The battle royale has begun. Motor AuthorityIt’s the annual Best Car To Buy Award automotive boxing match. This is the moment when new and significantly upgraded luxury and performance cars compete for the title. The nominees included sport sedans, sports cars, luxury crossovers and SUVs as well as electric and pickup trucks.
With more electrified cars as nominees than finalists, this year’s qualifier lists marked an important shift in the car industry. Each candidate is deserving of their recognition.
After 24 vehicles were initially included in the initial list, editors made their case for the favorites and we heard the arguments. We then reduced the contenders list to just eight.
In the days leading to Jan. 3, 2022, we’ll be describing each nominee with their individual profiles. Motor AuthorityThe 2022 Best Car To Buy
Here’s an overview of each vehicle not making it to the final round and the reasons why.
2022 Audi RS E-Tron GT
Audi E-Tron GT
The Audi E-Tron GT, which is an updated and tuned Porsche Taycan, has a more skinned appearance. The E-Tron GT is stunning and, for many, even better than its Porsche sibling. Audi made the tuning of its steering and suspension to make it drive differently from Porsche. Brian Wong from the West Coast was disappointed by these differences. He said that the E-Tron GT is not as enjoyable to drive as the Porsche. Even worse, the Taycan did not win its first year. We could not make any convincing argument that the Audi should be pushed to the final round. But it is an exceptional, visually breathtaking car. EV.
2021 Ford Bronco Wildtrak
Ford Bronco
Ford Bronco is back! Its launch was a disaster with quality control problems, production delays, and headaches from suppliers. While the Bronco is retro-inspired, it looks very modern. The Bronco’s design is modern with independent front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering. It also has turbocharged engines and a 10-speed auto transmission. The performance model is still not available, the ones that are have lack refinement and quality, so we cannot ignore these issues. Bronco Raptor, which will arrive in 2022 with its prerunner capabilities for desert runners, might be a better competitor.
2021 Ford F-150 Raptor
Ford F-150 Raptor
Ford F-150 Raptor’s third-generation model boasts an innovative trick: it has rear coil springs and a trailing-arm suspension. It has improved the Raptor’s off-road performance. The rear suspension is more balanced and provides a better ride. While the Ram 1500 TRX’s twin-turbo, 3.5-liter V-8 makes an impressive 450 HP, its carryover twin-turbo twin-turbo engine still produces 450. A new exhaust system improves sound quality, but it has a lot less power than it. The issue should be fixed next year by a new supercharged V-8. It could even win the award. Raptor R, see you next year.
2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT Performance
Ford Mustang Mach-E GT
Ford Mustang Mach-E was an electric crossover SUV that came with four doors. It is similar to the Ford Mustang. The electric powertrain is comparable to either a turbo-4, or V-6. This may not be the most impressive of features. This year’s GT model was introduced. It has 480 horsepower and 600 lbft of torque, which is more like the V-8 Mustangs that we all love. GT Performance Editions unlock a 3.5 second 0-60mph sprint. The badge is not for this Mustang, although it can run on petrol. The landscape has changed dramatically in the past year, and the Mustang doesn’t rise to the top enough to be considered for the final round. Perhaps a Shelby future model will make us reconsider.
2022 Genesis GV70
Genesis GV70
Hyundai-Kia’s luxury brand Genesis GV70 is a formidable competitor in the small, luxury crossover SUV segment that is booming. Although the GV70 has a twin-turbo V-6 engine, Marty Padgett, Editorial Director, wasn’t pleased with the suspension. He noted too much body movement and strange undulations. Many functions can get lost in the menus of the infotainment software, which can make it frustrating. The design was loved by other editors, particularly the luxurious interior. While the GV70 was a worthy value play, this award is simply not enough to make it stand out from other fun nominees.
Honda Civic Si 2022
Honda Civic Si
You don’t need to be wealthy to enjoy driving the Honda Civic. This Si’s latest generation is stiffer than previous generations. The new Si takes some of the best tricks from Type R. These include rev matching with the 6-speed manual transmission, and stronger suspension arms and bushings. The Civic Si still manages to be quite easy. It’s a car we all love, but not one that makes us want to spend more time behind it. This car is a great entry level sports car and we recommend it. However, the Type R will offer better performance.
