These new SUVs have features and styling that will really turn your head.
And the prices of some of them may surprise you.
Audi Q8. The forcefully styled five-passenger Q8 is Audi’s new flagship crossover SUV, and it deftly combines elements of luxury, sportiness, and utility. It’s wider and lower than the current Q7 with which it shares its underpinnings; a tall beltline with just enough creases and curves front-to-rear to help it stand out in a crowded parking lot. The interior has a rich look and feel to it, with the Audi’s reconfigurable Virtual Cockpit instrument panel and the latest version of its haptic-touchpad-controlled MMI media control system with natural language voice commands. A 340-horsepower 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission should supply amenable acceleration. The standard all-wheel-drive system is normally rear-biased for a livelier feel, with an optional air suspension including selectable driving modes that afford a taller ground clearance to enable modest off-road abilities.
Cadillac XT4. Cadillac debuts the much-awaited XT4 compact luxury crossover SUV for 2019. It features an organically styled exterior that’s highlighted by large vertical “L” shaped headlamps. The interior is appropriately plush and purposeful, and the vehicle’s multimedia system features 4G Internet connectivity and is operated via a rotary controller with shortcut buttons. A new 2.0-liter turbo-four engine with 237-horsepower is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, with all-wheel-drive optional. A Driver Select Mode allows a motorist to fine tune the XT4’s dynamics according to different driving styles and road conditions; an available Active Sport Suspension adjusts its damping in real time every two milliseconds to maximize the vehicle’s ride and handling over changing road conditions. Features are plentiful; and include many of the latest accident avoidance systems.
Chevrolet Blazer. Chevrolet brings back the Blazer nameplate in early 2019, affixing it to a distinctively cast new five-passenger crossover SUV that’s slotted between the Equinox and Traverse in its lineup. It comes powered by either a 2.5-liter 193-horsepower four-cylinder engine or a 3.6-liter V6 with a stronger 305 horses. A nine-speed automatic transmission is included with all-wheel-drive optional. A standard Traction Select system affords multiple driving modes to account for varying road conditions. Able to tow as much as 4,500 pounds, the Blazer offers Chevy’s Hitch Guidance and Hitch View rear-video display systems to help make connecting a trailer easier, along with an electronic video rearview mirror and an extensive suite of safety features.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500/GMC Sierra 1500. Larger, though lighter and more aerodynamic than before, redesigned versions of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 full-size pickup trucks come wrapped in expressive new brand-distinctive styling that give each a burlier appearance than before. For the first time, each offers a turbocharged four-cylinder engine; it’s a 2.7-liter with an impressive 310 horsepower and active fuel management that allows it to run on only two cylinders at cruising speeds. Other available powerplants include a 4.3-liter 285-horsepower V6, a 355-horsepower 5.3-liter V8, and a 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V8; joining the line in early 2019 will be a 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder turbodiesel. Automatic transmissions come with six, eight, or 10 speeds, depending on the version, and towing capacity tops out at 12,200 pounds. Sierra AT4 and Silverado Trailboss models are new and include the 5.3-liter engine and off-road-specific equipment. As before the top Silverado High Country and Sierra Denali models rival luxury cars in terms of equipment, comfort, and sophistication.
Ford Ranger. Another resurrected model for 2019 is the midsize Ford Ranger pickup truck, which was discontinued in the U.S. after the 2011 model year. Its exterior styling is curvier than its predecessor and looks to preserve its youthful appeal as little brother to the mighty F-150. Coming in extended SuperCab or four-door SuperCrew configurations, the re-done Ranger packs a 2.3-liter turbocharged V6 engine that comes mated to a 10-speed automatic gearbox. An FX4 Off Road Package maximizes the capabilities of its available 4×4 system with assorted trail-ready equipment and a Terrain Management System with separate modes to optimize traversing grass, gravel and snow, mud and ruts, and sand. Assorted high-tech safety systems are available, along with Ford’s Sync 3 media system with the Apple, Android, and Alexa interfaces and full W-Fi compatibility.
