Top 10 Cars We're Excited About in 2019

Sami Haj-Assaad
by Sami Haj-Assaad

We’re setting our sights on a whole new year of automotive excellence. We can’t wait to see what new cars debut in 2019, but there are a few that have already caught our eye. We can’t wait to drive these new cars or see them fully revealed. Here’s what we’re looking forward to:

Kia Soul

Making its debut at the 2018 L.A. Auto Show, the Kia Soul is an interesting little car that manages to fulfill a number of consumer demands. It’s spacious yet fuel efficient. It’s affordable and attractive. It’s quirky and cool. It’s hard not to like the Soul and we bet that it’ll be even better to drive than it was in past generations. There will also be a Soul EV, which basically bundles the Kona EVs powertrain with a cool new look.

See Also: 2020 Kia Soul and Soul EV Debut


Lincoln Aviator

When was the last time anyone said they were looking forward to a Lincoln? Then again, when was the last time Lincoln brought out a vehicle with 600 lb-ft of torque? The Aviator is also extremely attractive, taking the interior and exterior design language from the well-received Lincoln Navigator and applying it to a smaller canvas. Yes, the Aviator will be a bit smaller, but it comes with a ton of equipment. A plug-in hybrid version will be coming, but there’s also an air suspension that can scan the road ahead and pre-adjust the suspension to smooth out the ride as much as possible. Sounds like and looks like a winner all around.

See Also: 2020 Lincoln Aviator Debuts with 600 lb-ft, Turbo PHEV Powertrain


Land Rover Defender

A Land Rover Defender is on the way to North America, finally. It seems like we’re getting ready for a new work-horse that is sure to be a hit — people seem to love boxy off-road-ready SUVs. If the Wrangler doesn’t do it for you and you have no faith in the upcoming Ford Bronco, the Defender is probably what you’re waiting for.

See Also: 2020 Land Rover Defender Coming to the USA


Jeep Gladiator

It’s a Jeep Wrangler with more utility! What more could you ask for?!

See Also: Everything you need to know about the Jeep Gladiator


Polestar 1

This is an exclusive sports car from Volvo spin-off brand Polestar. The body is made from carbon fiber, which is wild, but the automaker pairs that lightweight tech with some high-speed tech. Using a plug-in hybrid powertrain, it features 600 horsepower and 730 lb-ft of torque and can travel about 90 miles on a single charge. With a production run of just 500 cars a year, it’ll be interesting to see how many people pick up the tab on this $155,000.

See Also: Polestar 1 costs more than BMW i8, Acura NSX


Porsche Taycan

But if we’re going to bring up any electrified vehicle, it’ll be hard to ignore the upcoming Porsche Taycan. In fact, the brand has recently boosted production due to the high demand. The brand’s Tesla Model S competitor will feature 600 horsepower from its two electric motors, which allows it to hit highways speeds in just 3.5 seconds. The automaker is also looking to introduce a fast-charging system: it uses an 800V system that will provide 250 miles of range in just 15 minutes. Maximum range is 310 miles, and the brand is hoping to feature a price that starts in the low $90,000 range. This will be an interesting year for EVs thanks to the introduction of the Taycan.

See Also: 2020 Porsche Taycan: 600 hp and 310 Miles of Range


Mercedes-AMG One

There are going to be a few Formula One-inspired vehicles arriving next year, and while there are no chances we’ll actually get to drive one, it’s still extremely exciting to see these ultra-high-performance cars get made. One of the most highly anticipated examples is the Mercedes-AMG One, which will utilize a 1.6-liter turbocharged V6 and a hybrid powertrain that makes over 1,000 horsepower. The vehicle also weighs less than 2,900 lbs and will feature a top speed in excess of 220 mph. Simply put, this is going to be crazy.


Chevrolet Corvette C8

Are the rumors real? Are we getting a mid-engined Chevrolet Corvette? It seems that way based on the spy photos and the slow tease of information. It seems like the automaker is set on making a supercar to deflate the Ford GT, and this Corvette might be it. We were supposed to see it this January, but apparently, some last-minute issues are causing the debut to be delayed. Time will tell if this is still just a pipe dream or if we’ll actually get the new ‘vette or not.


Ford Bronco

People can’t wait to see Ford’s Jeep Wrangler fighter, and we’re expecting a very rugged-looking truck that will look to take a chunk out of the Jeep’s success and market share. We expect it to feature a boxy look, a removable roof, and solid front and rear axles. While we likely won’t drive the vehicle in 2019, we should get a full reveal and more specs soon.

See Also: 2019 Ford Ranger Review


Toyota Supra

Who hasn’t been waiting to see the Supra completely uncovered? The new Toyota sports car is coming and everyone is annoyed or excited about it. Enthusiasts are divided because all the hardware in the new Supra is actually from BMW. The turbocharged straight-six is from the German automaker, and many are worried that the typically rock-solid reliability expected from Toyota will be lost. Time will tell, but at least we can let you sleep soundly with the promise that this is a fun-to-drive sports car. We drove an early version back in 2018 and it didn’t disappoint thanks to its excellent power delivery and tons of grip.

Discuss this article on our Porsche Taycan Forum

Sami Haj-Assaad
Sami Haj-Assaad

Sami has an unquenchable thirst for car knowledge and has been at AutoGuide for the past six years. He has a degree in journalism and media studies from the University of Guelph-Humber in Toronto and has won multiple journalism awards from the Automotive Journalist Association of Canada. Sami is also on the jury for the World Car Awards.

More by Sami Haj-Assaad

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