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The Ford Mustang is the last car the brand has left standing in North America—and it's a coupe—but elsewhere, traditional four-door, three-box designs still hold some sway. Take the Chinese market, where a few of Ford sedans are currently on the menu: the Focus (which mainly looks like a ROW Focus) and the Escort (based on the second-generation Ford Focus). The new Mondeo, though, is another thing entirely—a refinement of some of Ford's greatest hits. 2022 Ford Mondeo DesignFord revealed this car back in January, but it didn't strike us then just how bold this vehicle is until reports started coming in about it starting to reach dealerships in China. After a second glance, it's worth showing to our readers, if only to appreciate what could have been. In another timeline, had the Fusion (our version of the once-global Mondeo) hung on another generation, we're sure it would have carried this design language. It's like a greatest hits collection of all the best styling ideas of the last few generations of Fords, but honed to a very fine point.Mondeo Meets MuscleThe headlights and grille look more Taurus than Fusion, but more handsome and aggressive than either, using the high-mounted running lights and separated, prominent driving lights below to give it a very contemporary fascia. We're not sure that anyone at Ford Design in China had a rival Camaro up on their idea board, but the blending of the running lights into the grille, and the separate lower elements in black separated by a body-colored strip almost seem like a successful riff on the widely panned Camaro front end. More grille up top and less below the strip does wonders to the balance of the front end. It's in profile, and from the rear, that the Chinese-market Mondeo really comes into its own. There's lots of contour, contrast, and character to the flanks of the Mondeo, particularly the very rear-drive-influenced character line high on the rear quarters. The contrasting roof makes the Mondeo look even sleeker than it actually is. And the shapely rear end, with a strong Mustang influence that marries quadrangular elements with a classic fastback lip spoiler shape to the trunklid, is superb. Without the twin integrated exhaust pipes flanking a faux rear diffuser, this could sell as a very successful Ford EV concept.Mustang Mixed InThe taillamps are particularly noteworthy, with a hint of the trendy pixelated style, similar to what we see on the Hyundai Ioniq 5, but used sparingly enough to add visual interest rather than take over the rear end as an overarching theme. The small, tasteful, and very three-dimensional vertical strakes on the taillamps also are a nod in the direction of the Mustang.Inside, a massive panel of screens floats over a restrained dash, with plenty of character—particularly in the shapely and visually interesting steering wheel. While the dash overall has significant height—we'd need to sit in one to really evaluate how the cabin feels—it looks suitably futuristic.Will the Chinese Mondeo's massive screen, muscular design language, or three-box shape cross the Pacific anytime soon? The first two are possibilities, the third seems highly unlikely. It would seem Ford doesn't yet consider any of its sedans as "Icons." In the meantime, consider the Mondeo a taste of what might have been.

WHAT IT IS: After initially doubling down on hydrogen and hybrids, Toyota appears to be pivoting slowly toward battery electric vehicles. One of the models that'll anchor this directional change is the new 2024 Toyota Compact Cruiser. A follow-up of sorts to the beloved FJ Cruiser (which left our market in 2014 but still soldiers on in the Middle East), the Compact Cruiser is a pint-sized electric off-roader built in the same vein as early '90s classics such as the Suzuki Samurai. This small electric off-roader sports four doors, plenty of ground clearance, tucked-away bumpers, all-terrain tires, and beefy-looking skidplates, all of which ought to make it a hoot off-road.WHY IT MATTERS: Toyota is finally coming on strong in the EV space, promising 10 new "lines" of EVs by 2025, and the Compact Cruiser will be part of that salvo. While models like the 2023 Toyota bZ4X cover Toyota's more conservative audience, the Compact Cruiser, previewed here with images of the Toyota Compact Cruiser Concept from earlier this year, aims to satisfy legions of Toyota's hardcore off-road enthusiasts by offering more traditional Land Cruiser styling cues in an efficient, modern package.PLATFORM AND POWERTRAIN: We don't know a ton about what's underneath the Compact Cruiser's sheetmetal, but we think it's a safe assumption we'll find Toyota's new e-TNGA platform, also found underpinning the bZ4x and Subaru Solterra. We expect the Compact Cruiser to offer dual-motor all-wheel drive and somewhere in the realm of 250 hp or so. If that's the case, don't expect it to be a range or charging champ—the more aerodynamic all-wheel-drive bZ4X nets 222 miles of range in its least efficient form and is among the slowest-charging EVs on the market.ESTIMATED PRICE: $45,000EXPECTED ON-SALE DATE: Fall 2023

This is a pivotal year for Cadillac—its endeavor into electrification has begun. That charge is led by the Lyriq, an all-new addition to the Cadillac SUV lineup built using General Motors' Ultium battery tech. Yet the brand has not forsaken internal combustion. Rather, for 2023 it celebrates the joys of internal combustion by rolling out a super-powerful, supercharged version of the Escalade. Additionally, the brand's three XT-badged crossovers get a few minor updates. Due to supply chain constraints, the Super Cruise hands-free driving system offered previously is not currently available, but Cadillac is working on changing that. Continue on to see everything new on 2023 Cadillac SUVs.