Best New Cars and SUVs of 2022
Do you ever get confused by the sheer number of cars that are available to purchase and have no idea what you should get? Don't worry, I do too, which is why we've created this handy list of the best cars and SUVs to get for 2022.
Why should you get a new car over a used car?
Here are some of the benefits you can expect when you buy a new car instead of a used car:
Financing options: Banks usually offer lower financing rates for newer vehicles because they haven't been hit with depreciation yet.
Factory warranty: Because the car is brand new, you'll be able to get the best warranty the car can come with and you won't have to worry if the warranty is about to expire.
Latest safety features: Newer cars have blind-spot monitoring, high definition back-up cameras and side curtain airbags. They also come with emergency stop features which allow you to avoid crashes.
Made to order: You get to have the exact car you want, with options such as interior colours and exterior colours. For some higher-end cars, you could even have special customization done to the interior.
Latest technology: You get larger and more up-to-date infotainment system with a new vehicle, which is essential for things such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Better fuel efficiency and lower emissions: Newer cars have more efficient engines which can not only lead to lower emissions, but also a lower price you have to pay at the pump.
Best Compact Car - 2022 Honda Civic
Source: Honda Canada
Honda's best selling front-wheel drive compact car got a complete overhaul for 2022. This brand new generation has gotten a more mature look as well as a more refined cabin experience. The car now sports a larger infotainment display as well as wireless smartphone connectivity, which should make living with the new Civic a breeze. The car comes in both sedan and hatchback form, with the hatchback being slightly more expensive. All versions come with a 4 cylinder, making up to 180hp if you opt for the turbocharger 1.5L. Even in its base form, the Civic is surprisingly nippy and is comfortable to be in. Even though the Civic may not be as sporty as competitors like the Mazda 3 or Hyundai Elantra, with fuel economy at just 6.9L/100km combined, you get the best of both worlds with the brand new Civic.
Honourable Mention: 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, as sensational as it is to drive as well as being a steal in Canada, it narrowly misses out the top spot because of its confusing infotainment system.
Best Mid-Size Car - 2022 Honda Accord
Source: ForbesWheels
Speaking of Jack of all trades, the 2022 Honda Accord is one of the most versatile cars in its class. With handsome looks, superb handling as well as surprising amounts of performance in 2.0T form, the Honda Accord offers you everything you'll need at a reasonable price. With generous amounts of standard equipment and safety equipment, as well as the best rear legroom and trunk space in its class, the Honda Accord is the best car for those who have long commutes as this comfy car just crushes the miles. Those looking for fuel economy can opt for the Hybrid version, which provides combined up to 5.5L/100km; while those looking for a surprisingly capable sports sedan can opt for the 2.0T four-cylinder, which produces 252 horsepower and 273 lb-ft torque. One disadvantage to the Accord is that it's only available in FWD form, so those looking for AWD grip during winter will have to look elsewhere.
Honourable mention: 2022 Toyota Camry, the Camry embodies the best attributes of Toyota and is reliable and efficient, it's even available in AWD. However, its interior already looked last generation when it came out and looks even worse now, which made it lose out on the top spot.
Best Full-Size Car - 2023 Genesis G80
Source: ForbesWheels
The full size sedan market is shrinking year by year but that doesn't mean the market is dead just yet. The G80 punches way above its class, considering it starts at $69,000. The car looks gorgeous, with its elegant bodywork wrapping around a cabin that's so luxurious you'll wonder why people pay so much for their German competitors. So long as you're not carving canyons with this car, it'll be an amazing experience as you watch the scenery fly by while you get massaged by its excellent seats. With 2 engines to choose from; the 2.5T four-cylinder and 3.5L V6. The 2.5L produces 300 horsepower and has all the power you'll ever need, especially since this car is meant to cruise highways and city streets. Inside the cabin you'll be greeted with lots of soft-touch surfaces, as well as a huge 14.5-inch touchscreen and a powerful audio system. Combine everything with their industry leading warranty of 10 years or 100,000 miles, you have one of the best cars you can get for this price, period.
Honourable mention: 2022 Toyota Avalon, Even though it's getting axed in favour of the brand new Crown sedan, it's still worth mentioning as the car pairs Toyota reliability with a luxurious flair.
