2023 New York Auto Show: Automakers Take Manhattan With New Debuts & EV Push

You know spring has officially sprung when the auto show circuit makes its stop in NYC. The 2023 New York Auto Show returned to the Javits Center this past week, with plenty of new debuts and fresh-faced updates in tow.

Unsurprisingly, EVs took center stage as automakers prove they’re serious about electrified powertrains – especially where pickups are concerned. Also in large supply, more proof that automakers and their marketing departments really love the word “rugged” … and might not entirely know what it means. (Scroll down and you’ll see.)

That said, there were a few really exciting vehicles dropped that definitely pushed at the boundaries of capability, technological innovation and, of course, style.

Check out some of the more noteworthy ones below.

Jeep Wrangler

Coming off a strong showing at the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Jeep arrived in New York intending to give everybody somethin’ to talk about. They succeeded with the updated Jeep Wrangler.

Showing off its mid-cycle refresh, the new Wrangler prioritizes off-road capability but doesn’t forget the importance of a well-appointed interior – or the financial benefits of introducing a fresh luxury trim.

• Off-road goodies top the menu, including an 8,000-lb.-capacity WARN winch, 100:1 crawl ratio, and new Dana 44 HD full float solid rear axle that allows you to shimmy in bigger tires and up maximum towing capacity to an impressive 5,000 pounds.

• Inside, customers will find attention was paid to delivering more comfort and safety. New to the interior are available power front seats and standard side curtain airbags in the first and second rows. Additionally, a standard 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen replaces the old infotainment setup and includes Trails Offroad software, which delivers comprehensive off-road trail guides.

• Speaking of upgrades, a new Rubicon X premium trim level joins the lineup for 2024. Buyers can expect 35-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tires wrapped around beadlock-capable wheels, a Rock-Trac full-time transfer case, an integrated off-road camera, and steel bumpers. Inside is the new 12.3-in touchscreen, as well as standard 12-way power adjustable front seats, nine-speaker premium Alpine audio system, and Nappa leather seats.

Those shopping the Jeep badge on a limited budget might be excited to meet the Wrangler Sport S 4xe, which brings a lower entry price point to the best-selling PHEV in America. The new hybrid will wear a 375-hp 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine with eTorque belt-start generator/motor and integrated transmission traction motor. Jeep says it will have 21 miles of all-electric range and 49 MPGe.

RAM Revolution

Not to be outdone, fellow Stellantis brand RAM revealed the production version of its RAM Revolution concept. The all-electric pickup debuted  at CES 2023 with a truly radical design and some wild technological innovations to match it.

What showed up to the 2023 New York Auto Show was noticeably toned down, but still impressive. According to the automaker, the Ram 1500 REV will gift customers with the industry’s best combination of range, towing, payload and charge time.

In numbers, that looks like:

• 350 miles (estimated) per charge
• 14,000-lb. max towing capacity
• 2,700-lb max payload capacity
• 110 miles of range per 10 minutes of high-speed public charger use

Not too shabby. Also impressive is RAM’s announcement that the top-line REV XR model will aim even higher to deliver a “class-shattering range” of 500 miles. It’s also targeting 654 horsepower and 620 lb-ft of torque, which is enough to launch it from 0-60 in an estimated 4.4 seconds.

The 2025 Ram 1500 REV will be available in five trims, including Tradesman, Big Horn/Lone Star, Laramie, Limited and an all-new trim, Tungsten. While the production model carries over a few cool features from its concept, it does lose the extend-a-bed functionality and pass-through frunk.

Did you know…?

Toyota dropped new teasers of its fourth-gen Tacoma mid-size pickup. The most recent image provides a close-up view of the redesigned truck’s tailgate which reveals both TRD Pro and iForce badging, signaling the truck will once again be available in the rugged off-road trim while also adding a hybrid power option.

KIA EV9

Building off a concept shown two years ago in LA, the KIA EV 9 made its formal debut last week at the 2023 New York Auto Show. Already being named “one of the most important electric SUVs of 2023,” the three-row hauler packs range, power, tech, and comfort into a family-sized package at an expected price of around $56,000 – marking it as an EV with mainstream appeal.

KIA spent a lot of time praising the exterior design, which it calls “Opposites United” to represent the apparently harmonious melding of strong hard lines with swoopy soft curves. Since art is subjective, we’ll leave it up to you to decide if the “unprecedented visual appeal” is, well, appealing or not.

