2027 Acura RSX
CASEY WILLIAMS | Auto Reviewer
AutoCasey@aol.com
It’s going to be a stellar year for automobiles. Fan favorites return; others are completely redesigned, and some of our friendliest automakers bust out with innovative new EVs. Subaru, Toyota and Nissan have been especially busy, but so have others.
Whether you want an affordable EV, luxury crossover or cosseting sedan, you should find a dream ride amongst these.
Chevy Bolt
The Bolt returns as a 2027 model. While the body carries over, its electrical system is all new.
Expect a 255-mile range and the ability to fast charge 10-80 percent in 26 minutes. NACS charging port is native. Interiors are refined with 11.3-inch screen, Google built-in, wireless phone charging and hands-off Super Cruise. Get it in sporty RS trim, too.
Base price: $29,990
Subaru Outback
Subaru’s icon adopts upright SUV styling but keeps black body cladding, 8.7-inches ground clearance and roof rails that hold 800 pounds of campers. Wilderness editions rise nearly an inch on electronic suspension. Choose a 180 horsepower four-cylinder or 260 horsepower turbo-four engine. Enjoy the 12.1-inch touchscreen, digital gauge cluster and hands-off cruising.
Base price: $34,995
Toyota RAV4
The Camry of crossovers is all-new, with Hammerhead styling from the Prius. Choose hybrid or plug-in hybrid in front- or all-wheel-drive. Regular hybrids claim 44 MPG while plug-ins add 52 miles of electric driving before the engine ignites. A GR Sport version amps performance and style. Digital gauges and active safety fortify the tech.
Base price: $33,000
Nissan Leaf EV
Sleek new style channels the Ariya’s aura with minimalist surfacing and flush door handles. Squinty lamps, contrasting color roof and dimming panoramic glass delight. Travel more than 300 miles before charging via NACS-style plug. Google built-in, Intelligent Route Planner navigation, 360-degree cameras and invisible hood view are on the menu.
Base price: $29,990
Lexus ES
The redesigned sedan, available as a hybrid or EV, embraces bold minimalism. Interiors flaunt 3D-printed bamboo trim and Mark Levinson audio. Hybrids achieve 45 MPG combined; EVs charge 10-80 percent in 30 minutes and travel 250-300 miles. Hybrid luxury models are available with an Executive Package featuring rear massaging and reclining seats.
Base price: $47,000
Hyundai Palisade
This lush lorry goes glam with straked lamps front/rear and canted silver rear pillar. XRT PRO versions add a lift and all-terrain tires. Interiors flaunt expansive screens, soft leather, Bose audio and panoramic roof. Seats power-recline in all three rows. The optional 2.5-liter turbocharged hybrid channels 329 horsepower and over 30-MPG.
Base price: $39,435
Nissan Sentra
More dynamic, this compact sedan moves up. Looking more electric, Sentra adopts 12.3-inch screens, wireless phone connections/charging and lane centering adaptive cruise. SR models look especially fetching with blacked out trim, spoiler and roof. Go forth with a 149 horsepower four-cylinder engine delivering 29/38 MPG city/hwy.
Base price: $23,000
Toyota bZ Woodland (also Subaru Trailseeker)
Like an electric Outback, this wagon enjoys hiking. Standard all-wheel-drive, 375 horsepower and 8.3-inches of ground clearance are formidable. Drivers enjoy 260 miles range and fast charge 10-80 percent in 30 minutes. Get snuggly with vegan leather, 14-inch screens, dual phone chargers, JBL audio, ventilated seats and panoramic moonroof.
Base price: $40,000
Mazda CX-5
Bolder Kodo styling encompasses a slightly larger body with a more chiseled, wider-set grille and a focus on joinery between panels. An uncluttered interior increases rear space while integrating a 15.6-inch touchscreen and Google built-in with AI. A 187 horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and AWD are standard; hybrids arrive in 2027.
Base price: $35,000
Jeep Cherokee
All new, it channels Grand Cherokee with boxy styling and luxurious interior boasting slick screens, leather and multi-angle steering wheel. A new 1.6-liter turbo-four hybrid powertrain delivers 37 MPG combined and a 500-mile driving range. Off-road capability is immense. Active Driving Assist allows hands-off cruising below 90 mph.
Base price: $39,000
Acura RSX EV (Top Photo)
Like a jacked electric Integra, this crossover coupe sports out with fastback styling and full-width tail lights paying homage to the classic NSX. Get it in yellow. Expect a 300-mile range and quick charge 20-80 percent in 30 minutes. Dual-motor AWD, sport-tuned suspension and Brembo brakes lend a fun drive. It can even act as a back-up generator.
Base price: $50,000
Subaru Uncharted (also Toyota C-HR)
Slotting below the Solterra, this Toyota-based electric crossover offers 300 miles range, ability to charge 10-80 percent in 30 minutes, and 338 horsepower to run 0-60 mph under 5 seconds. Expect wireless device connections, NACS Tesla-style plug and ample safety. Big dash screens, dynamic handling, and sporty styling make fans on-road or off.
Base price: $35,000