Motor1.com’s 10 Highest Rated Vehicles Of 2023

The second edition of our highest rated cars list has arrived, and with it, a couple of spicy, combustion-powered entries. In fact, gas-powered high-performers are having a bit of a moment.

Taking up the 10 spot is the 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 Touring, complete with its naturally aspirated flat-six engine. And higher up is a menacing long-roof in the new Audi RS6 Avant Performance. These two firecrackers take the place of the Mercedes-Benz EQS450 SUV and BMW i7, although we'd say this is more an anomaly than anything else. EVs have enjoyed a strong showing aside from this quarter's blip, and there are some serious electric models coming to market during the third quarter of 2023.

For now, though, check out our latest installment of highest rated cars to see all the changes for yourself.

10. Porsche 911 GT3 Touring

Verdict

9.3 / 10

All go, no show. That’s the philosophy of the Porsche 911 GT3 Touring, eschewing the shouty wing for a more low-key aesthetic. And while it might be down on downforce as a result, the GT3 Touring remains every bit the exhilarating sports car that its winged sibling is. The Touring does nothing to the stellar naturally aspirated engine, exceptional suspension tuning, or world-stopping brakes. It’s a stunning driver-focused sports car, with only its lofty price keeping it at the far end of Highest Rated Cars list.

–Brandon Turkus, Managing Editor

9. Hyundai Palisade

Verdict

9.3 / 10

The Hyundai Palisade is still one of the best three-row SUVs on the market, and it's even a bit better for 2023. Visual upgrades like the new cascading grille improve what was already a stylish SUV, while the exceptional ride comfort and abundant safety features – like Hyundai's upgraded Highway Driving Assist – make the Palisade an easy choice among three-row shoppers. The luxurious Calligraphy model will even put some luxury SUVs to shame.

–Jeff Perez, Senior Editor

8. BMW X7

Verdict

9.3 / 10

The BMW X7 has always been one of our favorite luxury three-rows. For 2023, even with its controversial new look, there’s no denying that the improvements to the powertrain and interior make the already great X7 even better. The silky smooth inline-six hybrid engine delivers a healthy 375 horsepower while the added amenities inside – like the new iDrive 8 interface – makes the cabin feel that much more special.

–Jeff Perez, Senior Editor

7. Mercedes-AMG EQS

Verdict

9.4 / 10

The Mercedes-AMG EQS gives up little of its luxury while adding a lot of performance. With up to 751 horsepower in race mode, the AMG-spec motors are powerful enough to propel the EQS to 60 in just 3.4 seconds, nearly seven-tenths quicker than the EQS580. The AMG model is more nimble, and the cabin adopts sportier touches too. It’s pricey, but this sedan is an attractive debut for the first mass-produced, all-electric AMG.

6. Lexus RX 350h

Verdict

9.4 / 10

The 2023 Lexus RX doesn't stray far from the formula that has made the luxury SUV such a success over the past few decades, but it does enough differently to move the needle in the right direction. The biggest upgrade is the new 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain, which gives the RX a healthy 246 horsepower and up to 36 miles per gallon combined. The styling is much improved, too, and the cabin sees a huge overhaul in design and materials.

–Jeff Perez, Senior Editor

5. BMW XM

Verdict

9.4 / 10

A 6,000-pound plug-in hybrid SUV probably wasn't what hardcore BMW fans had in mind when the company said it was building an M1 successor. And even though it shares virtually nothing in common with the iconic M1, believe it or not, the XM is actually a bombastic performance vehicle. It boasts 664 horsepower, a 0-60 time of just 4.1 seconds, and can even drive up to 30 miles on battery power alone. It's shockingly good – pun intended.

–Jeff Perez, Senior Editor

4. Ford Bronco Raptor

Verdict

9.4 / 10

The Ford Bronco Raptor wowed us during its first drive last year and it’s just as impressive in 2023. More powerful and easier on the ears, the lifted, wide-body Bronco look every bit the off-road brute. But what impressed us is how it improves on the standard Bronco – the seats and all-digital gauge cluster are marked improvements over what came before.

–Brandon Turkus, Managing Editor

3. Mercedes-Maybach S580

Verdict

9.5 / 10

It’s not hard to understand why the Mercedes-Maybach S580 is such a good car. After all, the standard S-Class on which it’s based is one of the best luxury cars on the market today, full-stop. Adding 7 inches to the wheelbase and turning the rear seat into a palatial triumph only adds to the appeal, as does the stretch-limo stance and flawlessly finished two-tone paint. The Maybach also costs $100,000 less than a comparable Rolls-Royce Ghost and is every bit its equal in the hedonism department.

–Brett T. Evans, Senior Editor

2. Audi RS6 Avant Performance

Verdict

9.6 / 10

The 2024 RS6 Performance isn't just fast some station wagon, it's a supercar with room for the whole family. Audi massaged the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 to 621 horsepower this year, which improves the RS6's 0-60 time by two-tenths of a second compared to last year. Opt for the Dynamic Ride Control suspension and the RS6 carves up corners more tactfully, and the lightly but meaningfully updated interior makes this car even more comfortable when you're not pedaling it hard. It's just the whole package.

–Jeff Perez, Senior Editor

1. Maserati GranTurismo

Verdict

9.6 / 10

Maserati sports cars have always been stunning, emotional, and fast, but too often in the past they suffered from uneven build quality and horrible technology. This new GranTurismo, rights those past wrongs, with both a feature set and lavish use of luxurious materials to match its lovely styling and eye-watering price. Critically, the roomy 2+2 coupe is also massively characterful and graceful on your favorite back roads. La vita è bella!

–Seyth Miersma, Editor-In-Chief

April 19, 2023: New installment made up of Maserati GranTurismo, Mercedes-Maybach S580, Ford Bronco Raptor, BMW XM, Lexus RX350h, Mercedes-AMG EQS Sedan, BMW X7, Hyundai Palisade, and Mercedes-Benz EQS450 SUV.
July 7, 2023: Audi RS6 Avant Performance, Porsche 911 GT3 Touring added. Mercedes-Benz EQS450 SUV, BMW i7 removed.
October 1, 2023: TBD
December 31, 2023: TBD