In recent years, the SUV segment has become a runaway success. This extreme rise in demand has forced even high-performance supercar manufacturers to offer one in their line-up. This has resulted in a sea of SUV releases in 2023. As part of our year-end roundup from the Auto Industry, we list the top 10 best SUV releases this year.
Alfa Romeo Tonale
As mentioned earlier in this article, the demand for SUVs and green vehicles has forced performance car brands to get a piece of the pie and develop new models. The Alfa Romeo Tonale is one such example. The compact luxury crossover is the first SUV from Alfa Romeo to be using a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The Tonale is available in three trim levels: Sprint, Ti, and Veloce.
The hybrid-powertrain on the Tonale uses a 2.0-litre inline-four turbocharged petrol engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Here are more details about the Alfa Romeo Tonale’s pricing.
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Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 Coupe S E Performance
Despite its freakishly long name, this coupe SUV has found a spot on our best SUV releases in 2023 for one simple reason – the powertrain. Powering the AMG GLC 63 Coupe S E Performance is the world’s most powerful series production four-cylinder engine.
It uses a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol inline-4 engine paired with a high-performance battery inspired by the F1 technology and an electric motor. Together the hybrid powertrain produces 671hp and 554Nm. Here are more details about the coupe SUV.
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Suzuki Jimny 5-Door
The Suzuki Jimny is known for two distinctive characteristics: a plucky three-door off-road SUV and an affordable off-road SUV. However, in India, Suzuki launched a new Jimny 5-door version becoming a proper family off-road SUV.
And surprisingly Suzuki has maintained its plucky and affordable nature even on the 5-door version. Apart from making it to our best SUV releases in 2023, the Jimny is also featured in our weekly Car Spotlight series looking back on its illustrious and humble history.
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Audi SQ8
The SQ8 was the show-stopper at the GIMS Qatar 2023 from Audi’s pavilion. It was revealed to the public for the first time in the world. The SQ8 is the most powerful version of the SUV and for this year has received several upgrades.
The powertrain includes a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Here is our full report of the Audi SQ8 revealed at the GIMS Qatar 2023.
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Hummer EV SUV
Just the thought of having the Hummer nameplate continue to exist in the world of sustainable mobility is thrilling, and also makes it eligible for a spot on the best SUV releases in 2023. Much like its fossil fuel counterparts, the Hummer EV is a capable off-road SUV.
GMC offers the Hummer EV SUV in a couple of powertrain configurations. The base variant is powered by two motors and produces 625hp and 740Nm torque. While the top-spec 3x variant features 3 motors delivering 830hp and over 1000Nm peak torque. However, both deliver a range of over 450km from a single charge.
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New Hyundai Santa Fe
Hyundai’s popular mid-size SUV, Santa Fe gained a lot of attention around the world. This is simply because Hyundai made a radical design change to the Santa Fe SUV for its fifth-generation model.
The new SUV now features a boxy silhouette as compared to the curvy design from the older-gen models. Alongside, the massive design change, Hyundai has also made changes to the SUV under the bonnet. Here is our detailed comparison of the new Hyundai Santa Fe vs the old-gen model.
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New Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series
When you speak about SUVs, there are hardly any conversations that will not involve the following words: Toyota Land Cruiser. The Japanese car brand updated two models in their Land Cruiser SUV line-up.
Starting with the rugged one, after nearly 10 years, Toyota has updated its Heavy-Duty 70 Series SUV and given it an all-new engine and a new design. Powering the bare-bones off-roader is a 2.8L inline-four-cylinder diesel engine with a 6-speed AT. Here are more details about the new Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series.
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New Toyota Land Cruiser 250 (Prado)
The second Land Cruiser on this list of best SUV releases in 2023 is the new 250 a.k.a, the all-new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. The LC 250 is part of the SUV’s light-duty series, exactly where the Prado is in the line-up.
After 14 years, Toyota decided to give the LC’s light-duty series a complete design overhaul and introduced the 250. Apart from the new looks and a new platform, the LC 250 will now feature two engine options: a 2.4L turbo-petrol and a 2.8L turbo-diesel. Check out this complete report on the new Land Cruiser 250 for more details of the SUV.
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Kia EV9
Kia, like all the other brands are moving towards green mobility. The South Korean car brand introduced its flagship EV SUV called the EV9 this year. The EV9 went on sale in many parts of the world. However, the electric SUV is yet to enter the UAE market.
At the GIMS Qatar 2023, the production version of the Kia EV9 made its debut in the Middle East. This hints at the launch of EV9 soon in the UAE. The EV9 is available in two versions: the single-motor standard range and the dual-motor extended range. The electric driving range of the EV9 ranges between 350km to 550km depending on the variant. Here are more details about the Kia EV9 showcased at the motor show event.
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Tesla Cybertruck
Moving to the last entrant to the best SUV releases in 2023, this is a tricky one indeed. The Tesla Cybertruck, which was first introduced 4 years ago, is hitting the streets around the world as customers begin receiving their pre-ordered vehicles this year.
Although not typically an SUV, the Tesla Cybertruck has gained a lot of popularity for several reasons. The pickup/SUV features a unique design with a powerful electric powertrain capable of travelling long distances on a single charge of battery.
Apart from the sustainability, the Cybertruck is also a very capable family car and an off-road vehicle. Especially, with the tonneau cover closed on the bed, it essentially looks and feels like an SUV. However, due to the Cybertrucks’ success, there are rumours about Tesla working on an actual SUV version.
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This completes our list of best SUV releases for 2023. As the world moves towards sustainable mobility, we can expect more fuel-powered vehicles to gain either a hybrid or an electric powertrain in the future. Here are two such SUVs that we are looking forward to in 2024.
Rabdan Muse
The Rabdan Muse is a concept electric car unveiled by NWTN Motors in 2023. It is a passenger-centric vehicle that focuses on comfort and convenience. The car has a spacious interior with a large touchscreen that controls most of the car’s functions. The seats are also designed to be comfortable for long journeys.
The Rabdan Muse could use a 100kWh battery that gives it a range of up to 450km. A 150kW charger can quickly charge the car, adding 200km of range in just 15 minutes.
The Rabdan Muse is still in the concept stage, but NWTN Motors plans to bring it to production in 2024 or early 2025. The car will be made in the UAE and could cost around AED 550,000.
Cadillac Escalade IQ
The Cadillac Escalade IQ is an upcoming all-electric luxury SUV scheduled for release in late 2024. It’s a bold reimagining of the iconic Escalade, featuring a sleek and futuristic design, a spacious and luxurious interior, and cutting-edge technology.
The massive electric SUV features two electric motors paired with a 200kWh battery pack. The electric powertrain produces 750hp and 1065Nm of peak torque. Here are more details about the new Cadillac Escalade IQ.
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