With so many options, how do you know where to start your new-car search? For buyers not content to just buy the same car every five or six years, the new-car market can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be that way. With the comprehensive Motor Trend ultimate buying guides and our online buyer’s guide features, we’ve got you covered. So search for your favorite cars below to get the basics on every new car and minivan available today (or soon). You’ll find engine specs, info on what’s new compared to last year’s models, and even IntelliChoice five-year retained value figures on many models.
Yes, you’ve got options; let us help with our buyer’s guide tools.
KEY- 5M: 5-speed manual
- 6A: 6-speed automatic
- 6-sp auto-cl man: 6-speed auto-clutch manual
- 7-sp twin-cl auto: 7-speed twin-clutch automatic
- FWD: front-wheel drive
- AWD: all-wheel drive
- RWD: rear-wheel drive
ALL-NEW
New inside and out, possible powertrain changes
MAJOR
Mid-cycle change updates, minor powertrain changes
MINOR
Special editions, significant new features
UNCHANGED
Minor trim or package changes, new colors
NHTSA AND IIHS RATINGS:
NHTSA and IIHS safety data is derived from recent model years.
INTELLICHOICE
Five-year retained value data may apply to common vehicle variants, not an average of all model variants.
| New Cars in the 2018 New Car Buyer’s Guide | |||
| Acura | Dodge | Kia | Mitsubishi |
| Alfa Romeo | Ferrari | Lamborghini | Nissan |
| Aston Martin | Fiat | Lexus | Porsche |
| Audi | Ford | Lincoln | Rolls-Royce |
| Bentley | Genesis | Lotus | Smart |
| BMW | Honda | Maserati | Subaru |
| Buick | Hyundai | Mazda | Tesla |
| Cadillac | Infiniti | McLaren | Toyota |
| Chevrolet | Jaguar | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Chrysler | Karma | Mini | Volvo |
Base Price: $29,500*
Body Type: Sedan
Unchanged: After its extensive 2016 refresh, we don’t expect any significant changes to the 2018 Acura ILX. An optional A-Spec package adds a sporty bodykit, 18-inch wheels, and suede seat inserts. Although a 2016 ILX A-Spec we tested wasn’t as quick as some of its competitors, we liked the smooth engine and transmission and the quiet and well-appointed cabin. We expect Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to join the option list soon.
Also Consider: Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, Audi A3, Buick Regal.
Sum Up: Acura’s attempt to lure millennials.
| Acura ILX | |
| Base Engine | 2.4L/201-hp/180-lb-ft I-4 |
| Opt Engine | None |
| Drivetrain | Front-engine, FWD |
| Transmission | 8-sp twin-cl auto |
| EPA Econ City/Hwy | 25/35 mpg* |
| 0-60 mph | 6.2 sec |
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Safety | NHTSA: 5 Stars; IIHS: TSP |
| IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value | 45% |
| * Estimated | |
Base Price: $158,000*
Body Type: Coupe
Unchanged: Don’t expect major changes for the 2018 Acura NSX for its sophomore year. After five years of concepts and teasing, the Acura NSX arrived for the 2017 model year as a plug-in hybrid supercar. Power comes from a twin-turbo V-6 and three electric motors. Drive modes include EV, Sport, Sport Plus, and Track, and we recommend the optional Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires for serious track time.
Also Consider: Nissan GT-R, Mercedes-AMG GT, Porsche 911, Audi R8, McLaren 570S.
Sum Up: A true hybrid supercar.
| Acura NSX | |
| Base Engine | 3.5L twin-turbo V-6 + 3 elec motors, 573-hp/476-lb-ft |
| Opt Engine | None |
| Drivetrain | Mid-engine, AWD |
| Transmission | 9-sp twin-cl auto |
| EPA Econ City/Hwy | 21/22 mpg* |
| 0-60 mph | 3.1 sec |
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Intellichoice 5-Year Retained Value | 50% |
| * Estimated | |
Base Price: $56,000-$61,500*
Body Type: Sedan
Unchanged: The Acura RLX has been on the market since the 2014 model year, but we don’t expect major changes for the flagship sedan. It’s a slow seller, but the RLX offers lots of features and tech. The comprehensive AcuraWatch suite of active safety tech is standard, and the optional Advance package includes a 14-speaker Krell audio system. The three-motor hybrid system in the RLX Hybrid Sport uses similar technology as the NSX supercar.
Also Consider: Lincoln Continental, Cadillac XTS, Infiniti Q70.
Sum Up: Luxury, technology, and safety in a stealthy package.
| Acura RLX | |
| Base Engine | 3.5L/310-hp/272-lb-ft V-6 |
| Opt Engine | 3.5L V-6 + 3 elec motors, 377-hp/341-lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | Front-engine, FWD/AWD |
| Transmission | 6A; 7-sp twin-cl auto |
| EPA Econ City/Hwy | 20-29/30 mpg* |
| 0-60 mph | 5.1-5.8 sec |
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Safety | NHTSA: 5 Stars; IIHS: TSP+ |
| IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value | 35% |
| * Estimated | |
Base Price: $33,950-$45,750
Body Type: Sedan
Minor: The 2018 Acura TLX gets a face-lift and a new V-6 A-Spec model with black and red interior choices, a body kit, 19-inch wheels, and revised steering and suspension tuning. The automaker’s suite of active safety tech is now standard across the line. The revised infotainment system is faster and gains Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Two naturally aspirated engine options remain, including a 206-hp 2.4-liter I-4 and a 290-hp 3.5-liter V-6.
Also Consider: BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Buick Regal.