Lamborghini Urus. While not Lamborghini’s first-ever SUV – that distinction goes to the outrageous “Rambo Lambo” LM002 from the late 1980’s and early ‘90’s – the new-for-2019 Urus is the brand’s only model that can legitimately be used as a daily driver without sacrifice. Infused with Lamborghini styling DNA, the Urus looks quick even while standing still, with an aircraft-like cockpit inside that’s open to bespoke customization. A 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 generates 650 galloping horses and enables the Urus to hit 62 mph (100 km) in a sports-car-like 3.5 seconds, and reach a decidedly non-SUV top speed of 189 mph. Standard all-wheel-drive combines with active torque vectoring, four-wheel steering, an adaptive air suspension, active roll stabilization, carbon ceramic brakes, and selectable driving modes to afford a multi-dimensional personality that’s as at home around town as it is off-road or at the track.
Lincoln Aviator. One more past-model name that’s making a comeback, the three-row Lincoln Aviator debuts in early 2019 with uncluttered styling that’s inspired by this year’s redesigned Navigator. Power comes from a twin-turbocharged engine, and the rear/all-wheel-drive crossover will also be offered in a plug-in hybrid variant. Owners will be able to use their smartphones to lock/unlock, open the trunk, and start the vehicle without having to carry a key fob via a new Lincoln Way app. A spacious cabin can be fitted with 30-way adjustable heated/cooled/massaging front seats, and be trimmed in leather and machined aluminum. A new Suspension Preview Technology feature employs a forward camera to scan the road ahead and automatically adjust the dampers in anticipation of changing road conditions. Standard safety technology is plentiful and can be augmented with a reverse auto-braking system.
Lincoln Nautilus. The new five-passenger Nautilus replaces Lincoln’s midsize MKX crossover for 2019 and sports clean exterior styling that’s capped by the brand’s signature trapezoidal grille. A spacious and tastefully designed cabin can be fitted with 22-way adjustable front seats that include a massaging function; a concealed charging pad powers up smartphones wirelessly. Black Label-trim packages include Chalet, Thoroughbred, and Gala themes. A choice of two turbocharged engines includes a 2.0-liter 245-horsepower four-cylinder and a 2.7-liter 335-horsepower V6 with 380 pound-feet of launch-enabling torque. Among its many crash-avoidance systems is Evasive Steering Assist which uses cameras to monitor slower moving traffic and stationary vehicles and help the driver steer around them in an emergency situation. As with the Aviator above, the Lincoln Way app allows owners to start, lock, unlock, locate the Nautilus, monitor fuel levels, battery status, and tire pressure via their smartphones.
Jaguar iPace. Receiving rave reviews, the iPace is Jaguar’s first full-electric vehicle, and it’s a decidedly racy midsize SUV to boot. Displaying sport-coupe-like exterior styling with compound curves and a sloping roofline, it’s roomy enough inside to seat five. A 90 kWh lithium-ion battery pack affords an estimated range of around 298 miles; its twin electric motors produce the equivalent of 395 horsepower, which allows the iPace to reach 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Faux engine sounds are added upon acceleration to help add a touch of aural excitement. A public rapid charger can bring back 80% of the battery’s power in 40 minutes, while a full replenishment at home takes around 10 hours. A perfect 50:50 front-to-rear weight balance, low center of gravity, and a sophisticated suspension afford agile handling with good ride comfort; an air suspension and configurable Adaptive Dynamics are optional to further refine its abilities.
