2023 Preview: What Are Automakers Up To?

The 2023 Montreal International Auto Show is right around the corner. After the previous two editions were cancelled due to the pandemic, visitors at the Palais des congrès from January 20-29 will once again have the opportunity to take a close look at many of the industry’s newest cars, trucks and SUVs under one roof. Will you be there?

Of course, automakers have a lot more new products slated to be revealed at one time or another this year, whether at auto shows, private displays or online. Here’s what you can expect…

North America

Let’s start with domestic automakers. Ford will present the North American variant of the next-generation Ranger including the first-ever Ranger Raptor on our shores, and possibly reveal the future battery-powered Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator models.

At General Motors, Chevrolet will unveil the Corvette E-Ray, a hybrid take on the iconic American sports car featuring all-wheel drive, while Buick will join the electric crossover segment with a model that will revive the Electra moniker.

Other than the ultimate, gas-powered Dodge Challenger, Stellantis will generate plenty of attention in 2023 with the Ram 1500 Revolution concept, aiming to outmatch both the F-150 Lightning and Silverado EV. Speaking of electric pickups, Tesla will finally show the production version of the Cybertruck more than three years after the prototype was revealed.

Europe

Across the Atlantic, Audi will kick things off with the debut of the activesphere concept later in January. We might also see the electric replacement for the R8 supercar. Over at BMW, a brand new X2 is coming along with significantly refreshed X5 and X6. Mercedes-Benz will continue its electrification offensive, just like Volkswagen whose ID.7 electric sedan will celebrate its official world premiere in the spring. Let’s not forget the next-generation Tiguan.

What about Italian automakers? The hybrid supercar set to replace the Lamborghini Aventador will pop up sooner rather than later. The previously announced electric Fiat 500 will also debut ahead of its return to North America. As for the Swedes, Volvo has been hinting at a small electric crossover called EX30, but will it be coming our way? That remains to be seen.

Asia

Moving further East, Hyundai’s second-generation Kona is a highly anticipated new model. Styling will be radically transformed based on the first few pictures released by the Korean manufacturer. Performance enthusiasts will love the upcoming IONIQ 5 N, while environmentally conscious families are no doubt looking forward to seeing the IONIQ 7, a three-row electric SUV. Fan of Kia? Don’t miss the EV9, a similarly sized contender.

After five major reveals in 2022, will Honda ease off the throttle this year? No. The Japanese automaker is expected to reveal the Prologue electric crossover, followed by the ZDX from its luxury brand Acura. Both models are being developed with the help of GM.

We’re still waiting for the next-generation Nissan Qashqai (at least in North America) and Murano, while Mazda is set to unveil a pair of new crossovers with available plug-in hybrid technology including the three-row CX-90 and two-row CX-70. Finally, Toyota will likely redesign two rugged trucks that haven’t changed in a long while, namely the 4Runner and Tacoma.

Watch this space for more details about the new models to be revealed in 2023!