A new year is a time for car enthusiasts to get excited about vehicles on the horizon. In 2024, fans will find a rapidly changing automotive landscape embracing electrification like never before. Most of the brand-new or substantially redesigned models hitting showrooms this year have electrified powertrains (all-electric, hybrid, or a related technology). You’ll see this effect on the dozen vehicles we’ve highlighted; the Ford Mustang and Aston Martin Valour are the only exceptions.

Let’s dive into what’s ahead as we review the most anticipated car releases of 2024. These vehicles have either a 2024 model year designation or will be released in 2024 as a 2025 model.

Ford Mustang

Ford ditched production of passenger cars a few years ago with one exception, the iconic Mustang, the company’s longest continually produced nameplate. The seventh generation of the iconic pony car is now hitting the streets with several evolutionary transformations. Most notably, the 2024 Mustang has a new exterior that embraces the traditional long hood and short rear deck. However, a larger grille and sculpted body panels give this Ford a more athletic and aggressive look.

The EcoBoost 2.3-liter four-cylinder and Coyote 5.0 V8 carry over, with the V8 increasing output to 480 horsepower (from 450). Purists can also breathe easier as the Coyote engine is still available with a six-speed manual gearbox. Meanwhile, Mustang fans will appreciate the introduction of an all-new performance variant, the 500-horsepower Dark Horse.

Toyota Crown Signia

While the Crown name dates back to a small sedan that Toyota first sold in the U.S. in the 1950s, the company’s latest use of this royal-themed moniker couldn’t be any more different. Arriving in 2024, the all-new Toyota Crown Signia represents the brand’s first entry into the premium midsize SUV segment. Serving as a flagship utility vehicle for the world’s largest automaker, the Signia promises upscale styling, refined road manners, and the latest technology when it takes over for the more mundane Venza.

This five-seater will join the Crown sedan as Toyota further establishes the Crown sub-brand at the top end of its model range. The automaker is promising the Crown Signia can deliver a combined fuel economy rating of 36 mpg thanks to a standard hybrid four-cylinder engine that makes 243 horsepower. This powerplant and an included all-wheel drive system propel the car from zero to 60 mph in a snappy 5.6 seconds.

Volkswagen ID Buzz

The Volkswagen ID Buzz probably won’t resurrect the hippie culture of the 1960s, but this modern electric minivan does pay homage to the iconic VW Bus. The features helping with the retro vibe are oversized VW logos and two-tone paint. With a clever blend of nostalgic design and contemporary technology, the ID Buzz will cause a stir at VW dealerships in the U.S. (it’s already for sale in Europe).

American buyers will only get one version, a long-wheelbase edition with three rows and a seven-passenger seating capacity. The standard rear-wheel-drive setup has 282 horsepower or an all-wheel-drive system with 303 horsepower is available.  Volkswagen is still tight-lipped about the ID Buzz’s range (the U.S. has stricter testing standards than in Europe), but an ability to travel about 250 miles on a full charge is within reason.

Volvo EX30

The term “game changer” often gets overused in the auto industry, but this phrase could be accurate with the Volvo EX30. Why? Because it’s not every day you can buy a luxury-branded electric vehicle (EV) crossover for $35,000. Volvo is hoping that a low starting price will get shoppers’ attention, especially as the average price for a new EV in the U.S. is over $53,000, according to Kelley Blue Book.

Admittedly, the EX30 is small (it sits below the XC40), but the cabin is airy and reasonably spacious (especially in the front row). The starting price provides a rear-wheel-drive configuration and a driving range of 275 miles. Of course, no automaker wants to leave money on the table, so buyers can opt for an upgraded EX30 with dual motors (all-wheel-drive) that offer a combined 422 horsepower. The result is the fastest production car ever to wear a Volvo badge and a 0-60 mph time of 3.4 seconds.

Chevrolet Equinox EV

Chevrolet also seeks to shake up the all-electric crossover market with a low entry-level price for its Equinox EV. Chevy initially promised a $30,000 starting point for this five-seat crossover, but reality set in, and this EV now begins at $35,000, still an affordable price in today’s market. Although the Equinox EV shares a name with the company’s popular and conventionally powered compact crossover (the Equinox), it has nothing else in common with its stablemate.

