The kids are back in school, days are getting shorter, and the holidays are approaching. It’s time for the new cars to start arriving, and this year, that means 2024 is on its way. This year’s class of new vehicles is varied, from a futuristic throwback EV to a pickup to a rough-and-tumble AWD wagon.
Here are 10 of the best cars worth waiting for as we move from 2023 into 2024.
10. 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain Wagon
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan made its debut this summer, with sales to start toward the end of the year. While it’s worth waiting for, there’s an E-Class model that’s perhaps even more worthy of your wait, at least if you’re looking for a luxurious go-anywhere wagon.
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz
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E450 All-Terrain benefits from the E-Class’s complete redesign with more passenger space, standard air suspension, 4Matic all-wheel drive, off-road-tuned traction controls, an off-road display with “transparent hood” for improved navigating off-road obstacles, and 21.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the rear seats. All E450 All-Terrain models get a 375-horsepower hybrid drivetrain that enables it to hit 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds.
You might like: 18 new EVs to watch for in 2024
9. 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness
Completely redesigned for the new model year, the 2024 Subaru
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Crosstrek is a much-upgraded version with a quieter cabin, a more comfortable ride, and, new for 2024, a rugged Wilderness version to match the other models in Subaru’s lineup.
With wild off-road-themed additions to the Crosstrek’s exterior design, the Crosstrek Wilderness might seem like it’s only about the look. Still, it gets genuine upgrades, including an additional 0.6 inch of ground clearance (for a total of 9.1), better approach and departure angles, an off-road-tuned suspension, all-terrain tires, and an upgraded dual-function X-Mode AWD system, as well as more durable and water-resistant interior materials.
Also see: The 2023 Subaru Ascent review: A family-friendly 3-row SUV with excellent safety ratings
8. 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan
The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan is all new, with the first of the new models arriving early in 2024. In addition to the standard internal-combustion-engine-powered models, a plug-in hybrid version of the new Tiguan could now head to the United States. VW
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announced the Tiguan PHEV at the model’s global debut in mid-September but hasn’t officially confirmed it for U.S. sale.
If the PHEV does make it to the U.S., it would likely be a desirable option, especially at the size and price of the Tiguan family. Even if the Tiguan PHEV doesn’t make it to our shores, however, the new Tiguan may be worth waiting for thanks to its sharp new design, redesigned interior, and new in-cabin technology, including a 15-inch display, a pixelated dashboard panel, and an instrument cluster display with a head-up display (HUD) for the driver.
Related: 10 new SUVs coming soon—and worth the wait
7. 2024 GMC Acadia
The 2024 GMC Acadia gets a complete redesign this year. It gains nearly 24% more cargo volume, seating for up to eight, and a 15-inch center display and 11-inch driver display. New options include Super Cruise partial self-driving tech, a more off-road-capable AT4 trim, upgraded safety and driver-assistance tech, and an available panoramic sunroof from the base model on up.
The 2024 Acadia AT4 gets increased ride height, an off-road-tuned suspension, all-wheel drive (AWD), 18-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires, an upgraded traction system, and unique interior and exterior design details. Closely related to the Traverse, the Acadia also gets a potent turbocharged 4-cylinder. In this case, it’s even beefier at 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque. Look for the Acadia to arrive on dealer lots in early 2024.
6. 2024 Chevrolet Traverse
For a family SUV that’s also ready to get rowdy after work, the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse‘s new Z71 package ought to fit the bill nicely. The Traverse gets a thorough redesign, including a rugged new look and a 315-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder as standard equipment. The Z71 model adds AWD, an off-road suspension, skid plates, tow hooks, 18-inch machined-face wheels and all-terrain tires, hill descent control, trailering equipment, and Z71-specific exterior and interior details.
Also new to the Traverse option sheet is GM’s
GM,
Super Cruise partial self-driving system. That makes the Traverse an excellent choice for those with commutes that include stretches of the more than 400,000 miles of mapped roads where Super Cruise operates to full effect.
