For many Canadians, a new year means new beginnings and new opportunities, but more importantly, for us here at AutoTrader, it also means new cars.
With electric vehicles (EVs) set to skyrocket in abundance and popularity over the coming years, it’s no surprise that 2022 will see the introduction of several new EV models. The new year will also have something to offer traditional driving enthusiasts, though, with several highly anticipated new performance vehicles also expected to arrive over the next 12 months or so.
In this list, we’ll count down the top 10 most exciting new vehicles to look forward to in 2022. We should note that some vehicles are referred to as 2022 model year products, whereas others are marked as being from the 2023 model year – but rest assured, all of these models are expected to launch in Canada at some point in the coming year.
Here are the most exciting new vehicles Canadians can look forward to in 2022.
10. 2023 Acura Integra
Acura has revived the iconic Integra name for a new performance liftback sedan that’s set to go on sale in mid- to late 2022. The Japanese luxury automaker provided a sneak preview of the 2023 Acura Integra by releasing photos of a prototype model earlier this year, which featured the automaker’s recognizable diamond pentagon grille, a high beltline, rearward-sloping roof, and narrow LED exterior light fixtures. Power will come from a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine, with an available six-speed manual transmission powering the front wheels. More details will be released in the run-up to its Canadian market launch next year.
9. 2023 Cadillac Lyriq
The fully electric 2023 Cadillac Lyriq will enter production early next year and will arrive in Canada shortly after. This electric crossover will launch with a single rear-mounted motor producing 340 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, with power coming from a 100-kWh lithium-ion battery. Driving range is expected to be around 480 kilometres. The interior is typical Cadillac fare, incorporating premium materials and a widescreen infotainment display. Prices will start at $69,898 including destination.
8. 2023 Nissan Z
The next iteration of Nissan’s storied Z sports car will arrive in Canada next year with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 producing 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque, along with standard six-speed manual transmission. Nissan has yet to confirm Canadian pricing, although the base model is expected to start at around $40,000. Initial deliveries will commence early in the new year. Driving enthusiasts seem to be fans of the rear-wheel-drive coupe’s retro-inspired design.
7. 2022 Honda Civic Type R
Above: Current-generation Civic Type R.
The Honda Civic Type R will pick up where the outgoing model left off, introducing a more powerful 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine and more grown-up exterior styling – although the large rear wing and funky triple-tip centre-exit exhaust will remain. The next-generation Civic Type R is also expected to introduce a new dual-clutch automatic transmission to help it battle rivals like the Hyundai Elantra N and Volkswagen Golf R. Up until this, it was only offered with a six-speed manual transmission. We expect this hot hatchback to arrive late in the 2022 model year.
6. 2022 Nissan Ariya
Yet another exciting new EV is set to hit the market next year in the way of the Nissan Ariya. The Ariya, which is Nissan’s first battery-electric crossover model, will come standard with a 65-kWh battery and will also be offered with a 90-kWh long-range battery. The Ariya will be available with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or AWD, with single-motor FWD models good for 221 horsepower and 214 lb-ft of torque and dual-motor AWD models producing 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque.
The Ariya was supposed to begin North American deliveries in late 2021 and was thus included in our “Top 10 Cars to Look Forward to in 2021” list, but production delays have pushed its arrival back to 2022. We’re still excited for it!
5. 2022 Kia EV6
The Kia EV6 is a more premium electric vehicle offering from the Korean automaker than the Niro EV or Soul EV, incorporating more upscale exterior styling and an interior with a premium look and feel. The crossover will come standard with a 58-kWh lithium-ion battery, rear-wheel drive, and a 167-horsepower electric motor. A long-range 77.4-kWh lithium-ion battery will also be available, giving the RWD model an estimated range of 510 kilometres. Rear-wheel drive will come standard in the EV6, although customers can also order AWD for a price premium.
4. 2023 GMC Hummer EV Pickup
The 2023 GMC Hummer EV Pickup entered production this year, but with GM prioritizing U.S. deliveries, the truck won’t arrive in Canada until late 2022. This massive, 4,000-plus-kilogram battery-electric truck will launch with a 1,000-horsepower tri-motor powertrain and a 200-kWh battery, giving it a maximum driving range of roughly 529 kilometres. Less-powerful dual-motor models will also arrive at a later date, which will be rated at around 625 horsepower. Canadian pricing has not yet been announced.
3. 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 shares the same EV platform with the Kia EV6, but trades the contemporary exterior styling for a retro-inspired look that has so far been well-received. In addition to a nicely appointed interior with a large infotainment display, the Ioniq 5 also offers up to 480 kilometres of range when equipped with the 77.4-kWh battery and front-wheel drive. The Canadian order books for this innovative new electric crossover are open now, with initial deliveries set to commence before the new year. Prices start at $46,951 including destination.
2. 2022 Rivian R1T
The Rivian R1T is a new full-sized battery-electric pickup truck from the California-based EV startup that has already received rave reviews. The truck is offered with a 135-kWh or larger 180-kWh battery, with the smaller pack giving the truck about 505 km of range and the larger one about 600 kilometres. Drivers seem to be loving the retro-inspired styling and the truck’s unique, innovative features, and clever packaging.
1. 2022 Ford Lightning
The Ford F-150 Lightning may be the most highly anticipated car of 2022. This battery-electric pickup truck will be available in standard-range and extended-range form, with the standard battery providing an estimated 370 kilometres of range and the extended battery proving around 483 kilometres of range. Similarly, the standard-range F-150 Lightning produces 426 horsepower, while the extended-range model will make 563 horsepower. Prices for the fleet-focused Pro trim start at $59,950 with destination, while consumer trims (including in XLT, Lariat and Platinum trim levels) start at $69,950 including destination.
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