There’s no time like the present to buy a new car. And if you’re in the market, you should do your due diligence before heading to the dealership. Not every new car will hold value, be reliable, provide a comfortable ride, or otherwise fit your needs and tastes. A well-respected automotive blog, Autotrader, has compiled a list of the best new cars of 2022, and the Volkswagen Golf GTI, Mercedes-AMG EQS, and Honda Civic top the list.

Volkswagen Golf GTI’s placement on Autotrader’s “Best New Cars” list

Technically, Autotrader’s “Best New Cars for 2022” list is not just a list of cars. It includes pickups and SUVs, as well as sedans. But all are distinguished by superior performance, styling, comfort, and tech. Any of the top three sedans that made the list are likely worthy of your serious consideration.

The third-highest sedan on the list, and number twelve overall, is the 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI. But don’t let its low placement fool you. The Golf GTI pairs affordability with performance and the redesigned 2022 model improves substantially upon previous generations. It comes with a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine paired with a manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Either gives you 241 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque and takes you from 0 to 60 mph in 6.0 seconds.

Inside, you’ll find a refurbished modern interior with two displays a 10.0-inch touchscreen and a 10.3-inch display cluster. It also offers a digital setup that is highly customizable and more robust than prior models. Standard, advanced safety features, such as lane-keeping assistance and lane-departure warning, and automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, round out this well-designed vehicle.

Autotrader’s best EV sedan, the Mercedes-AMG EQS

Looking for an EV? Opting for the Mercedes-AMG EQS will get you the luxury of a Mercedes-Benz in an eco-friendly vehicle. From its handsome exterior styling to its superior performance and handling, there’s no question that the luxury automaker can make an on-brand EV. Combining an AMG with EQS motors gets you a whopping 649 hp and 700 lb-ft of torque and propels you to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds.

However, for an EV, the range is key. The luxury stylings of a Mercedes aren’t worth it if you can’t get anywhere to show it off. Fortunately, the AMG EQS can get between 340 and 350 miles on a single charge, which is quite respectable for a luxury vehicle.

Despite its power, it’s really quiet inside, allowing the driver and passengers to take advantage of Mercedes’ signature Hyperscreen and premium sound system. There are many configuration options for the driver to receive detailed information about driving performance, well beyond “check engine light.” And all riders can enjoy their ride in comfort thanks to comfortable upscale seating. No wonder it’s the second-best sedan on the list and only ninth overall.

The Honda Civic, a perennial favorite

The Civic typically competes against vehicles like the Toyota Corolla, not Mercedes models. But the 2022 Honda Civic is a step up, with a fresh new exterior, and a better powertrain, among other improvements. The new Civic comes with either a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine or a 1.5-liter turbocharged one. The standard 2.0-liter provides the same 158 hp and 138 lb-ft of torque as previous models. But the 1.5 liter improves that by 6 hp and 15 lb-ft of torque, respectively. And the Civic Si trim manages to eke out 200 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque from the 1.5-liter option. 

Sixth on Autotrader’s overall list, the Civic provides greater cargo space than the Corolla sedan and arguably more comfort too. It’s also upgraded its touchscreen from a standard 5.0 to 7.0 inches. It’s not a Hyperscreen, but at around $22,000, you’re paying less than a sixth of the cost of the AMG EQS.

Honda has also stepped it up a notch in terms of safety with a redesigned frame that provides greater structural rigidity. The Civic also comes with Honda Sensing, its suite of advanced safety features that’s already very impressive. But there are also small improvements in its detection and camera capabilities as well.

These sedans may not round out the top three best vehicles of 2022 by Autotrader’s standards. But they do provide some compelling reasons for their inclusion on any list of the very best vehicles on the market today.