Sunday Drive: Our top drives of 2023 – Navigating the automotive landscape in Utah
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- Deanne with the Bronco high in the Utah County foothills above Santaquin after she spent some of the afternoon snowshoeing in the 18-plus inches of snow.
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- The new 2024 Jeep Wrangler, loaded with supplies for the Utah County Fair, proving how adaptable the Wrangler can be.
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- High up in the Wasatch Mountains headed toward Kamas in the Nissan Aryia. Deanne loved the color and the excitement of the drive.
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- Deanne stands with the all-new Alfa Romeo Tonale on a Sunday drive we took up Mapleton Canyon to the trailhead for the long hike to the top of Maple Mountain.
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- At the Pacific Ocean with the all-new Toyota GR Corolla Morizo. We had to get to the beach at least once; it’s a right of passage every time we go to SoCal.
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- Deanne with the Nissan Z in front of the iconic dinosaur — a must-stop photo location — in Vernal.
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- The all-new Toyota Crown proved to be a great new addition to the sedan market.
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- The new Chevrolet Silverado is a great addition and proved to be our favorite truck this year.
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- At Zion National Park on the way home as we took the scenic route through the park on to Highway 89 and then northward toward our home in Springville. The new 2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport proved to be a great traveling companion.
Almost every day, we find ourselves fielding questions about our preferred vehicles and the rationale behind our choices. Deciding on a favorite is no easy feat, especially considering the constant influx of new models — a weekly ritual of driving a new one makes it challenging to remember, let alone select, the cream of the automotive crop.
That said, as we reflect on the dynamic year that was 2023, we’ve taken the opportunity to curate our favorites across various categories, all of which we had the pleasure of test-driving right here in Utah.
Ford Bronco Raptor: Unleashing the beast
Our sole offering from Ford in 2023, the new Bronco Raptor, left an indelible mark. Boasting a twin-turbocharged V-6 generating a formidable 418 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque, this vehicle truly earned its “beast” status. Ford maintained the Bronco’s early DNA while infusing modern updates, and our longing to test it on slick rock only intensified after tackling mountainous terrains in 18 inches of snow.
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 492: A different thrill
Mid-summer brought the arrival of the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 492, a V-8-powered marvel producing 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. While not necessarily better than the Ford, it offers a different thrill, sprinting to 60 in a mere 4.5 seconds. 2023 was a stellar year for full-sized SUVs, transforming them into veritable rocket ships with immense power and abilities to get anywhere one may dream to go.
Nissan Ariya: Electrifying excellence
Delving into the electric vehicle domain, we witnessed a deeper embrace of these types of autos, thanks to increased charging infrastructure. Our standout electric drive for the year was the Nissan Ariya, the manufacturer’s second fully electric vehicle. Boasting a range of 300 miles, a 4.5-second 0-60 time and striking aesthetics, the Ariya exceeded expectations during our weeklong drive, even regenerating mileage on the descent from the Wasatch Back mountains.
Alfa Romeo Tonale: Harmony of power and design
In the plug-in hybrid category, the Alfa Romeo Tonale claimed our favor. A new addition to the Alfa Romeo stable, the Tonale couples a 1.3-liter turbocharged engine with an electric motor boasting a 33-mile range. This combination perfectly suited our needs, providing ample electric power for daily use with no range anxiety during longer journeys. The Tonale’s design, distinctly Alfa Romeo, added another feather to its cap.
Toyota GR Corolla and Crown: Toyota’s dual triumph
Toyota’s presence in our list featured the GR Corolla, a new compact SUV, and the Crown, a full-sized sedan. The GR Corolla, in its various forms including the fast Corolla Cross GR Sport and the track-ready Morizo edition, proved to be the hottest of hot hatches for 2023. In the full-sized sedan segment, the all-new Toyota Crown, particularly in the top-of-the-line Platinum trim, showcased greatness from its 12.3-inch infotainment screen to the Hybrid Max 2.4-liter turbocharged engine, delivering 340 horsepower and an impressive 41 mpg during our test week.
Chevrolet Silverado Bison Edition ZR2: Dominance reinforced
Our favorite truck of the year was the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado Bison Edition ZR2. The 2022 redesign had already captured our hearts, and the Bison Edition, featuring a colossal 6.2-liter V-8 engine producing 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, reinforced its dominance. Although gas mileage dropped considerably when towing, the redesigned interior stood out as a work of art.
Nissan Z: A true testament of time
Our list would not be complete without having a true sports car included, the all-new Nissan Z Nismo would have to be our pick for 2023 as we turned heads and answered questions for a week and even got to see the Great Basin on a quick weekend excursion. Our hats are off to the company and the new design in keeping history alive in an exciting new addition.
Honda Pilot TrailSport edition: Rugged comfort
Wrapping up our list is the 2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport edition, enhancing an already beloved model with rugged elements. A weekend spent exploring Southern Utah in late October highlighted its capabilities, allowing us to navigate Dixie comfortably and confidently.
As we bid farewell to 2023, the automotive world has showcased significant advancements. Looking ahead to 2024, we eagerly anticipate more adventures and technological innovations that will undoubtedly redefine the driving experience.