Top 10 Coolest Cars of 2019

Justin Pritchard
by Justin Pritchard

It’s never a simple task to pick the coolest cars on sale, but our team of opinionated experts is up to the challenge.

Yes, it’s been an exciting year in the world of the automobile—and below, we’ll highlight ten of the coolest rides we’ve come across in 2019. Each model listed below is available now (although at least one of them is fully sold out), and they all boast plenty of cool factor in their own unique ways. We’ve chosen a wide range of models too—meaning that shoppers after plenty of uniqueness for their dollar have plenty to consider.

Find our list of the Top 10 Coolest Cars of 2019 below.

2020 Chevrolet Corvette C8

2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

Why: This bar-raising, American-built supercar has stirred up a buzz like nothing else in the automotive world in recent months—and for good reason. When the C8 begins shipping to dealers in the immediate future, it’ll offer supercar performance figures, at a highly compelling price point. There’s likely never been a more capable performance car offered on this side of a six-digit pricetag—meaning that the latest Chevrolet Corvette will turn in incredible bang-for-the-buck, while likely prompting numerous competitors to step up their game.

The mid-mounted V8 generates the better part of 500 horsepower, and drivers can expect 0-60 in about 3 seconds—all from a low-slung two-seater with a starting price that barely opens the door on a BMW M3. The new interior looks top-notch, and shoppers can expect no shortage of performance options and add-ons to help dial in their own unique experience.

Don’t Miss: Signature Corvette technologies, like magnetic dampers and a multi-mode exhaust system, combine with new innovations like a wide-spectrum drive-mode selector, and GPS-enabled suspension lift, to automatically raise and lower the nose of the new Stingray in locations where it’s more likely to whack the ground beneath.


Audi Q8

Why: One of Audi’s latest models is one of their easiest to spot. The Q8 is a striking take on a modern utility vehicle—and one designed to create its own unique identity in the marketplace, by way of unique styling elements, and the latest in high-tech. Fitted with a specialized turbo-hybrid V6 engine, drivers get 335 high-efficiency horsepower, and no shortage of thrilling torque. Quattro AWD is standard, and advanced suspension and four-wheel steering systems create a drive that’ll satisfy even the sportiest drivers.

Look for high-end features including a potent premium audio system, Valcona leather seating with front-seat massage, traffic sign recognition, fully digital instrumentation, and plenty more. For the safety-conscious, Q8 comes equipped with little less than a full arsenal of Audi’s latest in hazard-detection and driver assistance tech.

Don’t Miss: Active LED accent lighting, which utilizes unique exterior lighting animations for certain functions, like engine startup and signalling, which help give the Q8 an even bigger presence on the road.


2020 Toyota Supra

Why: This reincarnation of Toyota’s most famous sports car has created quite a buzz—partially thanks to the re-introduction of a high-performing Toyota sports car after many years, and partly thanks to its BMW-sourced straight-six turbo powerplant. This provides drivers with 335 suspiciously-athletic horsepower, and even more torque. A no-nonsense approach to size and weight keep the Supra light and lean, and though track-ready, it’s remarkably peaceful and comfortable when used for touring, errands, or commuting.

All units are rear-wheel drive, and an 8-speed automatic transmission is standard—complete with a lightning-fast paddle shift mode. Drivers can engage Supra’s push-button SPORT mode to dial up the excitement via improved response and power, and a full complement of safety, connectivity and convenience equipment comes standard, too.
Here’s a thrilling sports car that’s easy to enjoy on the daily—and one that’s more than happy to handle a track day, commute, or cross-province road trip with little issue.

Don’t Miss: The remarkably quiet cabin. Thanks to adaptive dampers, an ultra-rigid structure, and extensively slick aerodynamics, Supra does a surprisingly good job of keeping wind and road noise to a minimum, even at high velocity.


Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon

Why: What’s cooler than a family-ready wagon that’s bursting at the seams with a 600-horsepoweer V8 engine? Almost nothing, that’s what.

Long held as one of the most badass family haulers on the scene, this flexible posh-rocket seriously hauls: look for 0-60 in about 3 seconds flat, en route to a low eleven-second quarter mile pass. There’s AWD for inclement weather, though the front axle can be disabled for skids. And, since safety is important to any family, the E63 S Wagon also includes little less than every safety feature currently offered by Mercedes-Benz, too.

A drive-mode selector allows the driver to tune the ride, handling and responsiveness of their super-wagon on the fly, and more aggressive settings see a crackling, snorting exhaust note follow this machine around. Or, choose a more comfortable setting to relax and socialize on the open road in the lap of luxury. It might have performance figures on par with a Porsche 911, but the E 63 S Wagon is comfy-cruising ready, if you like.

