Skip to main content

Auto Shows are a great way to showcase the latest and greatest cars, SUVs, trucks, EVs, concepts, and anything else meant to go zoom. Not everything that automakers reveal to the public is a winner, though. Sometimes cars are white noise or so bad that they’re failed on arrival. According to Cars.com, these newcomers are the best and worst of the 2022 New York Auto Show.

2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale is a little SUV with the Alfa Romeo spirit

2022 New York Auto Show: Best and Worst
Alfa Romeo Tonale | Uli Deck, Getty Images

The 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale is a compact SUV with a couple of options to offer. The first option is a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and the second is a controversial plug-in hybrid (PHEV) application. Despite the controversy, the staff at Cars.com seem optimistic about the new Alfa Romeo SUV, citing “terrific looks” and pleasant interior roominess for a small SUV.

The 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale: Winner

2023 Hyundai Palisade was universally loved by Cars.com staff at the 2022 New York Auto Show

2022 New York Auto Show: Best and Worst
2023 Hyundai Palisade | Hyundai

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade is an unfortunately-styled SUV continuing the Palisade line. The new Palisade reportedly retains the interior space and comfort, with an updated infotainment screen. The combination of welcome updates and established merit makes the 2023 Hyundai Palisade an SUV to consider.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade at the 2022 New York Auto Show: Winner

2023 Kia Niro is a trendy little hatchback with no shortage of options

2023 Kia Niro | Redline

Kia’s new Niro is a handsome little hatchback with usable space. The 2023 Kia Niro sports an eye-catching, functional set of Aero Blades and a fresh take on interior styling. Also, the exterior colors can more closely match the Aero Blades to lessen the contrast. The 2023 Kia Niro is yet another quirky hatch with a big personality at the New York Auto Show.

The 2023 Kia Niro: Winner

2023 Kia Telluride is the controversial and latest addition to the Telluride line

2022 New York Auto Show: Best, Worst, Winners, and Losers
2023 Kia Telluride | Kia

The Kia Telluride is established as a three-row alternative to other more tenured SUVs. However, the 2023 Kia Telluride sports a recent design refresh, which may have had a negative impact. The Cars.com staff feel that the redesign did more harm than good, with the only positive point being that Kia deleted the yellow rectangular lights from the front fascia.

The 2023 Kia Telluride at the 2022 New York Auto Show: Loser

The 2023 Jeep Wagoneer L and Grand Wagoneer L and reportedly both good-to-go

2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer L | Redline

Jeep’s Wagoneer line is already a quality choice in the SUV market. These new L editions denote a long wheelbase. That long wheelbase designation means Jeep lengthened the  Wagoneer L and Grand Wagoneer L by 12 inches. In addition to the extra size, the Wagoneers will have turbocharged six-cylinder engines with more than enough power and torque to suffice.

The 2023 Jeep Wagoneer L and Grand Wagoneer L: Winner

2023 Nissan Leaf just didn’t cut it at the New York Auto Show

The new iteration of the Nissan Leaf EV does not feature much in terms of updates for the 2023 model. While the Leaf has merit, the lack of recent improvement makes it less of a contender in today’s compact EV market.

The 2023 Nissan Leaf at the 2022 New York Auto Show: Loser

2023 Subaru Outback isn’t what it used to be

2022 New York Auto Show: Best, Worst, Winners, and Losers
Subaru Outback | Subaru

Much like the Nissan Leaf, the new model Outback lacks an abundance of updates. The 2023 Subaru Outback sees infotainment upgrades and a redesigned front fascia. So while the Outback still has merit, it certainly doesn’t win the New York Auto Show.

The 2023 Subaru Outback: Loser

Volkswagen ID. Buzz is a hotly-anticipated beach cruiser EV that stole the New York Auto Show

2022 New York Auto Show: Best and Worst
Volkswagen ID.Buzz | Getty Images

The Volkswagen ID. Buzz takes inspiration directly from the old-school VW vans of yesteryear. The Cars.com crew agrees that simply looking at the ID. Buzz makes people happy, as it certainly did at the 2022 New York Auto Show. Unfortunately, the cargo van variant will likely not be available in the North American market.

Volkswagen ID. Buzz: Winner

Related

5 Best Full-Size Cars Under $40,000 for 2022 Says True Car