GM is going all out with electric vehicles in the next few model years. As proven by the exciting Hummer EV SUV, massive Chevy Silverado EV, and (uhh…) elusive Cadillac Lyriq, the American auto giant fully intends on making its Ultium battery platform the gold standard for EVs. The 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ is GM’s latest Ultium EV SUV, and it promises to make a splash — with experts and auto-spies across the internet speculating about its design and features.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade IQ was announced at a grand event in New York City on August 9, 2023. Like the Hummer EV SUV and Chevy Silverado EV, the Escalade IQ will be assembled at GM’s Factory Zero Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Center. For some reason, GM is promoting this event with the tagline “Built in Detroit. Revealed in New York City,” which, let’s be honest, doesn’t really mean anything.

2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ price and release date

• Price: $130,000 – $175,000 minimum
• Release date: Summer 2024

As is expected from the EV version of an already pricey full-size luxury SUV, the 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ starts at a cool $130,000. While we don’t know much about the pricing apart from that, GM has shown off one configuration that adds up to around $175,000.

There will seemingly be four trim levels including Luxury 1, Sport 1, Luxury 2, and Sport 2. Based on what we’ve seen from Caddy models, we suspect these names will change to something a little less generic as we get closer to the Escalade IQ’s summer 2024 launch. GM has teased that there may eventually be an Escalade IQL trim with a longer wheelbase and an Escalade IQ-V trim with boosted performance, according to GM Authority — but this will likely come later.

2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ specs

Although much information about the various Cadillac IQ trims are still behind closed doors, GM has its overall dimensions as well as a handful of options.

Exterior color options

• Flare Metallic (available with optional black roof)
• Black Raven
• Black Cherry Tintcoat (available with optional black roof)
• Deep Space Metallic (available with optional black roof)
• Summit White (available with optional black roof)
• Midnight Steel Frost (available with optional black roof)
• Luna Metallic (available with optional black roof)

Interior seating options

• Sheer/medium dark cinder gray
• Backen black / Santorini

Wheels

• 7-spoke alloy wheels with mask/polish with machine face and high gloss black pockets and inserts
• 7 tri-spoke alloy wheels with deep night metallic
• 7-spoke alloy wheels with mask/polish with high gloss black pockets and chrome inserts

Exterior dimensions

• Height: 76.1″
• Length: 224.3″
• Width: 94.1″ (including mirrors) 

Interior and tech

As we mentioned above, one of the primary benefits of the Ultium battery platform is that GM’s designers have unprecedented freedom when it comes to the interior of their vehicles. This remains true for the Escalade IQ, as the combustion-engine version’s cabin would probably be considered a “spacious studio apartment” in some major cities.

With this massive cabin space comes even more real estate for tech, screens, and all sorts of bells and whistles (probably not literally, but who knows?) The Cadillac Escalade IQ will have luxury-level technology including GM’s Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving capabilities as well as other premium trappings like HD Surround Vision that have been announced for its other luxury-level vehicles.

Interior dimensions

• Cabin cargo space: up to 119.2 cubic-feet
• eTrunk cargo space: up to 12.2 cubic-feet

2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ electric range and charging times

• Electric range: up to 450 miles
• DC fast charging time: 100 miles of range in 10 minutes

Assuming it lives up to its own internal estimates in the real world, the Cadillac Escalade IQ packs some seriously impressive electric range – 450 miles to be exact. And because it gets 100 miles of range from 10 minutes of charging, it would only take a little over 30 minutes to charge from 10% to 80% capacity, or in a less realistic and unadvisable scenario, 45 minutes to reach 100% from 0.

2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ powertrain and 0-60 performance

• Horsepower: 750 horsepower
• Torque: 785 lb-ft

GM’s mantra with its latest line of EV SUVs seems to be “bigger is better,” and the Cadillac Escalade IQ is no exception. With 750 horsepower and 785 lb-ft of torque under its belt, you’ll certainly never miss a meeting, even if using all that power in such a hefty machine means putting pedestrians at risk, not to mention other drivers. Though GM hasn’t said a whole lot else about its performance, the 8,660-pound Hummer EV SUV can accelerate from 0-60 in 3.5 seconds – a terrifying thought!

2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ design changes

Unsurprisingly, the Cadillac Escalade shares many of its design elements with the Lyriq – such as the chevron-hatched “black crystal shield” grille and “vertical light blade” smart headlights, but with the Escalade’s even more extravagant styling. It does have a lower stance, thankfully, which is being advertised as a feature to improve its aerodynamics, but in reality, the floor-mounted battery allows for a lower center of gravity.

Otherwise, the 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ pretty closely resembles the Escalade of old, so if you liked how it looked before, you’ll appreciate the more conservative approach the folks at GM took with this gargantuan block of wealth on wheels.

FAQs

When will the Cadillac Escalade IQ be released?

While the exact date has yet to be confirmed, GM has confirmed the 2025 model year Cadillac Escalade IQ will arrive at your local dealer no later than summer 2024. We’ll see.

What will the Cadillac Escalade IQ cost?

As the flagship of GM’s luxury all-electric offerings, the 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ will start at $130,000 for the base trim with no options. Beyond that, the Escalade IQ website shows a $175,000 spec, suggesting the price will go much higher depending on the spec you (or the dealer) decide to order.

What is the Cadillac Escalade IQ’s electric range on a single charge?

See above.

Today is your moment. You’re living in the EV transition. In 20 years, your only vehicle may be electric. You might even own or want to buy an electric car like the 2024 Cadillac Lyriq right now. That sounds amazing!

But change is painful. It’s made more difficult by unrealistic emissions targets and those unwilling to change. General Motors (GM) sold 134,726 Cadillacs in 2022. Only 122 of those were the Lyriq. It was second only to GMC’s Hummer EV as the worst-selling vehicle in GM’s fleet, according to GoodCarBadCar. Yet the electric Caddy lives on in the 2024 Cadillac Lyriq, which exists, allegedly. Meanwhile, Tesla’s teasing its cheaper Model 2, which may also exist, allegedly.

It doesn’t take a genius to see what’s wrong with this picture. How can a car that cost $2 billion to develop flop this badly? We’ll get to that, but first, a formal introduction to the 2024 Cadillac Lyriq.

2024 Cadillac Lyriq price and specs

Pricing for the 2024 Cadillac Lyriq starts at $59,990. If you can find one, you’ll get a lot of features, even with the base model.

2024 Cadillac Lyriq: see prices at CarGurus

2024 Cadillac Lyriq Tech

• Price: $59,990
• Battery capacity: 102 kWh
• Power: 340 hp (255 kW), 325 lb-ft of torque
• EPA-estimated range: 312 miles (RWD)

2024 Cadillac Lyriq Luxury

• Price: $68,990
• Battery capacity: 102 kWh
• Power: 340 hp (255 kW), 450 lb-ft of torque
• EPA-estimated range: 307 miles (AWD)

2024 Cadillac Lyriq Sport

• Price: $76,990
• Battery capacity: 102 kWh
• Power: 500 hp (255 kW), 450 lb-ft of torque (440 Nm)
• EPA-estimated range: 307 miles (AWD)

Exterior color options

• Argent Silver Metallic
• Stellar Black Metallic
• Crystal White Tricoat
• Opulent Blue Metallic 
• Radiant Red Tintcoat 
• Emerald Lake Metallic
• Celestial Metallic
• Nimbus Metallic

Exterior dimensions

• Height: 63.9″
• Length: 196.7″
• Width: 86.9″ (including mirrors) 

2024 Cadillac Lyriq interior and tech

Interior color options

• Noir inteluxe seats, two tone upper bolster accents
• Noir inteluxe seats, santorini blue accents, perforated inserts, dark paperwood trim
• Sky cool gray inteluxe seats, santorini blue accents, perforated inserts, dark PaperWood trim
• Oxford stone full nappa leather seats, garnet accents, perforated inserts, Dark Ash genuine open pore wood trim, backlit door accents

Interior dimensions

• 28.0 cubic-feet, rear seatbacks up
• 60.8 cubic-feet, rear seatbacks down

GM put the Lyriq in luxury with this interior. Ambient lighting and physical buttons are a welcome addition. Being an EV means the inside of the car is roomy by default. The engineers struck a fine balance between minimalism and comfort. From the classic wood trim to the understated seats, the Lyriq’s interior blends the old with the new in a way that’s distinctively Cadillac.

If you’re into tech, the driver assist package gets you automatic e-braking, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and blind spot steering assist. The luxury and sport trims can use Supercruise, GM’s legally-not-self-driving “hands-free driver assistance technology for compatible roads.” But that requires an additional subscription.

2024 Cadillac Lyriq range and charging

The Lyriq comes with a 22-ft “Dual-Level” charge cord. The vehicle accepts up to 240-Volt/7.7 kW for up to 21 miles of range per hour of charge. As with most EVs, you can add a Level 2 charger for a faster charge – more on that here.

2024 Cadillac Lyriq Tech

• Electric range:  314 miles (RWD)
• Level 2 charging time: Up to 21 miles of range per hour
• DC fast charging time: 77 miles of range in 10 minutes

2024 Cadillac Lyriq Luxury

• Electric range:  307 miles (AWD)
• Level 2 charging time: Up to 21 miles of range per hour
• DC fast charging time: 77 miles of range in 10 minutes

2024 Cadillac Lyriq Sport

• Electric range:  309 miles (AWD)
• Level 2 charging time: Up to 21 miles of range per hour
• DC fast charging time: 77 miles of range in 10 minutes

2024 Cadillac Lyriq powertrain and 0-60 performance

EVs are known to be rocket ships off the line. The Cadillac Lyriq rear-wheel drive (RWD) has a 0-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds. The all-wheel drive (AWD) version beats that comfortably with 4.6 seconds. Of course, 340 hp and a single motor is more than enough for a luxury SUV. If you want to a bit faster, the luxury and sport trims give you 500 hp and 340 lb.-ft of torque.

Lyriq RWD

• Electric motor power: 340 hp (255 kW), 325 lb.-ft. of torque (440 Nm)
• Battery capacity: 102 kWh 
• Top speed: 118 mph (190 km/h)
• Acceleration: 6 seconds
• Drivetrain: Permanent magnet electric single-drive motor

Lyriq AWD

• Electric motor power: 500 hp (373 kW), 450 lb.-ft. of torque (610 Nm)
• Battery capacity: 102 kWh
• Top speed: 130 mph (200 km/h)
• Acceleration: 4.6 seconds
• Drivetrain: Permanent magnet electric dual-drive motor

Poor sales numbers

Early production issues put a complete stop to Lyriq deliveries. 2022 saw a vehicle’s software management update, a fix for cracking liftgate panel, and a recall for display issues. 

