It was so great to be back at this year’s Miami Auto Show. In person. Real cars. Real people. And the crowd was back. There were hundreds of cars and this year’s show felt much more full than the 2019 show, the last show before COVID. So let’s be honest…people were just excited to be back at the show and it was great.
And there were lots of great new cars at the Miami Auto Show, too. New sports cars, new SUVs, new crossovers. Which were the best cars? Which cars were the coolest? More importantly, what was the crowd at the Miami Auto Show most excited about?
Best New SUV – Jeep Grand Wagoneer
Hands down, the vehicle that had the biggest crowd was the new 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer. For many of us that new the Jeep Grand Wagoneer was coming, we thought it was going to be a modern take on the old Wagoneer. We thought it would be a big SUV, but not a giant SUV.
Let me be clear. The new 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer is a behemoth. We’re talking Suburban big. The size of a Ford Expedition Max. It’s YUUUUGE! I think people are truly surprised that Chrysler (now a division of Stellantis corporation) would build a Suburban competitor. They’ve never built anything this big before in the form of an SUV. (Of course, Chrysler builds Ram trucks and Ram heavy duty trucks so they do have experience there.)
After you’ve come to accept that Jeep has come out with a Suburban sized competitor, you do realize it makes sense. People have been moving away from small cars and into far more practical SUVs. And SUV sales have continued to climb and are under incredible demand. This also allows Jeep to diversify and attract a higher end luxury buyer.
Speaking of luxury, that’s the second thing that impresses after you realize how big it is. This is by far, hands down, the most luxurious full size SUV we’ve ever seen. Period. (And you’re talking about a guy who owns and loves his King Ranch Edition Expediton Max.). Let me say it again clearly, “The new Jeep Grand Wagoneer is the most luxurious full size SUV period.” It’s more luxurious than the Expedition, the Navigator, and even the Escalade.
I love my F-150’s and my Expedition’s panoramic sunroof. Jeep put in a double pane panoramic type sunroof for the first two rows and then added another sunroof for the third row. How is awesome is that?
And the Grand Wagoneer’s interior is striking. Who thought Jeep could produce something this technologically advanced and this luxurious? Frankly, I was caught off guard at how beautiful and how luxurious this vehicle is. And the crowds at the Auto Show were very pleasantly surprised.
Read our full review of the 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer
Best New Sports Car – Nissan Z
Nissan displayed the all new 2023 Nissan Z. As you can see, it’s immediately identifiable as a Z. It’s sleek long hood. The swept hatchback. But this new model has a really sexy front end with sharp angles and a beautiful, almost retro looking rectangular grill.
We loved the look. And so did the big crowds that gathered around.
Of course, it doesn’t hurt that it comes with a 400 horsepower 3.0 liter V6 twin turbo engine with the option for a 6 speed manual transmission. Now, that’s fun! You can also opt for the 9 speed automatic transmission with aluminum paddle shifters.
Take a look at this short video walk around we took at the Miami Auto Show.
Best New Pickup – Toyota Tundra
Toyota trucks are known for their long term reliability. Both the Tacoma and the Tundra (heck most of the Toyota lineup) is known for their long term reliability. That’s part of the reason why Toyota trucks hold their value so long.
Toyota promises this new Tundra is the toughest, most capable, most advanced Tundra to date. Improvements and enhancements abound, including its new high-strength boxed, steel-ladder frame, aluminum-reinforced composite bed and fully redesigned multi-link rear suspension. The outcome of development efforts gives the stout new Tundra an impressive maximum towing capacity of up to 12,000 pounds and a max payload capacity of 1,940 pounds.
The new Tundra interior doesn’t disappoint with a rugged and spacious interior. Plus, check out that huge touchscreen. It’s very convenient yet still has the tactile options below it. 
Based on what we saw at the show, this truck is going to be a huge hit.
Take a 360 degree review of the new Toyota Tundra exhibited at this year’s Miami International Auto Show:
Best Electric Vehicle – Mustang Mach E
I know…I know…the first thing people say is, “That’s not a Mustang.” And they’re right. But, the Mach E is hella fast. And you know what. It is quite stylish.
We love the Mustang GT inspired styling cues that transferred to the MACH E. The prancing horse, the stylized headlamps, and even the long sleek hood.
And what Mustang fan doesn’t love the 3 column tail lights that originate from the ’60s?
For what’s essentially a crossover SUV, Ford knocked the design out of the park. It’s very sexy, yet it comes with all the practicality of a crossover.
And of course, it’s electric. Not a hybrid. It’s 100% electric. In fact, it’s the 4th best-selling electric vehicle in the United States this year. The Tesla Model Y ranks #1 followed by the Tesla Model 3, and the diminutive Chevy Bolt. In fact, the Mach E has surpassed the Nissan Leaf and even the Tesla Model X on the best sellers list.
But the question remains, is it a Mustang? Well if a Mustang needs to be fast, then look no further. The Ford Mustang Mach E GT makes 480 hp and 600 lb-ft of torque, good for a Ford-estimated 0-60 time of 3.8 seconds. The GT Performance Edition packs the same hp but 634 lb-ft of torque, enough to propel the EV from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds, according to Ford.
Read the full review on the Mustang Mach E:
THE MUSTANG MACH E: MUSCULAR PERFORMANCE, BUT IS IT A MUSTANG?
Best Sedan – Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
For those looking for a traditional sedan, the star of the show has to be the big beautiful Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing…the most powerful Cadillac ever! The executive sedan that carries a mild mannered 6.2 liter V-8 engine that also happens to be supercharged to produce nearly 700 horsepower! That’s not a typo. The exact figure from Cadillac is 668 horsepower! That’s insane! Oh, and that’s combined with 659 lb ft of torque.
You’re talking about a luxury executive sedan that can put down many of the exotic super cars in Miami while not looking pretentious. Unlike driving a Ferrari in Miami where every Hialeah kid with a Civic sport is trying to see if they can take off faster than you can, this Cadillac exudes confidence without being ostentatious. But in the event you want to show the guy in the Ferrari a lesson, you can hit 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds.
And you have room to take your partner comfortably plus a few clients or friends. This is the pinnacle of exquisite luxury and refined American horsepower. Thank you Cadillac.
Your Thoughts?
There are lots of amazing new cars at the Miami Auto Show. These were our favorite picks based on the demand we saw at the show around these vehicles. But the real question is, what was your favorite? Leave your thoughts below in the comments section and/or tell us on social media.
