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Trucks aren’t the lonely utilitarian workhorses they once were and now occupy the primary vehicle spot for many buyers in the United States. Because of that, automakers have added more tech, comfort, and luxury features to their trucks, making them easier to live with and more agreeable to drive. There’s also a whole world of powertrain and configuration options, ranging from Ford’s two hybrid trucks to the supercharged V8-powered Ram 1500 TRX and several in between. 

The 2024 model year will bring updates to some of America’s most popular truck models, so let’s dive in and take a look at the changes coming for the next model year. 

 

 

2024 Ford Ranger

The Ford Ranger returned to America in 2019 after several years off the market, but it was on sale in other countries during that time. Those years gave international markets several Ranger variants we never saw in the States, including the Raptor, a hardcore off-road truck with beefy suspension and a massively powerful engine. We’re getting that model and more for 2024 as the redesigned Ranger finally lands in America. 

In addition to the turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder we’ve seen in the Ranger for years, Ford offers its turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 in the truck. It also gets new towing technologies, including an integrated trailer brake controller and a surround-view camera system to help see the trails around the truck off-road. 

Raptor models get a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that makes 405 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. It’s paired with four-wheel drive, an electronic two-speed transfer case, and locking front/rear differentials. While it will undoubtedly be a hot commodity that may end up with heinous price offerings when it goes on sale, that may wane as initial demand calms down.

 

 

2024 Toyota Tacoma

The 2024 Tacoma is fully redesigned, bringing a standard turbocharged engine and an available hybrid with massive power and torque. Toyota is also offering a new Trailhunter trim that comes from the factory with 33-inch Goodyear R/T tires, Old Man Emu shocks, and a snorkel air intake. Underneath, the truck has rock rails and skid plates that protect it from impacts on the trail, and Toyota included several features to make it more livable off the grid, including a 2400-watt AC power inverter and equipment such as an ARB fridge.

Though those updates are impressive, the big story with the 2024 Tacoma is its new hybrid powertrain. It pairs a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with a 48-horsepower electric motor built into the transmission. Combined output is 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, which Toyota notes is a nearly twofold increase in the torque of the outgoing V6. 

Love it or hate it, most new cars will be electric (or plug-in hybrid) by the end of the decade. Even so, gas engines will stick around for quite some time, including the venerable American V8s, which have powered muscle cars and beefy pickup trucks for decades. There are several V8-powered vehicles still on sale in 2023, and we’ve gathered a list of our favorite American models with the legendary engine here. Let’s get rolling.

 

american v8s

 

2023 Ford Mustang

The Ford Mustang is getting a complete overhaul for 2024, bringing a next-generation car with refined performance and better tech. Ford offers two V8 options in the 2023 Mustang, including the GT’s 5.0-liter making 450 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque, and the Mach 1’s 5.0-liter making 480 horsepower. A six-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive come standard, making the Mustang a performance bargain at just $38,345 to start for the GT. Ford also sells a convertible version, so there’s top-down fun to be had as well.

 

american v8s

 

2023 Chevrolet Camaro

The Camaro is being discontinued after the 2024 model year, but the 2023 model is still worth a look. LT1 and above trims get a 6.2-liter V8 making 455 horsepower, and Chevy offers a performance package on the SS trim that increases its cornering intensity to more than 1G. Buyers can add magnetic suspension that provides stiff handling when needed but a smooth ride at other times. On top of that, the most basic LT1 car with a manual transmission starts at around $38,000 – a real bargain for that kind of performance.

 

american v8s

 

2023 Dodge Challenger and Charger

Dodge is sending the Challenger and Charger off into the sunset after 2023, but in the meantime, they’re still packing as much firepower under the hood as they can. The cars are available with four different V8 options, including a 5.7-liter mill making 372 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque, a 6.4-liter V8 making 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque, a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 with 717 horsepower and 656 pounds of torque, and a high-output supercharged V8 making either 797 or 807 horsepower, depending on the configuration. The Challenger is available with a manual transmission, but the Charger sedan is only available with an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

 

american v8s

 

2023 Chrysler 300S

Like Dodge, Chrysler is discontinuing the 300 after 2023, but its sendoff won’t be as grand as the multiple special edition vehicles Dodge cranked out. As a final edition, the 2023 300C gets a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 making 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. The standard 300 is available with a 5.7-liter V8 making 363 horsepower and 394 pound-feet of torque. It’s mated to an eight-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive, giving the plush full-size sedan a surprising amount of grunt for its proportions. 

 

american v8s

 

2023 Dodge Durango

Despite promising the supercharged Durango Hellcat would be a one-year-only affair, Dodge revived the muscular SUV for a run in 2023. The configuration joins the 6.4-liter V8 in the Durango line, which makes 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. Dodge tuned the Hellcat motor to produce 710 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque, which reaches all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic—sensing a trend here? Dodge and Chrysler have long traded engines and platforms between them. 