Cadillac is not the only legacy automaker having trouble with EVs. Toyota had to recall its bZ4X electric SUV because, I shit you not, its wheels were falling off. An I Think You Should Leave sketch come to life. Hyundai is currently the subject of an NHTSA probe into “complete power loss while driving.”

Cadillac dealership ultimatum

In 2021, dealerships were offered a take-it-or-leave-it ultimatum: Pay $200,000 to upgrade your dealership to our new electric branding, or sell your dealership for $500,000. The service costs related to EVs are much less than ICE vehicles, so a loss in revenue for the dealership is almost guaranteed. 

Much of this underperformance can be attributed to the higher cost of electric cars when compared to gas options.

As Harold Meyerson from The American Prospect recently pointed out, “The big problem for EVs from a price standpoint is that the whole industry has decided that the only way to cater to American tastes is to make their EV fleet out of trucks and SUVs, eliminating the economical sedans that might be affordable.”

But even most of those SUVs and trucks are EV counterparts to premium offerings in each automaker’s respective lineups. Ford has an F-150 Lightning, for example, but it doesn’t offer all-electric variants of the more affordable Maverick and the mid-size Ranger. That may help to explain why the average price of an EV is closer to that of a luxury vehicle than a midrange or economy car across all segments.

That doesn’t even include used cars, which accounted for 74.8% of vehicle sales in the U.S. in 2022, according to the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA). Reduced volume also means dealerships have to mark up their inventory much higher than MSRP. A car on the lot doesn’t translate to an automatic sale. 

EV charging still sucks

The U.S. government has done a great job rolling out EV charging stations. Still, access to charging stations is poor. The average EV charging time is around 40 minutes – and that’s if you find a fast charger. That can be tough considering there are 21 electric vehicles for every charging port available.

That said, EVs can charge overnight and just 4.9% of trips are longer than 30 miles. However, range anxiety is still a stumbling block for potential EV buyers.

The Lyriq exists to meet emissions targets

Let’s be honest for a moment, current EPA emissions targets are next to impossible for manufacturers to meet. Consumer demand is not shifting fast enough. We’re nowhere close to achieving a clean energy grid. Although U.S battery production is on a monumental upswing, a litany of challenges still exist.

The Lyriq is an investor peg on a large board. GM needs to make the transition to electric vehicles without impacting the sales of its ICE vehicles, which are in higher demand and cheaper to build. 

It’s hard not to be reminded of the 2006 documentary Who Killed the Electric Car? which detailed the EV1, GM’s first electric car it intentionally sabotaged just so it wouldn’t have to make another one. Rather than selling the car to the people who wanted to buy it, the company opted instead to make life hell for anyone that dared ask to take one home. And because the EV1 was only available as a lease, GM eventually took back its supply and crushed nearly every car.

In other words, the EV1 was less of a commercial product and more of an elaborate ploy to tell the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to go fuck themselves. While I’m not saying that’s the case with the Lyriq, how’s that saying go? History doesn’t repeat itself but the lyrics rhyme. Now we call them compliance cars. You don’t need an industrial compactor to destroy a glorified concept car.

The EV outlook

Global EV sales don’t align with emissions targets. BEVs – those with fully electric powertrains as opposed to plug-in hybrids like the Alfa Romeo Tonale we reviewed – made up only 5.8% of U.S. vehicle sales last year, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). Norway led the charge with 71% of new car sales being all-electric. EV-Volumes sheds light on the reality of our so-called electrified future:

“In a scenario towards 100% zero-emission global light vehicle sales in 2045 (as an example for the math), the total number of BEVs in operation reaches 1.1 billion, while the total number of vehicles in operation reaches 2 billion in 2045. By then, over 55% of the stock are BEVs but the sobering truth is also that, with current scrapping rates, over 40% of vehicles in operation still need to burn fuels.”

FAQs

When will my Cadillac Lyriq be delivered?

If you were part of the initial sign-up, chances are you’ve already received multiple emails, delaying the delivery of your car. EV tax credit issues and software glitches caused initial poor supply.

Does the Cadillac Lyriq qualify for a tax credit?

The vehicle was not classified as an SUV, but as a car, so it did not qualify for the EV tax credit of ~$7500, further delaying production. Q1 2023 saw 968 Lyriqs and GM expect production to ramp up in Q2 and Q3. So you may get your Cadillac Lyriq as late as November.

Is the Cadillac Lyriq reliable?

This is the first fully-electric Cadillac vehicle. There are bound to be teething issues. The J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study ranked the Cadillac brand 9th overall, above BMW and Mercedes Benz. GM continues to invest in and improve its Ultium BEV platform as well.

When will the Cadillac Lyriq be available at a GM dealership?

Delivery to a dealership can take up to 100 days. Production has ramped up this year with 8,000 vehicles expected to be delivered.

Allow me to preface this by saying, the worst car ever made is a matter of opinion, which is great because this is an opinion piece. If you want an objective list of bad cars, you’re not going to find one. The quality of a car, like most things, is in the eye of the beholder. In an interview with Japanese automotive publication Magazine-X, I waxed poetic about my 2018 BMW 4 Series convertible, which seemed to always be in the shop for one reason or another. It’s since been put out to pasture (i.e., sold to a new lucky owner through AutoNation), but was it a good car? To me it was everything.

While the best car of all time is the one you enjoyed driving the most, the worst car ever made is the one that made you want to scream it was so appalling to drive. In all honesty, that car for me was the Toyota Aurus I rented in Iceland, but I didn’t choose to write about that one because it felt like punching down. It was an older model with a lot of mileage under its belt, and while I’m unsure why it was still in Hertz’s fleet given Iceland’s erratic climate, I can’t fault the car too much for the decisions of its owner. Instead, I picked a topic close to my heart, as you’ll see later on.

Until then, the rest of the Acceleramota editorial team has unleashed their outrage over the worst cars to buy, according to people who’ve had the misfortune of driving them. So, if you found a used one cheap on Bring a Trailer, just don’t.

4 strong contenders for the worst cars ever made

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1991 Pontiac Sunbird

by Roger Feeley-Lussier

Learn more about the 1991 Pontiac Sunbird

My dad and I bought my first car in 1999 from a retired cop in Quincy, MA. It was a 1991 Ford Mustang (2.3-liter), and for about a year it was my entire personality. See, at Apponequet Regional High School, you were either a Mustang Guy or a Camaro Guy – and my family was a Ford Family, so I knew what I had to do. My friends lovingly called my red Mustang “The Muscort” because it had the 2.3L Ford Escort engine. I felt like I was on top of the world. 

Then, one Friday night during senior year, the Muscort was summarily executed while I was with the marching band at an away football game. A freshman piloting his mom’s car had obliterated the Muscort, sandwiching it between the Grand Am he shouldn’t have been driving and a minivan. I was crestfallen. I thought things couldn’t get any worse, until we went back to Quincy, MA where that same retired cop sold me a car that he claimed was “even better than that Mustang!” It was a 1991 Pontiac Sunbird, and it sucked ass.

Not only was the Sunbird not a valid competitor in the Mustang/Camaro binary, but basically everyone who saw it was like “What is that thing, I thought Pontiac made Firebirds?” The Sunbird was basically a Chevy Cavalier in Pontiac cosplay. This particular Sunbird had its own raft of issues, chief of which was a leak in the seal of the front windshield that absolutely drenched the driver’s side floormats any time it rained. I ended up having to bring a car cover with me everywhere to prevent the flood. 

My 1991 Sunbird’s final indignity came when I was driving to a friend’s house the summer after I graduated from high school. I honked the horn at someone who had drifted into my lane and it just… stayed on. Honnnnnnnnnnnnnnnk. Honnnnnnnnnnnnnnk. I pulled over to the side of the rural road and somehow managed to peel the horn off of the steering wheel without deploying the airbag. The horn must’ve been my car’s final Horcrux, because it died for good later that summer. Good riddance to a bad car, I say.

Renault Kwid

by Nathan Meyer

Learn more about the Renault Kwid

As a 23-year-old, I’ve got a long way to go and a lot of cars to drive. One of the worst cars I’ve driven is the Renault Kwid. Renault is not known for its build quality. In fact, the arrival of Carlos Ghosn, the man that saved Renault-Nissan and subsequently had to flee Japan in a suitcase, introduced a steep decline in build quality, shocking no one.

It brought plastics harder than any Toyota dash, flimsy door handles, and engines that would give any Toyota owner a stroke. For folks in the non-emerging world, the Renault Kwid is an ultra-cheap 1-liter A-to-B commuter machine. The tires are a smidgen wider than moped tires. It isn’t sold in the U.S., and for good reason: It’s a 67-horsepower deathtrap.

The Indian version got a 0-star NCAP rating. Yes, airbags are not standard. I happened upon gale-force winds while driving this excuse of a car, and if I didn’t counter-steer, the grim reaper was waiting for me in the oncoming lane.

Polaris Slingshot SL

by Jeric Jaleco

Learn more about the Polaris Slingshot SL

16-year-old me: “It’s like it’s straight out of Transformers! Such cool! Such wow!”

23-year-old me: “What the fuck.” 

I’m usually quite open-minded, which has led to me becoming enamored with countless specimens of cars, even those less acclaimed or cars that aren’t my usual cup of tea. If a car establishes a level of expectation, both on paper and in its image, and matches or exceeds them, it’s a damn good car to me. Even some terrible cars, so long as they succeed in their intended missions in some way, can earn my respect.

But not the Slingy. Not that three-wheeled abomination of plastic and haphazard chassis tuning.

The second-generation Polaris Slingshot SL I had driven as a Turo treat had let me down in nearly every measure. I’d figure a high-revving, naturally-aspirated four-cylinder would feel and sound like a symphony. What I got was a harsh, droney garbage disposal that’s more at home in a mechanical pencil sharpener than a car, further neutered by a single-clutch five-fucking-speed automated manual. Low trims don’t even get paddles, so you’re always at the mercy of the computers. On top of that, the power was only okay. Miatas and GR86s deliver more oomph for the same money. The chassis was floppy and disjointed, exacerbated by a loose steering rack that felt plucked out of an RZR side-by-side, resulting in a car that was nowhere near as enthused to be flogged on some two-lane twisties as say, oh, I don’t know, a normal-ass sports car?

The one ounce of praise I can give right here and now: The stereo was more than capable of overpowering highway wind noise and blasting Big Time Rush and All-American Rejects with near-perfect clarity. They got that right. And that’s about it.

BMW i7

by Gabe Carey

Learn more about the BMW i7

The BMW 7 Series desperately wants you to like it, and the all-electric i7 is no exception. While the i4 M50 is the best electric car I’ve driven, complete with BMW’s signature rear-biased handling, the i7 is a passenger’s car through and through. 

