Primarily due to the pandemic, its aftereffects have hurt overall production figures.
When the world appeared to be recovering from the situation, a semiconductor chip shortage exacerbated it further.
This is why fans and enthusiasts have high expectations for the segment in 2022. Furthermore, automakers are looking to increase sales to compensate for the drop in profits over the last two years.
This article thus delves into the seven best cars of 2022 and shows what the automotive world has in store for fans of the segment.
2022 Honda Civic
The first vehicle on the list is the 2022 Honda Civic, mainly because the Japanese automaker delivers a lot of cars for the money.
Starting in the US at $24,465, the vehicle presents a new exterior design that they redid. In addition to this, the highly comfortable seats and the spacious interior offer superb comfort to passengers.
A Modern Interior
The cabin's modern design is a welcome sight for those tired of vehicles with drab interiors.
The attention to detail is exemplary, and even the mesh design of the air vents appears modern and trendy. This vehicle has a look that is unlike anything we've seen in this segment before this.
Impressive Fuel Economy
The Honda Civic is a medium-sized car, and thus fuel average matters a lot in this segment. It is one of the decisive factors determining what sort of sales figures the vehicle will hit.
The vehicle's relatively high city fuel economy of 26 to 33 miles per gallon and highway fuel economy of 36 to 42 miles per gallon places it near the top of the list of the most economical mid-sized cars.
Wide Range Of Options
The 2022 Honda Civic is offered in a wide array of variants which include:
- LX CVT;
- Sport CVT;
- Sport Manual;
- EX CVT;
- EX-L CVT;
- Touring CVT;
- Sport Touring Manual;
- Sport Touring CVT.
Engine Options
The vehicle is offered with two engine options, which are:
- 2.0 Liter Regular;
- 1.5 Liter Intercooled Turbo.
Power
Depending upon the engine you choose, the vehicle has power between 158 and 180 horsepower.
This translates to a 9.2 seconds 0-60 mph time of around 9.2 seconds which is adequately fast for a fuel-efficient vehicle that comfortably seats up to 5 people.
Kia Telluride
Kia has been killing it lately with its daring vehicle designs. The boxy Kia Telluride seems to be an exception in the world of curvy and round SUVs, which makes it stand out.
It is also surprising to see an SUV from a brand like Kia on the list of best vehicles of 2022.
Pricing
You can get a Kia Telluride as low as $34,000; however, expect to pay around $50,000 for the full-option, top-of-the-line variant.
A Vehicle That Delivers Beyond Expectations
The Kia Telluride isn't a competitor to big guns like the Range Rover or the Cadillac Escalade and thus carries just a fraction of their price. This is why, while stepping in, all you have in mind is a vehicle with average interior and trifling features.
But the Kia Telluride's surprises keep coming. Similar to how the automaker impressed us with a unique exterior design, the vehicle's interior matches the trend set by the exterior.
Special Features
Some of the features that step up the game for the Kia Telluride include:
- Heads Up Display;
- Use of Nappa leather on the interior;
- An incredibly soft to touch Alcantara headliner;
- Heated & ventilated second-row seats.
The Telluride Is Full Of Surprises
Most people would think we're talking about a high-end Mercedes or a BMW if we didn't reveal the vehicle's name with such features and asked even an industry expert to guess its make.
However, that's how the Kia Telluride pulls up its image in a market brimming with SUVs and where demand is constantly rising.
An Additional Electric Heater
Another feature that distinguishes the Kia Telluride is its auxiliary cabin heater, which uses electricity to warm up the cabin for passengers before the engine heats up.
This may not seem like much to people who live in hot climates, but this is a handy feature for those in cold areas.
Genesis GV 80
Isn't it surprising to see yet another relatively obscure name on the list of the year's best vehicles?
It might be, but once you see what the Genesis GV80 has to offer, you won't be surprised anymore as Genesis is a highly comfortable and opulent South Korean automotive brand.
The design language of the Genesis GV 80 is fresh and offers everything you expect from a premium SUV like the BMW X5.
Wrapped In Luxury
The ride isn't sporty by any means, but that's what the company aims for with the GV 80, pure comfort and an interior loaded with only the finest materials.
The plush interior has loads of leather and metal, so anything you touch feels high-end and luxurious.
Engines & Performance
While the standard version has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, the 3.5 liter V6 model has a reasonably high performance, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.3 seconds.
The GV 80 starts at a mere $51,295, whereas the top-end Prestige Matte variant costs $76,745 while competing with the big guns like the BMW X5 or the Volvo XC90.
Prestige Matte Version
The 2022 model of the Genesis GV 80 is the first time the vehicle has been offered in the Prestige Matte variant, which instead of the glossy exterior look, goes for a matte approach.
Color Options
You can get this high-end SUV in three different colors, which include:
- Matterhorn White;
- Brunswick Green;
- Melbourne Gray.
- Ford Bronco
According to several off-road enthusiasts, the Ford Bronco is the best SUV of the year. However, this is not where the introduction of this competent SUV ends. Instead, it is just the beginning.
