10 new SUVs coming soon—and worth the wait

By Nelson Ireson

Look for these 2024 and 2025 model years this fall, or next year

The new model year is upon us, and the new SUVs are arriving or coming soon, just in time for crisp air, changing leaves, and the holiday season. New models, significant redesigns, SUVs ranging from the small and nimble to the large and rugged, and even five EVs are on this year's list.

Whether you're looking for a new SUV for yourself or a loved one, these new SUVs are worth the wait.

10. 2025 Volvo EX30

Available for preorder now, the 2025 Volvo EX30 is an SUV worth waiting for not only because it's stylish, affordably luxurious, and electric but because it's also Volvo's smallest SUV and its greenest vehicle to date.

Starting from just $34,950 in EX30 Core form, the new Volvo EV SUV gets Volvo's (VLVLY) full slate of cutting-edge driver-assist and safety tech, as well as an elegant, simplified cabin. Despite the small size, Volvo aims to make the EX30 as roomy as possible through smart design and layout.

Two powertrain variants will be offered. There's a rear-wheel-drive (RWD), single-motor base model rated for 268 horsepower. The dual-motor all-wheel-drive, 422-horsepower variant will become Volvo's quickest-accelerating car ever, at a claimed 3.4 seconds to 60 mph. The single-motor models get 275 miles of range, while the dual-motor models get 265 miles. First deliveries in the U.S. are expected in mid-2024.

You might like: 18 new EVs to watch for in 2024

9. 2024 Acura ZDX

Although it shares its Ultium underpinnings with the Chevrolet Equinox EV and Honda Prologue, the 2024 Acura ZDX has a distinctive look and offers more range, up to 325 miles. As well as being Acura's first-ever all-electric vehicle, it will also be its first vehicle to be sold exclusively online. Like other Ultium models, there are single-motor and dual-motor variants. Unlike the others, the base ZDX with a single motor and RWD generates 340 horsepower, while the dual-motor AWD ZDX Type S cranks out 500 horsepower.

The new ZDX will be the first Acura vehicle in the U.S. to offer the brand's partial self-driving system called Hands Free Cruise. It will be part of the AcuraWatch360+ safety system. The ZDX is expected to start around $60,000. Presales will start later this year, and the first deliveries will be in early 2024.

8. 2024 Lexus TX

A completely new model from Lexus designed to slot in above the RX alongside the more off-road-focused GX and LX, the 2024 Lexus TX expands on the themes of comfort and capacity. With 3-row seating and more interior space than the RX, the TX is aimed at large or growing families on the go with a penchant for premium materials and design. Sharing its core architecture with the recently launched Toyota Grand Highlander, the 2024 TX offers a conventional and hybrid powertrain. Unlike the Toyota (TM), the TX also offers a plug-in hybrid, or PHEV, powertrain option.

See: The new 2024 Lexus GX is updated with more power, a bold exterior and a rugged new off-road model

Lexus hasn't released full powertrain and feature details yet, but the company says the TX PHEV will go 33 miles on electricity and score 30 mpg combined. Those are significant figures for a large luxury SUV. The 2024 Lexus TX arrives in gasoline and hybrid forms this fall, with the PHEV model to follow at a later date.

Learn more: What is EV, BEV, HEV, PHEV? Here's your guide to types of electric cars

7. 2024 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse isn't an all-new model but a thorough redesign of one of the brand's most popular family SUVs. Starting around $37,000, with 3-row seating, ample interior space, and a rugged new look, the 2024 Traverse should begin arriving in dealerships in early 2024. The base engine is a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder rated for 315 horsepower -- an upgrade from the current V6.

New to the Traverse lineup is an off-road-focused Z71 variant. Also new is the availability of Super Cruise, General Motors' (GM) partial self-driving technology. Chevy claims best-in-class cargo capacity at 98 cubic feet. That means the new Traverse is ever so slightly more capacious than the new Toyota Grand Highlander.