The Equinox EV is based on General Motors’ Ultium all-electric platform that underpins many other of the automaker’s EVs. The cheapest Equinox EV comes with front-wheel drive and a single electric motor producing 213 horsepower. Chevy promises a range of up to 319 miles for this configuration. A dual-motor, all-wheel-drive upgrade increases horsepower to 288, but the maximum range dips to 280 miles.

Honda Prologue

Honda has received much criticism for being slow to the EV game, but the whining should subside with the upcoming launch of the all-electric Prologue crossover. Yet this effort isn’t entirely homegrown; underneath the Prologue lies General Motors’ Ultium platform. Honda partnered with GM to bring an EV to the market sooner but has since canceled the venture to focus on in-house EV development. Nonetheless, the Prologue’s athletic exterior and well-thought-out cabin are all Honda.

Honda hasn’t released all of the Prologue’s details, but the company says prices for its first all-electric crossover will start in the upper $40,000s. The all-wheel-drive version will have 288 horsepower, while we’ll have to wait for motor output specifications for the base front-wheel-drive edition. Honda is estimating a 300-mile range for the entry-level Prologue. Onlookers are curious to see what Honda can do with GM technology.

Acura ZDX

Following a playbook similar to the Prologue, Honda’s luxury division turns to GM’s Ultium platform to produce the all-electric ZDX crossover—much of the powertrain technology comes from the Cadillac Lyriq. In Acura form, this EV architecture starts with rear-wheel drive and a single electric motor making 340 horsepower for the base ZDX (dubbed the A-Spec); all-wheel drive is optional. The range for this version is 315-325 miles.

However, the top-tier ZDX Type S will catch the attention of someone looking for more performance out of their EV crossover. Engineers have tuned the standard dual electric motors in the ZDX Type S to a neck-snapping 500 horsepower, earning the car bragging rights as Acura’s most powerful crossover. We’ll have to wait for acceleration times.

2024 Cadillac Celestiq

One EV that General Motors isn’t sharing is the Cadillac Celestiq (pronounced celes-tick). If its striking looks don’t get your attention, then the $340,000 starting price will. The eye-popping amount comes from the Celestiq being hand-built according to each buyer’s specifications (Cadillac calls it a “bespoke client experience”). Add more personal touches, and the price rises accordingly. Some examples will top $400,000.

In addition to the usual ultra-luxury trappings (like top-grain leather and genuine wood), the Celstiq features a dual electric motor propulsion system making 600 horsepower. With the help of all-wheel drive, the Celestiq will reach 60 mph from a standstill in 3.8 seconds. However, six figures don’t translate into the class-leading range. Cadillac estimates a full charge with the Celestiq is good for about 300 miles.

2024 Aston Martin Valour

Let’s continue the over-the-top vehicle trend with the Aston Martin Valour. Yet this hypercar is a bit of a throwback with design hints of the legendary V8 Vantage from the ‘70s and ‘80s. Under the sweeping hood is a twin-turbocharged 5.2-liter V12 engine making 705 horsepower. There’s not a hybrid system or electric traction motor in sight. Further, the drivetrain is managed by a six-speed manual transmission, a rarity nowadays. But what doesn’t inspire nostalgia is the price: $1.5 million.

If the window sticker doesn’t discourage buyers, then availability will. The company is making only 110 examples commemorating Aston Martin’s founding in 1913. These lucky few can select from an extensive options list, ensuring each Valour is distinctive. But what’s truly significant about this car, which Aston Martin calls “the last of an era,” is it’s likely a farewell to twelve cylinders from the company.

2024 Lamborghini Revuelto

Lamborghini’s newest supercar, the Revuelto, also features a V12 but with a more technological twist. The 6.5-liter engine incorporates a hybrid system enhanced with three electric motors, delivering a combined output of over 1,000 horsepower. There’s even all-wheel-drive performance when the vehicle is in all-electric car mode. Taking the car to its extreme, a Revuelto driver can expect to reach 60 mph from a standstill in 2.5 seconds; the top speed is 217 mph.

