Edmunds: The five to drive in 2022 are worth the wait

There are a number of new models on the horizon that promise big improvements. Buyers may find that holding out until they arrive nets them a forward-looking vehicle that leaves today’s models in the dust. Here are five of them coming out in the next three to six months that Edmunds’ experts believe will be worth the wait.

HYUNDAI IONIQ 5

Quite a few electric vehicles are set to debut in the coming months, and among this group the Ioniq 5 looks to be a standout. Unlike Hyundai’s Ioniq compact hatchback that’s currently on sale, the Ioniq 5 is built on a dedicated EV structure that’s suited to the specific needs of an electric vehicle. It’s about the same size as a typical small SUV and boasts impressive interior space and all of Hyundai’s latest technology features.

Shoppers can choose between a rear-wheel-drive Ioniq 5 with a single electric motor (a configuration that Hyundai believes can travel up to 300 miles) or a more powerful dual-motor version with all-wheel drive and a targeted 269 miles of range. Perhaps best of all is the Ioniq 5′s styling that combines 1980s retro vibes with modern aesthetics. If you want an EV that stands out in a sea of Teslas, this could be for you.

Estimated starting price: $38,000

NISSAN Z

Nothing stirs the senses like a two-door sports car, and that’s especially true when it looks like the Nissan Z. Recalling the brand’s iconic coupes like the 240Z and 300ZX, the new Z holds a lot of promise for enthusiasts on a limited budget. There’s a 400-horsepower turbocharged V6 engine under the hood that drives the rear wheels through an available manual transmission.

Buyers will choose from Sport, Performance and Proto Spec trims. Each one has an understated yet charming interior and a mix of digital displays and analog gauges for the driver. Stepping up...