As for specs, the KIA EV 9 will be available in two powertrains offering either 215 or 379 horsepower. The latter will supposedly make 516 lb-ft of torque, which is enough to propel the hulking seven-seater from 0-60 in only 5 seconds. KIA says it’s aiming for 300 miles of range per charge and a battery that can quickly top up from 10 to 80% in just 25 minutes.

KIA knows its audience though (large families with carbon footprint anxiety) and did justice by its interior. Generous space and lounge-style comfort are the name of the game with big touchscreens, swively second-row kids seats, and lots of cupholders and charging points.

VW Atlas Peak Edition

Sticking with big SUVs, Volkswagen updated its Atlas model by pulling lukewarm inspiration from its 2019 Basecamp Concept and then further watering it down to create this handsome soft-roader. While some features point off-pavement – namely the 18-inch black wheels with all-terrain tires – this is ‘rugged’ like that one gravel road to the winery is rugged, which is to say: in appearance only.

Rounding out the kitten-level aggression is a revised grille design and front fascia, the aforementioned wheel and tire upgrade, an abundance of blacked-out trim, additional cladding, and special Peak Edition badging. There are also two colors unique to the trim: Avocado Green and Pure Gray.

Hyundai Kona

Hyundai’s little SUV enters a new generation with a new design, as well as sporty and electric options.

Sitting on a new platform, the 2024 Kona measures seven inches longer than its predecessor (six inches in the electric version). This translates to a roomier cabin, one that is equipped with some new tech including two 12.3-inch displays on the dashboard. That vibe carries outside, where the exterior design blends futuristic elements with fun retro styling.

Kona enters its new generation with three versions on tap:

• A base car powered by a standard 147-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine
• A sporty N Line model powered by a perky 190-hp 1.6-liter turbo-four and decked out in red accents, an aggressive two-piece rear spoiler, dual-outlet exhaust, and 19-inch alloy wheels.
• An all-electric model with two battery pack choices offering ranges of 197 or 260 miles per charge and 10-80% “fast” charging time of 43 minutes.

In Case You Missed It…

Hyundai also debuted a Disney-themed Ioniq 5 at the 2023 New York Auto Show. The limited-edition electric SUV features such whimsical details as a pixie-dust etched moonroof, unique mouse-ear styled wheels, headlight and taillight screens that create sparkle animation, and Disney music upon start-up. Amazingly, the trim is more than just a concept, as Hyundai confirmed the production version will differ only slightly from the debut.

Genesis GV80 Coupe

The only concept on this list and it looks surprisingly ready for production. Genesis’s NYIAS debut liberally applies the word “coupe” to the currently-available four-door GV80 SUV and, honestly, we ain’t mad. This is a sharp-looking result, bright Magma color scheme included.

The performance-minded model adds sporty flavor to the handsome SUV with five-spoke forged aluminum wheels, a carbon fiber roof, aggressive ducktail spoiler, three-spoke steering wheel, and black bucket seats with orange contrast stitching.

While Genesis didn’t provide any specs of a production model, they did confirm one is coming. Interestingly, it is expected to be ICE-powered, despite the automaker’s recent all-electric plans. The current GV80 SUV sports a 375-hp twin-turbo V6, but the Coupe is expected to wear a hotter engine – maybe the supercharged 409-hp twin-turbo V6 from the G90 sedan? We’ll have to wait and see.

Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness

Lastly, Subaru introduced the newest member of its Wilderness family, the 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness. Touted as the “most rugged and trail-capable Crosstrek ever,” the model boasts a few impressive specs, if you dig underneath all that cladding:

• Standard 182-hp 2.5-liter engine and improved 3,500 lb. towing capacity
• Longer coil springs and specially-tuned shock absorbers
• 9.3 inches of ground clearance
• 20.0-degree approach angle
• 33.0-degree departure angle
• 21.1-degree ramp breakover angle
• All-new front and rear bumpers
• Metal front skid plate
• Enhanced X-Mode off-road driving system
• Yokohama GEOLANDAR all-terrain tires wrapped around matte-black 17-inch alloy wheels
• Ladder-type roof rack system with a 176 lb. dynamic load capacity and a 700-lb. static load limit, allowing safe use of larger roof-top tents
• Starting price of $31,995

Now that’s a design team that understands a “rugged” vehicle treatment.