Most-Anticipated New Car Releases: Spring 2021

Things are finally starting to look up after the COVID-19 pandemic, with the automotive industry getting a hold of the issues that led to shortages. With things returning to normal, or at least the new normal, we expect to see some new models finally go on sale this spring.

While automakers are now facing a chip shortage because of the coronavirus, they’re prioritizing all-new vehicles and popular cars. So, while some vehicles are being put on the backburner, these upcoming vehicles should go on sale without any hiccups. With warm weather right around the corner, these are our most-anticipated car releases for spring 2021.

2022 Honda Civic

The Honda Civic has been a stalworth option in the compact segment. For the 2022 model year, we expect the Civic to arrive with a grown-up design that will be a sharp contrast to the boy-racer look of the current model. Honda has killed the Civic coupe, so we only expect the 2022 model to be offered in sedan and hatchback bodies. High-performance Si and Type-R trims will also be available, though those will likely come out after the regular model. Honda will also give the Civic’s interior an overhaul for 2022 with simpler lines and a more high-end design, while interior space will remain the same.

The all-new Civic is expected to go on sale this spring, while the hatchback will arrive shortly after. The sporty Si and Type R will go on sale after that. Pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but we expect the model to cost more than the current Civic, which carries a price tag of $22,245 including destination.

Learn more about the 2022 Honda Civic »

2022 Kia Stinger

The Kia Stinger was a stunning machine when the South Korean automaker introduced the model in 2018. Five years into its current generation, Kia is looking to give the Stinger a few updates. On the outside, the 2022 Kia Stinger gets some more aggressive touches for a sportier look. Underneath the hood, the upcoming Stinger now comes with more powerful engines, which include a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a twin-turbo 3.3-liter V6. Interior materials have been updated, too, while there’s a new optional 10.3-inch infotainment display.

Pricing for the 2022 Stinger starts at $37,135 including destination. The 2022 Kia Stinger is now arriving at dealerships.

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2022 Mitsubishi Outlander

The compact SUV segment is red hot with automakers throwing nearly everything but the kitchen sink at their respective options to gain any type of ground against competitors. With the Mitsubishi Outlander, the automaker relied on the SUV’s available third row of seats and available plug-in hybrid powertrain as its main calling cards. That changes for the 2022 model year, as the Outlander has been fully redesigned to be a bold compact SUV with a spacious cabin and high-tech features.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander will come with three rows of seating as standard – an oddity for the class – and a daring design thanks to a new edition of the automaker’s Dynamic Shield. The compact SUV has a wheelbase that’s 1.4 inches longer than before, which results in a roomier cabin. Under the hood, the Outlander comes with a 181-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Mitsubishi has made quite a lot of changes to the SUV's tech features, as the 2022 Outlander can be fitted with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 9-inch touchscreen, a 10.8-inch head-up display, and wireless Apple CarPlay. On the inside, the Outlander is worlds apart from the previous generation, as the 2022 model year has dramatically moved upstream.

Based on initial impressions, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander looks like it should be a smashing hit. The compact SUV is expected to go on sale later this spring. Pricing for the Outlander will start at $26,990 including destination.

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2022 Infiniti QX55

Sporty SUVs with coupe-like styling have become incredibly popular and Infiniti is looking to enter the scene. The upcoming 2022 Infiniti QX55 is set to expand the Japanese automaker’s SUV lineup, while featuring a sloped roofline for a dramatic design. While the QX55 will share the same platform as the QX50 and the same turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder variable-compression engine, its more aggressive design, and standard all-wheel-drive system will help it stand out from its stablemates.

With its sporty roofline, the QX55 trades versatility for design. Cargo room in the QX55 is rated at 26.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which is competitive for the class, but well behind the QX50 (37 cubic feet). The four-cylinder engine in the QX55 is unique because it can automatically adjust its compression ratio to maximize power or fuel depending on what the driver wants. For the QX55, Infiniti has retuned the engine and updated the CVT to respond quicker.

The QX55 will officially go on sale later this spring with a starting price tag of $46,525 with destination. That undercuts the competition and makes the QX55 a strong value option.

Learn more about the 2022 Infiniti QX55 »