Five 2024 cars worth the wait

To give you the inside scoop on what’s to come in the next three to six months, Edmunds’ auto experts have selected five vehicles that promise they’ll be worth the wait.

The Kia EV9’s price, practicality and futuristic design could make it a game-changing electric vehicle. While some electric cars offer three rows of seating, few have anything close to adequate levels of space for adults out there. Compared to much more expensive competitors, the EV9’s relatively reasonable starting price of around $55,000 and huge list of standard features means this electric SUV will be a hit. Think of it as more of an electric cousin to the Kia Telluride midsize SUV. The EV9 will be available with rear- and all-wheel drive and will have a range of up to 300 miles. Inside, the tech-focused cabin has two 12.3-inch displays, along with a handy 5-inch screen between them dedicated solely to cabin temperature settings.

Expected release date: Late 2023

The Tacoma is the best-selling midsize pickup truck in the United States. As such, it’s a big problem anytime a new Tacoma comes out. The rebooted 2024 Tacoma features a bold new exterior design inspired by its full-size sibling, the Tundra. Behind that bold grille, Toyota has replaced both the previous Tacoma’s four-cylinder engines and optional V6 engines with a turbocharged four-cylinder. It comes in several different versions under the title of a fuel-efficient hybrid that also makes 326 horsepower. Among the many trim levels, the newly added Trailhunter is newsworthy. It has an off-road-specific suspension system, large all-terrain tires, a steel rear bumper, and even a snorkeling air intake that can help reduce the chance of dust and dirt being sucked into the engine when driving on dusty terrain.

Expected release date: Late 2023

Honda is jumping fully into the electric vehicle market in 2024 with the all-new Prologue. This SUV is a fresh alternative for shoppers who might be considering the likes of the Tesla Model Y, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Hyundai Ioniq 5. The automaker is known for building fuel-friendly, budget-friendly cars and SUVs, and it’s kind of a thing. A late arrival to the booming EV field. But good things come to those who wait. The Prologue is slightly longer than its competitors and has plenty of space for rear passengers. Front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions will be offered, and maximum range on a full charge is expected to be around 300 miles. It is also worth noting that Honda’s luxury brand Acura is bringing out its version of the Prologue under the name ZDX.

Expected release date: Early 2024

Love it or hate it, you’ll never lose this stunning 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe in a parking lot. From many angles, Hyundai’s family-friendly mainstream now looks like a more extreme version of the go-anywhere Land Rover Defender. The Santa Fe’s angular shape and sharp front and rear ends make it instantly stand out among a wide range of competitors. However, there’s more to this midsize SUV than just its design. Inside, there’s a spacious cargo area great for accommodating oversized items, three rows of seating, sleek-looking materials, and all of Hyundai’s latest technology features.

Expected release date: Early 2024

The Chevrolet Traverse midsize SUV has always been a great choice for shoppers who want plenty of space for passengers and cargo. But the rest of the SUV’s features may be disappointing. This is where the new 2024 model comes into play. And embedded technology takes a big leap forward here. A giant 17.7-inch central touchscreen is standard, as are wireless smartphone connectivity, six USB ports, and a sharp-looking digital gauge cluster. The highly regarded Super Cruise hands-free driving assistance feature is also now optional for the first time on the Traverse. Finally, an available all-terrain Z71 model will be offered for those who like to venture where the paved roads end.

Expected release date: Early 2024