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This year’s New York Auto Show offered the latest crop of EVs along with exciting new performance cars and the hottest updates on popular models.
2022 Year of the EV
After a two-year hiatus, the New York Auto Show was finally back for 2022. This year’s show was heavy on the latest and greatest in automakers accelerating shift into an electrified future. But amongst the buzziest (literally and figuratively) EVs, there were still plenty of gas-powered vehicles of note, from performance cars like the last of the Ford GTs and the new GR Corolla to all manner of outdoor oriented vehicles like the Toyota Tacozilla (a retro-themed Tacoma RV complete with manual transmission).
The show was notably more sparce than in year’s past. Absent was Honda, Mazda, and nearly all of the European luxury marks. However, a few new players have stepped in to fill the void, including a new EV brand out of Vietnam.
Here’s all the latest from the New York Auto Show 2022.
Subaru’s Solterra EV and Outback Update
Subaru showcased the product of their new joint EV venture with Toyota, the Subaru Solterra EV. The new electric crossover makes its case based largely on the outdoorsy ruggedness the brand is known for. The Solterra will feature standard all-wheel drive (an upgrade on its sister vehicle the Toyota bZ4x) and 8.3 inches of ground clearance. Range is a bit modest at 222 miles. A refreshed Outback was also there. The new Outback’s exterior gets more rugged with additional plastic cladding around the wheels and a larger, more aggressive grille. The Outback’s EyeSight system is also getting an upgrade as well as new standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for the infotainment system.
ID.Buzz Tantalizingly Close
Though Volkswagen has been hinting at the redux of the microbus for over two decades, the new all-electric ID. Buzz is now very close to reality. The ID. Buzz heavily leverages the ID. 4’s existing EV infrastructure, but makes important updates to the interior and infotainment (both weak points for the ID. 4). Styling is on point with the ID. Buzz perfectly blending new and old. The old microbus’s forward control design is brought back, as is the tall and airy cabin, for great outward visibility. Volkswagen says they plan to have the new 2024 ID. Buzz stateside by late 2023. For more on the ID. Buzz, click here.
Two Nissan EVs: Aryia and Leaf
Nissan impressed a lot of attendees this year with their new Ariya electric crossover. Wisely, Nissan has targeted the hottest segment (moderately sized crossovers) with the Aryia EV. Quiet and smooth, the Aryia was eye-catching with its coupe-like sloping roof and forward-thinking interior design. The Rogue-sized EV will have approximately 300 miles of range. Nissan hasn’t forgotten about its original EV either. The Nissan Leaf receives an update that move the exterior design forward and simplifies the trim levels. Now there are just two options corresponding to the two battery sizes, 40-kWh for the S and 62-kWh for the SV Plus.
Toyota GR Corolla and Last of the Ford GTs
Even with all the EVs on list, there were also lots of gas-powered cars of note too. The last of the Ford GTs, the Holman Moody Heritage Edition, was on display. Resplendent in gold and red paint, 20-inch wheels, and aero-bits like a front splitter and rear wing completing what is arguably Ford’s current pinnacle.
Toyota also had their new GR Corolla on display. What is possibly Toyota’s last performance gas car, the GR Corolla carries a host of enticing tidbits including 300 horsepower, all-wheel drive, turbocharging, race suspension, and a carbon roof to keep the center of gravity low.
Kia/Hyundai Update Three-Rows and Re-vamped Niro
The current twin champs of the three-row SUV, the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade were both on hand with mid-cycle refreshes. The Telluride adds new styling to the front and rear, a new 12.3-inch touchscreen, and two new off-road inspired trims the X-Line and X-Pro. The Palisade, for its part, gets a new 12-inch touchscreen and a new rugged XRT trim. Both vehicles get a new Tow Mode.
Kia’s paragon of efficiency, the Niro was also there sporting new updates. The PHEV and EV versions are getting longer ranges and the traditional hybrid greater efficiency. The Niro’s interior and exterior get major updates that provide more cargo and passenger room as well as improved looks.
New EV Players: VinFast, Indi, and Deus
Perhaps most compelling of all were the new EV companies making their debuts. Indi, a California-based startup unveiled their new EV crossover with a targeted 300 miles of range and a price tag right around $40,000 (the current going rate it seems). Another new player was the Austrian company Deus and their new hypercar, the Vayanne. According to the company, the new car will boast a mind-numbing 2,200 horsepower, a top speed of 248 mph, and a zero to sixty time of 1.99 seconds. Just 99 are slated to be built and deliveries are planned for 2025.
But it was VinFast, out of Vietnam, that drew the most buzz. A new offshoot of the Vingroup conglomerate, VinFast showcased two new electric SUVs, the two-row VF 8 and the three-row VF 9. The former will reported offer a range of 292 miles and a $41,000 MSRP. Interestingly, VinFast plans to lease their battery packs, charging a monthly fee for them, but coupled with a lifetime warranty and free battery replacements. We’ll have to see whether this new approach to the EV battery lifecycle will entice consumers to take the EV plunge.
