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Front view of a 2023 blue Toyota Tacoma

Buyers Guide: The Best Cars & Trucks for 2023

Cars and trucks are an integral component of our society and our daily routines. Vehicles, ranging from compact people movers to large pickups, are here to stay.

Although many people favor compact or midsize cars for their families since they are convenient, economical, and practical, it is not rare to see folks alternating between work and their daily errands driving trucks.

The truth is that many cars and trucks could have been included in almost any position on this list. But to keep things manageable, we only include reasonably priced models on this list.

There are several excellent options for the 2023 model year, but these are our favorites.

  1. 2023 Honda Accord
  2. 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD
  3. 2023 Kia Stinger
  4. 2023 Jeep Gladiator
  5. 2023 Toyota Crown
  6. 2023 Ford Maverick
  7. 2023 Subaru Outback
  8. 2023 Toyota Tacoma
  9. 2023 Nissan Maxima
  10. 2023 Ford F-150

2023 Honda Accord

three-quarter front view of a 2023 silver Honda Accord

Via Honda

Specifications

  • MSRP: $28,000 USD / $37,000 CAD
  • Engine: 1.5L Turbocharged I4
  • Power / Torque: 192 hp / 192 lb-ft
  • Drivetrain: RWD
  • 0-60 mph: 6.6 seconds
  • Fuel Economy: 32 MPG combined / 7.3L/100km combined
  • Basic Warranty: 3-Year / 36,000-Mile

Our Take

The brand-new 2023 Accord is a refined version of the outgoing model. Nonetheless, it has an updated design, an available hybrid powertrain, and excellent standard equipment.

The EX-L, Sport-L, and Touring trims are powered by the CR-V’s new in-line four-cylinder hybrid powertrain, producing 204 horsepower, 247 lb-ft of torque, and an impressive 44 combined MPG.

2023 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD

Side view of a 2023 black Chevy Silverado 2500 HD

Via Chevrolet

Specifications

  • MSRP: $51,120 USD / $60,229 CAD
  • Engine: 6.6L Turbo-Diesel V8
  • Power / Torque: 445 hp / 910 lb-ft
  • Drivetrain: RWD
  • 0-60 mph: 6.6 seconds
  • Fuel Economy: 19 MPG combined / 16.8L/100km combined
  • Basic Warranty: 5-year/100,000-mile Limited

Our Take

Awarded the “Most Dependable Large Heavy-Duty Pickup Of 2023” by J.D. Power. Rear-wheel drive is standard, but you can opt for four-wheel drive, compatible with the single- or dual-rear-wheel axle.

With the Silverado 2500 HD infotainment system, you can keep an eye on things like maintenance reminders, pre-departure checklists, and exterior trailer lighting diagnostics thanks to the configurable trailering system.

2023 Kia Stinger

Three-quarter rear view of a 2023 green Kia Stinger

Via Kia

Specifications

  • MSRP: $36,900 USD / $51,900 CAD (AWD Twin-Turbo V6)
  • Engine: 2.5L Turbocharged I4
  • Power / Torque: 300 hp / 311lb-ft
  • Drivetrain: RWD
  • 0-60 mph: 5.3 seconds
  • Fuel Economy: 25 MPG combined / 11.9L/100km combined
  • Basic Warranty: 5-Year / 60,000-Mile

Our Take

The 2023 Kia Stinger is a sporty sedan with SUV-like practicality and a posh interior. This low-slung coupe looks stunning despite having ample room and cargo space to take the entire family on a road trip.

The four-cylinder rear-wheel drive tends to slide around paved corners. Still, fortunately, there’s an all-wheel drive Stinger available, which, by the way, comes with the 3.3 twin-turbocharged V6 that produces 368 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque.

2023 Jeep Gladiator

Three-quarter rear view of a 2023 red Jeep Gladiator

Via Jeep

Specifications

  • MSRP: $47,325 USD / $53,295 CAD
  • Engine: 3.0L Diesel V6
  • Power / Torque: 285 hp / 260 lb-ft
  • Drivetrain: 4WD
  • 0-60 mph: 7.3 seconds
  • Fuel Economy: 28 MPG combined / 12.6L/100km combined
  • Basic Warranty: 3-Year / 36,000-Mile

Our Take

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator can haul a respectable 7,700 pounds when properly equipped and delivers amazing off-road performance. This truck offers outstanding thrust at low revs enhanced by its smooth ZF eight-speed automatic transmission.

The Gladiator integrates Command-Trac permanent all-wheel drive, which can be engaged on dry asphalt. However, the driver can also travel with only rear-wheel drive.

2023 Toyota Crown

Three-quarter front view of a 2023 brown Toyota Crown

Via Toyota

Specifications

  • MSRP: $40,050 USD / $45,590 CAD
  • Engine: 2.5L I4
  • Power / Torque: 184 hp / 163  lb-ft
  • Drivetrain: RWD
  • 0-60 mph: 5.7 seconds
  • Fuel Economy: 41 MPG / 5.7L/100km combined
  • Basic Warranty: 3-Year / 36,000-Mile

Our Take

Driving the Toyota Crown is a relaxing and enjoyable experience despite its controversial appearance.

