Every year, automotive manufacturers update or upgrade different vehicles within their lineup. While some cars take years before receiving a refresh, others get minor changes that make them age like fine wine. Take the example of BMW. It has been changing the looks of its lineup every year.
For the 2023 model year, we have new models like the BMW XM and a refreshed 7 Series lineup. While the looks might not be for everyone, the brand is taking a positive step toward innovation and maintaining relevance. This isn't the case with the vehicles in this list. They lack the current design trends that make them competitive within this ever-changing automotive market.
10 Acura MDX
The MDX offers a handsome exterior and three rows of seats. Its cabin offers enough room for cargo and passengers. It's a great example of the value, and quality Acura brings to the table. This family-friendly SUV boasts brisk acceleration even with the base engine.
For the 2023 model year, Acura leaves the MDX untouched. However, buyers get a two-year or 24,000-mile complimentary maintenance plan. The MDX also gets three years of free access to the AcuraLink connectivity plan.
9 Chrysler 300
Even though 2023 will be the last year for the 300, we wish Chrysler would give us a refresh. In a world where SUV is king, the 300 is a bit of a throwback with its brawny engines and rear-drive chassis. The 300 is a big American sedan with a value-oriented base price.
One of its closest competitors is the Dodge Charger, a sedan with which it shares most parts. However, the 300 boasts more rear space thanks to the lack of a sloping roofline. It's a practical, comfortable, and engaging to-drive sedan.
8 Dodge Challenger
The Challenger is one of the most iconic American muscle cars with assertive design cues. Despite its nod to its muscle car history, the Challenger has the goods to back its retro package. It boasts an engine lineup with a great selection of V8s.
At the top of the Challenger trim sits the SRT Jailbreak edition with a supercharged V8 producing 807 ponies. In addition, all Challenger models provide a spacious cabin with enough trunk space than its rivals. Like its American rivals, the Challenger has a big footprint and plenty of straight-line speed.
7 Infiniti Q50
Even though the Q50 has catchy styling, it has a dated cabin, unlike its rivals. That's no surprise since it got its last update in 2014. Due to this, the Q50 lags in some sectors like fuel efficiency. Its more modern rivals, like Audi A4 and Genesis G70, get better gas mileage.
Despite having a dated cabin, the Q50 is comfortable, making it ideal for daily commutes. It's a premium compact sedan with relatively accessible pricing. In addition, the Q50 packs a punch under its hood with a more powerful base engine than the Mercedes-Benz C Class and BMW 3 Series.
6 Dodge Charger
Dodge introduced the modern Charger in 2006 as a revival of the 60s nameplate. The 2023 model is a heavily revised version of the 2006 model. It rides on a chassis that's over 15 years old, making it feel less refined than its rivals.
However, despite its old-school values, the Charger has plenty of good. It boasts a range of impressive powertrains, including a plain V8 and a potent supercharged V8. All versions boast sporty handling, thanks to Dodge ensuring that the Charger always feels like a sports sedan.
5 Acura RDX
Acura has a reputation for offering luxury models for a lot less. The RDX is a fun-to-drive and handsomely styled luxury SUV. This compact SUV is more affordable than its European competitors, like the Audi Q5 and BMW X3.
For its price, the RDX delivers a spacious cargo room, a roomy cabin, and lively handling. Acura also adds a healthy dose of standard features, including a 10.2-inch infotainment display, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind spot monitoring. However, the 2023 model year has no changes to the powertrain, styling, and features.
4 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
The Giulia Quadrifoglio competes with great sports sedans like the BMW M3 and Mercedes AMG C Class. However, unlike its rivals, there hasn't been much improvement visually or performance-wise. Its competitors boast class-leading performance, technology, and safety features.
The Quadrifoglio sits at the top of the Giulia lineup. It boasts a potent twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 engine producing 505 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. The Quadrifoglio also gets a well-calibrated eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear wheels. This setup helps make the Quadrifoglio a riot to pilot.
3 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio
The Stelvio is a handsome sports SUV, but it's showing its age. Despite being in one of the most contested segments in the automotive field, it aims to compete with models like the Mercedes AMG GLC, BMW X3M, Porsche Macan, and so on.
While its competitors have gotten meaningful updates over the years, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio relies heavily on its savoir-faire and looks. Despite lacking a newer version, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio is a great performer and fun-to-drive SUV. It boasts a 505 hp Biturbo V6 and active suspension that makes it handle like a premium sports sedan.
2 Genesis G80
The G80 is a refines luxury sedan that aims to compete with Audi, Mercedes, and BMW. It's an excellent choice for anyone looking for a luxurious driving experience. The G80 provides an elegant exterior and chic interior that remains unchanged for the 2023 model year.
Genesis makes minor tweaks to the G80 lineup by adding a redesigned infotainment controller on all models. While the current model looks great, we can't wait to see what Genesis comes up with in the future lineup. For the 2023 model year, Genesis introduces the Electrified G80 with a punchy electric powertrain.
1 Mercedes AMG S63 Coupe
The last update to the S Class Coupe was back in 2021. That's a long-time, considering Mercedes has already showcased their next generation S Class and SL lineup. While the 2021 S63 Coupe is no slouch, it tops our list for vehicles needing a refresh.
The S63 was available as a coupe or cabriolet. Since it was riding on the older S Class platform, it had a less technologically advanced interior. However, the S63 made up for everything with its sport-oriented chassis and potent 603-hp Biturbo V8 engine.