How Much Is a Chevrolet Silverado EV Pickup?

ProsMore refined handlingExcellent dual-clutch transmissionBargain price ConsBrakes need more cooling for track workUnnecessarily complicated performance customization screenWay too stiff in anything but Comfort mode 2021 Hyundai Veloster N Specifications Base Price/As tested $33,525/$35,025 Power (SAE net) 275 hp @ 6,000 rpm Torque (SAE net) 260 lb-ft @ 1,450 rpm Accel, 0-60 mph 5.1 sec Quarter-mile 13.7 sec @ 102.9 mph Braking, 60-0 mph 114 ft Lateral Acceleration 0.97 g (avg) MT Figure Eight 24.7 sec @ 0.76 g (avg) EPA City/Hwy/Comb 20/27/22 mpg Vehicle Layout Front-engine, FWD, 4-pass, 3-door hatchback Engine, Transmission 2.0L turbo direct-injected DOHC 16-valve I-4, 8-speed twin-clutch auto Curb Weight (F/R DIST) 3,159 lb (65/35%) Wheelbase 104.3 in Length x Width x Height 167.9 x 71.3 x 54.9 in On Sale Now Show All

Honda is having itself a busy year. Fresh off the launch of the new Civic sedan and hatchback, it is about to introduce a new HR-V small SUV, a new CR-V crossover, and this—a new-generation Accord midsize sedan. Just as the CR-V is a juggernaut among compact SUVs, duking it out with the likes of Toyota's RAV4 for sales, the Honda Accord is a mainstay in the shrinking yet still popular midsize sedan space. Even the relatively old 2022 model, which was introduced back in 2017 and is about to be replaced by this new 2023 Honda Accord, remains at the top of its class in our Ultimate Car Rankings. It is an achingly competent and satisfying car to own, delivering confident handling, a refined ride, punchy powertrains, and sleek looks inside and out.What's New, New Accord?So, what does changes are in store for the 2023 Accord? If we use the smaller Civic as a template, we can expect Honda to subtly hone everything that's made the outgoing Accord so great. Literally, just as the newest Civic is based on the previous model, the new Accord will be spun off the current one. That doesn't preclude Honda from heavily restyling the Accord, however—again, look no further than the 2022 Civic, which looks nothing like its predecessor despite using the same platform. But we also think given that Honda refashioned the Civic in the Accord's image, that it likes that image and won't change it too much for 2023. To give you an idea of what the next Accord might look like, we've provided the illustrations here.Unlike the Civic, which matured from a wild vented, slatted, and creased visage to a cleaner, simpler design that looks vastly more upscale, the Accord already wears a clean, simple design that looks subtly upscale. That means the new model will probably adopt a few details from the Civic, namely its more horizontal shoulder line, squared-off front end, and thinner headlights. The outgoing Accord's various curves, arcs, and C-shaped taillights—all holdovers from previous-gen Honda design—will be straightened out, removed entirely, or, in the case of the taillights, slimmed down and simplified.Though we haven't rendered the 2023 Accord's interior, again, look for more Civic inspiration to trickle up. The Civic's classy full-width dashboard air vent motif, with a mesh treatment blending the actual air vents into a glamorous strip stretching from door-to-door, is almost guaranteed. Ditto the Civic's more squared-off switchgear, door handles, steering wheel hub, and more. Again, where the old Accord's door panels and dashboard styling features arcs and swoops, the new one will be predominantly rectilinear.A touchscreen will again float above the dashboard, but look for the current Accord's standard split-gauge cluster (half digital, half analog) to give way to a fully digital cluster across the lineup. The roominess of today's model will carry over to the new one, with perhaps a touch more trunk space carved out of the squarer tail.Same Platform, Same Engines?Today's Accord is relatively lightweight and has a well-sorted suspension that delivers sharp handling, satisfying control feel, and a good ride. Look for minor tweaks here, though the Accord's curb weight likely will increase slightly (as did the Civic's), as we anticipate Honda will add sound deadening and more features in a bid to quiet the sedan's wind and road noise while upping the luxe factor.Look for the Accord's trio of powertrains to live on for 2023, albeit with small reworkings for improved fuel economy and power delivery. That means entry-level Accords will retain their turbocharged 1.5-liter I-4 engines and continuously variable automatic transmissions (CVTs), while up-level versions will offer a more powerful turbo 2.0-liter I-4 and a 10-speed traditional automatic. Finally, the Accord Hybrid and its 2.0-liter I-4 and electric motor combo will return, likely with changes geared toward improving its fuel economy further. Front-wheel drive probably will remain the Accord's lone option; many competitors, the Toyota Camry included, have begun offering optional all-wheel drive in recent years.Will It Be Enough?One question to keep front of mind as the 2023 Honda Accord comes into full view later this year is whether it stays relatively low-key or goes somewhat wild. Many automakers have cut bait and left the midsize segment entirely (as Ford has with its Fusion, and Chevy seems apt to do with its Malibu), and those sedans that remain have grown sexier (i.e. Hyundai Sonata), more athletic (i.e. Mazda6 Turbo), and generally more upscale in a bid to stand out to buyers. Gone are the days of "boring" midsize sedans playing the role of family sedans without appeal; automakers now see sedan shoppers looking for a more extroverted experience. Hey, if you're going to give up the practicality of a boxy crossover or a pickup, why not lean into windswept styling that cuts into rear-seat headroom and trunk space and sportier dynamics you can't get in a similarly priced SUV?The old Accord was just handsome enough, but Honda's penchant for restraint might miss the moment these relatively affordable, roomy four-doors are having. All we know is, if the Accord drives anything like the new Civic, while delivering the same if not better quality, it'll be tough to complain about attractively understated styling.