This hybrid crossover has excellent gas mileage for a vehicle of its size, a sophisticated interior, and a peppy turbocharged hybrid engine as an available upgrade. In addition, Its standard all-wheel drive is fantastic, and its two Hybrid powertrain options are excellent.

2023 Ford Maverick

Side view of 2023 orange Ford Maverick

Via Ford

Specifications

  • MSRP: $24,100 USD / $31,000CAD
  • Engine: 2.5L FHEV (Hybrid) I4
  • Power / Torque: 162 hp / 155 lb-ft
  • Drivetrain: FWD
  • 0-60 mph: 5.9 seconds
  • Fuel Economy: 29 MPG combined / 6.4L/100km combined
  • Basic Warranty: 5-Year / 60,000-Mile

Our Take

With its standard hybrid powertrain and good fuel economy, the Ford Maverick is a viable option for a subcompact or crossover vehicle. It has the versatility of having four doors, enough seats for five people, and a usable bed.

It’s a vehicle for weekend trips to the outdoors, especially the all-wheel drive variant. It has the capabilities of a truck with a small footprint, which makes it ideal for folks who drive mainly in the city.

2023 Subaru Outback

Three-quarter front view of a 2023 white Subaru Outback

Via Subaru

Specifications

  • MSRP: $28,395 USD / $32,695 CAD
  • Engine: 2.5L Flat-4
  • Power / Torque: 182 hp / 176 lb-ft
  • Drivetrain: AWD
  • 0-60 mph: 8.6 seconds
  • Fuel Economy: 28 MPG combined / 9.2L/100km combined
  • Basic Warranty: 3-Year / 36,000-Mile

Our Take

The Subaru Outback is an SUV-like wagon. Although not an off-roader, it features Subaru’s class-leading standard all-wheel-drive and top-notch safety systems, making it ideal for families. An 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard, and plenty of cargo room.

Since the Outback is a family hauler, don’t expect a sporty driving experience. Its 182-horsepower four-cylinder engine is the most fuel-efficient but lacks oomph. If you want more performance, opt for the 260-hp turbocharged engine.

2023 Toyota Tacoma

Front view of a 2023 blue Toyota Tacoma

Via Toyota

Specifications

  • MSRP: $28,600 USD / $41,000 CAD (V6)
  • Engine: 2.7L I4
  • Power / Torque: 159 hp / 180 lb-ft
  • Drivetrain: RWD
  • 0-60 mph: 10 seconds
  • Fuel Economy: 22 MPG combined / 11.8L/100km combined (V6)
  • Basic Warranty: 3-Year / 36,000-Mile

Our Take

The Toyota Tacoma is an excellent choice if you need a reliable midsize pickup truck that has been shown to perform well off-road.

The best-selling pickup in the midsize truck class for the 2023 model year, the Tacoma, offers a wide variety of features, such as standard automatic dual-zone climate control in every V6 model, standard power-adjustable driver’s seat in V6-powered SR5 models, the Limited trim level, etc.

2023 Nissan Maxima

three-quarter rear view of a 2023 white Nissan Maxima

Via Nissan

Specifications

  • MSRP: $38,140 USD / $43,240 CAD
  • Engine: 3.5L V6
  • Power / Torque: 300 hp / 261 lb-ft
  • Drivetrain: FWD
  • 0-60 mph: 5.8 seconds
  • Fuel Economy: 24 MPG combined / 9.9L/100km combined
  • Basic Warranty: 3-Year / 36,000-Mile

Our Take

The Nissan Maxima 2023 checks all the boxes to be a great car: it looks great, has a solid powertrain, and handles with incredible skill.

The well-executed cabin of the Maxima is replete with high-end materials, straightforward controls, and space for five adults. The front legroom is excellent, and the headroom is about par for the class.

2023 Ford F-150

Three-quarter front view of a 2023 blue Ford F-150

Via Ford

Specifications

  • MSRP: $59,000 USD / $67,500 CAD
  • Engine: 3.5L Twin-Turbocharged V6
  • Power / Torque: 400 hp / 500 lb-ft
  • Drivetrain: RWD
  • 0-60 mph: 5.4 seconds
  • Fuel Economy: 24 MPG combined / 10.4L/100km combined
  • Basic Warranty: 3-Year / 36,000-Mile

Our Take

If you’re in the market for a work truck or family car, look no further than the 2023 Ford F-150 Limited Powerboost. It has all the room, luxury comforts, and power that most people will ever need.

The F-150 Lariat is an excellent choice if you need a versatile truck and only want the best. The inside is well-fitted, and its hybrid powertrain gets respectable gas mileage.