2023 Ford F-150 Lightning charges this week’s new car reviews

‘Tis the season for our annual Best Car To Buy award, and we narrowed down dozens of contenders to come up with the five finalists competing for The Car Connection Best Car To Buy 2023. All but one of them have an electrified powertrain, and all but one of them cost less than $40,000. It’s a sign of the times, and that’s no easy feat in a market where new car buyers are paying at least $46,000, on average. The list of finalists is below. 

In addition to our extended drum roll, we revisited a few more 2023 models. Here’s what moved us. 

2023 Ford F-150 Lightning review

While you’ll pay dearly for the privilege of going gas-free, the Ford F-150 Lightning delivers impressive acceleration and refinement. It earns a TCC Rating of 8.0 out of 10, in spite of another price hike announced this week that bumps the base Lightning Pro to about $56,000. 

2023 Toyota Corolla Cross review

Toyota’s smallest SUV waits on its promised hybrid powertrain—and more power. It rides on a TCC Rating of 6.0 out of 10.

2023 GMC Terrain review

The Terrain’s stylish design is better than most compact crossovers, but a lack of powertrain options result in a TCC Rating of 6.0 out of 10.

Best Car To Buy 2023 finalists

2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid

Kia’s new Sportage crossover gets hybrid and plug-in variants—and a place on our Best Car To Buy short list.

2023 Kia Niro

With hybrid, plug-in, and electric editions under its badge, the 2023 Niro blends value with a smart styling statement. Is that enough to snag The Car Connection Best Car To Buy 2023?

2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The latest version of Honda’s bestselling crossover SUV refines its high-efficiency act for 2023, with up to 40 mpg combined.

2023 Ford F-150 Lightning

Ford’s big battery-electric pickup truck earns a spot on our list despite massive price hikes.

2023 Acura Integra

The Integra name returns and drives into our finalist consideration with its balance of performance, value, and refinement over the related Honda Civic Si.