New car model year vehicles typically arrive in the dealerships in the fall or early winter. These new vehicles could include new features or even a sleeker design, and brands might even debut a new vehicle that grabs the attention and the excitement of buyers.
The exterior design of the car could make or break its sales numbers. Some cars from the past have become iconic because of their unique structure and artistic design, while other past vehicles earned a reputation as design failures. As new models arrive at dealerships, buyers might wonder about the best looking cars for 2023. Here are 10 models that might be the best-looking options available:
- Tesla Cybertruck
- Lucid Air
- Subaru Solterra
- Corvette Stingray
- Ford GT Mk IV
- Polestar 3
- Mini Convertible
- Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster
- Nissan Z
- Rivian R1S
For 2023, the coolest and most uniquely designed vehicles include new electric models and sports cars. Electric vehicles transformed into models with futuristic body designs, while sports cars continue to offer the edgy appeal that buyers love.
While some of the best looking models are luxury vehicles with six-figure price tags, others are more affordable. One model, though, offers a limited production and a seven-figure sale price.
Tesla Cybertruck
Buyers are still awaiting the delivery of their Tesla Cybertruck. Yet, when these new trucks finally take to the streets, they might receive many double-takes from other drivers on the road. The Cybertruck is unlike any truck available; the body of the truck features sharply angled yet sculptural lines that seem straight from the future. Like most of Tesla’s models, the price for the Cybertruck depends on the buyer’s choice of motor. According to Kelley Blue Book, the single motor rear-wheel drive option starts at $39,900.
The Cybertruck will mix both form and function. While the design is modern and quite cool in its appeal, the Cybertruck also will have the power to tow up to 14,000 pounds and will offer an estimated range of 500 miles.
Lucid Air
The Lucid Air Dream Edition was the longest-range vehicle available—it offered an estimated range of 520 miles. However, this high-end Lucid model is no longer available to order. Buyers’ shouldn’t fret; Lucid offers several other trims/models, and all of the Air options are incredibly cool. Featuring a unique light strip for its headlights, the Lucid models demand attention. All the sedans offered by Lucid feature a curved elegant design with a luxury interior to match. The lowest priced Air Pure starts at $87,400 and offers an estimated range of 410 miles. The Air Touring starts at $107,400 and can drive an estimated 425 miles on a full charge. The Air Grand Touring has a starting price of $138,000 and has an estimated range of 516 miles.
Subaru Solterra
Subaru is introducing a new electric SUV model to its lineup in 2023. The Subaru Solterra is a small SUV that will be available in three trims: Premium, Limited and Touring. The Premium will start at $44,995; Subaru doesn’t offer specs related to range, but it does note that the Solterra Premium will get 94 MPGe on the highway and 114 MPGe in the city. MPGe means miles per gallon equivalent, and some manufacturers use this figure to help buyers better equate electric to standard gas mileage specs. The Limited and Touring trims will offer slightly lower MPGe specs. All three trims feature a sporty appeal with a unique elongated hexagon detail on the front end.
Corvette Stingray
The Corvette Stingray might be a stalwart on the yearly round-up of best-looking cars. The Stingray is a classic sports car that features an edgy and cool design that has become the model’s signature. The Stingray has a starting MSRP of $64,500. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in 2.9 seconds and can hit a top speed of 194 MPH.
Ford GT Mk IV
The Ford GT Mk IV is the only model on the list that is limited in production. In fact, Ford is only producing 67 models. The Mk IV is based on the 1967 Ford that won Le Mans, and the updated homage to the iconic vehicle is both modern and breathtaking. The 2023 Mk IV is a race car adapted for the collector. As the car will be hand-made and very limited, the price tag reflects its rare status. Those who are interested in one of the 67 Mk IV vehicles can expect to pay around $1.7 million.
Polestar 3
The Polestar 3 is the latest model in the brand’s lineup. The Polestar 3 is an electric SUV that offers a contemporary yet sporty design. It will have a starting MSRP of $83,900 and an estimated range of 300 miles. It will offer space for five.
Mini Convertible
The Mini Convertible isn’t electric, but it is cute and sporty. Mini’s iconic ‘mini’ appeal makes it a favorite for a sector of buyers. The Convertible features LED headlights and headlights shaped in the styling of the Union Jack. The front end is curved and classic in its appeal. The Mini Convertible starts at $33,800 and can get up to 29 MPG in the city and 38 MPG on the highway. Plus, its small size makes it easy to park anywhere.
Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster
The SL Roadster is a classic convertible with luxury appeal. The Roadster isn’t in every buyer’s price range, as the model’s starting MSRP is $137,400. The Roadster boasts a stylized presence that looks straight out of a Hollywood movie. The SL features a 469-horsepower engine that can accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in 3.8 seconds.
Nissan Z
The Nissan Z is a new model that just debuted in 2023. The Z is a zippy sports car that offers a sleek and angular yet simplistically cool design. The Z also is one of the more affordable sports cars on the ‘best looking’ list. It has a starting MSRP of $39,900 and offers a 400-horsepower twin-turbo V6 engine. The Z comes in two trims—the Sport and the Performance ($49,990).
Rivian R1S
The Rivian R1S has been available for a while, but it’s notable for its sporty and cool design. The R1S is only one of the few three-row luxury electric SUVs on the market, and the Rivian’s SUV offers the perfect combination of a spacious interior and a modern exterior design. Depending on the battery/motor selection of the buyer, the R1S offers an estimated range of 260 and 320 miles and offers a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. The R1S starts at around $75,000.
Form vs. Function: Exterior Design Might Not be the Big Picture
A vehicle can look cool but not deliver in performance. While the 10 cars listed offer a unique and stylish design, many also provide speed and function beyond their appearance. Beyond the list, there are many other cool cars for buyers on a budget.
For some, though, the exterior design might not be important. Looks aren’t always indicative of a great vehicle. Instead, buyers might focus on specs that match up to their driving needs and expectations.
For example, those who need a pickup or SUV for towing might choose to find the vehicle with the best towing capabilities. Buyers with a larger family might need a minivan or larger SUV that can fit seven (or more), and they might not be concerned about how cool their vehicle looks driving down the highway.
Some buyers might simply focus on the most affordable vehicle that they can find. As interest rates might be higher, financing a vehicle could become more expensive for some buyers. The best car for their budget could just be the least expensive model on the lot.
Yet, those who want a sports car or a new electric model could find that these vehicles are designed with a futuristic flair. While the Cybertruck hasn’t yet appeared on the roads, the angular and sculptural truck will likely turn heads when it cruises down the highways. The Mini Convertible isn’t electric, but it is eye-catching—its Union Jack tail lights are uniquely ‘Mini.’
Those with an unlimited budget could have unique options available to them. The Ford GT Mk IV could be a collector’s dream. With a production limit of 67 vehicles, those who can afford the vehicle might secure an iconic piece of history—and maybe even a vehicle that increases in value over time.
Buyers also might need to remember that not all 2023 models have debuted yet. Some brands have yet to release their newest updated vehicles. In addition, manufacturers also might be planning on unique offerings for 2024. For example, Volkswagen’s electric ID.Buzz takes inspiration from the iconic VW microbus of the 60s and 70s. The ID.Buzz will feature the microbus’ signature smiling front end.
Buyers also might expect to see more electric models hit the showrooms. As manufacturers start to focus more on electric powered motors, buyers might find that they have more selection, more affordable options, and, of course, some cooler looking vehicle models, too.