The Revuelto’s looks don’t stray too far from its Aventador predecessor. Both share a dramatic profile and sculpted body panels that scream aggression and blistering performance. Compared to the Aston Martin Valour, the Revuelto is a bargain with a starting price of only $600,000.

2024 RAM 1500 Ramcharger

Upcoming cars get more down to earth with the RAM 1500 Ramcharger, a pickup with an unusual power source. Most pickups have a conventional engine (gas or diesel) under the hood, and some have hybrid technology. There are even all-electric trucks like the Ford F-150 Lightning, Chevrolet Silverado EV, and Rivian R1T. But the 1500 Ramcharger features a V6 that solely supports an electric generator, not drive axles. The resulting power goes to a battery system and front and rear electric motors.

In theory, the battery-electric range is limitless as long as the V6 can run. The idea is a pickup with the benefits of electric power without the worry of finding a charger. RAM is pledging noteworthy performance with the 1500 Ramcharger: 663 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The automaker also says this truck can tow up to 14,000 pounds.

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser

The legendary Land Cruiser returns to Toyota’s U.S. lineup with an all-new vehicle for the 2024 model year. The latest Land Cruiser emphasizes capability, featuring a design that honors the company’s longest-running nameplate. Power comes from a 2.4-liter engine that combines turbocharging and a hybrid system to produce a gutsy 326 horsepower.

In addition, Toyota has packaged the newest Land Cruiser to be modestly smaller than the last generation to enhance its off-road prowess, further supported by a new suspension and full-time four-wheel drive system. While Toyota wants shoppers to be reminded of the original Land Cruiser, this latest edition is anything but old school. Technology includes a large center-stack touchscreen and a suite of advanced driver-assist features.

Extended Warranty Coverage for New and Used Cars

While thinking about the latest cars can be exciting, such thoughts can overshadow the reality of ownership, whether new or old, and vehicles can break down. A new car warranty offers some protection, but these safeguards don’t last forever – generally three years or 30,000 miles. Adding an extended car warranty (also called an auto protection plan or vehicle service contract) provides peace of mind when factory coverage ends. Endurance offers numerous vehicle service contracts, including powertrain protection or exclusionary coverage that can come close to a new car warranty. There are even plans for select luxury models and commercial-use vehicles.

All Endurance customers receive 24/7 roadside assistance (with towing coverage and lockout assistance), rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption support. Plan holders can also choose any ASE Certified mechanic or repair facility for covered repairs. Plus, there’s a 30-day free-look period to decide if you are satisfied with your coverage.

Discover all the advantages of an Endurance auto protection plan by requesting a FREE quote or visiting our online store for instant cost and coverage details. Call (800) 253-8203 for one-on-one assistance to speak with an Endurance plan advisor.

Explore the Endurance blog for insightful articles about car care, maintenance advice, vehicle reviews, and more.

FAQs

Will 2024 be a better year to buy a car?

Vehicle availability is improving, and manufacturers are increasing incentives, but it’s still too early to know if these positive signs will continue throughout 2024. At the same time, used car prices are still well above what they were before the pandemic. The best way to approach car buying in 2024 is with diligent research, patience, and flexibility.

What is the best car in the 2020s?

The leading candidates so far for the best car of the 2020s (based on a combination of critical acclaim, sales success, and owner satisfaction) include the Tesla Model 3, Toyota Camry, Honda CR-V, and Ford F-150. However, new electric models from established and startup automakers aim to shake up opinions as the decade progresses. We’ll have to wait for what the future brings.

What car companies will release new cars in 2024?

Dozens of all-new and redesigned models are set to launch in 2024. Some of the most significant 2024 cars (not mentioned above) include:

• Audi A6 e-Tron
• BMW X2
• Chevrolet Equinox
• Fiat 500E
• GMC Sierra EV
• Hyundai Santa Fe
• Jeep Recon
• Kia EV5
• Lexus GX
• Lucid Gravity
• Mercedes-Benz E Class
• Nissan Armada
• Polestar 3
• Porsche Macan
• Subaru Forester
• Tesla Cybertruck
• Toyota 4Runner