We love concepts cars too. But lets kick the year off with vehicles that we can actually drive off the dealer lot in the not-so-distant future.
Sure, automaker design philosophies and future cars are terrific. But know what else is terrific? Hauling your kids in a new-age minivan, shuffling the soccer team to practice in a practical SUV, and hitting the track in a car you can own this year.
1 – Kia Stinger
So when a concept like the Kia GT4 unveiled at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show becomes a reality in the form of a fastback sports sedan, we’re happy campers. We’re not certain exactly when the all-new 2018 Kia Stinger comes available, but it’s coming. (Update: it’s now here, see our Stinger reviews and news here.)
2 – 2018 Nissan Roque Sport \ Qashqai
Nissan sees the value in the compact crossover, bringing their second-generation Qashqai to North America this spring, renamed the 2018 Nissan Roque Sport in the US while keeping the Qashqai nameplate in Canada. Smaller than the Rogue, the Rogue Sport / Qashqai caters to the couples or singles who can live without the extra cargo space.
3 – 2018 Chevy Traverse
Perhaps the biggest step-up in terms of design goes to the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse, hitting dealerships Fall 2017. The new Traverse looks nothing like the outgoing model (in all the right ways); staying inline with the other new SUVs in the GM lineup.
4 – 2018 Mercedes-AMG GT C Coupe Edition 50
Mercedes-Benz and AMG celebrate their 50 anniversary working together with the release of a new 2018 Mercedes-AMG GT C Coupe Edition 50, growing the AMG GT family to seven strong. The Edition 50 will initially be offered as a special edition with 50 models being released, thereafter, full-production mode for the rest of us.
5 – 2018 Lexus LS
As with the Chevy Traverse, the all-new 2018 Lexus LS is also a huge departure from the outgoing model in terms of design. The new LS is sleek, futuristic, replaces the old V8 with a new V6, and will be available soon.
6 – Honda Odyssey
Finally, the under-rated minivan: Honda unveils the all-new 2018 Odyssey available as soon as Spring 2017. More connectivity, improved styling, and above all, less crying children. Though we can’t promise that.