 

american v8s

 

2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing

The super-rowdy Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing gets a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 with a whopping 668 horsepower and 659 pound-feet of torque. Even more strikingly, the car comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission. The run from 0-60 mph takes just 3.6 seconds with the manual and a scorching 3.4 seconds with the available automatic. Cadillac makes a surprisingly capable sports sedan, but the CT5-V Blackwing still delivers the luxury and compelling tech features that people expect from the brand. 

Many people would love to buy an EV but are apprehensive about the range, charging, and costs. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are a fantastic go-between, as they offer all-electric driving range and function like a standard hybrid once the range is exhausted. At the same time, they’re less expensive than full EVs and can run on gas only in a pinch. There are plenty of great choices out there, and the number of plug-in models grows every year. We’ve gathered a list of our favorite PHEVs to help you get started on the right path, so let’s dive in.

Note: For consistency, images are of the newest model year available.

 

 

Kia Niro PHEV

The Kia Niro PHEV offers a strong all-electric driving range and brings a marked improvement in acceleration and power over its gas-only counterpart. Its front-wheel drive powertrain puts the power down confidently, and the six-speed transmission is more engaging to use than a continuously variable unit. The handoff between gas and electric powertrains is nearly seamless, and the car handles itself with refinement and delivers a relatively quiet ride in most situations.

Kia generously equips the Niro with a long list of tech and comfort features, including nice cloth upholstery, an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB inputs, and automatic climate controls. Higher trims get leather or vegan leather upholstery, power front seat adjustments, heated and ventilated front seats, a sunroof, and a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation.

 

 

Hyundai Ioniq PHEV

Though Hyundai has a range of Ioniq-branded vehicles on the way, the original Ioniqs are still compelling and worth a look. It sees just 139 horsepower from its four-cylinder engine and electric motor, but like the Kia, it features a six-speed dual-clutch transmission that significantly improves driveability and engagement. It also brings up to 29 miles of electric range and a smooth ride.  The Ioniq’s compact size gives it excellent maneuverability and makes it feel responsive around town. At the same time, it can feel a little twitchy at higher speeds.

The Ioniq is similar to the Niro from an equipment standpoint, bringing cloth upholstery as standard. It’s available with leather and heated front seats. Buyers get an eight-inch touchscreen as standard equipment, but a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is available. It also brings SiriusXM radio, eight speakers, and wireless charging.

 

 

Toyota Prius Prime

Toyota’s Prime vehicles indicate a plug-in hybrid powertrain, and the automaker has done an excellent job at making them just as engaging to drive as their gas-powered counterparts. The Prius Prime is no powerhouse, but it performs reasonably well with its four-cylinder engine and two electric motors. The combined output is just 220 horsepower, so there should be no expectation of a thrilling drive, but it’s more engaging than the previous Prius and feels quicker than the standard model.

The Prius Prime comes standard with cloth upholstery, but Toyota offers synthetic leather that gives the car a more upscale feeling interior. Power front seats with heating and ventilation are also available. The cabin is generally a lovely place to spend time, though the car’s sloping roof may cut into headroom too far for taller adults. Toyota recently improved its infotainment software, which is a significant benefit to Prius buyers, as the new interface runs well on the car’s standard 8-inch touchscreen. It comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, six speakers, multiple USB ports, and a digital gauge cluster. Top trims get a 12.3-inch display and wireless phone charging.

 

 

Jeep Wrangler 4xe

Jeep’s Wrangler 4xe is America’s best-selling PHEV, and it retains all the go-anywhere rugged attitude of the gas-only models. It sees a combined 375 horsepower from its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor, and four-wheel drive comes standard. An eight-speed automatic is the only option that helps with everyday driveability and responsiveness. Though it’s supremely capable off-road, the Wrangler 4xe is a bit unruly on the road, but many people are willing to make the tradeoff.

The Wrangler 4xe comes only in a four-door format, offering seating for five. There’s good room in the front seats, but the back seat could use more padding and support, especially on longer drives. Jeep’s Uconnect infotainment software is one of the best systems around, offering intuitive operation and responsive controls. It also brings a solid list of tech features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and more. Higher trims get a larger 8.4-inch display that adds navigation, HD radio, and SiriusXM.

 

 

Toyota RAV4 Prime

Believe it or not, the RAV4 Prime was one of Toyota’s quickest vehicles, behind the Supra and GR Corolla. It’s still relatively quick and is far more engaging to drive than the standard RAV4. The four-cylinder engine and electric motor make 302 horsepower, and all-wheel drive is standard. The continuously variable transmission works well enough, though there is more engine droning than we’d like at highway speeds.

The Prime offers standard cloth upholstery, but synthetic leather is available. Adults can ride comfortably in both rows, and the RAV4 Prime’s back seat provides good padding and support. An eight-inch touchscreen comes standard, but Toyota offers a larger 10.5-inch unit that pairs with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, navigation, and a JBL stereo.

If you’re looking for a new or used hybrid, PHEV, or EV, you can filter by fuel type in our search tool. That allows you to view only a particular vehicle type, such as the excellent PHEVs listed here.

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