Prototype 2022 GMC Hummer Electric EV, Engineering Drive, September 2022, Milford Proving Grounds
GMC Hummer EEV
It’s 2005 again, and gas is becoming more expensive. The Hummer is being reborn in GMC and EV form. A showcase for General Motors’ upcoming electric pickup truck component sets, the GMC Hummer EV has all the goodies: 1,000 hp from three motors, a 200-kwh battery pack, air suspension, a diagonal Crab Walk mode, and a Watts To Freedom mode that pushes this 9,000-lb beast from 0-60 mph in just 3.0 seconds—all for a whopping $112,995. GMC is only delivering a few of these electric trucks in the near future. Although we have tested a prototype truck, it will not be on the production line until next year. Maybe it’ll make it next year. Keep watching.
2022 Infiniti ZX60 Autograph
Infiniti QX60
While the Infiniti QX60 is not the most visually appealing vehicle sold by Nissan luxury, it’s certainly one of the most valuable. Three-row family vehicle is based upon the Pathfinder. Both were introduced this year. Apart from its stunning new design, it features a 9 speed automatic transmission which replaced a constantly variable automatic transmission. The shifts are smooth and quick, even with the 2-3 and 1-2 shifts of many other 9-speeds. However, the high gearing to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions can cause problems for those who need more power. While it’s an excellent update to the QX60, some families find it compelling. It is not enough to be considered for the top spot this year.
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Summit Reserve 4×4
Jeep Grand Cherokee
With an extra three-row body, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee was introduced this year. While the Ford Explorer is the main competitor, the lower trims, such as the Laredo or Limited models, the Overland, Summit and Summit models are aiming for the BMW X5/Audi Q7 though their powertrains cannot compete. It is not an expensive engine, the V-6 carryover is not luxurious, while the V-8, which is older and has less power than turbocharged counterparts, is still reliable. Grand Cherokee might have done better if a plug-in hybrid version with a turbocharged 6-cylinder engine had been available. However, that’s not the case.
2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Series I 4×4
Jeep Wagoneer
Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer have both returned to Jeep dealerships. Large, thirsty, but expensive, the Wagoneer is aimed at Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe, while Grand Wagoneer targets Cadillac Escalade or Lincoln Navigator. While both versions have V-8 power but the Grand Wagoneer is powered by a more powerful 6.4-liter V-8 with 475 horsepower. Each version has an adaptive damper and air suspension to help control their weight and improve the ride. Although the interiors are luxurious, V-8 fuel economy is terrible. This plug-in hybrid vehicle is not coming soon enough. Early discussions ended with the decision to not include large Jeeps in the discussion.
2022 Lexus NX
Lexus NX
Finally, the compact Lexus NX has entered its second generation. New platform means the NX has an exciting plug-in hybrid model, which can hit 60 mph in only 6.0 seconds. It also offers 37 miles of electric drive range. A new touchscreen interface is now available on the Lexus NX luxury compact crossover. It will be a great addition to the Lexus line-up. It was not fun enough for the NX to get past the first round. Although it’s a smooth, reliable, proficient, and pleasant transport, that does not make this an award-winning vehicle.
2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The ice is at its peak. We can all go home now and quit trying. The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a new benchmark in luxury and refinement with its powerful turbocharged engines and screen-filled, leather-lined interior. But it was pushed aside by the electric EQS, which is a brand new flagship Mercedes. We are now moving forward from the S-Class.
2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG SL
Mercedes-Benz AMG SL-Class
Timing is important. If the new Mercedes-Benz AMG SL-Class had arrived in time earlier this year, it might not have been able to make it through the final round. AMG branding is used on the latest SL. The car transforms from a 2+2 to a 2+2, while also ditching its hardtop in favour of a softtop. Although it is quite interesting, the new convertible will only be driven by one editor before voting. Unfortunately, we won’t have enough experience to make it through to the finals. It took more time for the SL to work.
2022 Subaru BRZ
Subaru BRZ/Toyota86
The updated Subaru BRZ is not the same as its Toyota 86 twin. This would make it difficult to refer them both new. The new Subaru BRZ and its twin the Toyota 86 are closer to 1.5. But, there have been some key updates. Although it has a bigger displacement engine, which increases power to 228 horsepower, the turbocharger doesn’t provide as much torque. While the updated suspensions and optional tire make cars more stable and less slippery, we still love them when they are compared to newer models that offer greater power and appeal.
2022 Subaru WRX GT, and Subaru WRX WRX
Subaru WRX
This one is a pain. The WRX has been a favourite of the team, and now it is finally available. A new chassis is available for the rally-inspired sport sedan, as well as a new 271 turbocharged horsepower engine, updated styling, and an even larger touchscreen. However, the Mercedes-Benz AMG SL is already on sale. The WRX launch will take place at the end of December. That means that only one member of our team can experience it. Perhaps next year.