There’s a good chance, if you’re buying a BMW 7 Series, that you won’t be the one driving it. Your chauffeur schlepps you around from meeting to meeting while you sit in the back popping champagne and watching Billions on a retractable movie screen. Who cares if the driver’s visibility is obstructed by touchscreens and nigh-blackout curtains and bright flashing LEDs? 

The BMW i7 isn’t poorly made, nor is it as visually revolting as the XM. However, it is bad to drive, which kinda defeats the purpose of it being a car. At least one that doesn’t drive itself. If it were autonomous, that would be another story.

It is, in many ways, everything wrong with modern cars. Full of tacky high-tech gimmicks that scream, “Buy an extended warranty!” Or better yet, “Lease me!”

I can understand massaging seats in the rear cabin, but I activated mine by mistake in the driver’s seat and had to pull over just to figure out how to disable it. That, along with a Theater Mode I can’t help but find redundant given the sheer number of screens we keep on our persons at all times. 

Overflowing with excess, the BMW i7 is a smooth, quiet ride full of needless distractions made purely for Instagram engagement. Does anyone really want this? It certainly seems like the answer is no. And yet, for whatever godforsaken reason, we’ve been cursed with an M Performance variant that does 0-60 in 3.5 seconds – as if a 6,000-pound monstrosity barreling toward you at a top speed of 149 mph isn’t lethal enough. 
The best I can say of the BMW i7 is it’s an absurdly luxurious passenger vehicle costing 4x less than its Rolls-Royce equivalent. Then again, so is the Lucid Air, and it’s a much better vehicle overall, as I’m sure the Lucid Gravity will be should you prefer to not drive an even beefier EV.

General Motors has been hyping up its Ultium battery platform since it was announced in March 2020. The innovative battery system enables a lower center of gravity for electric vehicles and frees up interior space. GM’s latest Ultium release is an all-electric take on Chevrolet’s iconic Silverado 1500 pickup truck. The American automaker is aiming for the commercial market initially with the 2024 Chevy Silverado EV — rolling out their lower-priced WT (Work Truck) trim this summer with the premium RST First Edition trim promised for fall 2023.

While clearly inspired by the beefy Silverado, the 2024 Chevy Silverado EV (much like its cousin the GMC Hummer EV) isn’t simply an electric motor retrofitted into an existing shell. These electric SUVs were purpose designed to lead GM’s electric revolution — enabling a future where size is no longer an impediment to electrification.

With a range of 400mi. on a single charge and up to 754 hp, the 2024 Chevy Silverado EV shows how GM continues to be two steps ahead of their American automaker rivals at Ford when it comes to making that future a reality.

2024 Chevy Silverado EV price and trim level options

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The 2024 Chevy Silverado will be available in two trim levels initially. The WT (or work truck) trim is being marketed to fleet operators who are looking to electrify their commercial vehicles. Despite initial promises that this trim would have an MSRP of around $42,000, the currently available 4WT trim comes in at a whopping $79,800. GM has stated that the full line of Silverado EVs will include trims with shorter ranges and thus, lower MSRPs. The daily-driver targeted RST First Edition trim will set you back $106,895 if you’re willing to wait until it’s released sometime this fall.

Chevy trucks: shop new inventory near you

2024 Chevy Silverado EV 4WT (available now)

• Starting Price: MSRP $79,800 (including destination fee)
• Electric motor power: 510 hp and 615 lb-ft of torque
• EPA-estimated range: 450 mi.

2024 Chevy Silverado EV 3WT (coming soon)

• Starting Price: estimated MSRP $74,800 (including destination fee)
• Electric motor power: 510 hp and 615 lb-ft of torque
• EPA-estimated range: 350 mi.

2024 Chevy Silverado EV RST First Edition (fall 2023)

• Starting price: $106,895 (including destination fee)
• Electric motor power: 754 hp and 785 lb-ft of torque
• EPA-estimated range: 400 mi.

2024 Chevy Silverado EV exterior color options

• 2024 Chevy Silverado EV WT
  • Summit White
  • Black
• 2024 Chevy Silverado EV RST
  • Black
  • Northsky Blue Metallic
  • Cherry Red Tintcoat
  • Red Hot
  • Greenstone Metallic
  • Silver Ice metallic
  • Iridescent Pearl Tricoat
  • Summit White
  • Mosaic Black Metallic

2024 Chevy Silverado EV interior color options

• Jet Black, Leather
• Jet Black, Choccachino
• Gideon, Atmosphere (leather)

Interior and tech

Thanks to the Ultium system, GM’s designers have considerably more space to work with for the 2024 Chevy Silverado EV’s cabin — and it shows. Silverado drivers should be used to cavernous cockpits, but even the “stripped down” WT trim will feel bigger than you might expect, with a generous space for all five passengers. And the theme of “bigger is better” doesn’t stop there — with the rear seats folded down, the EV’s bed can accommodate items up to 10ft. 10in. Even the eTrunk (you might call it a “frunk”) is massive, offering around 9 cu. ft. of additional storage.

2024 Chevy Silverado EV WT dimensions

Interior space

• Front seat headroom: 41.9″
• Rear seat headroom: 39.7″
• Front seat legroom: 44.8″
• Rear seat legroom: 44.3″
• Front seat hip room: 62.0″
• Rear seat hip room: 61.5″
• Front seat shoulder room: 64.9″
• Rear seat shoulder room: 63.8″

Exterior dimensions:

• Wheelbase: 145.7″
• Overall length: 233.1″
• Overall width: 93.9″ (with mirrors) / 81.6″ (without mirrors)
• Overall height: 78.0″
• Track width (front/rear): 68.9″/68.9″

2024 Chevy Silverado EV RST dimensions

Interior space:

• Front seat headroom: 43.9″
• Rear seat headroom: 38.7″
• Front seat legroom: 44.8″
• Rear seat legroom: 44.3″
• Front seat hip room: 62.0″
• Rear seat hip room: 61.5″
• Front seat shoulder room: 64.9″
• Rear seat shoulder room: 63.8″

Exterior dimensions:

• Wheelbase: 145.7″
• Overall length: 233.1″
• Overall width: 94.3″ (with mirrors) / 83.8″ (without mirrors)
• Overall height: 78.7″
• Track width (front/rear): 68.7″/68.7″

As far as tech goes, the Chevy Silverado EV RST First Edition promises to be fully loaded. GM’s press release even promises access to future technologies that will become “necessities that you’ll never want to drive without.” Self-driving, in the form of GM’s “Super Cruise,” offers hands-free operation on some 400,000 mi. of roads in the US and Canada. The WT trims likely will not include as many bells and whistles but Edmunds’ review of a Silverado EV 4WT found many features will come standard even on the fleet-level versions.

Tech features:

• Super Cruise hands-free operation
• Ultifi software platform for personalization and updates
• Standard Safety Assist
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Front pedestrian braking
  • Lane keep assist with lane departure warning
  • Forward collision alert
  • Intellibeam headlights
  • Following distance indicator
• 17 in. infotainment screen (RST First Edition)
• 11 in. driver instrument display (RST First Edition)
• 14 in. heads-up driver display (RST First Edition)

2024 Chevy Silverado EV electric range and charging times

The flexible Ultium battery platform shines once again with the 2024 Silverado EV. Thus far, GM has rolled out the system on its GMC Hummer EV, Cadillac Lyriq, and BrightDrop Zevo electric vehicles with many new models promised in the next few years. The Silverado EV offers impressive range for its considerable size, although future WT trims will have scaled-back battery arrays (and lower MSRPs).

• 2024 Chevy Silverado EV 4WT
  • Electric range: 450 miles
  • Charging time: 10 minutes to 100 miles range (DC Fast Charging up to 350kW)
• 2024 Chevy Silverado EV 3WT
  • Electric range: 350 miles
  • Charging time: 10 minutes to 100 miles range (DC Fast Charging up to 350kW)
• 2024 Chevy Silverado EV RST First Edition
  • Electric range: 400 miles
  • Charging time: 10 minutes to 100 miles range (DC Fast Charging up to 350kW)

2024 Chevy Silverado EV engine and performance

Simply put, with the Chevy Silverado EV, power is the name of the game. While the WT trim will offer a good amount of muscle, clocking in at 510 hp and 615 lb-ft of torque, GM has been really pushing the RST First Edition’s performance numbers. Their latest test numbers have the 2024 Silverado EV RST First Edition boasting 754 hp and 785 lb-ft of torque and up to 10,000 lbs. of towing. Compare this to the combustion engine 2024 Chevy Silverado 1500 performance trims’ 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque.

• 2024 Chevy Silverado EV 4WT
  • Electric Motor Power: 510 hp and 615 lb-ft of torque
  • Towing: 10,000 pounds
  • Payload: 1,400 pounds
• 2024 Chevy Silverado EV RST
  • Electric Motor Power: 754 hp and 785 lb-ft of torque
  • Towing: up to 10,000 pounds
  • Payload: TBA

Design changes

As mentioned above, the 2024 Silverado EV was built from the wheels up to make optimal use of the Ultium battery platform. The RST First Edition will have a number of attractive design elements, including optional 24-inch aluminum wheels, modern lighting accents on the exterior and interior, and a fixed-glass roof for a panoramic view.

The star of the show is the redesigned “Multi-Flex Midgate,” which allows you to extend the floor of the electric pickup truck’s bed to up to 10 ft. 10 in, as seen above. The tailgate’s “inner gate” also can become a step that accommodates up to 375 lbs for easier loading and unloading. All in all, it’s clear GM is hoping that eco-conscious companies in need of pickup truck fleets will adopt the Silverado EV as their primary electric vehicle — and RST First Edition buyers will reap all the benefits of this research and development.

2024 Chevy Silverado EV review round-up

The RST First Edition has only been teased at car shows and press events so far, but a few reporters across the auto-verse have gotten their hands on the 2024 Chevy Silverado EV 4WT. Here are their early thoughts on GM’s latest electric pickup.

The Silverado EV is an intriguing take on an electric pickup. With its unique chassis and class-leading range and power, it’s in many ways a more sophisticated, ambitious take on a full-size electric truck than Ford’s F-150 Lightning. As a result, however, it’s also significantly costlier and heavier. We’ll need more wheel time and a head-to-head comparison to determine which design approach we prefer.

Chris Paukert – Edmunds

Current GM truck owners will quickly acclimate to piloting the electrified Silverado. The 4WT moves along with the quiet refinement expected of an EV, with a synthesized hum playing through its stereo speakers only under hard acceleration. It feels as quick as any Silverado we’ve driven, with a responsiveness that makes short work of passing maneuvers on country roads.