Lexus UX. Toyota’s luxury division adds a new small crossover for 2019, the outwardly expressive UX. Styled with gentle curves and featuring the brand’s brash spindle-shaped front grille, it rides on a rigid structure with a low center of gravity to afford agile handling abilities. It’s high-styled inside, and can be dressed up with optional leather upholstery that’s inspired by sashiko, a customary Japanese quilting technique, and trim that takes its look from the grain of Japanese washi paper. The UX 200 packs a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that puts 168 horsepower to the pavement via a new Direct Shift-CVT automatic transmission that enables quicker acceleration from a standing start. All-wheel-drive is optional. The UX 250h adds a hybrid drive system with a combined equivalent of 177 horses and improved fuel economy. F-SPORT versions add specific suspension tuning, added features, and exclusive trim for a sportier look and feel.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Longer and wider than before, a redesigned edition of Mercedes’ posh and pricey “G-wagon” SUV assumes more refined styling, though it still retains its familiar boxy appearance. There’s a bigger improvement inside, where a roomier leather-clad cabin looks and feels far more luxurious, and incorporates a dual-display “Widescreen Cockpit” with selectable graphic styles. Optional Active Multicontour front seats are built with air chambers that fill or empty continuously depending on the driving dynamics to maximize comfort and support; they’re also climate controlled and can give a massage. The standard 4.0-liter V8 in the G550 produces 416 horsepower and channels it to all four wheels via a new nine-speed transmission. There’s also an AMG G63 higher-performance variant with a 4.0-liter 577 horsepower bi-turbo V8. The G-Class’ underpinnings are tuned to afford a smooth ride on pavement, yet maintain its usual off-road faculties, with a new G-Mode that adjusts the vehicle’s various systems for maximum control under otherwise challenging conditions.
Ram 1500. Already on the road as an early 2019 entry, a redesigned full-size Ram 1500 pickup truck is lighter, longer, and wider than before. It comes wrapped in fresh styling that sheds the old “big rig” look for a more upright and purposeful appearance, and with improved aerodynamics. Its base 3.6-liter V6 engine and available 5.7 Hemi V8 produce 305 and 395 horsepower, respectively, and include a new 48-volt “eTorque” mild-hybrid system for improved fuel economy (the V6 is rated at 25 mpg on the highway) with added torque for more energetic performance. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard with four-wheel-drive optional. Trailer-towing capacity is at a maximum 12,750 pounds when properly equipped, yet it rides well and handles easily, especially with the optional air suspension. The new Ram comes in a full range of cab configurations and bed lengths, and in trim levels that run from work-truck-basic to luxury-car opulent, and off-road ready, each with its own styling tweaks. A new Active Noise Cancellation system helps maintain in-cabin serenity, while an optional 900-watt Harmon Kardon audio array shatters it.
Land Rover Range Rover Coupe. With planned production of only 999 units, and a sticker price starting at around $240,000, sightings of the ultra-luxurious Range Rover Coupe will be rare indeed. Hand-assembled in the U.K., it strikes a stunning two-door profile with unique side vent and grille designs, and exceeds even the manufacturer’s high standards for its interior materials and workmanship. At that, there’s ample opportunity for customization with access to more than 100 paint colors (plus unique ‘match to sample’ hues), various interior trim and finishes, duo-tone front and rear leather colors with a bespoke quilt pattern and contrast stitching, door-handle and tread-plate engraving, and semi-precious metal badging. Oh, and a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine sends a muscular 557 horsepower to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox; a lower ride height and other improvements add to its handling abilities, but with no adverse effect on the vehicle’s legendary off-road prowess.
Rolls Royce Cullinan. Rolls-Royce joins the swelling super-premium SUV market for 2019 with the new Cullinan. Named after the largest diamond ever discovered, it looks just like you’d expect it would, with “suicide” rear-opening back doors and the brand’s “Spirit of Ecstasy” hood ornament adorning an upright front grille. It’s all Rolls inside, which means it’s plenty plush, and can be further dressed up with bespoke touches. Buyers can choose from a rear bench with split-fold seatbacks (the first ever in a Rolls) or individual buckets separated by a console that houses a mobile bar with Rolls-Royce whiskey glasses and decanter, champagne flutes, and a small refrigerator. A glass partition separates the passenger cabin from the luggage compartment, and why not? A 6.75-liter twin-turbo V12 engine sends 563 horsepower to all four wheels; the Cullinan is engineered for maximum off-road abilities without sacrificing the genuine Rolls-Royce “magic carpet ride” in the process.