Best Hybrid - 2022 Toyota Prius
Source: digitaltrends
The Prius, a car so synonymous with fuel efficiency and hybrids it's almost used universally to describe hybrids. Since it's first introduction to the US over 22 years ago, it's been laser focused on one thing only, fuel economy. With a combined fuel economy figure of 4.5L/100km, it still leads the pack when it comes to fuel economy. Combine this with Toyota's legendary reliability, it's not hard to see why almost every other rideshare car you see is a Prius. The Prius may not be a looker but it makes up for it in practicality. With its large hatchback, small blind spots and ergonomic interior layout, you won't even have to think twice when getting inside for the first time. The current generation of Prius is on its last year, here's a sneak peak at what the newest generation looks like (spoiler alert: it looks really good).
Honourable mention: 2022 Hyundai Ioniq: The Ioniq takes a page out of the Prius book when it comes to an unrelenting pursuit of fuel economy, they both look like eggs but it does wonders for aerodynamics. Production ended in July, 2022 but if you find a good deal on it you can still go for it.
Best Compact SUV - 2023 Mazda CX-50
Source: MotorTrend
Brand new for 2022, the Mazda CX-50 is a more rugged version of their CX5 and was developed specifically for North America. The new CX-50 is refined and has excellent driving dynamics, and with the extra body cladding and ride-height, the CX-50 allows you to enjoy driving both on and off road. The CX-50 is available in either naturally aspirated or turbocharged form, with the engines making 187 and 256 horsepower respectively. Inside, the CX-50 offers ample space for 5 passengers, with comfortable and supportive seats trimmed in leather. One quirk about the Mazda is that its infotainment is controlled with a click wheel mounted on the center console instead of a touch-screen so that may take some time to get used to. However, there is much to love about Mazda's new rugged compact SUV, which is why it the best compact SUV you can buy right now.
Honourable mention: 2023 Toyota RAV4, the RAV4 trades style and technology for reliability and practicality. However, with waiting times of over 6 months and possible dealer markups, it's only worth it if you can get the car at MSRP.
Best Mid-Size SUV - 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5
Source: MotorTrend
Ever wanted to live out your 80s fantasy? Now you can do it while going to work, and at an affordable price too. Starting at $51,650, it's priced competitively when compared against its competitors. With either a 168 horsepower single motor or 320 horsepower dual motor versions, the single motor combined with the larger battery allows the Ioniq 5 to achieve a range of up to 487km, with the dual motor version getting slightly less at 428km. You also won't be waiting at charging stations for long with its blazing fast 350-kW DC fast-charging. Inside, the car is extremely spacious, with lots of legroom for rear passengers. You also get a lovely panoramic sunroof to let all the light in. The Ioniq 5 bucks the trend of electric cars having to look futuristic and aerodynamic, instead it's content to transport us back to the 80s with its retro-futuristic chic.
Honourable mention: Kia EV6, the Ioniq 5's twin from Kia, the EV6 focuses more on style and sportiness rather than being a cloud on wheels, with both cars going to close to the same price, you won't be disappointed if you go for either of them.
Best 3-Row SUV - 2023 Kia Telluride
Source: AutoTrader.ca
Ever wanted to transport your family in style and luxury but lacked the funds? The Telluride offers handsome styling at a bargain price, with the base model starting at just $46,995. All trims come with a naturally aspirated V6 that produces 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque that sends power to all 4 wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. With one of the best interiors in its price bracket, all 7 passengers will be travelling in comfort while listening to tunes on their excellent 10-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system. It also comes with the best powertrain warranty in the industry, 10 years or 100,000 miles.
Honourable mention: 2023 Hyundai Palisade, another twin from Hyundai, the Palisade looks more traditional and boxy compared to the Telluride, but underneath they're essentially the same. The main difference really is just how they look so and slight differences in the interior.
Best Hybrid SUV - Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Source: Caranddriver
There's a reason why the waiting list for one of these is so long, because it's a practical and efficient SUV that appeals to your logical side. The RAV4 combines a cargo-friendly interior, an attractive price and decent handling with surprisingly nippy engine. The car sports a 2.5L four-cylinder and 2 electric motors for a combined output of 219 horsepower. The extra motors give it an extra pep around town, while also helping you save fuel, with it achieving a combined fuel economy figure of 6.0L/100km. The RAV4 is the definition of function over form, it may not be the best looking or have the best technology compared to its rivals, but it is a rugged and dependable car which you know will start up without a fuss on even the worst winter days.
Honourable mention: 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid, completely redesigned for 2023, it now sports a much more modern look both inside and outside. Great option if you don't want to deal with the long waiting list for the RAV4 hybrid.
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