The Boxy Look That Everyone Loves
The bulky and boxy look of the 2022 Ford Bronco makes it everyone's favorite.
A Rival To Jeep Wrangler
For many years, the Jeep Wrangler has been regarded as one of the most capable American off-road vehicles- if not the most competent- but the Ford Bronco has ventured to cause turbulence in the segment and, dare we say, it is succeeding spectacularly.
Ford Struggling To Meet The Demand
So what sets the stage for the Ford Bronco to be one of the best SUVs of the year is that, despite all efforts, Ford has yet to match production and demand.
This shows how well the market has received this SUV.
Removable Body Parts
The use of sturdy materials and the ability to remove the roof and several other body components in the same way that the Jeep Wrangler does indicates that the Ford Bronco is following in the footsteps of the former vehicle.
Pricing
Starting at $30,795, the Ford Bronco is considered a bargain by many experts for the excellent cross-country abilities that it delivers.
Engine
The vehicle's reputation is further bolstered by the V6 engine on the upper-end models. However, the base variant sports a four-cylinder engine.
Ford Bronco Raptor
A significant update to the Bronco was later launched in the Raptor variant, a high-end performance vehicle with a price tag of $69,995.
Higher Power
This special edition is powered by a 3.0-liter V6 engine that generates more than 400 horsepower. Its 37-inch monster tires and many off-roading add-ons render it extremely off-road capable.
Tesla Model 3
Everyone wants to play their role in saving the planet, which is why the world of EVs is booming right now.
As the trailblazer in the segment, Tesla has an exceptional reputation, so everyone wants to own a vehicle of this brand, which is considered synonymous with cutting-edge technology and innovation.
Since its inception, the Tesla Model 3 has been one of the hottest vehicles. Not only in its segment but overall.
While several issues tarnished the vehicle's image in the past, the company was quick in rectifying the problems, which is why the Model 3 is still one of the vehicles on the list of the best cars of 2022.
Exceptional Performance At An Affordable Price
Starting at $46,440, it is an excellent option for people looking for superior performance.
The fast acceleration time of the Model 3 delivers a testosterone pumping acceleration that only the best of race cars can match.
The 0 to 60 mph time of 3.5 seconds puts the Model 3 at par with the acceleration of the big boys like the Audi R8 5.2 V10 RWD & Dodge Viper SRT while providing a cocoon of luxury for four adult passengers.
Improved Range & Charging Setup
The latest Long Range model of the Model 3 now features a range of 358 miles per charge, and the vast array of Tesla Superchargers spread around the globe makes it much easier to embrace the EV revolution than any other brand.
All this combined makes the Model 3 one of the vehicles that tick all boxes yet comes at a highly reasonable price.
Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
The next car on our list of the best vehicles of 2022 is the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing which, just like its grand name, has all the bells & whistles and the performance that can take your breath away.
The vehicle sports a big V8 that delivers impressive performance figures of 668 hp and 659 lb-ft torque.
This rear-wheel-driven beast weighs over two tons, and the six-speed manual transmission ensures that every moment you spend with this vehicle is pure joy.
Strong Competition
Having solid rivals, including the Audi RS7 & the BMW M5 Competition, the CT5-V Blackwing feels eminent in giving the competitors a run for their money.
Alpha Architecture
The car's extraordinary performance is no surprise. GM uses the Alpha architecture to produce highly competent vehicles like the Cadillac CTS V-Sport and the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.
Exceptional Performance
It has a staggering 0 to 60 mph time of 3.5 seconds and covers the quarter-mile in a mere 11.4 seconds while traveling at 128 mph.
Expensive But Worth It
The vehicle is undoubtedly expensive and easily crosses the $90,000 mark, but it looks and jaw-dropping performance makes every cent count.
Thus, just like a Cadillac, it is loaded with a ton of luxury items, but concurrently, it is also a vehicle that gives you a thriller experience.
Volkswagen Jetta
While most of the vehicles on the list are high-end variants of their brands that flaunt their superior performance and will dig a hole so deep in your pocket that it will take a while to fill, the Volkswagen Jetta is anything but expensive.
This economy car is an excellent option for anyone looking for decent performance but doesn't want to pay excessive money.
Comfortable & Spacious Cabin
While the Jetta lacks the bells and whistles of its hybrid and electric cousins, it has a roomy and spacious cabin that provides excellent space and a reasonable amount of comfort to the passengers.
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Pricing
The S variant has a starting price of $21,190, whereas the top-trim SEL variant carries a price tag of $28,790.
Fuel Consumption
The fuel average for the vehicle is around 29 miles per gallon for city driving, 43 miles per gallon for highway, and 34 miles per gallon combined.
Engine & Performance
Although performance is not the primary concern here, the Jetta still delivers relatively well on-road performance thanks to its 1.5-liter four-cylinder that generates a total of 158 hp.
This is a fraction higher than the previous generation Jetta which had 147 hp.
Final Verdict
While everyone's list of the year's best cars will differ, these vehicles have delivered the best in class performance and thus deserve to be called the seven best cars of 2022.