Mike Sutton – Car and Driver

A near-$80,000 starting price for a bare-bones work truck is a tough pill to swallow. We get why that is to a certain extent given its all-new platform and advanced battery tech. But through that same lens, its basic interior and crashy ride quality become much harder to justify.

On its face, though, the 2024 Chevy Silverado EV WT is a promising start. We’ll reserve judgment on its real-world range and towing capabilities outside this very brief preview, but at first pass, it seems to be a no-frills tool that’ll happily keep up with you at the job site. And this is only the beginning.

Kristen Lee – MotorTrend

FAQs

What is the estimated range?

The 2024 Chevy Silverado EV 4WT trim offers an estimated range of 450 mi. on a single charge, while the forthcoming 2024 RST will have an estimated range of 400 mi. GM has promised lower-tier versions of the WT trim in the future with less range and lower starting prices.

Are reservations open?

Unfortunately, as of writing (July 6, 2023) reservations are currently full for the 2024 Chevy Silverado EV, according to Chevy’s website. Interested buyers can leave their email to be notified when reservations re-open.

When will the 2024 Chevy Silverado EV be available?

The production model Chevy Silverado EV 4WT has been rolling off production lines, but unless you’re a fleet operator planning to electrify your commercial vehicles, you’ll have to wait until the RST First Edition premium trim launches sometime in fall 2023.

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Tesla released the Model 3 several years ago as an affordable option in its existing line of vehicles. While it started with a reasonable price tag, the Model 3 hasn’t reached the “cheap EV” status Tesla initially touted. Many believe the company is working on a smaller, more affordable model to fulfill this promise, and it’s expected to be released in 2024. Though we don’t know the name yet, Model 2 seems a likely fit for the upcoming EV. The automaker may also offer a performance variant and a long-range model, but there’s plenty of time before its release for specifics to materialize.

Tesla Model 2 price and specs

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Tesla hasn’t detailed pricing for the new car yet, but we can take clues from its other models. All specs and pricing are estimates and may change drastically before the car’s release date.

2025 Tesla Model 2 Base

• Price: $25,000 (approximate, expected)
• Range: 250 miles (approximate, expected)
• Performance: Up to 300 hp

2025 Model 2 Long Range

• Price: $35,000
• Range: 320 miles
• Performance: Up to 350 hp

2025 Model 2 Performance

• Price: $40,000
• Range: 300 miles
• Performance: Up to 400 hp

Tesla doesn’t typically offer many options for its vehicles and equips most features as standard. That includes safety equipment, interior and tech upgrades, and more. However, most color options do cost extra. Buyers can easily spend thousands more than the base price on the automaker’s advanced cruise control features. Autopilot and Full Self-Driving tech alone can add as much as $15,000 to the car’s base price.

Because it manufactures vehicles in the United States, most Tesla models are eligible for federal tax credits of up to $7,500. That could be a significant benefit to the Model 2, as it would make the final price much lower after the credits are claimed. Of course, this all depends on Tesla’s ability to reach the low price point to begin with.

Depending on how it’s positioned at launch, the Model 2 could compete with a range of EVs, from the upcoming Chevrolet Equinox EV to the Hyundai Ioniq 5. If the car ends up being a small hatchback as expected, it will be one of the only compact, affordable EVs on sale. Most automakers in the space focused on higher-end profit-driving vehicles before moving to the cheaper end of the spectrum.

Tesla EVs: Model 2 vs Model 3

Tesla Model 3: check local availability at CarGurus

The Model 2 will be smaller and less powerful than the Model 3, but it likely won’t be slow. Electric vehicles produce massive torque off the line, which gives them an advantage over internal combustion engines. Because of that, even “slow” EVs feel quick, so the Model 2 won’t be a slouch. Expect a lower range estimate and smaller battery packs than the Model 3. 

Both vehicles benefit from access to Tesla’s Supercharger network. The automaker’s chargers offer seamless charging and access through its app. Though some chargers are opening to outside EV brands, the almost-exclusive Supercharger network is more robust and complete than other charging networks. However, electric vehicles still take time to charge, which can create long wait times at Superchargers in EV-heavy areas like California.

Like all electric vehicles, Teslas tend to require less maintenance for normal operations. Regenerative braking helps prevent brake wear, as the electric motors help slow the vehicle. There are also no moving parts under the hood, removing the need for engine oil, transmission fluid, or air filters. That said, EVs tend to chew through tires much faster than gas vehicles. This is because they are much heavier and their instant torque leads to lead-footed driving, which causes faster tire wear. 

Tesla in the news

After years of price increases, Tesla began cutting prices earlier in 2023, leading some to wonder if demand had waned. Even so, the company is expanding its operations with a new facility in Mexico and has leased significant warehouse space to continue its growth. The company is preparing to release its advanced driving tech in Europe, which could happen as early as 2024.

Though we’re talking about a potential new vehicle from Tesla, it’s important to note that it has not yet released the long-awaited Cybertruck or the Roadster, both of which were announced years ago. Additionally, Tesla’s Full Self-Driving and Autopilot tech have caused plenty of concern after several high-profile crashes have highlighted the company’s relaxed attitude toward driver monitoring when using the tech. Though it charges $15,000 for FSD, Tesla still considers the tech a beta, despite the fact that real drivers are currently testing it in the real world. 

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As I drove the 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale over the past couple of weeks, I finally understood America’s infatuation with SUVs. I rode high on my steel throne, as my feet sat 6 inches from the ground and the tip of the brim on my cap hit the ceiling 5 feet in the air. My head was in the clouds, and no pothole in Queens was a match for my all-wheel drive (AWD) subcompact crossover. But unlike most vehicles in its class, the Alfa Romeo Tonale pops out like a peacock in a flock of pigeons.

In the last season of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, there’s a scene where the Weissman family is sitting down at the table eating breakfast. Midge, reviewing color swatches for her new bathroom fixtures, decides she’s going to buy a pink toilet. Her father, Abe, isn’t having any of it though, insisting toilets should only ever be white. But Midge, being Midge, doesn’t back down. Mildly annoyed, she quips, “A pink toilet is still a toilet, just a little more fun!”

2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale: check local availability

Growing up as a kid in the early aughts, the master bathroom in our house had a pink toilet with a matching shower, tub, and double vanities. The half bathroom near the kitchen was furnished with a toilet and sink in dark green. Around the time we stopped drinking skim milk with dinner, colorful bathrooms went out of fashion I guess, seeing as all our stuff was replaced with the same stuff but in a more neutral white. Soon thereafter, it seemed the world had turned monochromatic and sterile.

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• Design
• Colors
• Price
• Interior and tech
• Alfa Romeo Tonale vs Dodge Hornet

2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale design

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As Frank Markus said for Motor Trend, the Alfa Romeo Tonale is “being pitched to women and millennials.” Not the enthusiast type, but the “taking your kids to soccer practice” type. Its goal is to steal market share from the BMW X1 and Mercedes GLA-Class, and it may very well do that.

With every new BMW seemingly competing for the Most Repulsive Grille Award, its aversion to change works to Alfa’s benefit. The self-serious marketing copy on its website might be slightly hyperbolic (see the graphic I made below for the Greatest Hits), but the Alfa Romeo Tonale is a better-looking SUV than just about every other crossover on the market, not that it’s an especially high bar considering every car looks the same now.

The tasteful V-shaped Scudetto (Italian for “little shield”) grille is unwavering, practically identical to the one on the 8C Competizione that brought Alfa back to the States in 2008. The appearance will differ slightly from trim to trim. It’s gloss black on our Veloce, whereas the midrange Ti sparkles silver, and the Sprint’s grille is a more subdued black than the Veloce’s, outlined in a more economical plastic material. As Top Gear said in its review of the U.K.-spec Alfa Romeo Tonale, the “elegant shield grille makes you wonder why rivals are making such a horlicks of their increasingly pugnacious frontal styling.” How very British of them.

The only substantial change to the front end from the Alfa models before it is the Marelli 12-zone adaptive headlight system. Rather than burning the retinas out from the skull of the driver in front of you, each zone responds independently to your outside driving conditions. When you’re cruising through town at low speeds, for instance, it reduces power consumption as well as glare by only utilizing the necessary lighting zones for optimal visibility. It kinda reminds me of how OLED TVs work, in a sense.

Don’t hold your breath for a Quadrifoglio like the Giulia and Stelvio before it, though. Because it’s PHEV (plug-in hybrid)-only in the United States, I doubt we’ll see a Tonale with a Ferrari-derived engine, as is the Alfa CEO. (Sorry, losers, no four-leaf clover this time!)

More so than previous Alfa Romeo models, the 2024 Tonale won’t let you forget where its assembly plant is based. Three Italian flags brazenly appear throughout – two on the side mirrors and one prominently displayed below the gear shift. Perhaps it’s to distract you from the DNA it shares with red-blooded American muscle cars and 4x4s, thanks to its absorption into Stellantis, which also owns Jeep, Ram, Chrysler, and Dodge. Because found on the driver’s side window, brake calipers, and even in the engine bay are the obligatory Official Mopar® stamps of approval.

2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale colors

Parked on the street, I was sitting in the car one morning queueing up music on CarPlay when I saw a teacher walk by chaperoning a group of young elementary school kids. “Wow, look at that car. What color is that?” she asked one student.

The child, who could not care less, ignored her question.

“Green, right! Emerald green. Can you say emerald?” The student did not respond.

More recently, I nearly pulverized a pedestrian as he was crossing the street while the traffic light was green. I slowed down, of course, so he could cross. He, too, complimented the car. It seems no matter who you are or how you drive, the Alfa Romeo Tonale will stop people in their tracks, pausing for a moment to stare in awe. Not because it’s an Alfa – New York has plenty of Giulias and Stelvios in black and white and gray. But because it’s green… excuse me, verde fangio.

It isn’t subtle either, calling to mind the shade Aston Martin uses for its Formula 1 cars and has since made its way to production vehicles including the DBX 707 SUV and the new DB12.

Alfa knew what it was doing when it exclusively showcased the green Tonale in just about all of its marketing. Because the green Tonale comes at a $2,000 premium. But even if you, like me, believe an eye-catching color is well worth the added cost, it’s no longer available to order from the Alfa Romeo site as of this writing. Instead, you’ll have to check in with a local dealer and see if they have any in stock.

Otherwise, you can be boring and get yours in Alfa White without spending another dime – or shell out a little more for a lot more visual appeal. Whatever you do, just don’t buy gray or Stellantis will dunk you in a vat of orange paint.

