Motorlease Vehicle Innovation Series: The Ins & Outs of Cars in 2022

From November through March, the big car conventions will preview the models major automakers are debuting in the new year. In the coming months, we’ll get a glimpse of cars that could soon join your fleet and those that may be on their way out. Ride shotgun with us as we take a spin through a rundown of some retiring classics and introduce a few trending newcomers.

Out with the Old – Some Departing Classics

Volkswagen Passat
Sadly, after 2022, the iconic Volkswagen Passat will be gone. A favorite family sedan and wagon since 1972, the Passat will cease being sold in North America next year.  The well-loved vehicle enjoyed a strong heyday as one of Volkswagen’s flagship vehicles from the early to mid-2000s, but after 2015, sales began to shrink, and the Passat started to lose relevance in the market. As a result, the company has shifted its brand focus to its current frontrunners, the Atlas SUV and the new electric ID.4 crossover.

Mazda Mazda6
As the industry pivots away from sedans, another once stylish and top-rated model will soon be marking its final days. Mazda has announced it’s pulling the plug on the mid-sized Mazda6, and there will be no 2022 model version. The once-popular, always elegant sedan peaked in sales in 2015 and has been losing traction ever since. Unfortunately, the pandemic delivered the fatal blow, with only 16,204 vehicles sold in 2020. The Japanese automaker cited consumer preference for larger crossover SUVs as one of the main factors behind the decision. 

Volvo V60 & V90
Like the archetypal sedan, consumer preference has shifted far away from these quintessential station wagons. While Volvo has hung on to this segment longer than most manufacturers, the clock has been ticking and has officially struck midnight for the V60 and V90 for 2022. However, for the die-hard fans of these cars, all is not lost. Volvo has elected to keep the taller, more SUV-like “Cross Country” versions of the V60 and the V90.

In with the New – Debuting Frontrunners

Ford Maverick
The Blue Oval is introducing yet another pickup into their crowd-pleasing lineup with the upcoming release of the Ford Maverick. Its features read like a wish list: 40mpg city; standard hybrid; seats five; under $20k starting list price. Oh, did we mention approximately 500 miles to a single tank of gas? With all this going for it, the Maverick looks to become an extremely popular option for those looking for a compact pickup. 

Volkswagen Taos
Although the Passat is getting the hook, the German manufacturer will be adding a brand-new addition to their ranks in 2022 with the Taos. The subcompact crossover SUV segment is surging in popularity, and this compelling crossover fills the slot nicely in Volkswagen’s SUV lineup. The Taos sets the bar for others in the class, getting a fuel miser’s dream of an estimated 31 mpg in town and close to 40 on the open road. In addition, lots of comforts and a spacious feel make it a good choice for any fleet manager. Expected to compete with the Jeep Compass, Kia Seltos, and Subaru Crosstrek, the 5-passenger, 4-door Taos will debut with a base MSRP of just over $24,000. 

Kia Carnival
Even though it can be argued that the Carnival is simply the next generation of the now-defunct Sedona, the design differences for the upcoming Carnival are so many that we’re qualifying it as a brand-new model. The Carnival looks less like a minivan and more like a large SUV with its boxy creative design. Offering a sleek, modern interior filled with comfort features, it has a ton of cargo space, and its ultra-modern cabin offers state-of-the-art infotainment and connectivity. Hoping to take on the likes of the Honda Odyssey and Chrysler Pacifica, the Carnival will be available in 7 or 8 passenger options at a starting price of around $32,000. 

While these are some that we’ve been considering rotating in or out of our fleets, there are plenty of other options. So if you’re ready to add something new to your vehicle lineup, give us a call and let’s talk solutions to keep your fleet moving and business thriving.