2022 SUVs Worth Waiting For: Redesigned & New Models Only

Expected release date: Summer 2021

Slotted below the Tiguan and new ID.4 electric crossover, Volkswagen enters the compact SUV race with the new Taos. Sitting 11-inches shorter than the Tiguan, the small Taos finds a 1.5L gas-powered engine under the hood, good for 158-hp and 184 lb.-ft. of torque, paired to a choice of both front- and all-wheel-drive forms.

Some of the key features inside include standard Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, and available MIB3 with wireless App-Connect and IQ.DRIVE driver assistance suite.

The newcomer, which is in the middle of the compact SUV segment in terms of size, will offer 40.1 inches of legroom in the front and 37.9 in the rear. End to end, it will sit 175.8 inches long with a wheelbase of 105.9 inches

Key features:

Efficient gas-powered 1.5L turbo engine

AWD drivetrain available

Upscale interior with loads of tech

Expected release date: 2021 sometime (updated from fall 2020; now a 2022 model

If there’s a new Escalade on the block, there’s bound to be a new Suburban. Given the mechanical similarities between these two vehicles, it would be easy to simply copy and paste what changes for both. 

Yes, the Suburban is a more affordable and slightly less luxurious version of the Escalade. It also rides on a revamped pick-up truck platform and comes with a choice of a 6.2-liter V8 gasoline engine or a turbodiesel straight six. Except, unlike the Caddy, the Suburban doesn’t get the full OLED instrument cluster and offers one extra engine to choose from.

Less powerful than the 6.2-liter, this 5.3-liter naturally aspirated V8 isn’t new, but it’s been tried and proven more than once. Power is rated at 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. All engines are mated to a ten-speed automatic transmission, and while max towing ratings still haven’t bee published, expect this new “Burban” to tow well over 8,000 pounds when it arrives this summer.

If you like old-school Suburbans (who doesn’t), check out this great story about a globe-trotting 1984 beast.

Key features & latest pricing:

All-new turbodiesel engine

Can tow up to 8,000 pounds

Two available wheelbase options

Expected release date: Mid to late 2021

Nissan has revealed details of the Ariya, a compact all-electric crossover SUV that will go on sale sometime in 2021 as the brand’s second-ever battery electric vehicle in North America.

The Ariya is part of Nissan’s plan to launch 10 new models in a 20-month period and to work toward 1 million annual global sales of electrified vehicles between its all-electric and e-Power hybrids (the latter of which are not yet available in North America).

Ariya sales will begin in Japan in mid-2021, with its North American debut to follow later in the year. Expect a $40,000 starting MSRP; Canadian pricing to be announced closer to release date.

Key features & latest pricing:

Impressive range from a single charge

Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite standard

$40,000 starting MSRP

Expected release date: Early 2021; MDX Type S Summer 2021

Gaining a wider stance and sportier looks, the redesigned MDX enters its fourth-generation riding on a new SUV platform with the MDX’s first-ever double wishbone front suspension.

America’s reigning champ as the all-time best-selling three-row luxury SUV, the 2022 model has come a long way since first hitting the market 20 years ago; a long way even compared to its MDX predecessor.

The new interior ramps it up with better materials for a more upscale feel, coupled with an all-digital instrumentation setup the luxury brand calls the Acura Precision Cockpit.

Front-wheel drive is standard and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) is optional (AWD is standard in Canada), with standard power courtesy of Acura’s 3.5L V6 with i-VTEC. Need more power? The Type S variant finds 3.0L turbocharged V6 good for 355-hp and 354 lb.-ft. of torque – the most power in an Acura SUV ever.

Here’s 2022 MDX pricing and trims.

Key features:

Type-S engine is most powerful of any Acura SUV ever (355-hp, turbo V6)

All-new SUV platform with MDX’s first-ever double wishbone front suspension

Redesigned cabin with a cleaner, more upright instrument panel

Expected release date: Early 2021

Mitsubishi’s compact SUV gets a new design for 2022, both inside and out. The 1.5L turbo engine and 8-speed transmission remain the same but the Japanese automaker says this version will handle better due to some suspension tweaks.

The most notable difference with this 2022 model is the rearend – the one that protruded out, awkwardly on the outgoing Eclipse Cross model. Well, that’s gone, replaced with a flatter, more conventional look. Front gets a new bumper and other updates.

