Coming Soon: 10 New Cars Worth the Wait

Hyundai will bring a compact hybrid hatchback to the U.S. late this year, angling to take on Toyota's popular Prius. In addition to the hybrid, you'll see a plug-in hybrid and a full-electric version. The hybrid drivetrain consists of a 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and electric motor, with a total output of 139 hp, running through a six-speed automated-manual transmission. Hyundai is promising sportier driving characteristics than the mild-mannered Prius.

Available: Fall

It appears Mercedes-Benz has found a way to make its already excellent midsized sedan even more appealing. The wheelbase and overall length have increased for improved interior room, yet the car weighs less than its predecessor. An optional 12-inch display screen dominates the sophisticated interior, and the available steering-wheel infotainment controls can operate with swiping motions similar to a smartphone. The big Benz will be able to autonomously follow traffic, even on moderately winding roads, at speeds up to 81 mph. The base 2.0-liter, 241-hp turbo four-cylinder, mated to a nine-speed automatic, comes out first—with all-wheel drive, diesel, plug-in hybrid, and high-performance AMG variants showing up later.

Available: Summer
See our complete 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class preview.

After a two-year hiatus, the "pickup that drives like a car" is making a comeback. The first iteration in 2005 tried hard not to look like a pickup—which contributed to it being a commercial flop. The redesigned Ridgeline has more traditional styling. The bed is considerably wider and almost a half-foot longer, and again features a novel dual-action tailgate that can swing open sideways. There's also a lockable trunk in the bed. Thanks to an independent rear suspension and a unibody construction—both used more for cars than trucks—the Ridgeline should have decent ride and handling. The 3.5-liter V6 will make about 300 hp.

Available: Fall
See our complete Honda Ridgeline preview.

The LaCrosse flagship sedan benefits from an all-new structure that trims 300 pounds from its overall weight with lighter seats and chassis components, and high-strength steel. It has sleek styling—while maintaining the recognizable Buick interior. Inside, there's more passenger room, thanks to a 3-inch-longer wheelbase. A "floating" center console sprouts from the dashboard, and an 8-inch touch screen gives the in-car entertainment system a cinematic feel. The 3.6-liter V6 produces 305 hp and puts the power to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, with all-wheel drive optional.

Available: Summer
Watch our Buick LaCrosse video.

A second bit of Buick news is a reworked midsized crossover. The Envision is intended as a premium five-seater, slotted between the diminutive Encore and the seven-seat Enclave. Luxury abounds inside, and all-wheel drive and the latest active safety kit will be standard. Power comes from a 2.0-liter, 252-hp turbocharged four-cylinder. It will be the first Chinese-built, American-branded vehicle sold on our shores.

Available: Summer
Watch our Buick Envision video.

Not to be confused with the Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid-electric sedan, the Bolt is a new pure-electric small hatchback. Unlike most EVs, which struggle to crack 100 miles on a single charge, GM says the Bolt can travel more than 200 miles before running out of juice—a claim we will test when we buy a model for our facility. A DC fast-charger can recharge the Bolt to 80 percent capacity in an hour. With 200 hp on tap, it's claimed to hit 60 mph in just 7 seconds. The Bolt will sell for around $30,000, after government incentives.

Available: January 2017
See our complete Chevrolet Bolt preview.

We've driven an early build version of the new CX-9, and it seems like the driver's choice among three-row SUVs. Our experience indicates that handling is quite agile, the ride firm and composed, and the cabin serenely quiet—quite an achievement for a large crossover. The wheelbase has grown by 2 inches. Shedding 250 pounds in conjunction with dropping the old V6 in favor of a 2.5-liter, 227-hp turbo four-cylinder should help fuel economy. The interior of the top-trim Grand Touring is luxurious and inviting.

Available: May
Read our 2017 Mazda CX-9 first drive.

GMC's second-generation midsized SUV is 7 inches shorter in length, 3 inches narrower, and some 700 pounds lighter than its predecessor. Even though it's trimmer, you can still configure the Acadia for five, six, or seven passengers. With its lighter weight, and a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, the Acadia is EPA-rated at 28 mpg on the highway. A more powerful 310-hp, 3.6-liter V6 is optional. Available—but not standard—safety features include forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and lane-departure warning.

Available: Spring
See our complete GMC Acadia preview.

Those who crave a return of this American luxury icon have a striking new option for 2017. Although it's essentially a stretched Lincoln MKZ and Ford Fusion, the Continental is considerably larger and has different proportions. The interior is luxurious and feels well put together, and the sculpted front seats can adjust up to 30 ways for driver and passenger comfort. Engines range from a 3.7-liter V6 with around 300 hp to a 3.0-liter turbo-six with 400 hp. All-wheel drive will be optional.

Available: Fall
See our complete Lincoln Continental preview.

Ignore that Chrysler has renamed its Town & Country minivan after a late, unloved crossover. Focus instead on the new Pacifica's fast-looking windshield angle, sloping roofline, and sharp side creases that make this minivan a looker—no easy task. Chrysler claims class-leading interior room and noise suppression. The sliding doors can be opened by waving your foot under the doorsill, assuming the key fob is on you. The standard engine will be a 3.6-liter, 287-hp V6 paired with a nine-speed automatic. A plug-in version will be the first hybrid minivan sold in America.

Available: May
See our complete Chrysler Pacific preview.