2028 Bentley Torcal
CASEY WILLIAMS | Auto Reviewer
AutoCasey@AOL.com
As political winds shift, drivers and automakers split their desires between EVs and iconic gas-powered models as they embrace a new generation of infotainment and driver-assist technologies. From full-size pickups to compact crossovers and mid-size electrics, these are the vehicles you’ll want to date in 2027.
Chevrolet Silverado (+GMC Sierra)
Refined and finessed for 2027, GM’s full-size pickups look ready for toil and play, whether a work truck or luxury GMC Denali. Choose from among a 5.7-liter V8, 6.6-liter V8, turbo-four or inline-six diesel. Interiors are awash in up to 60-inches of screens, leather and head-up displays. GM’s hands-off Super Cruise even accommodates trailers.
Base price: $40,000
Toyota bZ Woodland (Subaru Trailseeker)
These twins look like futuristic Outbacks, but pack exhilarating EV performance. Black fender cladding, 8.4 inches of ground clearance and a large wagon interior add practicality to flatscreen gauges and dual phone chargers. Standard AWD and 375 horsepower enable 0-60 mph in 4 seconds. Enjoy 280 miles range and 10-80 percent fast charge in 28 minutes.
Base price: $45,500
Audi Q9/SQ9
A new full-size SUV, this German streamliner pampers with available co-pilot screen and wood trim. Double-width gauges flow into the center screen. Engines include a 429-horsepower V6 or 591-horsepower V8 connected to Quattro AWD. An adaptive air suspension is standard, all-wheel steering optional. Hands-off cruising eases stress.
Base price: $90,000
Kia Seltos
Flaunting baby Telluride style with flush door handles, floating roof and bold angles, the roomy Seltos dishes an available 45 mpg hybrid with AWD optional. Gas models pack 2.0-liter four-cylinder or turbo-four engines. Large screens stream Netflix and YouTube while panoramic sunroofs and crash avoidance systems top this cupcake.
Base price: $25,000
Nissan Rogue Hybrid
Nissan’s popular crossover gains a bold exterior design over an efficient hybrid powertrain that employs a 1.5-liter turbo-three for 225 horsepower and 41/36 mpg city/highway. Interior luxuries include EV-inspired styling, dual 14.3-inch displays, Auto Lane Change and Hands-off Traffic Jam Support. Quiet and efficient, it’s ready for daily life.
Base price: $35,500
Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback EV
A restyled Nissan Leaf, aggressive styling connects it to its Eclipse namesake. Twin charging ports include traditional and NACS for 10-80 percent fast charge in 35 minutes or 6.5 hours on 240v at home. Enjoy 282 miles range. Its airy cabin includes one-touch sunroof opacity, heated front/rear seats, vegan leather and Bose headrest speakers.
Base price: $37,750
Hyundai Tucson
Restyled like a chiseled brickhouse, the compact crossover offers more passenger space, minimized gauges, 17-inch dash screen, squircle steering wheel and upscale luxury. Choose a 184-horsepower turbo-four or hybrid delivering 233 horsepower and 40-MPG. Tow up to 3,000 lbs. An adventure-ready XRT Pro trim enhances off-road capability.
Base price: $30,000
Mercedes-Benz GLA
Sporting Mercedes’ new illuminated iconic grille, the compact crossover is an elegant athlete with curves and creases in the right places. Inside, a standard panoramic roof, Bermester 3D audio and full-width Superscreen provide delights. Amping efficiency, both hybrids and all-electric versions with 350 miles range are planned.
Base price: $45,000
Bentley Torcal
Bentley’s first all-electric crossover promises sporty styling, a range of more thano 300 miles, 0-60 mph in 2.8 seconds and 162 mph top speed — all while spoiling passengers in exquisite hides and veneers (carbon fiber optional). Indulge in the 1780w 28-speaker Naime for Bentley audio under a power-opaque sunroof as you power close your doors. Whoof!
Base price: $225,000
Volkswagen Atlas
This three-row crossover’s second generation is defined by expressive upscale design and a cabin with real wood, ambient lighting, 15-inch display, Nappa leather, front-seat massagers and front center airbags. Get it with AirConsole in-vehicle gaming that includes Tetris. All trims enjoy a 2.0-liter 282 horsepower turbo-four engine.
Base Price: $42,000
BMW 3-Series
Germany’s sport sedan looks more i3 EV, with its pinched nose and interior graced with large center screens and projector-based display that spans the upper dash. M350 xDrive models channel a 437-horsepower turbo-six engine; rear-drive 330s have turbo-fours. In the spirit of sport, steering and suspension are retuned to enhance handling.
Base price: $50,000
Slate EV
A bare-bones electric pickup that can be converted into an SUV with optional rear seats and topper. There’s no infotainment system, but it comes standard with cruise, air-conditioning and automatic emergency braking. All have black plastic bodies, however buyers can customize wraps. Expect 150-240 miles range depending on batteries.
Base price: $27,000
Storm forward!
Send questions and comments to Casey at AutoCasey@aol.com.