too.
When: Late 2021
How Much: $50,000 (Wagoneer) (est); $75,000 (Grand Wagoneer) (est)
Chevrolet Bolt EUV
What’s New: For the 2022 model year, Chevrolet will expand the Bolt lineup to include the new Bolt EUV, a larger, more SUV-like Bolt variant that is front-drive only. The wheelbase is 3 inches longer for more room in the back seat. Overall the vehicle is 5 to 6 inches longer. The look is more upright and in line with Chevrolet’s latest styling language. It will be the first non-Cadillac to get Super Cruise, the hands-free highway driving system. It also has a push-button gearshift and a button for one-pedal driving. Also available: a sunroof, unlike the standard Bolt.
What’s Not: The new EUV rides on the same BEV2 platform, with the same 66-kW-hr batteries as the current Bolt EV, not GM’s new BEV3 dedicated EV architecture or Ultium battery system for longer range and faster charging.
When: 2021
How Much: $41,000 (est)
Hyundai Tucson
What’s New: The Hyundai Vision T Concept seen here is essentially the next-generation Tucson, introducing the brand’s future SUV design language. Along with a new platform, new powertrains include a hybrid and possibly a sporty N-Line model with the same 2.5-liter turbo I-4 in the Sonata N-Line. Expect plenty of driver assistance features to come standard. A huge 10.3-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster should be on the menu, too.
What’s Not: Hyundai’s user-friendly infotainment system remains. That’s a good thing because it’s one of the brand’s biggest strengths, especially as screen sizes increase.
When: Late 2020
How Much: $22,000 (est)
Lexus LQ
What’s New: Ultra-premium, ultra-expensive SUVs have exploded in popularity and profit margin, and Lexus doesn’t want to be left out. In fact, the brand has already shown us what it’s going to do with the LF-1 Limitless Concept. When it goes into production, expect it to remain a big, roomy two-row luxury SUV with an opulent interior and the next generation of Lexus design language. As for its name, all current Lexus SUVs use a two-letter name with an X as the second letter, but this won’t replace the existing LX. However, Toyota applied for the “LQ” trademark in 2018—right after the Limitless concept made its debut at the Detroit auto show.
What’s Not: Built on Toyota’s new TNGA-L platform, we expect the flagship to carry the new LS 500h’s 3.5-liter V-6, which currently makes 354 hp, and CVT and four-speed automatic hybrid transmission.
When: 2022
How Much: $100,000
Infiniti QX55
What’s New: Infiniti is entering the now-popular SUV coupe game with the QX55. Based on the QX50, the QX55 was inspired by the original, groundbreaking FX, and instead of having a swooping silhouette like the Mercedes-Benz GLE, its profile is nearly identical to the FX. The rear glass has a steep angle, which gives the QX55 that coupelike shape at the expense of some cargo capacity. Expect enormous Infiniti logos and lettering on the hatch and other cool details.
What’s Not: The powertrain. We expect the QX55 to be powered by the same 2.0-liter variable-compression turbo engine, which means its 268 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque would be sent to the front or all four wheels via a continuously variable transmission.
When: Late 2020
How Much: $40,000 (est)
Porsche Macan EV
What’s New: Porsche’s Taycan delivers shocking electric performance, but that vehicle’s price and layout give it niche appeal. How can the brand apply its EV learnings to a mass-market offering? By electrifying its best-selling Macan. Trouble is, the MLB platform it rides on wasn’t designed for battery propulsion (though Audi adapted it for the E-Tron crossover). As such, the Macan will be built on the PPE architecture that provides the basis for the Volkswagen Group’s premium electric cars.
What’s Not: Electric hardware and software developed for the Taycan will be adapted for use in the Macan EV—not like that’s a bad thing.
When: 2022
How Much: $65,000 (est)
Volvo XC100
What’s New: Volvo needs a halo car to show its commitment to and capabilities with electric propulsion. That’ll manifest in the XC100, a flagship luxury SUV. Although it’ll be mechanically similar to the family-oriented next-gen XC90, the XC100 will take a more indulgent approach. Expect a four-seat layout, comfort-tuned dynamics, autonomous capabilities, and dramatic styling intended to distinguish Volvo from its Polestar performance division. Volvo might continue to build a hybrid XC90, but the XC100 will be purely electric to show the brand’s dedication to a gasoline-free future.
What’s Not: The new SPA-II architecture will be the basis for all of Volvo’s SUVs, from the XC40 to the XC100. Also shared: the Android infotainment system that’s making its way into Volvo and Polestar cars.
When: 2022
How Much: $85,000 (est)
Byton M-Byte
What’s New: Byton’s first offering, the battery-electric M-Byte, is an automotive Rorschach test. Some see the natural evolution of the automobile into a connected, interactive, technology-loaded mobility platform. Others are aghast by its dash-spanning 48-inch screen and de-emphasis of driving (the front seats even swivel toward each other by 10 degrees to ease conversation). Although the Level 4 autonomy it anticipates has been delayed, the China-based company is carrying on undaunted. Like many other new EV entries, Byton is partnering with Electrify America for public charging.
What’s Not: The M-Byte is brand new from the ground to its roof.
When: Fall 2021
How Much: $45,000 (est)
Source: Future - motortrend.com
