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The SUV landscape is changing quickly. Manufacturers are ramping up production of new electric SUVs, new hybrids, and luxury models that will need to bring the goods if they want to compete. For 2023, some of the most important SUVs will come from Honda and Mercedes-Benz as they try to update their best-selling models. But Cadillac, Subaru, and Genesis are diving head-first into the EV space with new models that they’re hoping will bring new buyers into their showrooms.

The 2023 Honda CR-V will replace the brand’s best-selling SUV

A teaser image of the front of a Honda CR-V
New for 2023 Honda CR-V | Honda

The new for 2023 CRV is important for Honda because it’s the company’s best-selling SUV. So far Honda hasn’t released much about the new CR-V, but we do know a few key things. It will offer seven seats. The CR-V will have a new hybrid drive that’s expected to deliver “a sportier driving experience,” according to Honda. It will also have a much more rugged look to it. Though the Honda CR-V is a great SUV, it was time for a refresh. The current model was released in 206 as a 2017 model, and even that model didn’t look too different from the previous generation.

A lot is riding on the new Mercedes GLC-Class

A teaser image of the 2023 Mercedes GLC which will be an SUV to watch in 2023.
A teaser image of the 2023 Mercedes GLC | Mercedes Benz

The Mercedes Benz GLC is Benz’s best-selling vehicle ever. That’s hard to believe considering the slew of C-Class cars and E-Class cars we see on the road. But the GLC combines a perky 2-liter four-cylinder (or a monster 503-horsepower AMG engine) with a richly-appointed cabin that lives up to Benz’s reputation, some off-road ability, and a good looks. The new GLC is expected to bring the company’s new 48-volt hybrid system to add some extra punch and the ability to go several miles in electric-only mode.

The Lyriq will be Cadillac’s first EV SUV

The Cadillac Lyriq electric vehicle is ahead of schedule and is an SUV to watch.
A Cadillac Lyriq electric vehicle at the Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition | HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP via Getty Images

Those with long memories will remember the ELR, which was Cadillac’s first attempt at an EV car. It didn’t succeed, but the brand learned from its experience of putting a luxury interior on a Bolt and instead has designed the Lyriq from the ground up as an EV. Yes, some Lyriqs are available now, but they’re 2023 models, and AWD will be coming soon. The base model has 340 horsepower, while the dual-motor AWD version will have about 500 horsepower. It starts at about $60,000 and tops out at a little more than $65,000. This SUV will be pivotal in determining Cadillac’s place in the luxury EV space.

Genesis needs the GV60 to establish it in the EV SUV space

Yellow 2023 Genesis GV60 kicking up some dirt and showing off the fun
Yellow 2023 Genesis GV60 | Genesis

The new 2023 GV60 is hitting showrooms this summer. The Genesis brand has had hits with the GV80 and GV70 earning awards and the admiration of the automotive press. But the GV60 is Genesis’ first EV. In the base Advanced model, which starts at $58,890, it will have a 248-mile range and 324 horsepower. The Performance version should pack a punch with a 429-horsepower dual-motor system with all-wheel drive. It will likely put the Tesla Model X and the Cadillac Lyric on notice that Genesis isn’t here to play around.

Subaru has a lot to prove with the new Solterra

2023 Subaru Solterra range
2023 Subaru Solterra | Subaru of America, Inc.

The new 2023 Subaru Solterra is key to Subaru keeping its hold on the small wagonesque world of SUVs. The Solterra is an EV, too, and like its gas-powered cousins it will feature Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive. But it will also have 8.3 inches of ground clearance and the X-MODE , which should give it some off-road chops. Subaru is also packing a lot of driver aids and other technology into he Solterra, like a 360-degree camera and a its clever EyeSight Driver Assist Technology.

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