Don’t Miss: Winter-busting technologies, including 4Matic + AWD, and a high-performing LED lighting system that works to ensure finely-tuned illumination in any situation, without straining the driver’s eyes. Ski trip, anyone?


Kia Stinger

Why: Here’s the big, quick coupe, without the big, quick coupe price-tag! Sure, Stinger has four doors—but like many of the pricier four-door “coupes” that inspired it, the nomenclature is subject to interpretation.

More importantly, Kia Stinger is effectively engineered to give drivers a world-class driving experience, without the world-class asking price. With twin-turbo power, a fast-acting AWD system, and a chassis that’s as happy being flogged as it is being used leisurely, this one is full of surprises. Built to serve the needs of a wide range of drivers, it’s built for year-round confidence, however you drive it.

For many, Stinger’s cabin negates the need to spend thousands more—it’s carefully assembled, and brimming with high-end touches. It’s no slouch on the performance front either, especially with the big V6, good for 365 horsepower. Expect a thrilling, but comfortable, driving experience built around four adults.

Don’t Miss: The wintertime drive. On appropriate tires, this one’s a winter driving enthusiast’s dream: the AWD system is very rear-biased, the traction control can be dismissed with a single click, and she’ll powerslide, all day long. Or, cruise icy highways with confidence to spare, and great steering and braking feel, even on snow and ice.


Tesla Model 3 Performance

Why: This all-electric super-sedan packs 450 of the quietest, smoothest and most athletic horsepower around: thanks to a dual-motor setup that also provides drivers with over 470 lb.-ft of immediate, electric torque. With AWD and all systems go, this cutting-edge four-door seriously hauls: blasting from 0-60 in a tick over 3 seconds, with the quarter mile mark arriving in less than 12. All of that with no noise, no shifting, no vibration, and no harshness. The immediate but noiseless acceleration turns in a unique experience, and throttle response is unmatched by virtually anything on the road with a combustion powerplant.

Best of all, there’s room for the other half, the kids, and a days worth of shopping. Oh, and you never have to visit the gas station ever again, which is pretty swell, too. Other versions of the Tesla Model 3 are available for more modest drivers and budgets, and each shares a similar level of smooth, quiet, and potent performance.

Don’t Miss: The unique cabin layout, which eliminates the instrument cluster and virtually all control consoles, instead relegating all functionality to a large, centrally-mounted touch-screen display for a simplistic but high-tech atmosphere on board.


Shelby GT500 (2020)


Why: Ford’s recently unveiled the most powerful production Mustang yet—complete with their most powerful-ever engine! The new GT500 will be shipping soon, and when it arrives, it’ll give drivers access to world-class performance, from the most extreme Mustang yet!

Power comes from a 5.2 litre V8 engine, complete with flat-plane crank and an Eaton supercharger with integrated liquid-to-air aftercooler for more consistent performance. Total output is rated at a whopping 760 horsepower—all of which are routed to the rear wheels via an 8-speed TREMEC dual-clutch transmission, extensively engineered for millisecond gearshifts. A manual transmission would only slow this machine down.

The performance figures are fully backed by targeted, motorsports-derived upgrades—including active oil pan baffles for high g-force lubrication, dual thermostats, and the largest brakes available in an American-built performance coupe. Lightweight wheels, a Shelby-specific magnetic suspension calibration, and extensive structural strengthening help round out the package. This one’s built to perform.

Don’t Miss: The GT500’s full selection of carbon-fibre add-ons gives drivers the chance to fully customize their experience through further weight reduction. The available carbon fibre wing, wheels, and rear-seat delete dial up the visual appeal of this rocket-Stang, while reducing weight to the benefit of handling and acceleration.


McLaren Senna

Why: The McLaren Senna is one of the world’s most extreme road-legal performance cars, and one that bears the name of Brazilian Formula One racer Ayrton Senna. Exhaustively engineered to turn in staggering lap times, the Senna embodies the forefront of McLaren’s current capabilities in road-legal performance and design, with extreme weight-reduction efforts applied throughout.

Competition-validated aerodynamics give the Senna tremendous downforce for high-speed stability, and result in a distinctive body that’s slathered with vents, ducts, and accented by a massive rear wing and airbrake assembly. A reworked version of the engine from the McLaren 720S provides propulsion—sending 790 horsepower to the rear wheels by way of a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Other extreme performance implements include carbon ceramic brakes with an exclusive compound formulation that enables higher thermal resistance and performance from a smaller and lighter brake rotor. Centre-lock wheels reduce weight even further, negating the need for multiple lug-nuts and studs on each wheel hub. McLaren’s RaceActive Chassis Control system ensures maximum adherence to the surface beneath, with active body control to help further precision and control.