Exterior paint colors

• Alfa White (white): $0
• Alfa Rosso (red): $500
• Alfa Black (black): $500
• Grigio Ascari Metallic (gray): $660
• Misano Blue Metallic: $2,200

2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale price

Like most cars, the Alfa Romeo Tonale’s price isn’t one-size-fits-all. It comes in three different trim levels, each with its own packages and options. While it starts at $42,995, chances are slim you’ll find a vanilla Sprint model with no additional toppings sitting on the lot of the Maserati dealership near you (where most Alfa Romeos are sold). And, even if you do, there’s a $1,595 destination charge on top of the base price regardless of which configuration you choose.

Trim levels (before taxes and fees)

• Sprint: $42,995
• Ti: $44,995
• Veloce: $47,495

With that in mind, I do recommend leasing a Tonale as opposed to financing, for a number of reasons. The first is that while the list of cars you can buy that qualify for the EV tax credit is getting smaller and smaller, it’s still the wild west for lessees. That’s one of the main reasons you may have noticed a sudden influx of lease deals, even in our own coverage. As long it can be driven using the electric powertrain by itself, at least some of the time, any leased car is eligible for the full $7,500.

In theory, leasing a V8-powered BMW XM could net you the credit, but the mild-hybrid Toyota Prius will not. (I haven’t tried it, but if you do, please report back to me). Ironic considering the XM gets an estimated 13 mpg in the city while the Prius can achieve upwards of 50 mpg. All because the BMW XM is a PHEV, which can travel a whole 30 miles on battery alone, and surely Americans will only use the gas engine as a backup in that ungodly gas guzzler.

Unfortunately, leasing a vehicle means the dealer still holds the title, so the tax credit goes straight to them. Gold Coast Maserati was kind enough to pass the savings on to us, lowering our monthly payment. That won’t always be the case, of course, so make sure you ask your salesperson about the tax credit before signing any paperwork. Remember, walking out is the best negotiation tactic when visiting any car dealership.

2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale interior and tech

The interior of any Alfa Romeo is going to be divisive, and the Tonale is no exception. Starting with the high notes, the heated seats and heated leather steering wheel come standard, as do eight-way adjustable front seats, a 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster display, a 10.25-inch center touch display, a built-in universal garage door opener, and wireless phone charging.

In making the most of its subcompact frame, Alfa literally outdid itself with the Tonale’s interior. Despite its smaller dimensions on the outside, the Tonale beats the Stelvio when it comes to legroom in both the front and rear cabins. Of course, the Tonale falls short on headroom in comparison to its mid-sized sibling, but only by less than an inch in the back and just under 2 inches in the front. And while it lacks the cargo space of the Stelvio with the back seats down, the Tonale has 4.4 cubic-feet more storage when the seats are up. Yet, despite offering less space, the Stelvio is taller, wider, and longer than the Tonale, making the 2.0L Stelvio’s place in the market all the more confusing.

In addition to the standard interior and tech trappings, the 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale has a handful of premium options, but keep your expectations in check, especially if you go for the base trim.

For an extra $1,200, you can add a power moonroof with a matching black shade you can open or close using electronic overhead switches. We outfitted ours with the moonroof, and apart from getting it in a strong color, it’s the only other must-have on the list. Not that it’s a particularly special sunroof. Alfa calls it “semi-panoramic,” which I guess is semi-true. The shade can retract fully, but the moonroof itself stops about halfway. So while your rear-seat passengers can see the sky above them, they won’t be able to recreate this scene. For safety reasons, that’s for the best.

Speaking of safety, an optional $1,895 Active Assist package introduces a few more bells and whistles to reduce the chance of collision. The active driving assist system enables Level 2 autonomous driving, employing an array of sensors to accelerate and brake for you while maintaining your lane position in keeping with the traffic flow. Not self-driving, but certainly more robust than old-school cruise control. On top of the auto-dimming rear-view mirror inside the car, the Active Assist package also dims the side mirrors, an unfortunate necessity given the increasingly blinding headlights on newer cars.

While we did get the full suite of Active Assist features with our Tonale, in retrospect, it was mostly overkill. The main reason we wanted it was for the parking assist features. Living in NYC, as you can imagine, we have to pull into a lot of tight spaces, whether it’s on the street or in a garage. Sometimes those spaces are so tight we give up halfway through to find another spot. Even if we can pull off the tricky maneuver, the cost-benefit analysis we do in our heads advises us against it.

Again, using tiny cameras all around your car to create a 360-degree map of its exterior, the surround-view system eliminates the guesswork. And holy shit does it let you know when you’re too close to something! The incessant beeping drives me to madness, but it’s better than driving me to the body shop. Unless you do a lot of city parking, you can probably skip Active Assist. The standard features will be more than enough for most drivers.

Tech, safety & infotainment

• Uconnect 5 navigation w/ 10.25-inch touch display
• 12.3-inch full TFT LCD color display
• 6-speaker audio
• Universal garage door opener
• Wireless charging pad
• Alfa DNA drive mode system
• Automatic e-brake
• Blind spot and cross-path detection
• Driver attention alert
• Enhanced adaptive cruise control
• Forward-collision warning + full stop
• Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA)
• Lane-keep assist
• LED daytime running headlights
• Front and rear park assist
• ParkView backup camera
• Passive speed-limiting device
• Remote start
• Tire pressure monitoring display
• Traffic sign recognition

Comfort

• Sport cloth heated seats
• Heated leather sport steering wheel
• Door panel bottle holders
• Consoles and storage
• Console with armrest
• Overhead console
• Sun visors with illuminated vanity mirror

Climate control

• AC w/ dual-zone temperature control
• Rear air vents
• PTC heater

Windows and locks

• Power front and rear windows with 1-touch up/down

Interior mirrors

• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Floor mats
• Front floor mats

Interior design

• Black headliner
• MPH primary speedometer
• Vinyl door trim panel
• Vinyl instrument panel

Packages

• High-performance driving: $1,500
  • Features: paddle shifters, aluminum pedals, Brembo brakes w/ Alfa Romeo script
• Active assist advanced: $2,000
  • Features: intelligent speed control, traffic sign recognition, 360-degree camera, front, ParkSense park assist
• Premium interior: $1,500
  • Features: leather-trimmed interior, ventilated front seats
• Premium interior & sound: $2,500
  • Features: leather-trimmed interior, ventilated front seats, 12-speaker Harmon Kardon premium sound system

Interior options

• Sport cloth seat with biscotto stitching: standard
• Perforated black leather seat: $1,500 or $2,500 (depends on package)

2024 Alfa Rome Tonale design, performance and powertrain

Alright, here we go. The moment all you spec-heads have been waiting for. Lift the curtain and cue the drumroll, please! Commanding 285 horsepower (hp) and 350 lb-ft of torque, Alfa claims the Tonale can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6 seconds with both the gas engine and electric motors turned on. I haven’t timed it, but that sounds about right, anecdotally speaking. Apart from the AMG version of the Mercedes GLA, the Tonale really does pack the best performance in its class. It might weigh 4,150 pounds at the curb, but in 2023 where everything is built like a tank, that’s less than some sedans.

Powering the rear wheels are two electric motors making 44 and 121 hp as well as 39 and 184 lb-ft of torque for a combined 165 hp and 223 lb-ft of torque with the engine off. Located under the front hood is a 1.3-liter turbocharged inline-4-cylinder Fiat FireFly-based internal combustion engine (ICE). Originally introduced in the South American market for the regional Fiat Uno, the FireFly was engineered to scale across a range of Stellantis (formerly Fiat-Chrysler) vehicles. You’ll find naturally aspirated versions of it in the Fiat 500 and Fiat Panda while the turbo variant is used in the Jeep Compass and Jeep Renegade, albeit without the electrified bits, at least in the U.S.

On battery power alone, you can drive for 31 miles without recharging. Plugging it into a Level 2 charger will get you a full charge in about 2 hours and 30 minutes. However, by default, the Alfa Romeo Tonale won’t charge in full swing without adjusting the charge speed on the infotainment first. On the default setting, it takes about 5 and 30 minutes to reach a full charge. Still faster than the 8 hours it takes to fully charge the 15.5-kWh battery using the included 120-volt Level 1 cable.

If you’re in the city, good luck finding a charger that isn’t blocked by an ICE or a Tesla taking up two spots. If you own a house, suck it up and get a Level 2 charger installed. Fortunately, it being a PHEV means the 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale never really needs to be plugged in, unless you plan to drive full-time on battery power alone. The DNA drive mode system you’ll find in all modern Alfas lets you toggle between three modes. As far as the Tonale is concerned, Dynamic (D) means the engine and electric motors are on all the time, Natural (N) relies primarily on the electric motors but fires up the engine when the extra power is needed, and Advanced Efficiency (A) runs purely on electric until it runs out of juice.

Driving the Alfa Romeo Tonale in Dynamic Mode will recharge the battery relatively fast. For every mile I drove, I gained one mile back in electric range. Regardless of the mode, you’ll always recoup some power thanks to the Tonale’s regenerative braking capabilities. That’s good news considering the dealer forgot to charge ours until we arrived to pick it up. As a result, my wife had to putter from Long Island to Manhattan on gas alone.

Folks, let me tell you. This is a fun car. Not just fun for a mom car. It handles like an Alfa, which is to say it handles like a BMW or any other German car, only quirkier. I would argue it’s even more fun to drive in EV mode because, without the gas engine powering the front wheels, it’s effectively a rear-wheel drive (RWD) sportback. Although you’re losing horsepower, you can corner like you’re in your favorite racing game. The driving dynamics are astonishingly similar to that of my Giulia Quadrifoglio, and yes, you can disable traction control in any of the three drive modes.

But… BUT – and let me preface this by saying, the Veloce model’s dual sport exhaust note is phenomenal for a 4-cylinder hybrid (I had to double-check to make sure the sound wasn’t playing through the speaker). BUT! When the battery dies down, the excitement dies with it. The Alfa Romeo Tonale running on gas alone sounds like a marathoner gasping at the final mile, desperate for electrolytic replenishment. The dedicated gas-only mode called e-Drive, Alfa-speak for “Grandpa Mode,” turns the Tonale into a front-wheel drive (FWD) boat making 180 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque. If you derive any enjoyment from driving, I suggest you never turn it on.

2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale vs 2024 Dodge Hornet

Oh, you thought I wouldn’t bring it up, as if it’s the insect who shall not be named?

Believe me, I am well aware the Dodge Hornet sits on the same Jeep Compass platform as the Alfa Romeo Tonale. That they share the same powertrain. And before you say anything, I know it costs nearly $10K less to start. However! Let’s set the record straight. The Alfa Romeo Tonale is not an up-badged Dodge Hornet. The Hornet is a down-badged Tonale. This isn’t a cheap shot at Dodge – Alfa employees have that covered.

