2023 LA Auto Show Debuts New Models

Vehicle Research•Photos 9•November 30, 2023

The Los Angeles Auto Show has retrenched in recent years as a venue for debuts of new electric vehicles and those from Asian brands.

This year followed form, with Toyota, Subaru, Kia, and Lucid unveiling new sedans and crossovers with ICE and electric powertrains at AutoMobility LA — the media and industry day — on Nov. 16.

The Pacific Southwest chapter of NAFA-The Fleet Management Association held a meeting at the LA Convention Center in conjunction with AutoMobility LA.

In addition to networking and lunch, automakers made presentations with a fleet focus.

Topics:sedans Crossovers LA Auto Show new vehicles Vehicle Research

The 2024 Santa Fe SUV has gone upmarket and has grown an extra row. Debuting at the LA Auto Show, the new Santa Fe’s longer wheelbase incorporates a standard third row, a new, wider liftgate opening and a more spacious, modern interior. The 277 hp, 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder version goes on sale in March 2024, while later in the spring a1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid with 232 combined hp will be available.
Photo: Christian Lopez

For the 2025 Camry, output comes from the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine at 225 hp for FWD and 232 hp for AWD. Camry gets Toyota’s new Multimedia system, which includes wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay across all trim levels. Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 driver assist package is standard.
Photo: Christian Lopez

Toyota revived the Crown nameplate in early 2023; the 2024 model shown at the LA Auto Show had minor changes. Not quite a replacement to the upscale Avalon sedan, Toyota Crown is slightly longer and taller than the Camry, sits higher than Camry with 5.8-in. of ground clearance, and offers more luxury features at a higher price point than Camry. The hybrid-only Crown delivers a combined 41 mpg.
Photo: Christian Lopez

The Toyota Crown Signia is a two-row midsize crossover version of the new Crown sedan. All-wheel drive is standard, and like Crown, every Crown Signia is a hybrid. The model is powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that delivers 243 hp. Crown Signia will reach dealerships in 2024 as a 2025 model. Pricing has yet to be released.
Photo: Christian Lopez

The Lucid Motors display was continuously full. And yes, Lucid has a fleet program. For fleets looking for longer travel distance on a charge, the Lucid Air and Gravity SUV (pictured) models offer the largest battery range in the industry, with over 400 miles of range. For the luxury segment, Lucid's models are within MSRP range of many EVs on the market today. The Air is available now; the three-row Gravity goes on sale in late 2024 for less than $80k.
Photo: Chris Brown

Kia debuted the refreshed 2024 Kia Sorento in L.A. Dimensions are the same for this midsize three-row crossover but the exterior and interiors are updated. The Sorento is offered with front- or all-wheel drive. Two four-cylinder engines offer 191 hp or 281 hp. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions come later in 2024.
Photo: Chris Brown

EV options are growing into the midsize SUV category with seating for up to seven — witness the new Kia EV9, the brand’s “electric flagship.” The 2024-MY EV9 offers a choice of two powertrain options. Standard is a 76.1-kWh battery with a 160-kW (215-hp) motor that’s good for an EPA-estimated range of 230 miles. A large, optional 99.8-kWh battery will be available that ups range to 350 miles. With a starting MSRP of just over $54k, the EV9 is a comparative value in the segment.
Photo: Chris Brown

Subaru debuted the redesigned 2025 Subaru Forester at the LA Auto Show. The new AWD model retains almost the same dimensions as its predecessor, along with the same powertrain (2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine) but a stiffer architecture offers improved ride comfort and quietness. New features include an updated infotainment system, an available 360-degree camera, and the ability to adjust climate controls via hand gestures. The AWD Forester hits the streets in spring 2024. A hybrid model is planned.
Photo: Christian Lopez

Landing in spring 2024, the 2025 Toyota Camry is only offered in a hybrid version and will be available with all-wheel drive for the first time. 
Photo: Christian Lopez