As the curtain draws down on 2015, we will be bidding adieu to a number of aging models that just don’t have the legs to carry them into the New Year. But also, we will ring in 2016 with the debut of new ones that soon may make these old acquaintances soon forgotten. Here is Kelley Blue Book’s list of Hellos and Good-byes:
Old:
2015 Mazda Mazda5. This mini-minivan, a fittingly redundant descriptor given the official model name, never really caught on with the public, even though its sliding doors and three-row seating (never mind that third row was appropriate for only the tiniest of tykes) made it a good choice for young families. KBB Fair Purchase Price: $20,533.
New:
2017 Fiat 124. As part of Fiat‘s comeback strategy for the U.S., it is resurrecting its once-famed 2-seat roadster, but this time using Mazda as a partner and basing the new model on the recently redesigned MX-5 Miata. Though derided by some enthusiasts as a Fiata, the 2017 Fiat 124 will offer an Italian-built high-revving turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine as well as an upscale leather interior. Expect it to be priced at a premium over the 2016 Mazda Miata, perhaps starting somewhere around $30,000.
Old:
2015 Nissan Xterra. One of the last, old-school body-on-frame SUVs, the Xterra has reached the end of its run due to its aging mechanicals no longer able to keep up with ever tighter safety and emission standards. While it’s been around longer than the retro Toyota FJ Cruiser, which is also being dropped this year, don’t expect to see it hold its prices as well as the FJ, which was built in much more limited numbers. Still, if you can find one of the last model, the 2015 Nissan Xterra remains a pretty good deal with a KBB Fair Purchase Price of $24,901.
New:
2016 Tesla Model X. The third model built by Tesla after the Roadster and Model S is a multi-purpose people-mover with radical "falcon" folding rear doors. Priced at over $100,000 for the initial models, Tesla is promising more affordable versions in the $80,000 range as it cranks up production during 2016. Based on the same platform as the Model S, the newest Tesla boasts a per-charge range in excess of 200 miles as well as the ability to replenish the battery pack quickly via the company’s Supercharger system.
Old:
2015 Honda Crosstour. While crossover SUVs are a hot commodity, putting a real damper on traditional 4-door sedan sales, the Honda Crosstour never really caught on because it offered the utility of a crossover SUV but with a shape more akin to a traditional station wagon. Additional evidence that the only people who like station wagons are auto journalists can be seen in the fact that Cadillac is dropping the well-reviewed but apparently sales-proof 2015 CTS-V Wagon as well. So, if you want to be the only one on your block (or state) with a Crosstour, there’s still time to pick one up. KBB Fair Purchase Price $23,907.
New:
2016 Cadillac CT6. Introducing a new naming convention for GM’s luxury brand, the 2016 Cadillac CT6 is a flagship sedan that starts at $53,495 for the rear-drive 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder model. All-wheel drive will be standard on versions equipped with 3.6-liter normally aspirated and 3.0-liter twin turbo V6 engines with an 8-speed automatic transmission standard across the line. The newest member of the Cadillac family goes on sale in March.
Old:
2015 Jaguar XK. This sexy coupe (and roadster) is more of a grand tourer than an outright sports car, reflected by its 2+2 seating configuration. After a 10-year run, Jaguar has decided to retire the model gracefully, placing its sporting chips on the high-powered F-type coupe and convertible. Still, if elegance-at-speed is your thing, you still may find a 2015 Jaguar XK on a dealer’s lot; KBB estimates the Fair Purchase Price at $76,829.
New:
2017 Chevrolet Bolt. Although the 2016 Chevrolet Volt has been restyled and its full EV-mode enhanced, there is another model in the division’s lineup that’s anxiously awaited by the alternative power set, and that’s the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt. Smaller than the Volt, the Bolt will boast a range of over 200 miles per charge, the exclusive EV calling card of the Tesla. Better than that will be the $30,000 price point (after federal tax credits), which is less than half that of the least expensive Tesla Model S.
Old:
2015 Toyota Venza. Not quite a minivan thanks to its lack of sliding side doors, nor a full-on crossover SUV because of its car-like styling, the people-moving Toyota Venza never found its stride. Though it offers decent passenger room in its cabin and the availability of AWD, the 2-row layout has its limitations and Toyota found that its customers were more interested in Highlanders and RAV4s. For those Venzas still lingering on lots, there are rebates ranging from $2,000 to $3,000. KBB Fair Purchase Price is $36,446.
New:
2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS. Promising S-Class comfort in a full-size SUV, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS not only ushers in a new level of luxury in the off-road set, but also a new nomenclature for Mercedes SUVs that mirrors the offerings on the car side. Now, this lineup starts with the GLA, progresses up through the GLC and GLE models to the GLS. The all-new 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS goes on sale in March with prices starting at or above the current model’s base price of about $65,000.
Old and New:
2016 Volkswagen Eos. This retractable hardtop model based on a 2-door Golf chassis deserves honorable mention because earlier this year it was slated to get the ax at the end of the 2015 model year. However in late summer the decision was made to continue production of the car as a 2016 model while offering a few more features. So reports of its death, in the words of Mark Twain, were greatly exaggerated. Prices start at $31,995 for 2016 models.
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