6. 2024 Lexus GX

With a futuristic, imposing new look and a host of new technology, the 2024 Lexus GX is an all-new reimagining of the familiar nameplate. It has a base starting price of around $60,000, seating for seven, and the latest in Lexus luxury and design. That gears up the GX to go up against segment stalwarts, including the Audi Q7, BMW X5 (XE:BMW), and Land Rover Discovery. A 349-horsepower twin-turbo V6 drives the wheels through a 10-speed transmission and delivers up to 8,000 pounds of towing capacity. Also on board will be the latest in Toyota safety, with the inclusion of the Safety System 3.0. A hybrid variant of the GX is due to arrive sometime after the model's retail sale starts in early 2024.

5. 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

Completely redesigned for the new model year, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe promises changes to more than just the sheet metal. It has a crisp-edged, futuristic design, more interior space, more sustainable materials, fresh tech, and a choice of turbocharged or hybrid powertrains.

Pricing for the new 2024 Santa Fe is expected to start around the mid-$30,000s. We expect top-tier models to be priced around the mid-$40,000s. Its longer wheelbase should increase both cargo space and passenger comfort. That makes the available 3-row seating even more useful. We'll have to wait until the Santa Fe goes on sale in early 2024 to find out for ourselves.

4. 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV

The Chevrolet Equinox is already a familiar sight on America's roads. Soon, there'll be a much more dramatically styled all-electric version available, due to arrive this fall, in the form of the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV. Another 5-seater, the Equinox SUV offers up to 300 miles of range (GM's estimate). It can gain 70 miles of range in 10 minutes of charging with DC fast charging. It also offers a 17.7-inch display in some configurations.

Based on GM's Ultium platform, the Equinox EV shares its core architecture with other GM vehicles as well as some Honda and Acura vehicles, including the Honda (HMC) Prologue and Acura ZDX, also on this list.

Don't miss: How long you can expect an electric car to last

3. 2024 Honda Prologue

The 2024 Honda Prologue is an all-new model from Honda. It's based on the Ultium platform from GM but designed and engineered by Honda. Due to reach retail sale in early 2024, the Prologue's 2-row, 5-passenger layout is similar to that of the Honda CR-V or Passport. However, the Prologue is longer and lower than either. Its nearly 122-inch wheelbase should translate to lots of passenger space, as well as a confirmed 102.6 cubic feet of room in the cabin.

Honda expects range to be 300 miles, and all-wheel drive will be available. Honda has announced that AWD models will have an estimated 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque. Trim levels are EX, Touring, and Elite. The Prologue is set up to use DC fast charging, netting 65 miles of range in about 10 minutes.

Read more: The 2024 Honda Prologue: Honda's new electric SUV is attractive and spacious. When can you get one?

2. 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser

An icon of the SUV world, especially among enthusiastic off-roaders, the Toyota Land Cruiser is due to return after a 3-year hiatus. Expected to reach dealers in spring 2024, the new Land Cruiser is a hybrid by default. Full-time 4-wheel drive and low-range gearing are also included. Steel skid plates, an electronically disconnectable front anti-roll bar, and lots of ground clearance further enhance the off-road cred. With seating for five, reasonable exterior dimensions, and 326 horsepower from its hybrid 4-cylinder powertrain, the Land Cruiser is shaping up to be one of 2024's most interesting debuts.

Read more: Toyota's iconic Land Cruiser is reborn and redesigned--and they nailed it. When can you get one?

1. 2024 Kia EV9

Like something straight out of a sci-fi movie, the 2024 Kia EV9's looks are thoroughly futuristic and high-tech. All-electric, with 3-row seating for up to seven occupants, the EV9 is large and capacious, with 20.2 cubic feet of storage space behind the third row. The base EV9 gets a 76.1-kWh battery good for 223 miles of range. The top-spec model gets a 99.8-kWh battery and about 300 miles of range. Both models are RWD. A more powerful dual-motor AWD variant will also be available, offering up to 270 miles of range.

Learn more: The new 2024 Kia EV9: Here's a more affordable electric option for big families

Kia says a DC fast charger can take the EV9 from 10% to 80% charge in just 25 minutes -- fast even among new EVs. Kia's latest driver-assist tech and in-cabin infotainment will also be on offer. Pricing starts at $54,900.

This story originally ran on KBB.com.

-Nelson Ireson

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10-09-23 0502ET

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