In the fast-paced world of automotive design, change is inevitable but improvement isn’t always guaranteed. With every new generation, automakers are faced with the challenge of keeping up with evolving technology, tightening regulations, shifting customer expectations, and fierce competition.
Sometimes the result is a disappointing departure from what made a car great in the first place. Other times, though, a model returns to the spotlight sharper, smarter, and better than ever.
These are the nameplates that came back stronger, whether through re-engineered platforms, major interior upgrades, smarter powertrains, or a complete overhaul in design and driving dynamics. Each one proves that evolution done right can keep a car relevant and even make it a class leader again.
For American drivers, these changes matter. A better interior can turn the daily commute into something less tedious. Improved fuel efficiency or electrified options can make long-term ownership more cost-effective.
More safety tech and smarter infotainment mean more peace of mind and convenience. And when it all comes wrapped in a more stylish package, it’s hard not to appreciate the effort.
So if you’ve ever been burned by a disappointing redesign or are simply curious about which vehicles have gotten their act together in recent years you’re in the right place. Here are 10 car models that truly improved in their latest generations, setting new standards and giving buyers a reason to take another look.
Honda Civic (10th Gen, 2016–2021)
The 10th-generation Honda Civic proved that you don’t need to compromise practicality to get style and performance in a compact car. When it hit the streets in 2016, it ditched the generic design language of its predecessor and introduced a sleek fastback profile that immediately turned heads.
Under the hood, it offered efficient and punchy turbocharged engines, while inside, it finally felt modern and upscale. The handling was responsive, the ride comfort was dialed in, and the Civic reclaimed its place as the standard-bearer for the segment.
Handsome styling, engaging performance, and a track record of reliability have long cemented the Honda Civic as a top pick for compact-car buyers and for good reason.
Whether you prefer a four-door sedan, two-door coupe, or the versatile four-door hatchback, the Civic continues to shine with its fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines and roomy, well-thought-out interior. However, it’s not without its drawbacks.
Plus, the hatchback-exclusive Sport and Sport Touring trims bring 180 horses to the stable—six more than in other Civic models fitted with this engine.”
The 2017 Civic lineup comes with two stellar four-cylinder engines. A naturally aspirated 158-horsepower 2.0-liter powers the LX and EX sedan trims as well as the LX and LX-P coupes.
For those seeking a bit more oomph, most other trims are equipped with a 174-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder. Hatchback variants in Sport and Sport Touring flavors get a slight bump, with the same turbo motor tuned to 180 horsepower.
The turbo stands out for its lively acceleration, smooth power delivery, and excellent fuel economy. When it comes to transmissions, buyers are in good hands with either a precise, satisfying six-speed manual or one of the most refined CVTs available on the market.
On the road, the Civic strikes a near-perfect blend of comfort and fun. It rides smoothly yet remains connected to the pavement, thanks to responsive steering and a well-tuned suspension.
The chassis feels agile without being too stiff or too soft, Honda has nailed the balance. The steering, in particular, is a highlight: quick, accurate, and more communicative than you might expect in a compact.
If you’re craving an even sportier driving experience, the hatchback’s Sport and Sport Touring trims are where to look, with sharper steering and a slightly more dynamic feel overall.
Also Read: 5 Popular Cars That Everyone Regrets Buying and 5 They’d Buy Again
Mazda3 (4th Gen, 2019–Present)
Mazda took its fun-to-drive compact and injected it with luxury-level refinement in the latest generation. The 4th-gen Mazda3 introduced available all-wheel drive and wrapped it in a body that looks like it belongs in a showroom with $50K price tags.
The interior materials, design language, and intuitive controls all feel like they belong in a much more expensive car. While visibility in the hatchback could be better, the overall driving dynamics and craftsmanship are a massive step up from the previous model.
Nearly every small sedan on the market today delivers on value, fuel efficiency, and safety. If your goal is simply to get from point A to point B without much fuss, you could blindly choose just about any model and come away reasonably satisfied.
One of the Mazda 3’s standout traits is its design. Both inside and out, the car looks and feels more upscale than most rivals in its class.
