After a long few years of pandemic and supply chain-related delays, 2023 is shaping up to be an exciting year for new vehicles and car buyers alike. Automakers worldwide are readying new electrified and all-electric models to compete as the industry shifts in that direction. Still, a whole world of compelling gas-powered models deserves a look. These cars and trucks offer driving engagement, off-road capability, luxury, and refinement—and, in some cases, mind-bending performance.

It's important to note that while these are 2023 models, many were already on sale in 2022. At the same time, others might not show up until the spring of 2023, so it's important to look at release dates and pricing information before you head out to shop or start calling dealers to get your name on a list.

Acura revived the Integra for 2023 with a car heavily based on the Honda Civic Si. The front-drive, turbocharged 4-cylinder Integra derives 200 horsepower from its 1.5-liter engine. According to Acura, it can run zero-to-60 mph in around 7 seconds, and the automaker offers the Integra with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that further dampens the driving experience. A more powerful Acura Integra Type S with shared powertrain parts from the Honda Civic Type R is expected for the 2024 model year.

Read our independent expert review of the 2023 Acura Integra

BMW's flagship sedan gets a major glow-up for 2023, bringing a fantastic interior, entertainment system, and updates to tech and powertrain options across the board. The car comes standard with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 that produces 375 hp. The upgraded powertrain includes a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 that makes 536 hp. Both engines get a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The new 7 Series is also available with a massive 31.3-inch fold-down rear display for watching movies and browsing in the back seat.

Read our preview of the 2023 BMW 7 Series

BMW redesigned the 2 Series for 2022, kicking off the countdown to a new M2. Now, the wait is over, and the car we'll see for 2023 gets a ferocious twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-6 making 453 hp and 406 pound-feet of torque. That output hits the rear wheels through either a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission, resulting in a zero-to-60-mph time of just 3.9 seconds with the auto and 4.1 seconds with the manual. BMW equips the car with a trick suspension and a reinforced chassis that gives it blazing performance on the track. The car's aggressive, angular exterior styling shouts its performance credentials from the rooftops.

Read our preview of the 2023 BMW M2

The popular Chevrolet Colorado gets a complete overhaul for 2023, which brings fresh styling and new tech for the truck's first year in its third generation. It's available with three variants of a turbocharged 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine. Chevy offers a simplified lineup for 2023, but the Colorado still spans several trims and three body styles. Buyers can choose from extended cab/long bed, crew cab/short bed, and crew cab/long bed, in addition to six trims. The rugged ZR2 brings a lift kit, beefy styling, and a heavily protected underside, and Chevy offers more luxurious trims, though none rival the GMC Canyon's level of posh.

Read our preview of the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado

The eighth-generation, or C8, Corvette brought a new mid-engine layout for the car and turned it into the world-beating supercar everyone knew it could be. For 2023, Chevy is cranking up the heat with the new Z06 variant, which features more aggressive bodywork and a wider stance with larger wheels and tires. The 5.5-liter flat-plane crank V8 engine features an 8,500-rpm redline and cranks out 670 hp, making it one of the most powerful naturally aspirated V8s on sale today. Beyond razor-sharp handling and a wondrous sound, the Z06 delivers zero-to-60-mph times of just 2.6 seconds and rides on a reinforced chassis that improves handling on the track. Inside, the Z06 still offers the familiar Corvette formula with two seats, a killer stereo, and luxurious finishes.

Read our preview of the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

Genesis split from Hyundai to form its own brand a few years ago, and the automaker is winning on several fronts with high-end models that don't require the same financial commitment as their European counterparts. The G90 is a great example, as the full-size luxury sedan gets a full update for 2023 with a cushy new interior and revised powertrain offerings. Genesis loses the V8 option for 2023 and opts instead for a pair of twin-turbocharged V6 engines that deliver either 375 or 409 hp. The more powerful unit gets a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and electric supercharger. Inside, the G90 brings a clean but opulent cabin with expensive-feeling materials and acres of space.

Read our independent expert review of the 2023 Genesis G90

2023 GMC Canyon AT4X Edition

GMC unveiled the 2023 Canyon in late 2022, ushering in the third generation. The truck now offers three variants of a turbocharged 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine. GMC offers an AT4 off-road trim for the truck that brings a mild factory lift kit and underbody skid plates, and the top Denali trim brings a luxurious package to the midsize truck world.