Volkswagen just filed a patent application for an intriguing pickup-truck version of its upcoming ID Buzz electric van, and we're desperate to learn more. An image filed with the patent (above) depicts a four-door, crew-cab ID Buzz trucklet—essentially a 2024 Volkswagen ID Buzz van with its aft roof section removed and its rear sliding doors replaced with what appear to be conventionally hinged pieces. It immediately brings to mind the classic "Doka" versions of the vintage VW vans—short for doppelkabine.The patent image is unusual in that it's rendered in full color, and not in the typical axonometric, line-drawing style. Given the ID Buzz already is patented, we figure this is enough for VW to secure this kind of design, at least as a spin-off model.It also gives us an idea of what to expect should this truck become a reality. The cargo bed is quite deep and has seemingly thin walls to maximize its utility, while there is what looks to be a black-plastic-lined foot step just ahead of the rear wheel. Seeing as how the roof sports a ribbed section with the same kind of plastic treatment as the bed liner, we figure it's designed for carrying loads; that foot step therefore would come in handy for loading things atop the ID Buzz, too. We can even faintly make out a round Lidar unit similar to the pop-up pieces VW has been previewing on its semi-autonomous setups of the future; it's located on the front right corner of the roof, by the windshield pillar. There likely is a matching unit on the left side.Some of this ID trucklet's styling cues indicate it might be a concept car, however. The forward door cut line is slightly different from that on the production ID Buzz van; the tires are very low-profile and sport an unusual tread pattern; and instead of big glass side mirrors, there appear to be pop-out cameras. There also is a long LED strip running from the nose to the tail along the body line separating the green lower section from the silvery top.You've also probably noticed that this pickup is less "truck" and more, uh, van. The green vehicle shown here has absolutely zero off-road pretense, and doesn't even wear extra body cladding on its bumpers. It is a street-first type of truck, and that's okay—in fact, it's downright different; these days, most trucks sit relatively high off the ground and wear I'm-tougher-than-you styling. This ID Buzz pickup is a van with a buzz cut, and we're here for it (in fact, we even rendered just such a vehicle soon after the ID Buzz debuted!). We'll know more about this intriguing design if or when it appears in the metal; were it to go into production, don't expect an on-sale date before 2024, after the ID Buzz van hits the market here.