In all earnest, they’re two different cars, particularly at the base level where the pricing is at its most disparate. In fact, the $32,330 Dodge Hornet GT isn’t even a hybrid. It’s a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo making 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. That’s 6% less horsepower and 15% less torque than the Alfa Romeo Tonale Sprint. Premium features that come standard on the Tonale, like the heated steering wheel and seats, 18-inch wheels, as well as remote start are optional, so tacking them on the Hornet hikes up the price.

The Dodge equivalent of the $42,995 base model Tonale is the $42,530 Hornet R/T. Buying “American” saves you a whole $465. Congratulations, treat yourself to something nice for Prime Day.

2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale: check local availability 2023 Dodge Hornet: check local availability

Since its 2010 debut, the Nissan Leaf has been a flagship EV for the Yokohama, Japan-based automaker. The affordable electric car was even the top-selling plug-in-electric (PEV) model until 2020, when it was surpassed by Tesla’s Model 3. The 2024 Nissan Leaf carries on the legacy of being a great entry-level EV option.

Despite a significant refresh in 2017, Nissan announced in mid-2022 that they would be phasing out the Leaf in favor of more advanced models. As a result, it’s not surprising that the 2024 Nissan Leaf lacks major updates from previous model years. In fact, the file name of the photo above (when you download it from Nissan’s press site) is “2023 Nissan LEAF_38-source.jpg” — so make of that what you will.

Nissan Leaf: shop used inventory near you Nissan Leaf: shop new inventory near you

The 2024 Nissan Leaf’s starting MSRP is under $30,000, meaning it is a great budget option if you’re looking to join the world of electrified motoring — but it comes with some drawbacks. It’s clear that the Nissan Leaf line is no longer a priority for the carmaker, who has pledged to make 40% of its line electric by 2030. Most glaringly, the 2024 Nissan Leaf remains the last production model EV using the CHAdeMO connector rather than the more common CCS connector. To say the least, EV charging standards are undergoing a radical transformation that will make the Leaf feel dated before it even hits the lots.

Nissan Leaf $3,750 tax credit status

UPDATE (10/17/23 10:30PM)

Via press release, Nissan has announced that new Leaf vehicles “meet the “battery component” requirements of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 and may now qualify for the $3,750 tax credit.” 

• The 2024 LEAF was purchased and placed into service by December 31, 2023.
• The customer meets all purchase and income qualifications for the EV tax credit as outlined in Internal Revenue Code Section 30D.

We’ll save you a click – Internal Revenue Code Section 30D says that to qualify for the $3,750 tax credit, you must:

• Buy it for your own use, not for resale
• Use it primarily in the U.S.

Back off, capitalist fat cats, because to receive the $3,750 tax credit, your modified adjusted gross income (AGI) may not exceed:

• $300,000 for married couples filing jointly 
• $225,000 for heads of households
• $150,000 for all other filers

2024 Nissan Leaf price and trim level options

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The 2024 Nissan Leaf is available in two “grades,” the Leaf S and the Leaf SV Plus. The Leaf S has an MSRP of $28,140 for the barebones model and the Leaf SV Plus starts at $36,190.

Let’s take a look at how the 2024 Nissan Leaf’s trim options match up:

2024 Nissan Leaf S

• Starting Price: $28,140
• Lithium-ion battery capacity: 40kWh
• Electric motor power: 110-kW / 147hp / 236 lb-ft of torque
• EPA-estimated range: 149 miles

2024 Nissan Leaf SV Plus

• Starting price: $36,140
• Lithium-ion battery capacity: 60kWh
• Electric motor power: 160-kW / 214hp / 250 lb-ft of torque
• EPA-estimated range: 212 miles

Available upgrades and accessories include:

• Factory installed options
  • Premium paint (2-Tone): $695
  • Premium paint: $395
  • Cargo cover: $220
• Port installed accessories
  • Protection package: $280
  • Splash guards: $245
  • USB charging cable set: $90
  • Floor mats and cargo area mat cargo organizer: $285
  • Rear cupholders and stash tray: $260
  • Kick plates: $160
  • Safety kit: $100

Since the Nissan press release cites the 2023 Leaf’s “refreshed exterior design, including an enhanced front grille, bumper molding and headlights, plus interior upholstery changes and a new 17-inch wheel design for SV Plus,” it’s safe to assume the exterior and interior options will remain unchanged.

2024 Nissan Leaf exterior color options:

• 2024 Nissan Leaf S only
  • Glacier white
• 2024 Nissan Leaf S and 2024 Nissan Leaf SV Plus
  • Brilliant silver metallic
  • Gun metallic
  • Super black
  • Deep blue pearl
• 2024 Nissan Leaf SV Plus only
  • Scarlet Ember tint coat (premium color) (Leaf SV Plus only)
  • Pearl White tri-coat (premium color)
  • Pearl White tri-coat + Super Black (2-tone premium color)

2024 Nissan Leaf interior options:

• Black cloth
  • Leaf S interior accents: gray
  • Leaf SV Plus interior accents: gloss black

Interior and tech

Another sign that Nissan’s media team is sunsetting the Leaf model is that they haven’t provided any new photos of the 2024 Nissan Leaf’s interior. Once again, it’s a safe bet to infer that relatively little has changed, so the image above is from the 2023 Nissan Leaf’s press release. Do with that information what you will.

As far as interior tech bells and whistles go, the 2023 model boasted “a new brand identity badge on the steering wheel and a new start-up video on the instrument panel screen,” because who doesn’t love a fun little video?

Interior space:

• Front seat headroom: 41.2″
• Rear seat headroom: 37.3″
• Front seat legroom: 42.1″
• Rear seat legroom: 33.5″
• Front seat hip room: 51.7″
• Rear seat hip room: 50.0″
• Front seat shoulder room: 54.3″
• Rear seat shoulder room: 52.5″

Exterior dimensions:

• Wheelbase: 106.3″
• Overall length: 176.4″
• Overall width: 70.5″
• Overall height: 61.5″
• Track width (front/rear): 60.6″ / 61.2″

Tech features:

• NissanConnect infotainment system:
  • 8-inch color display
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Android Auto
  • SiriusXM
  • Four USB ports
  • Charging timer,
  • HVAC timer (for pre-heating or pre-cooling the cabin)
• Nissan Leaf SV Plus infotainment upgrades:
  • Nissan door-to-door navigation
  • NissanConnect services
  • NissanConnect EV smartphone app (free 3-year trial included)
• Nissan Safety Shield 360
  • Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
  • Blind spot warning
  • High beam assist
  • Lane departure warning
  • Rear cross-traffic alert
  • Rear automatic braking.
• Driver assistance and convenience features
  • Rear door alert
  • Rear parking sensors
• Leaf SV Plus additional features
  • Intelligent Driver Alertness (ID-A)
  • Intelligent Around View Monitor (I-AVM)
  • ProPilot Assist (combination steering assist + Intelligent Cruise Control)

2024 Nissan Leaf electric range and charging times

Keep in mind, Nissan’s decision not to update the CHAdeMO adapter on its 2024 Nissan Leaf models could negatively impact its resale value, causing it to depreciate more than it would already. For those of you on the fence, might I interest you in the similarly priced, higher spec, and tax credit-eligible Chevy Bolt?

If you’re dead set on a Leaf, definitely lease it. All leases qualify for the federal tax incentive and most reputable dealers will pass the savings onto you. Just ask before signing anything, and if they don’t budge? Walk away and keep your phone on standby. You’ll hear back.

• Leaf S
  • Electric range: 149 miles
  • Charging time: Charges to 80% in 40 minutes
  • Quick charge port: 50 kW (CHAdeMO)
• Leaf SV Plus
  • Electric range: 212 miles
  • Charging time: 80% in 60 minutes
  • High-output quick charge port: 100 kW (CHAdeMO)

Engine and performance

For an entry-level EV, the 2024 Nissan Leaf has quite a bit of power.

• Leaf S
  • Lithium-ion Battery Capacity: 40kWh
  • Electric Motor Power: 110-kW / 147hp / 236 lb-ft of torque
• Leaf SV Plus
  • Lithium-ion Battery Capacity: 60kWh
  • Electric Motor Power: 160-kW / 214hp / 250 lb-ft of torque

Design changes

While the overall design is unchanged from the 2023 model, it’s worth calling out that the 2024 Nissan Leaf SV Plus trim level comes standard with this futuristic-looking 5-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheel.

2024 Nissan Leaf review (to come)

The Nissan Leaf has been a stalwart in the world of electric vehicles, and at one time it was the most popular EV in the world. Past models were praised for their surprisingly spacious interiors and efficient, powerful motors (for an entry-level hatchback.)

Seeing as the 2024 Nissan Leaf is very much a rehash of the 2023 model, we’d expect a review to line up pretty solidly with our expectations. That is to say, despite being on its way out, the 2024 Nissan Leaf remains one of the few truly affordable EVs, though if you’re not in a rush, you could always save up an extra $7,000 over the next year for the 2025 Volvo EX30. While this will be a new model in Volvo’s electrified lineup, the Swedish carmaker has proven itself a serious contender in the EV space with the revered XC40 Recharge.

FAQs

Does the Nissan Leaf qualify for the $3,750 tax credit for new electric vehicles?

Yes! Nissan just announced that new Leaf vehicles may qualify for an electric vehicle tax credit of $3,750 thanks to the “battery component” regulations in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. You must purchase the vehicle by December 31, 2023 to be eligible. Additionally, you must purchase the vehicle to use, not resell, and drive it primarily in the U.S.

Also, according to Internal Revenue Code Section 30D, your Modified Adjusted Gross Income cannot exceed:

• $300,000 for married couples filing jointly 
• $225,000 for heads of households
• $150,000 for all other filers

Is the Nissan Leaf being discontinued?

Yes, in 2022 the Japanese carmaker announced it would be phasing out the Leaf model. Still, Nissan still plans to develop electric vehicles, with its “Nissan Ambition 2030” pledge aiming for 40% EVs by 2030.

How much does a Nissan Leaf battery cost?

Lithium-ion batteries aren’t cheap! Should the worst-case scenario happen and your Nissan LEAF’s battery needs replacement, you’ll be looking at a hefty bill, according to findmyelectric.com.

• 40 kWh battery: $6,500 – $7,500
• 60 kWh battery: $8,500 – $9,500

Where can I charge my Nissan Leaf?

The 2024 Nissan Leaf’s CHAdeMO port limits the number of charging locations when you’re out and about. Check PlugShare for an updated list of CHAdeMO stations.

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Sales of electric vehicles (EVs) have exploded in the last few years, with the proliferation of charging stations following suit. As developments in infrastructure, clean energy, and climate legislation bring us closer to an all-electric future, it’s important to understand the charging technology that will eventually take the place of filling up on fossil fuels.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different charger levels, the distinctions between plug-in and hardwired chargers, as well as how to install an at-home EV charger. If nothing else, you’ll know the basics the next time you book a rental car in Europe – after all, driving a Tesla in Iceland will spare you $9 a gallon.