The interior, in particular, exudes a refined feel, with high-quality materials and thoughtfully laid-out controls that make the cabin seem like it belongs in a more expensive vehicle. When you drive a Mazda 3, there’s a good chance your friends will assume you paid more than you actually did.
Visibility out back also suffers somewhat due to the sedan’s high trunk and thick rear pillars. Still, these aren’t deal-breakers for most people.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2019–Present)
Chevy finally gave the Silverado the revamp it needed in 2019. It kept the toughness and workhorse capability that full-size truck buyers expect but added in a lighter, stronger chassis and updated engine options that balance power with better fuel economy.
Though interior improvements were uneven across trims early on, later updates have brought it closer to what buyers expect in terms of comfort and technology. For loyal Chevy fans, this generation of Silverado put it squarely back in contention with Ford and Ram.
The 2019 Silverado is longer, taller, and wider than the outgoing model, yet it’s also lighter. Under the hood, Chevy now offers a broad lineup of engines, including a V6, two V8 options, a turbocharged four-cylinder, and a diesel six-cylinder that’s expected to join the mix later in the year.
Inside, the Silverado 1500 maintains a layout that feels familiar. While Chevrolet has reorganized the gauges and controls, many of the knobs and buttons seem carried over from the previous generation. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, as functionality remains intuitive.
Toyota RAV4 (5th Gen, 2019–Present)
Toyota’s best-selling SUV got a much-needed personality boost when the 5th-gen RAV4 launched. It adopted tougher styling with a more rugged SUV feel and introduced a suite of performance and tech upgrades that made it more capable across the board.
The hybrid model, in particular, became a standout thanks to its stellar fuel economy without sacrificing performance. It’s more comfortable, more capable, and more stylish—qualities that helped it maintain its top spot in the compact SUV market.
The 2021 RAV4 is powered by a 203-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive comes standard, but depending on the trim level, Toyota now offers multiple all-wheel-drive systems.
The Adventure model we tested came with an AWD setup that can disconnect the rear axle when necessary to enhance fuel efficiency. On the test track, the RAV4 outpaced its predecessor: we clocked a 0-to-60 mph time of 8.0 seconds for the 2019 model compared to 8.3 seconds for the 2018 version.
While the four-cylinder engine does its job reliably, it can get noticeably loud, especially during highway-passing maneuvers. We also noticed the transmission in our test vehicle hesitated when asked to downshift, which made it feel a bit clunky under pressure.
Out on the highway, the RAV4 rides with reassuring solidity and composure. It handles curves and winding roads reasonably well, too. Still, when it comes to driver confidence and engagement, it doesn’t quite measure up to the Mazda CX-5, which remains our top pick in the segment.
Ford Explorer (6th Gen, 2020–Present)
The Explorer underwent a major mechanical shift by returning to a rear-wheel-drive platform in 2020, and it made a world of difference. Towing capacity improved, handling felt more confident, and the new design allowed for a more spacious and refined interior.
Technology was also upgraded across the board, with a new infotainment system and more available safety features. With these changes, the Explorer re-established itself as a family-friendly SUV that could also haul and handle with ease.
The Explorer lineup sees a fresh addition with the new ST-Line trim, which brings the aggressive styling of the high-performance ST model but pairs it with the more fuel-efficient turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
This trim rides on 20-inch wheels and features distinctive blacked-out exterior accents and badging. Inside, the cabin leans into a sporty aesthetic, offering faux-suede upholstery with red contrast stitching, a sport-design steering wheel, and ST-Line-branded door-jamb protectors.
Meanwhile, the true ST model, the most performance-focused in the lineup, is now available with rear-wheel drive, offering a new twist for driving enthusiasts. At the top end, the luxurious King Ranch and Platinum trims both receive a power boost to 400 horsepower.
Buyers of these high-spec models can also choose between a second-row bench seat or dual captain’s chairs at no extra cost. The Timberline trim, which debuted last year as the off-road-focused option, now also offers a second-row bench configuration.