5. 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser
“Land Cruiser” is a legendary nameplate missing from the market since the 2021 model year. The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser’s return is momentous not just for Toyota
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but for fans of off-road-capable SUVs everywhere. One of the original SUVs and deeply beloved by the off-roading community, the Land Cruiser has a global reputation as one of the most rugged, reliable vehicles. With its all-new look and cutting-edge tech, the 2024 Land Cruiser will likely take the market by storm in early 2024.
Exclusively hybrid-powered, the 2024 Land Cruiser’s 326-hp and 465-lb-ft output match the hybrid system due to arrive in the 2024 Tacoma early next year. Four-wheel drive is also standard, with a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds. Pricing for the new Land Cruiser is expected to start around $55,000. The limited-run, 5,000-unit Land Cruiser First Edition will likely be priced somewhat higher.
More: Toyota’s iconic Land Cruiser is reborn and redesigned—and they nailed it. When can you get one?
4. 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe
Boxy, bold, and going on sale in the first quarter of next year, the 2024 Hyundai
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Santa Fe is roomier than ever, thanks to its longer wheelbase and more squared-off design. Inside, a minimalist look and sustainable materials take center stage alongside the latest in in-cabin tech, proving the future doesn’t belong solely to EVs.
One of the headline additions to the new Santa Fe’s interior is the optional Panoramic Curved Display, which integrates the driver’s instrument display with the center display in one huge, seamless unit. There are also many other new tech on offer, including a first-of-its-kind UV-C sterilization tray atop the glove box. When it arrives early next year, the new Santa Fe will offer 3-row seating and a starting price likely in the mid-$30,000 range.
Plus: The 2024 Hyundai Tucson hybrid improves an already excellent compact SUV
3. 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz
You’ll have to wait until the summer of 2024 to get your hands on the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz, but that’s only a few months longer than you’d have to wait for some of the 2024 models on this list, and you’d already be a year ahead. The math makes sense to us.
So what, exactly, is the ID. Buzz? You can think of it as the spiritual descendant of the beloved VW Bus of decades past. But the only thing the Buzz shares with the Bus is its outline. The 2025 ID. Buzz is an all-electric bus with seating for up to seven, a range of 275 miles, optional dual-motor AWD, and the legendary bus body style. On top of the fun styling, spacious interior, and electric drivetrain, the ID. Buzz promises the latest in VW’s on-board infotainment and its driver-assist safety gear.
Read more: 10 facts about the U.S. version of the ID.Buzz, VW’s electric retro-inspired microbus
2. 2024 Honda Prologue
An all-new model to the Honda
HMC,
range, the 2024 Honda Prologue offers a “neo-rugged” design and lots of interior space and is expected to deliver 300 miles of range when it goes on sale next year. Built on the Ultium platform developed by General Motors, the Prologue is nonetheless a Honda, with design by the brand’s LA-based studio.
Check out:The 2024 Honda Prologue: Honda’s new electric SUV is attractive and spacious. When can you get one?
Although its 2-row, 5-passenger layout is similar to the CR-V and Passport, the Prologue’s 122-inch wheelbase results in a longer vehicle than those other models. It’s lower and sleeker, too. AWD will be available. The three trim levels are EX, Touring, and Elite. So far, Honda has announced the AWD-equipped models will have 288 hp and 333 lb-ft of torque. Honda will provide more details on the Prologue’s power, range, and pricing as the launch date draws nearer.
1. 2024 Toyota Tacoma
Due late this year, the 2024 Toyota Tacoma marks the start of an all-new generation of the famous Toyota midsize pickup truck. Unveiled this summer at a launch event in Hawaii, the 2024 Tacoma wears a bold new look with a completely new arrangement of engines (including a new hybrid option). There are also new trims, including the new Trailhunter. This addition to the lineup is even more off-road-ready than the TRD Pro.
The base Tacoma gets a 228-hp 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, with a 278-hp version of the same engine in higher trims. A hybrid combining the 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a total system output of 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque arrives in early 2024. Toyota says the new Tacoma will tow up to 6,000 pounds. It will be available as an XtraCab (extended cab), a 6-foot bed, or a Double Cab (crew cab) with a 5-foot bed. Look for more details, including pricing, closer to the Tacoma’s launch late this year.
This story originally ran on KBB.com.
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