Level 1 charging

Most EVs come with a basic level 1 charger. It plugs into a standard (120V) power outlet much like any other ordinary household device. Generally, it doesn’t require any special installation – you just plug it into the wall. Compared to Levels 2 and 3, a Level 1 will move slowly, hence the nickname “trickle chargers.” When fully depleted, a Level 1 can take a day or longer to reach full charge. Despite its low charging speeds, it can still be useful for overnight charging. If you only use your car sparingly, or you predominantly use public chargers, a Level 1 charger may be all you need at home.

It’s important to note that Level 1 chargers aren’t as energy efficient as Level 2 chargers and will cost more to fully charge your vehicle. But, generally speaking, Level 1 charging is still cheaper than fueling a traditional gas-powered car.

Price: Up to $200, but one usually comes with the vehicle
Power output: 1.2 kW
Charging Speed: 5 miles per hour or less
Power source: 120V outlet

Level 2 charging

Level 2 charging is the most popular way to power up an EV. Found in both public places and personal residences, Level 2 charging speeds typically range from three to 12 times faster than Level 1. They’re increasingly common in public places such as shopping centers and office parks, with over 54,000 Level 2 chargers added in the U.S. in 2022.

When choosing a Level 2 charger, you may want to make sure the amp rating isn’t higher than that of the vehicle. It won’t harm the car, but any additional power over that threshold won’t charge it any faster. You can find the amp level your EV will accept in your owner’s manual and compare it to the amp rating of the charger you’d like to buy.

Level 2 chargers are designed to work with most vehicles, so compatibility usually isn’t an issue. In North America, chargers either come with the J1772 connector or the proprietary Tesla connector. Tesla vehicles also include a J1772 adapter. So with rare exceptions, you can just about use any Level 2 charger with your EV. In Europe, chargers usually come with the Type 2 (Mennekes) connector which is the standard for all EVs sold in the region, including Tesla.

Price: The price typically ranges from $300 – $800 for home units. Some cars come with a Level 2 charger.
Charging speed: 12 to 70 miles per hour of charging
Power output: 3.3 kW – 19.2 kW
Power source: 240V outlet

Guide to installing Level 2 chargers

Plug-in vs hardwired

Level 2 chargers come in two types: plug-in or hardwired. Those that plug in use a 240V outlet — typically used for large appliances like washing machines and ovens. Others need to be “hardwired” or directly integrated into your home’s electrical panel. Should you have a compatible 240V outlet handy and you’re employing a low-amp Level 2 charger, the setup could be as straightforward as plugging it in. However, in most cases, you will need to hire a professional.

Plug-in chargers

When plugging in a Level 2 charger, you need to ensure that:

• The outlet is compatible with the charger.
• Both the outlet and circuit board have a sufficient amp rating (at least 25% higher than the charger’s maximum amp draw).

In North America, most 240V outlets are NEMA outlets. By and large, the NEMA outlets used by EVs come in the following amperage ratings:

• 30 amps (NEMA 14-30)
• 50 amps (NEMA 14-50 or NEMA 6-50)

If you’re unsure about any of this, you should consult an electrician before charging with a 240V outlet. It can be potentially dangerous to plug a level 2 EV charger into an outlet if your home can’t handle the power draw.

Hardwired Chargers

Hardwired chargers are mounted on the wall and include three feet of flexible conduit and service wires that extend from them. These wires meet and connect to the wires coming from your electrical panel.

Hardwired units are more expensive, but they have a watertight connection. Offering protection from the rain and the elements, they’re suitable for outdoor use. Normally, they’ll deliver a larger range of amp and charge-speed options than plug-in units do, too.

Ultimately, you may want to install a hardwired charger. This might be because you are looking for outdoor charging or if you don’t have a suitable 240V outlet available and don’t want to have one installed. On the other hand, plug-in chargers are portable, so you should keep in mind if you will need to charge your vehicle at multiple locations.

Hardwiring or installing a 240V outlet

At any rate, you may want to either install a 50-amp outlet or have your charger hard-wired into your home’s electrical system. Either option will generally require the assistance of a professional electrician, both for the installation process and to determine whether your house can handle the energy draw. Installing a 240V outlet is a technical and risky operation that’s subject to strict regulations and approval.

Many residential households are not equipped for the power draw of Level 2 chargers, in which case your service panel may need to be upgraded or changed. If the charger is being installed outdoors, it needs to be rated for outdoor use. You will likely need to get a permit from your local building department before you start the installation. After the installation, an inspection may be necessary to ensure the work meets local building and electrical codes.

How much will it cost for the installation?

This can vary dramatically based on a number of factors, such as how far the panel is from the installation point of the charger. If both your panel and charger are to be in the same place (such as the garage), then it might only cost a few hundred dollars. But, depending on the complexity of the installation, the price could rise to well over $1,000. Thankfully, many states and municipalities offer rebates and other incentives for installing EV chargers that can help offset these costs.

Safety and maintenance

Always install chargers in a well-ventilated area to prevent overheating and keep away from flammable materials. Check the charger periodically for signs of wear and tear, especially if it’s installed outdoors.

Level 3 charging (DC charging)

Level 3 chargers are found in public and commercial areas and are operated by private charging networks like Tesla and Electrify America. Private residences are not suitable for installation.

Level 3 chargers are very fast; they can charge up to 15 times as fast as Level 2 chargers and may fully charge a car in less than an hour. This makes them very useful if you’re in a rush and need to charge quickly. But there are some trade-offs to the increased speed. The cost-efficiency of Level 3 charging is lower than Level 1 and Level 2, so it will be more expensive to achieve a full charge. Level 3 charging can also gradually degrade a vehicle’s battery health, so it’s generally better to use public Level 2 chargers when time allows.

Different charging networks and EV manufacturers use different types of connectors. The most pervasive examples include CHAdeMO (used by Nissan and Mitsubishi), CCS (used by European and American manufacturers), and Tesla’s once-proprietary Supercharger connector, which everyone from Rivian to Ford and General Motors is starting to adopt. Some public charging stations provide multiple types of connectors, but not all. You must also consider compatibility. Many older or cheaper EV models don’t support DC charging.

Price: Often $10,000+
Charging Speed: 120 to 1,200 miles per hour of charging
Power Output: 50 – 350 kW

Future of EV charging

Europe and China are taking the rise of EVs seriously, and are preemptively building infrastructure to prepare. 450,000 new EV chargers were installed in Europe as of April 2023, a growth rate of over 50%, and the rate of EV charger installation in China has been even more dramatic.

While the US sadly lags behind both Europe and China in this area, it’s still experiencing significant growth in both the number of EVs and charging stations. By 2030, the Biden administration says we’ll have 150,000 to 500,000 charging stations by 2030. With charging infrastructure rapidly expanding, the days of limited charging access are finite, and soon enough range anxiety, too, will become a thing of the past.

Last week, the world was gripped by news that an OceanGate submarine on a $250,000-per-ticket journey to the wreck of the Titanic may have met a similar fate to the legendary ocean liner. As a result, a lot of discussion of submersibles has re-surfaced (for lack of a better phrase). This led me to wonder, has there ever been a submarine car? The answer may surprise you. (The answer is yes, there is one.)

Can you swim?

1977’s The Spy Who Loved Me features an iconic stunt where James Bond (Roger Moore) and Major Anya Amasova (Barbara Bach) fly off the end of a dock in a modified Lotus Espirit S1. Upon hitting the water, the super-spy’s supercar transforms into a submarine as the pair escape an enemy helicopter.

Eschewing miniatures, filmmakers enlisted Perry Oceanographics to build a functional submarine out of an Espirit S1 shell — which they nicknamed “Wet Nellie” because it was the 70s and everyone was a little gross back then.

Although the vehicle could operate underwater, it was what’s called a “wet sub,” meaning the operators had to be wearing scuba suits during the shoot. Steering and stopping were also not a high priority, meaning the stunts were every bit as breathtaking to perform as they were to 70s audiences.

Perry fitted four electric submersible drive units to the Esprit’s retractable rear tray, each with steering vanes in the propeller stream. The vertical fins were blocked off and only functioned as stabilizers while the car’s center section was packed with oil-filled battery units to avoid pressurization and sealing problems.

Wet Nellie was fitted with twin-mirrors to help give the driver a view of the bottom. The car had no reverse thrust and no brakes, this put the underwater film crew at risk of being hit by the 15-knot submarine. To stop this from happening the crew would switch off the car’s motors and pray that the divers could haul it in before a coral head loomed up.

Thato Mokau for HotCars.com

Since its big screen moment, Wet Nellie has had quite the journey. First, the movie prop was found, Storage Wars-style, by a couple in Long Island who had purchased an abandoned storage locker for $100. After restoration, Wet Nellie was eventually bought at auction for $1,000,000 by none other than Elon Musk. Musk, to his credit, has claimed that the iconic Bond car’s angular body was the inspiration for Tesla’s forever-forthcoming Cybertruck.

As of writing, Elon Musk has not (yet) volunteered Wet Nellie for the OceanGate submarine search — odd considering how vocal he has been about submersibles in the past.

The dream of a submarine car becomes reality — sorta

Some 30 years after James Bond took the plunge with Wet Nellie, Swiss concept car marker Rinspeed introduced the sQuba, the “world’s first real submersible car.”

Debuting at the Geneva Auto Show in 2008, the sQuba can be piloted underwater at depths of up to 10M, setting it apart from traditional “amphibious” vehicles like duck boats. Auto show crowds were wowed by the sQuba’s sleek design, zero-emission electric motor system, and built-in air tanks and scuba masks for driver and passenger.

Although the sQuba was teased over 15 years ago, Rinspeed founder Frank M. Rinderknecht admits that the technical challenges of creating a vehicle that can operate both on land and underwater would make scaling production untenable. The sQuba prototype cost roughly $1.5m to build, according to Rinderknecht, so it’s unlikely we’ll get to drive one any time soon.

It’s also unclear from Rinspeed’s website whether or not the tuxedo is required driving attire:

Even if a production-model car/submarine hybrid never sees the light of day, at least we know the Rinspeed team had a good time with the sQuba promotional materials. At the end of the day, isn’t that what really matters?

In the documentary Apex: The Story of the Hypercar, Dan Greenawalt, the creative director behind the Forza Motorsport games said video games are the catalyst for the next generation of car enthusiasts. That carmakers have “fundamentally changed their relationship to video games” and have “empowered us to actually stoke passion” in a younger crowd. That’s not to say all the best racing games are new releases, but as driving simulators become increasingly more realistic so too does the dream of a motorsports career for non-trust fund babies.