The 2022 Ford Explorer has a starting MSRP of $37,005, with pricing climbing up to $55,125 depending on the chosen trim level and options.
Also Read: 5 SUVs With the Best Headlight Throw and 5 With Dark Spots
Hyundai Sonata (8th Gen, 2020–Present)
Hyundai made a bold move with the latest Sonata, both in styling and in substance. The 8th-gen sedan features dramatic, coupe-like lines and one of the most futuristic interiors in the midsize segment.
It’s packed with cutting-edge tech, including a digital key, advanced driver assistance systems, and one of the best infotainment setups in its class. More importantly, it drives better than ever, with smooth ride quality and engines that balance efficiency and responsiveness. It’s a serious threat to the long-standing segment leaders.
The 2021 Hyundai Sonata is a midsize sedan that goes head-to-head with segment heavyweights like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, while also facing newer competition like the Kia K5.
It checks all the usual boxes for a sedan, there’s a roomy interior, an impressively large trunk, and a level of quickness that might catch you off guard.
But where the Sonata really separates itself is in its wealth of tech features. From its intuitive infotainment system to the crisp, high-resolution surround-view parking camera, this car feels a step ahead in user-friendly technology.
The big update for 2021 is the introduction of a new top-of-the-line performance variant. The Hyundai Sonata N Line is aimed at drivers who want a practical sedan that also delivers a bit more punch and excitement.
It’s powered by an all-new turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the strongest engine upgrades you’ll find in the midsize class.
The N Line also adds sportier dynamics, a bold black-painted grille, dual exhaust outlets, and specially designed front sport seats with red stitching to match the car’s more aggressive personality.
Subaru Outback (6th Gen, 2020–Present)
Subaru didn’t reinvent the Outback with the 6th generation, it refined it. The latest model kept the rugged DNA and standard all-wheel drive, then added a significantly more modern interior, an available turbocharged engine for extra power, and Subaru’s new massive touchscreen interface.
The improvements make long trips more comfortable, off-road excursions more capable, and day-to-day commuting easier. For loyalists, it’s the best Outback yet, and for newcomers, it’s more inviting than ever.
Under the hood of this latest Outback, you’ll find two updated engine options: a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine and a more potent turbocharged 2.4-liter version.
The turbo engine stands out as the more enticing choice, offering both improved performance and better fuel economy than the previous generation’s non-turbo six-cylinder.
Both engines are paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), and Subaru has done a commendable job fine-tuning the CVT to operate so smoothly that most drivers won’t even notice it.
In terms of safety, the Outback is loaded with advanced features. Standard equipment includes adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.
A standout addition is Subaru’s DriverFocus system, which utilizes an infrared camera to monitor whether the driver appears drowsy or distracted. It even has facial recognition capabilities, allowing it to identify who’s behind the wheel and automatically adjust the mirrors and seats based on personalized settings.
When it comes to venturing off the beaten path, the Outback stays true to its adventurous roots. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive, it’s more than capable on gravel or dirt roads.
For those looking to tackle rougher terrain, the Outback’s X-Mode system offers hill descent control and selectable traction settings tailored for snow, mud, and other slippery surfaces.
Kia Sorento (4th Gen, 2021–Present)
Kia’s evolution has been one of the most impressive in the industry, and the latest Sorento shows just how far the brand has come. The 4th-gen model offers aggressive styling, a surprisingly luxurious interior, and a range of powertrains including hybrid and plug-in hybrid options.
It delivers serious value without feeling like a budget buy. With more tech, more space, and more versatility than ever, the Sorento is no longer an alternative, it’s a frontrunner.
The 2022 Kia Sorento is a compact SUV that stands out in its class by offering three rows of seating—something not many competitors in this size range provide. That makes it an appealing option for buyers who want more versatility than Kia’s smaller Sportage, without jumping up to the larger and pricier three-row Telluride.
Kia gave the Sorento a full redesign in 2021, and its updated styling clearly draws inspiration from the Telluride’s bold design language.