Read our preview of the 2023 GMC Canyon

Honda recently shifted its design language, bringing super-modern looks and long, clean lines to its product portfolio. The relatively pedestrian Accord gets the treatment for 2023, which brings a car that is recognizable for what it is, but that is forward-looking and somewhat futuristic in its style. Honda improves the powertrains for 2023, but most changes go to the hybrid model. The standard gas Accord comes with an updated turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder that delivers 192 hp and 192 pound-feet of torque. The Accord Hybrid gets a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder and two electric motors that combine for 204 hp and 247 pound-feet of torque. Unfortunately, Honda killed the manual transmission option for the car, but its new, more upscale interior and the available 12.3-inch touchscreen are likely enough to keep buyers interested.

Read our preview of the 2023 Honda Accord

The last Honda Civic Type R featured styling so in-your-face that it was likely too much for buyers not wanting to give off boy-racer vibes at all times. The next-generation Civic brought a new Type R variant with it for 2023, and the car now features more subdued styling and a 300-hp, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. It features a unique front differential and slick-shifting manual transmission, giving it a real enthusiast feel. Beyond the performance, the Civic Type R's appeal lies in its practicality. It retains all the space and usability of its "normal" counterpart but does it at a much higher speed and with far better handling.

Read our preview of the 2023 Honda Civic Type R

2023 Kia Niro, Kia Niro PHEV, Kia Niro EV

Kia redesigned the Niro for 2023 with bold styling and fantastic tech. The new crossover comes exclusively with electrified powertrains, and the base Niro Hybrid sees 139 hp from its 1.6-liter engine and electric motor. Kia opts for a dual-clutch automatic transmission, making the Niro more engaging to drive over rivals with CVTs, and an available plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain delivers 180 hp. While in the same vein as before, exterior styling now features a unique "fin" accent behind the back window that adds a glossy splash of contrast to the vehicle.

Read our independent expert review of the 2023 Kia Niro

The Nissan Z was aging poorly, and though this new car shares some of its bits with the previous model, Nissan did enough with the 2023 Z to set it apart. The vehicle features retro-inspired styling with touches not seen since Z cars of the 1970s, and its V6 engine cranks out 400 hp. The rear-drive Z comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission, but Nissan offers a 9-speed auto, both of which help the car feel quick and perform with gusto. Nissan says it will hit 60 mph from a standstill in 4.5 seconds.

Read our independent expert review of the 2023 Nissan Z

The Toyota Crown is a lifted premium sedan with a standard hybrid powertrain and unique styling. The base powertrain includes a 2.5-liter, and the top Hybrid Max configuration brings a turbocharged 2.4-liter. Both are hybrids, and the top engine delivers 340 hp. The combinations are good for up to 42 mpg city for the base configuration and up to 29 mpg city with the upgraded Hybrid Max option.

Read our independent expert review of the 2023 Toyota Crown

A while ago, Toyota brought a rally-bred version of the Yaris hatchback to Europe under its Gazoo Racing flag. American enthusiasts had to watch as people enjoyed the car's advanced all-wheel-drive (AWD) system and rowdy turbocharged 3-cylinder engine, but the tables have turned. We now get a GR Corolla with similar fixings, including that trick AWD system and turbo-3. The price is right, too, as the car starts at under $40,000. Now, if it could just use that rally-conquering powertrain to help its buyers drive around the limited supply and dealer markups.

Read our independent expert review of the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla

2023 Toyota Prius Prime Plug-in Hybrid

Often the butt of jokes about its appearance and owners' smugness, the Prius was long overdue for a massive overhaul. Toyota gives it just that for 2023, with a shocking style upgrade, more powerful and efficient powertrains, and unique new features. The Prius Prime features a PHEV powertrain with up to 50 percent more all-electric range, and Toyota says both the Prime and Prius Hybrid are quicker to 60 mph than their predecessors.

Read our independent expert review of the 2023 Toyota Prius

The automakers are the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of December 5, 2022, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker's website or your local dealership.

Real insights from real owners

© 2023 J.D.Power. All rights reserved.

© 2019 J.D.Power. All rights reserved.