Top 10 Most Anticipated New SUVs for 2018
Hyundai Kona
This colourful little subcompact SUV will be added to the Korean automaker’s product line-up early in 2018. Among the powertrains that will be offered, there’s a naturally aspirated, 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine as well as a turbocharged, 1.6-litre four. An all-wheel drivetrain will be optional as well. In addition, Hyundai just confirmed that a fully electric version of the Kona will make its way to the Canadian market, although the exact date has not yet been disclosed.
BMW X2
BMW is having fun creating sportier versions of its SUVs, with coupe-like profiles. It’s the case of the X4, the coupe counterpart of the X3, and the X6, the coupe counterpart of the X5. This time around, the brand is about to launch the BMW X2, based on the X1, but with sportier sheetmetal and a more dynamic drive. We’ll find a 228-horsepower, turbocharged, 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine underhood.
Alfa Romeo Stelvio
Based on the architecture of the sporty Giulia sedan, the Stelvio flaunts a sexy body and will be equipped with muscular powertrains. We’re especially anxious to get our hands on the Stelvio Quadrifoglio, with its twin-turbocharged, 2.9-litre V6 that belts out no less than 505 horsepower.
Ford EcoSport
It was about time that Ford slipped itself in the subcompact SUV segment in North America, where its rivals are currently having a ball with hefty sales numbers. As standard, the 2018 EcoSport will get a front-wheel drivetrain and a turbocharged, 1.0-litre three cylinder engine, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. On the options list will be AWD and a naturally aspirated, 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine.
Jaguar E-PACE
After the successful launch of their very first SUV, the compact F-PACE, Jaguar is quickly firing a second round with the E-PACE, set to battle the BMW X1, the Audi Q3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA in the urban luxury SUV segment. On the menu, a turbocharged, 2.0-litre four that develops 246 horsepower as well as a higher-output version of the same engine that spits out 296 horsepower.
Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S 4MATIC+
Mercedes-Benz’s popular compact GLC will soon get its own AMG variant. Forget about the 469-horsepower GLC 63, Canadian customers will only get a swing at the more powerful and quicker GLC 63 S, its twin-turbo, 4.0-litre V8 busting out 503 hp. However, we’ll have the choice between the “regular” GLC 63 S 4MATIC+ and the GLC 63 S 4MATIC+ Coupé, the latter benefitting from a slightly more dynamic drive.
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
We’ve been waiting for it for years, but it should finally make its way to Canada for the 2018 model year. It doesn’t really have a choice, as the Quebec government is starting to force automakers in selling PHEVs and EVs in 2018. The Outlander plug-in hybrid relies on a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and two electric motors to create an all-wheel drivetrain and a combined output of 200 horsepower. The SUV’s EV driving range is estimated at 54 kilometres in Europe, and a quick charge port—a rarity on PHEVs—will allow an 80% recharge in about 25 minutes.
Rolls-Royce Project Cullinan
Project Cullinan is its temporary code name, since as these lines are being written, Rolls-Royce’s new monster SUV hasn’t yet been baptised. Hell, uncamouflaged pictures haven’t been published either. No matter, the brand is promising quite a rival to the Bentley Bentayga, and this new SUV should be equipped with the same engine as the new Phantom VIII. That means a twin-turbocharged, 6.75-litre V12 that dishes out 563 horsepower.
Subaru Ascent
They’ve been teasing us with concepts for quite a while now, but we should soon see the final, production version of the 2018 Subaru Ascent. It’s a midsize, seven-passenger SUV that will be built in the United States, and engineered specifically for the North-American market. It should replace the Subaru Tribeca very nicely, the latter having left the market a few years ago. No confirmation yet on powertrains, but it should be a turbocharged, 2.0-litre four or a 3.6-litre six-cylinder mill. Maybe both.
Volvo XC40
Built on an all-new platform, the XC40 will be the first model of the compact, new-generation 40 Series, which will soon arrive in Canada. Under its hood, we should get a turbocharged, 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine or a hybrid system that adds an electric motor for a combined output of 250 horsepower. A fully electric version is also said to be in the works, which should hit the market in 2019.