Don’t Miss: The incredible power-to-weight ratio. Despite packing the better part of 800 horsepower, the McLaren Senna clocks in at just over 3,000 pounds—enabling 0-60 in 2.8 seconds, en route to a sub 10-second quarter mile pass. Given enough room, the McLaren Senna can exceed 210 miles per hour.


Hyundai Veloster N


Why: This spunky little hot-hatch is the highest-performing version of the Hyundai Veloster ever made—and by all accounts, it’s a real knock-out. Look for a compact but flexible cabin, hidden rear door for easier passenger access, and all the maneuverability and versatility you’d expect from a compact hatchback.

With 275 horsepower on tap via a turbocharged 2-litre four-cylinder engine, Veloster N is a proper pocket-rocket. Drivers are supported by a drive-mode selector, multiple drive modes, electronically-controlled differential and suspension, and a six-speed manual transmission with automatic rev-matching. Sports bucket seats, an exclusive instrument cluster, high-performance brakes and a 3-mode exhaust system that lets drivers decide how much, or little, of the Veloster N’s signature sound they’d like to hear.

Designed and tested to be as thrilling as possible without compromising everyday usability, Veloster N intends to give its driver maximum smiles, any time they take the wheel.

Don’t Miss: Veloster N’s extensive list of feature content. Though this machine was built with performance as the priority, it’s also a top-line model—meaning it comes with no shortage of high-end features like an Infinity stereo system, remote smartphone compatibility, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, automatic climate control, and more.


Jeep Gladiator


Why: Jeep’s pickup truck is finally here! After teasing us for some time, the new Gladiator has arrived at dealer lots—expanding the Jeep model range to include a unique, pickup-truck model that stays fully in stride with the brand’s adventurous soul. Removable doors and roof panels give loyal Jeep shoppers access to an enticing open-air motoring experience, and a wide range of options, packages, drivelines, an sub-models ensure selection to spare. To the same end, a comprehensive array of Mopar parts and accessories can be specified for further fine-tuning to any budget or lifestyle.

Standard is a 285-horsepower V6 engine, and shoppers can choose between a six-speed manual transmission, or an 8-speed automatic. All models are equipped with four-wheel drive for maximum confidence in any weather, or over any terrain. Selected models include additional up-level off-road hardware for the expert off-roader. Leather seating, remote start, an Alpine stereo system, and automatic climate control help dial up the feature content, allowing owners to explore new trails in the lap of connected comfort and convenience.

Don’t Miss: The off-road trail cam, which allows drivers to select numerous on-screen images, provided by numerous body-mounted cameras. Select this option, and you’ll be able to see the Gladiator’s full surroundings on a single screen, negating the need to lean out a window, or exit the vehicle, to assess the nearby terrain.

Justin Pritchard
Justin Pritchard

Justin Pritchard, an award-winning automotive journalist based in Sudbury, Ontario, is known for his comprehensive automotive reviews and discoveries. As a presenter, photographer, videographer, and technical writer, Justin shares his insights weekly through various Canadian television programs, print, and online publications. In 2023, Justin celebrated a significant milestone, airing the 600th episode of his TV program, AutoPilot. Currently, he contributes to autoTRADER.ca, Sharp Magazine, and MoneySense Magazine. His work as a technical writer, videographer, presenter, and producer has been recognized with numerous awards, including the 2019 AJAC Video Journalism Award and the 2018 AJAC Journalist of the Year. Justin holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) from Laurentian University, which he earned in 2005. His career in automotive journalism began that same year at Auto123.com. Since then, he has written one of the largest collections of used car buyer guides on the internet. His passion for photography, nurtured from a young age, is evident in his work, capturing the scenic beauty of Northern Ontario. Living in a region with a particularly harsh winter climate has made Justin an expert on winter driving, winter tires, and extreme-weather safety. Justin’s significant achievements include: 2019 AJAC Video Journalism Award (Winner) 2019 AJAC Road Safety Journalism Award (Runner-Up) 2019 AJAC Automotive Writing (vehicle review topics) (Winner) 2019 AJAC Automotive Writing (technical topics) (Winner) 2018 AJAC Journalist of the Year You can follow Justin’s work on Instagram @mr2pritch and YouTube @JustinPritchard.

More by Justin Pritchard

Comments
Join the conversation
Next