Sum Up: The value-packed compact luxury sport sedan.
| Acura TLX | |
| Base Engine | 2.4L/206-hp/182-lb-ft I-4 |
| Opt Engine | 3.5L/290-hp/267-lb-ft V-6 |
| Drivetrain | Front-engine, FWD/AWD |
| Transmission | 8-sp twin-cl auto; 9A |
| EPA Econ City/Hwy | 20-23/29-33 mpg |
| 0-60 mph | 5.9-7.2 sec* |
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Intellichoice 5-Year Retained Value | 47% |
| * Estimated | |
Base Price: $57,500-$67,500*
Body Type: Coupe
Unchanged: Alfa added a new Alpine premium audio system option and the Giallo Prototipo Yellow exterior color on the 4C Coupe last year. Don’t expect much to change for 2018; the car is essentially a limited-production weekend toy with minimal creature comforts compared to more mainstream sports cars. The 237-hp 1.7-liter turbo-four and six-speed twin-clutch gearbox will likely remain as the only powertrain choice.
Also Consider: Chevrolet Corvette, Porsche 718 Cayman/Boxster, Jaguar F-Type.
Sum Up: The purist’s Italian sports car.
| Alfa Romeo 4C | |
| Base Engine | 1.7L/237-hp/258-lb-ft turbo I-4 |
| Opt Engine | None |
| Drivetrain | Mid-engine, RWD |
| Transmission | 6-sp twin-cl auto |
| EPA Econ City/Hwy | 24/34 mpg |
| 0-60 mph | 4.0 sec |
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Intellichoice 5-Year Retained Value | 48% |
Base Price: $39,000-$74,000*
Body Type: Sedan
Unchanged: Launched as a 2017 model, the Alfa Romeo Giulia is one of the best-driving compact luxury sport sedans available. For 2018, expect the sedan’s powertrains to carry over, including a 280-hp 2.0-liter turbo-four and a 505-hp 2.9-liter twin-turbo V-6 in the Quadrifoglio model. Giulias with both engines have won recent Motor Trend comparisons. New exterior colors might be the only additions to the Giulia lineup for the 2018 model year.
Also Consider: Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Cadillac ATS.
Sum Up: The handling benchmark among compact luxury sport sedans.
| Alfa Romeo Giulia | |
| Base Engine | 2.0L/280-hp/306-lb-ft turbo I-4 |
| Opt Engine | 2.9L/505-hp/443-lb-ft twin-turbo V-6 |
| Drivetrain | Front-engine, RWD/AWD |
| Transmission | 8A |
| EPA Econ City/Hwy | 17-24/24-33 mpg |
| 0-60 mph | 3.9-5.1 sec |
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Intellichoice 5-Year Retained Value | 43% |
Base Price: $202,320-$219,320
Body Type: Coupe, convertible
Major: Following the debut of the DB11 Coupe, Aston Martin will likely add a softtop called the DB11 Volante. Expect the 600-hp 5.2-liter twin-turbo V-12 and eight-speed auto to carry over. A new twin-turbo V-8 sourced from Mercedes-AMG has been added for 2018 as the new base engine for the DB11. All 2018 DB11 models come with a standard hands-free trunk. Blind-spot warning is a new option.
Also Consider: Rolls-Royce Wraith/Dawn, Lexus LC, Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Sum Up: The most gorgeous grand tourer extant.
| Aston Martin DB11 | |
| Base Engine | 4.0L/503-hp/498-lb-ft twin-turbo V-8 |
| Opt Engine | 5.2L/600-hp/516-lb-ft twin-turbo V-12 |
| Drivetrain | Front-engine, RWD |
| Transmission | 8A |
| EPA Econ City/Hwy | 15-17/21-24 mpg* |
| 0-60 mph | 3.8-4.5 sec* |
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/unlimited miles |
| * Estimated | |
Base Price: $207,775-$209,825
Body Type: Hatchback
Unchanged: The Shadow Edition was added to the Rapide S lineup for the 2017 model year. It features additional standard features, including a Performance package that bumps the car’s power to 565 hp. Three exterior colors and three interior choices will be available on the Shadow Edition. The standard Rapide S continues unchanged, and the Performance package is available as an option.
Also Consider: Bentley Flying Spur, Porsche Panamera, Rolls-Royce Ghost.
Sum Up: The four-door sports car for the 1 percent.
| Aston Martin Rapide S | |
| Base Engine | 5.9L/552-565-hp/465-lb-ft V-12 |
| Opt Engine | None |
| Drivetrain | Front-engine, RWD |
| Transmission | 8A |
| EPA Econ City/Hwy | 14/21 mpg |
| 0-60 mph | 4.2 sec* |
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/unlimited miles |
| * Estimated | |
Base Price: $298,000-$316,000*
Body Type: Coupe, convertible
Minor: The base Vanquish has been discontinued, leaving the Vanquish S as the only model left once the special edition Zagato models are sold out. Aston Martin has given the car a revised suspension, an updated front fascia with a new Vulcan-inspired carbon-fiber splitter and diffuser, an updated transmission, and a power bump to 580 hp, thanks to larger inlet manifolds and the quad exhaust system.
Also Consider: Ferrari GTC4Lusso, Audi R8, Lamborghini Huracán.
Sum Up: Classiness and pace in a svelte, timeless package.
| Aston Martin Vanquish | |
| Base Engine | 5.9L/580-hp/465-lb-ft V-12 |
| Opt Engine | None |
| Drivetrain | Front-engine, RWD |
| Transmission | 8A |
| EPA Econ City/Hwy | 13/21 mpg |
| 0-60 mph.. | |
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