Inside, Mitsubishi worked on ramping up the all-wheel drive SUV’s premium feel going with a new all-black cabin against silver accents and leather seats in a dark grey.

The centre stack layout has also changed, where the new 8-inch standard touchscreen moves closer to the driver and front-seat passenger for easier access, coupled with volume and tuning knobs for fast reference.

Key features:

Redesigned, both inside and out

8-inch touchscreen is new and standard

Suspension updates for improved handling

Expected release date: Mid 2021

The Korean’s top-selling model globally just got a whole lot bigger with more passenger space and cargo volume — a good thing for the compact SUV up against fierce competition. Aside from the all-new progressive styling, the 2022 Tucson will focus on more eco-friendly powertrains coupled with more tech the company states will be ‘segment-leading.’

Hyundai says, “Our new Tucson represents the future of Hyundai’s full-spectrum eco-powertrain approach, offering internal combustion, hybrid and plug-in hybrid models in a high-volume compact SUV. With all-wheel-drive capability now added to new hybrid SUV platforms, customers no longer need to choose between all-road, all-weather capability and outstanding efficiency.”

The big news inside is the addition of three new features including a 10.25-inch touchscreen void of any buttons, a hoodless digital gauge cluster, and a new multi-air ventilation system. A Tucson N Line is also in the works arriving sometime late 2021, offering more aggressive exterior appearance and interior details.

Key features:

New hybrid & plug-in hybrid models

Larger with more passenger & cargo volume

Compact SUV segment exclusive features including Remote Smart Park Assist

Expected release date: Spring 2021

A new model from Infiniti, the 2022 QX55 is an FX-inspired, coupe SUV with sporty looks backed by nearly 270 horses. Powered by the industry’s first VC-turbo engine we first saw in the QX50 a couple years back, all QX55 models in North America come standard with all-wheel drive. The 2.0L, 4-cylinder turbo engine produces 268-hp at 5,600 rpm and 280 lb.-ft of torque at 4,400-4,800 rpm, matted to a CVT transmission with manual shift mode and Downshift Rev Matching. 

Notable standard features include Apple CarPlay (but no word of Android Auto, just yet), sliding 2nd-row seats, a cargo area the Japanese automaker states is larger “than other similarly styled, premium coupe SUVs,” and a pair of touch screen displays. 

Three trim levels will be available including LUXE, ESSENTIAL ProASSIST, and the range-topping SENSORY. 

Key features:

VC-Turbo engine making 268-hp

Sliding 2nd-row seats & dual touchscreens as standard

Spacious cargo area compared to competitors

Expected release date: Summer 2021

Nissan’s mid-size SUV has been going strong for 35 years — for 2022, the Pathfinder hits the market hard with a rugged look and redesign, a more responsive 9-speed transmission paired to 4WD, better towing capabilities, seating for 8, and a massive 12.3-inch digital dashboard, to get things started. Need more space?

Compared to the outgoing version, the 2022 SUV gains blister fenders, a shorter front overhang, C-shaped headlights, floating roofline, and more streamlined rear LED taillights. A Pathfinder first, the back C-pillars are designed to accommodate the use of two-tone paint. 

Under the hood is the same 3.5L Direct Injection V6 making 248-hp and 259 lb-ft of torque. But it’s now matte to an improved 9-speed transmission Nissan promises now “provides a smooth, strong, direct vehicle response.” 

Here’s our full 2022 Pathfinder overview.

Key features:

Redesign with more rugged look

More responsive 9-speed transmission paired to 4WD (same engine as before) and improved towing capabilities

Seating for 8 and a new 12.3-inch digital dashboard

Expected release date: Spring 2021

Going strong for two decades now, Mitsubishi’s largest SUV gets a well-deserved redesign for 2022. The new fourth-generation Outlander gains an improved 2.5L engine with more power, bigger overall dimensions sitting on a new platform, and a long-overdue interior revamp with a more premium feel and added tech compared to its predecessor.

Gone is the Outlander’s underwhelming 3.0L V6 poweplant option, while the outgoing 2.4L 4-cylinder engine swaps out for a new 2.5L gaining 15 extra horses and 19 lb.ft of torque for 2022, now producing 181-hp at 6,000 rpm and 181 lb.ft of torque at 3,600 rpm.

