10 New Vehicle Debuts to Watch For in 2022
Few moments are more exciting for car enthusiasts than a brand new model breaking cover. So, what does the auto industry have in store for us in 2022? Chevrolet kicked things off with a bang on January 5 with the introduction of the Silverado EV in Las Vegas (and GMC will follow with the Sierra EV later this year), but that’s just the start.
Here are 10 new vehicle debuts to watch for in 2022…
Alfa Romeo Tonale
We anticipated the production model to be revealed last summer, but it has been delayed to 2022. The Alfa Romeo Tonale compact luxury SUV will be available with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, but which one? That remains to be seen.
Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon and Toyota Tacoma
GM’s midsize pickups will be all-new for 2023, so that means we’ll see them make their debut sometime in 2022. Not to be outdone, Toyota’s venerable Tacoma is also expected to be fully redesigned at around the same time. Look for the three to pack lots of rugged styling and increased capability as they fight for the top spot in the segment.
Ford Bronco Raptor and F-150 Raptor R
Ford’s new Bronco will be even more powerful and capable with the addition of the Bronco Raptor, set to take on the Jeep Wrangler 392. Meanwhile, one year after the debut of the F-150 Raptor, the Blue Oval will unleash the Raptor R, taking a direct shot at the Ram 1500 TRX. This one could feature the Mustang Shelby GT500’s supercharged 5.2-litre V8. How about that?
Honda Civic Type R, CR-V and Pilot
One of the most anticipated debuts of 2022 is unquestionably the next-gen Honda Civic Type R, based on the latest Civic Hatchback and already waging war against the new Volkswagen Golf R. The Japanese automaker is also expected to introduce redesigned CR-V and Pilot models, plus the North American-spec HR-V. What a year. Oh, and let’s not forget the Acura Integra!
Lexus RZ
The Lexus RZ will launch in 2022 as a 2023 model, inspired by the LF-Z Electrified concept and based on the same e-TNGA platform as the Toyota bZ4X. With a fully variable AWD system and Direct4 steer-by-wire technology, Lexus promises to “take the driving experience to an exhilarating new level.”
Mazda CX-70 and CX-90
Back in November, Mazda introduced the new, adventure-focused CX-50 (pictured above). Next, we’ll see two midsize SUVs based on the company’s all-new large-vehicle platform: the three-row CX-90 (set to replace the CX-9) followed by the two-row CX-70. They will be available with Mazda's new turbocharged straight-six gasoline engine as well as a plug-in hybrid powertrain. At least one of them should be revealed in 2022.
Polestar 3
The upcoming Polestar 3 is described as an “aerodynamic performance SUV” that will debut the new generation of EV architecture from Volvo. We will find out more by the end of this year. Production of the Polestar 3 will begin in 2022 as a 2023 model, creating new competition for the Tesla Model Y, Audi e-tron, BMW iX, Cadillac LYRIQ and other luxury electric SUVs.
Subaru WRX STI
Last fall, Subaru unveiled the all-new, fifth-generation 2022 WRX, the first to be built on the Subaru Global Platform. Pretty soon we should see the new WRX STI, which is rumoured to pack around 400 horsepower. That’d be awesome!
Toyota GR Corolla
Toyota is working on a high-performance Corolla and will bring it to North America in the near future. Who would have imagined that just five years ago? This new hot hatch, which is expected to be called GR Corolla, could be revealed sometime soon based on the recent series of teasers posted on Toyota USA’s Instagram account. The turbo engine under the hood will generate anywhere between 250-270 horsepower.
Just over five years after the debut of the sensational ID.Buzz concept at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Volkswagen is finally gearing up for the official introduction of the fully electric, modern-day Type 2 Microbus.
The event is scheduled for March 9.