That said, today’s car games aren’t just for the aspiring racecar drivers training for the Nurburgring. If you’re new to the genre, don’t worry, the urge to squeeze 741 horsepower out of a Toyota GR Yaris comes later. As is the case with most modern video games, there’s a “best racing game” for everyone in 2023. F1 weirdos like Sheilah have, well, F1. Even the indie snobs get to do a little racing, as a treat, in The Art of Rally. Depending on who you ask, Need for Speed is back or it sucks or it never went away.

As we near the imminent arrival of heavy hitters including Forza Motorsport and Test Drive Unlimited: Solar Crown, these are the best racing games, driving simulators, and otherwise, interactive car-related media you can check out or revisit in the meantime.

Gran Turismo 7

by Gabe Carey

While the Forza Horizon series was the key to the ignition of my automotive interests, Gran Turismo 7 was the fuel that fired up the cylinders. Driving in the open-world Forza Horizon games is realistic but in a way that also harkens back to the classic arcade-style racers like Burnout and Need for Speed which had declined in popularity by the mid-2010s. It combined high-production visuals and sound but the handling was more forgiving than what you’d get with a capital ‘S’ Sim racer.

In true Japanese game developer fashion, Polyphony let an entire console generation pass between the release of Gran Turismo 6 and its successor. Sure, there was Gran Turismo Sport for the PlayStation 4, but GT‘s brand recognition had already dwindled in favor of Assetto Corsa during Gran Turismo 7‘s lengthy development cycle. But unlike Assetto Corsa, Gran Turismo 7 was not made for the lifelong car enthusiast who grew up playing the classics. You know, that car kid from your childhood that had a tuned WRX with BBS rims and a tint by the time they hit puberty?

See Gran Turismo 7 for PlayStation 4 See Gran Turismo 7 for PlayStation 5

Gran Turismo 7 is Car Culture 101 for the next generation of enthusiasts who don’t know where to start. It’s at once an automotive history lesson and a performance driving school disguised as a video game. Even more so if you splurge on a decent wheel like the Logitech G923 or the primo Thrustmaster T-GT II. When you boot it up for the first time, Gran Turismo 7 serves you 8 minutes of glorious unskippable cutscenes showcasing the evolution of the automobile. Then it’s off to the races. Well, sort of.

The campaign is then broken up into more than 60 “menu books” found at the GT Café (sound familiar?), each with its own unique challenges themed after a different type of car. Along the way, you’ll not only unlock multiplayer, but you’ll learn a lot if you take the time to read. My one complaint is the notable lack of accessibility options in Gran Turismo 7 for adjusting the text size on both the PS4 and PlayStation 5.

Forza Horizon

by Jeric Jaleco

I wanted to pick the easy answers. Gran Turismo 4, Need For Speed: Underground, etc. But who am I kidding? I was a pipsqueak when those legends came out, and as iconic as they’ll be, now and always, what did they really do except teach me Skylines were fast and racing is cool? To elementary school me, not much. But the OG Forza Horizon, that now-11-year old Xbox 360 masterpiece? Utterly life-changing. And that’s no hyperbole.

See Forza Horizon price at Microsoft Store

The then-new concept rocked gamers and car enthusiasts alike. You mean this game is halfway between arcade and sim racing in an open world centered around a massive music and motorsports festival? Yeah. High school me found that pretty damn influential. The car list was mesmerizing, and the in-game dynamics made any car fun. Hell, a stock FR-S was just as hellacious Initial D’ing my way down Red Rock Canyon as a Ferrari 458. Try saying that about any recent Need for Speed game. Oh, and don’t forget this was the first and (so far) only Forza with a legitimate story, complete with drawn-out cutscenes, boss races, an overarching plot, and a main antagonist – eat a dick, Darius Flynt!

Perhaps most groundbreaking of all was how it molded me into the gearhead I am today. All my friends love Horizon too, as it’s one of the few games we can all collectively play, and it’s undoubtedly been a big inspiration for us to seek new adventures on distant roads. One of our ultimate goals as a group is to fully realize our Horizon dreams and attend a #GRIDLIFE festival, racing all day and jamming all night. This game showcased new cars that became dream cars of mine, and the soundtrack featured certified bangers that are still on my road trip and childhood nostalgia playlists today. So yeah. The original Forza Horizon is the winner for me. I’ll see you at the festival, superstars. 

Need for Speed Underground 2

by Nathan Meyer

This is the game that put Need for Speed on the map. My high school sweetheart made me choose between Need for Speed Underground 2 and her – let’s just say, my virtual MK4 Golf GTI and I had some good times after that.

See Need for Speed Underground 2 price at Amazon

It doesn’t have sim racer physics, but there’s a fun factor that even Forza Horizon has yet to replicate. It’s the first game in the franchise to have an open world. AI racers will challenge you while you’re cruising. You aren’t chasing your tail all the time because there’s no police. No fast travel means you spend your time just enjoying the game, and the hidden shops give the map purpose. The world feels vibrant. You can take your car for magazine shoots!

The customization is like In-N-out. After you build your car here, everything else just doesn’t hit the same. You can take your car to the Dyno and tune it the way a mechanic would. 2000s licensing costs mean that your favorite car parts brands like HKS and GReddy are in the game. There’s an endless amount of body kits, rims and paint options. You can even put massive subwoofers in the trunk.

Speed Crew

by Sheilah Villari

Speed Crew for Nintendo Switch and PC has effortlessly cruised into my go-to spot for a relaxing game to wind down with after a long day. While it’s not overly complicated, it certainly presents a thrilling challenge as you accelerate through its 48 levels. Here, you step into the fast-paced shoes of a pit crew member, starting off in the vibrant 70s racing circuit. Your mission? To be the absolute best within the allotted race timeframe.

The game’s journey propels you toward championships, with each new level advancing not just your skills, but the decade you’re in, too. This nifty feature adds a delightful visual flair, transforming the game’s aesthetics and the design of the characters as you progress.

Save on Nintendo Switch eShop credits at Eneba Save on Steam digital gift cards at Eneba

And what characters they are! Each one brimming with charm and moving with the lightning-quick hustle you’d expect from an actual pit crew in any motorsport. Select from four unique character options, name your team, and hit the tracks. I made sure to stay on-brand, naming mine “Alfred Romeo Racing,” and keeping company with creatively named teams like “Jilliams,” “McFlaren,” and “Red Hullers.”

With an option to play alongside up to four friends, Speed Crew could easily slide into your Mario Kart night for a change of pace. Yet, it’s equally satisfying to fly solo, changing tires, repairing damaged fenders, or swapping engines after a long day at the business factory. But remember, keep your eyes on the racing monsters roaring in, and the ticking clock. Just like in real racing, penalties fly as fast as the cars, impacting your leaderboard standing. With future updates promising new levels and modes, I’m excited to see how Speed Crew evolves.

Burnout 3: Takedown

by Joe Tilleli

I’m sorry but with all due respect, no one here knows what they’re talking about. Great games all around but nothing matches the adrenaline-fueled sensations of the Burnout series – particularly Burnout 3: Takedown. Originally released to the PS2 and original Xbox, this smash hit was adored by critics and regular folk alike with its Metacritic score ranking it as the second greatest game of its release year, and the best racing game of the Xbox generation.

Burnout 3 has a more arcadey feel than more modern racing games due to its fast pacing and emphasis on vehicular carnage. The premise is simple – elbow your way into pole position, but here, the elbowing is lethal. Players spend races ramming their cars against opponent vehicles forcing them to crash in what the game calls a Takedown. Playing Burnout 3 is like taking the wheel in your very own Justin Lin-directed Fast and Furious movie.

See Burnout 3: Takedown for PlayStation 2 See Burnout 3: Takedown for Xbox

Like any good racing game, there are several modes to choose from including standard races, Road Rage where the goal is to see who can score the most Takedowns, World Tour which acts as a single-player career mode, and lastly Crash Mode. In that last one, you’re set not far from a high-traffic intersection while tasked with causing as much monetary damage as possible. It scratches that lizard brain itch in our head that makes us want to push our foot all the way down on the gas pedal and see what happens. 

And while all of this is happening, you are listening to a soundtrack that is just banger after banger. Just watch this intro set to Lazy Generation by The F-Ups and tell me I’m wrong.

Mario Kart: Double Dash!!

by Roger Feeley-Lussier

This one is a bit of a layup. Everyone knows Mario Kart. If you spent even an hour in a college dorm in the past 30 years, you’ve probably played (or at least seen someone playing) one of the now 14 games in this series. Check out The Gaming Historian’s YouTube Essay about Super Mario Kart if you want a deep dive into the history of this genre-defining franchise. 

I chose Mario Kart: Double Dash!! because it’s the entry I’ve put the most hours into. My sister gave me her GameCube when she graduated from college and it only came with a handful of games. Fortunately, this meager collection included Double Dash!! In the mid-00s I got to play it a bunch more thanks to the Wii’s backwards compatibility. I spent countless nights in my 20s dodging bananas and tossing blue shells carelessly from the back of the pack. One of my roommates became so obsessed he memorized all the courses, making it considerably less fun to play with him. 

See Mario Kart: Double Dash!! for GameCube

In the mid-to-late 00s, Mario Kart found its way into every aspect of my life. Around that time, my band was playing an all-ages show at a church in Allston, MA. We were opening for a group called New Years Day, who – and I’m not throwing shade here – were huge on Myspace. Before the show, they invited me to their van and showed me a Nintendo 64 rigged to a small CRT, primarily for playing Mario Kart 64 on long drives. I challenged them to a few races and thought nothing of it, heading back to play our set. I think I taught one of them to drift.

The next day the band’s singer, who also had a big following on Myspace, added me to her top 8. I’ll never know why. Maybe I was just that good at Mario Kart.

Gran Turismo 4

by Chris Teague

I’m going to take a step back in time to Gran Turismo 4, one of the first racing games I became obsessed with. As a total Nintendo kid growing up, I didn’t even realize how many other game systems there were until well after I started college, which didn’t help my GPA at all. 

See Gran Turismo 4 for PlayStation 2

Armed with a job and a little disposable income, Gran Turismo 4 arrived at the point in my life when I was shopping for shitboxes and started tinkering with my own cars. Since it came out only a few years after the first Fast and Furious film, Gran Turismo 4 fed my JDM cravings and opened my eyes to more than the most popular car brands.

Now, at 40 years old, it’s fun to look back at GT4, though I have to agree with Gabe that Gran Turismo 7 is one of the best racing games ever. Even so, it won’t make the impact on my life the fourth iteration did, and for that reason above all others, Gran Turismo 4 is my pick.