Under the hood, the Sorento provides a choice of four powertrains, including a hybrid and, new for 2022, a plug-in hybrid. This year also brings upgraded equipment across more trims—most notably, the 10.25-inch touchscreen is now standard on all but the base model.
Additionally, buyers who want a rugged aesthetic without paying top dollar can now add the X-Line appearance package on lower trims, whereas previously it was only available with the top-tier SX Prestige version.
Volkswagen Golf GTI (Mk8, 2022–Present)
The Golf GTI has always been a fan favorite, and the 8th-generation continues that legacy while pushing the envelope further. It’s quicker, more refined, and better balanced than before, maintaining the hot hatch ethos of blending everyday usability with true driving joy.
While some may not love the touch-sensitive interior controls, the improvements in handling, power, and technology more than make up for it. It remains the standard others try to beat.
The 2022 Golf GTI enters an all-new generation, marking the eighth iteration of this iconic hot hatch. While the exterior design evolution is more subtle than radical, Volkswagen has infused the GTI with advanced technology and improved performance.
The updated styling features sleeker LED headlights and a large, aggressive lower grille with integrated fog lights tucked into the mesh.
Inside, however, the transformation is more striking. VW blends signature elements, like the beloved plaid seat upholstery, with modern updates. Dual digital displays are now standard, and the dashboard has been completely reimagined with a more tech-focused layout.
Under the hood, the GTI’s turbocharged four-cylinder engine has been tuned to deliver 241 horsepower (an increase of 13) and 273 pound-feet of torque (up 15). Enthusiasts will be happy to know that a manual transmission remains standard.
Among the available trims, the mid-tier SE offers the best balance of features and value. If you prefer an automatic, you can upgrade from the standard six-speed manual to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic for $800 but we’d stick with the manual for the full GTI experience.
Compared to the base model, the SE adds a premium 480-watt Harman/Kardon sound system, a stylish illuminated front grille, upgraded infotainment, and a panoramic sunroof, all of which make it feel more upscale without jumping to Autobahn pricing.
Jeep Grand Cherokee (5th Gen, 2022–Present)
The Grand Cherokee finally got the overhaul it needed, and the result is a more refined and more versatile SUV. With the addition of the Grand Cherokee L, Jeep added third-row seating, making it a more viable family hauler.
The new interior design is sleek, upscale, and packed with the kind of tech and safety features buyers expect today. It still offers off-road credibility with available Trailhawk models, but now it feels just as at home on a highway road trip as it does crawling over rocks.
After a full redesign in 2022, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee returns with only a handful of changes—but they’re significant. Most notably, the 5.7-liter V-8 engine has been dropped from the lineup.
Also new this year, the rugged Trailhawk trim is now available exclusively with Jeep’s 4xe plug-in hybrid powertrain, reflecting the brand’s growing push toward electrification. For those opting for the midrange Limited or Overland trims, a 10.1-inch infotainment screen with built-in navigation now comes standard.
The Limited also offers a nine-speaker Alpine audio system as a standalone upgrade, while the Overland and Summit trims can now be equipped with a high-end 19-speaker McIntosh sound system.
It’s true, the Grand Cherokee comes in at a few thousand dollars more than mainstream rivals like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade, a premium often referred to as the “Jeep tax.” And once you get into the upper trims, you’re playing in luxury SUV territory.
Still, the Limited trim strikes a smart balance between cost and comfort. It adds a generous list of standard features that outshine the base Laredo, making it a solid pick for buyers who want a taste of luxury without going all-in on the top-end models.
Standard gear includes leather seating, a power liftgate, heated front and rear seats, power-adjustable front seats, ambient interior lighting, auto high beams, and remote start.
Improvement in the car world isn’t just about adding more horsepower or bigger screens—it’s about evolving with purpose. The models listed here didn’t just change for change’s sake; they became genuinely better, smarter, and more satisfying to own and drive.
Whether you’re looking for a stylish daily driver, a rugged family SUV, or something in between, these vehicles prove that the right redesign can breathe new life into a familiar nameplate.
