2018 spring and summer new car preview: New rides from BMW, Toyota, VW

The new RDX is a big leap forward for Acura in terms of both design and technology. The "NSX-inspired" dash looks much more premium, and the new nose is a definite improvement over the previous bucktooth corporate grille. 

Acura's new TrueTouch tap-and-swipe-based infotainment controller could be a win as well, but we'll need time with it to know for sure.

On sale: Summer

Pricing: TBD

This time around, Audi's RS5 ditches its V8 powerplant and comes out swinging with a twin-turbocharged V6 with 444 horsepower. It's gorgeous to behold, especially when painted in this new metallic Sonoma Green hue. 

Plus, with Quattro all-wheel drive, you'll be able to blast along your favorite roads come rain or shine.

On sale: Now

Pricing: starts at $69,900

The M5 has always been a bit of a brute, but that's kind of why we love it. The new car still feels a little angry and 'roided out, but thanks to a clever new all-wheel-drive system (the first in an M5), it's a little less apt to fling you into a field if you get stabby with the throttle.

The rest of the car is pretty standard BMW 5 Series in that it's a nice place to be and is packed with infotainment and driver assistance tech.

On sale: Now

Pricing starts at: $102,600

The badge on the C-pillar of the X2 is one of the most polarizing BMW design features in recent memory. What's less polarizing, however, is the fact that it's a super-competent little crossover with a nice interior and pleasing driving dynamics. 

It won't be cheap -- it's a BMW after all -- but it might prove a more stylish choice than some other small crossovers from European brands.

On sale: Spring

Pricing starts at: $36,400

The BMW X4 is basically an X3 underneath, which means it's a treat to drive, both around town or out on twisty roads. The 2018 model is a little bit bigger than its predecessor, with a longer wheelbase that results in improved interior space. It's available in either xDrive30i or M40i flavors, with the M40i getting specific interior bits like fancy sport seats. 

Of course, with its sloped roofline, it's less practical than the X3 upon which it's based. More expensive, too.

On sale: July

Pricing starts at: $50,450

Ford's Edge gets a number of updates for 2019, the coolest of which is an ST trim level with a hot turbocharged engine and cool aesthetic touches. 

The new Edge appears to be a bit more refined than the model it replaces, and the interior quality looks good. Tech is strong, too, with the latest Sync 3 infotainment suite on hand.

On sale: Summer

Pricing: TBD

Ford's Mustang Bullitt has little more power, a lot less badging and one of the sexiest shades of green paint this side of 1968. 

It's a killer tribute to a perfectly average movie, and the Bullitt will represent good value for those who want a Mustang that's slightly different than the rest of the herd.

On sale: Summer

Pricing starts at: $47,495

The Hyundai Kona is super-cool. It's uniquely styled and packed with tons of great tech as standard. It's not a hardcore off-roader, but what crossover is? 

The promised 250-mile electric version will soon give the Chevrolet Bolt and Tesla Model 3 a run for their money, too.

On sale: Now

Pricing starts at: $19,500

The Hyundai Veloster is still plenty quirky with its asymmetrical door layout, but it no longer looks like a squashed frog. It's an upscale hatch, and one that can be pretty potent -- there's a 275-horsepower N model headed our way, and soon. 

As you'd expect, the 2019 Veloster comes with a killer warranty and plenty of in-cabin tech, including standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. That said, enthusiasts should be most excited about its updated chassis and more sophisticated rear suspension.

On sale: Spring

Pricing: TBD

Gone is the old Cherokee's polarizing face, and in its place is a more approachable mug. It's more or less the same old Cherokee that people loved otherwise, though it does get a new powertrain option in the form of 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine. Unlike many other vehicles in the segment, the Cherokee (particularly in Trailhawk trim) has real off-road ability.

On sale: Now

Pricing starts at: $24,690

It's the Juke's less-weird-looking replacement, and it comes from Brazil. The Kicks is an affordable little crossover that will likely fit in perfectly with your semi-urban, new parent, condo-dwelling lifestyle, and friend, that's not nothing. Seriously though, it comes with a bunch of standard safety features and decent in-car tech for the price bracket its in.

On sale: Late spring

Pricing: TBD

Nissan's electric hatch gets better for 2018, thanks to a bigger battery pack, keeping it competitive with 150 miles of EV range. 

The Leaf is perfectly reasonable to live with on a day-to-day basis as well, and for 2018, it gets upgraded tech, including Nissan's ProPilot semi-autonomous capability.

 It looks a lot better, too.

On sale: Now

Pricing starts at: $29,990 (before EV incentives)

The new Ram 1500 is one of the most tech-packed trucks we've ever seen, what with its available vertically oriented 12-inch touchscreen and USB-C compatibility. 

Under the hood, the 1500 packs an available mild-hybrid drivetrain and a diesel engine will join in the near future. 

The new Ram 1500 has also lost 225 pounds compared to its predecessor, which ought to improve both performance and fuel economy.

On sale: Summer

Pricing starts at: $33,340

A hybrid-electric Range Rover might soon be the best version of Land Rover's iconic SUV. 

While it doesn't have quite the same the snarl as the V8-powered Range Rover, the electric torque on tap means that it's quick enough to get out of its own way while politely sipping fuel, and because it's a Land Rover, it'll climb a mountain if you need it to.

On sale: Summer

Pricing starts at: $95,350

This big Subaru features three rows of seating and a fancy new turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine. 

Like most big SUVs, the Ascent will be built here in the US, and with four available trim levels, it should prove a nice place to spend time. 

We're excited to spend time with Subaru's entry to the red-hot midsize crossover segment.

On sale: July

Pricing starts at: $31,995

Toyota's new Avalon has a whole lot of grille, but it also has a whole lot to offer. The full-size sedan was designed, engineered and will be built in the USA. 

It also has, in top trim levels, a frankly gorgeous-looking interior (particularly in lighter colors). It's built on Toyota's new global TNGA platform and features the latest Entune 3.0 onboard infotainment.

On sale: Spring

Pricing: TBD

The Corolla Hatchback feels like Toyota returning to what it does best, and the fact that it will be offered with a real six-speed manual transmission means it could even have some performance enthusiast cred.

 We dig how it looks, and we're thankful Toyota has finally added Apple CarPlay to its infotainment suite.

On sale: Summer

Pricing: TBD

For 2019, the Jetta finally rides on the same modular MQB architecture that underpins most of Volkswagen's newer products. 

The 2019 Jetta is a little bigger than before and packs a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine. Bigger and better in all the right ways, this ought to be a hit among VW fans and compact car shoppers alike.

On sale: Spring

Pricing starts at: $19,395

Continuing Volvo's recently adopted tradition of producing the most attractive car in any given segment, the XC40 has come to crush the premium compact crossover game. It's little but well-proportioned, and this available Amazon Blue color gives us the fits.

The XC40's interior is well laid out and feels premium for the price point. Its 2.0-liter turbo engine is a good 'un and should make the XC40 a joy to live with on the daily.

On sale: Spring

Pricing starts at: $35,200