The front seats have a two-layer urethane structure and and space increases by widening the body and increasing the legroom of the first and second-row seats. Depending on the trim, rear passengers also gain seat heaters, 3-zone automatic climate control, and rear door sunshades.

Key features:

New 2.5L engine with more power & torque

New exterior redesign

More premium interior with larger touchscreens

Expected release date: Spring 2021

Kia takes the wraps off its new full-size vehicle for families on the go. Dubbed a Life Utility Vehicle (LUV), the 2022 Carnival sits on a new and lighter platform, sports strong SUV looks with clean lines, minivan-esque functionality with an upscale interior, and a V6 engine under the hood. 

While taking on a more van-like look with its long design and squared-off rear, the Carnival really does pull off a modern, bold SUV design: the front face is sculpted yet clean; same goes for the rear end with a simple horizontal look sporting a very sleek end-to-end taillight with a cool futuristic light feature. Rear skid plate garnish and reflectors adds to strong look as well. 

Both 7- and 8-passenger seating options are customizable, where the second row of the 8-passenger version finds a long-sliding centre seat opening up space when needed, or when the kiddoes need to jump in the back a little easier. 

Key features:

Replaces the Sedona

Bold SUV-style exterior design

Premiium interior with flexible seating

Expected release date: Early 2024

Well, we’re jumping a few years ahead here but had to put GMC’s new Hummer SUV on the list. We kind of saw this one coming, didn’t we? After unveiling the GMC Hummer EV electric pickup truck to the entire world last Fall, General Motors stays true to its promise of expanding the lineup. Say hello then, to the inevitable Hummer EV SUV. But don’t get too excited, because you won’t see this bad boy on public roads until 2024.

GM promises range to be similar to its pickup truck twin; approximately 300 miles (483 km) in total (when selecting the largest battery). However, none of these claims have yet been EPA certified. Just like its brother, this SUV will dish out a maximum power output of 830 horsepower and whopping 11,500 lb-ft of initial torque thanks to dual motor all-wheel drive technology, yielding a 3.5-second 0-60 mph acceleration time.

The SUV is however a tad shorter than the truck on which it’s based. GM cut about 20 inches in total length, as well as 8.9 inches off the wheelbase. This not only gives it a stubbier, more muscular look, but also allows it to be a tad more agile in the trails, says GM.

Key features:

CrabWalk technology similar to the truck

Approx. 300 miles (483 km) range

3.5-second 0-60 mph acceleration time

Expected release date: Late 2022

Audi is proving that its shift towards electrification won’t stop at only one model. After releasing the e-tron and e-tron Sportback last year, followed by the e-tron GT supercar this year, the next vehicles on the list are these: the 2022 Q4 and Q4 Sportback.

Range for the two-wheel drive model is EPA-certified at 250 miles (402 km), while the all-wheel drive Q4 has not yet been evaluated. Audi says that it’ll do up to 310 miles (500 km) according to Europe’s WLTP evaluation cycle. Expect that number to drop closer to 270 miles (434 km) when the EPA takes a stab at it.

Inside, an entirely digital dashboard layout and 10.3 to 11.6-inch (the largest ever fitted to an Audi vehicle) infotainment screens dominate the cabin. Audi pushes the technological envelop by cramming the Q4 e-tron lineup with the addition of augmented reality in the vehicle’s head’s up display. The system displays additional driving information that can prove handy during navigation.

Key features:

Largest digital dashbaord in any Audi

2-wheel drive model is EPA-certified at 250 miles (402 km)

27 of the Q4’s components are made of recycled materials

Expected release date: Fall 2021

Hyundai welcomes the first model from its new family of IONIQ electric vehicles. A low-slung compact crossover with sporty 5-door hatchback looks and the longest wheelbase of any Hyundai sold in North American (4-inches longer than the mid-size Palisade SUV), the 2022 IONIQ 5 will be available with a few drive motor options — a 2WD setup with either a rear motor only or with both front and rear motors; and a range-topping AWD model.

The best range figures are with the least powerful single motor (2WD), offering 300 miles on a single charge. The 2WD setup with dual motors on the SE & SEL models will garner 269 miles. The top-of-the-line AWD comes in at 244 miles. 

Hyundai is claiming a segment-best charging time of 10 to 80 percent in only 18 minutes with the 800-volt multi-charging setup using the 350-kW charger. In about 5 minutes, IONIQ 5 owners can use the 350-kW fast charger to gain around 68 extra miles when needed. Using the 10.9 kW on-board charger which comes standard will provide a full charge in 6 hours and 43 minutes using Level 2 charging.

Read our full IONIQ 5 interior review here.

Key features:

Fast-charging with 300 miles of range

AWD option available

First IONIQ model from Hyundai

Expected release date: Fall 2021

The Toyota Corolla has been around for so long that it’s almost become a standard synonym for “reliable, high-quality sedan.” June 2, 2021 was a special day, then, as the company marked the unveiling of the 2022 Corolla Cross, a compact SUV crossover version of their iconic Corolla car.

The new compact crossover arrives with FWD and AWD, and will produce 169-hp courtesy of a 2.0L Dynamic Force Engine, aiming to offer a comfortable ride and spaciousness.

It’s not only space that Toyota has filled this interior with, but also world-beating technology. It begins with digital screens, where the driver gets a 7-inch multi-information display with digital instrument cluster. The central infotainment touchscreen can be up to 8 inches in size and can seamlessly connect to both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as having connection to Amazon’s Alexa voice control system.

Key features:

Spacious cabin

1,500 pounds towing capacity

Three grades – L, LE, and XLE

Expected release date: Fall 2021

Lexus’ compact SUV lineup is completely redesigned for 2022 with a long list of firsts for the luxury Japanese automaker. Including a new 2.4L turbo with a 40-hp increase, a new 2.5L PHEV offering, the introduction of DigitalKey, Wireless Charger, and Head-Up Display, and the first vehicle with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, Digital Latch with Safe Exit Assist.

Gone is the NX 300 with the 2.0L turbo mill, replaced now by the NX 350 with a completely new 2.4L turbo engine good for 275-hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired to a revised 8-speed transmission Lexus says will offer “the feel of a performance vehicle with the higher perspective of a crossover utility vehicle.” Of course, we’ll find out after testing it ourselves. 

Both turbo and plug-in hybrid NX models (the NX 350 and NX 350h) can ramp up performance with the F Sport trim, thanks to the Active Variable Suspension (AVS), and front and rear performance dampers. But the sporty package adds a long list of styling and interior features as well.

Here’s our full 2022 NX review.

Key features:

New 2.4L turbo engine for NX 350

Lexus first-ever 2.5L Plug-in Hybrid

First vehicle with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, Digital Latch with Safe Exit Assist

Expected release date: Late 2021

The QX60 was showing serious signs of age. And showing your wrinkles when your automaker is sailing through rough seas isn’t a great attitude to adopt. However, the 7-passenger luxury mid-size family hauler is still the most popular product in North America, and the marque is strongly betting on it to bring in some well-needed sales figures.

The QX60 isn’t retiring its 3.5-litre V6 just yet, and no other engines have been announced at this time. But one thing to get really excited about is that the all-new 9-speed automatic comes in replacement of the continuously variable transmission – a notoriously out-of-place transmission in a luxury vehicle.

The QX60 gets a well-deserved interior revamp, with a new, more modern 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and USB-based Android Auto compatibility software. It also makes available a 12.3-inch Dynamic Meter Display instrument cluster. Read our full QX60 preview here.

Key features:

No more CVT transmission

1,000 extra pounds of towing capacity

More 3rd-row space

Expected release date: Early 2022

After three impressive generations the Lexus LX returns with a complete redesign for 2022. The fourth-generation LX 600 rolls out with a new version of the next-gen Land Cruiser (which sadly won’t be arriving to North America). While it’s true the basics haven’t really changed as the manufacturer retains the “body-on-frame” build for the LX 600, the interior is completely new.

Powering the LX is a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 twin-turbo gasoline engine. Weight has also been reduced by 441 pounds, and the new Electronically Controlled Brake (ECB) system and Electric Power Steering (EPS) gives the vehicle a balanced bearing and stability while turning, accelerating or decelerating in any driving condition.

With Lexus’ first dual display configuration, the interface is equipped with; a 12.3-inch upper screen and 7-inch lower screen. With a variety of views, instrumentation and control adjustments, it is designed to give a more comfortable driving experience.

Key features:

Twin-turbocharged 3.5L V6 engine

Modernized platform

Lexus’ first dual display configuration