Reuters
As car manufacturers moved toward hybridization and away from pure combustion engines, change also comes to lineups. Next year will see a variety of models discontinued and these are just a few to say goodbye to.
Acura ILX
The ILX was Acura’s entry-level model originally launched in 2013. The compact luxury sedan had been without major updates since it came out and will no longer be in production after December. The 2023 Acura Integra is the new entry-level model for the brand.
Buick Encore
This subcompact was also introduced in 2013 with the plan of drawing in younger buyers. But, as sales of the Encore have dropped by 42% in 2022 compared to 2021, General Motors has made the decision to discontinue the line. There’s a similar model available, the Buick Encore GX.
Chevrolet Spark
Although one of the cheapest cars on the market with a starting price of $14,595, Chevrolet stopped the production of this subcompact in August.
Ford EcoSport
Ford announced in September 2021 that U.S. production of the EcoSport would stop in 2022 after continually declining sales. The EcoSport had been the smallest and most affordable SUV available through Ford. The EcoSport launched in 2017.
Honda Insight
Honda’s Indiana plant stopped production of the Insight hybrid in June in order to focus on hybrid core models. Over 70,000 Insight models have been sold since the sedan was launched in 2018.
Hyundai Accent
Hyundai announced that the Accent would be discontinued “due to an expanded SUV lineup that includes Venue.” Since the Accent will be removed from the lineup, the Venue will be the lowest-priced vehicle in the Hyundai lineup with a starting price of $19,500 for the 2023 models.
Lamborghini Aventador
The Lamborghini Aventador was originally unveiled in 2011 and the final model was called the “ultimate V12 driving experience” by Lamborghini. The LP 780-4 Ultimate Roadster was the last pure combustion engine for Lamborghini as the company switches to hybridization starting in 2023. This was the last year Lamborghini would be selling only pure combustion engines in models such as the Aventador.
“The Lamborghini Aventador was a game-changer at its launch, and the flagship Lamborghini model for 11 years of production,” said Chairman and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini Stephan Winkelmann. “It captured Lamborghini’s competencies in design and engineering, along with values that are always at the center of company and product impetus: pure, futuristic design; benchmarking performance; and addressing technical challenges with innovation to produce the most emotive, class-leading super sports cars. These principles are the very essence of the Lamborghini Aventador.”
Toyota Avalon
As another manufacturer making the switch to hybrid vehicles, Toyota is removing the Avalon from its lineup after nearly 30 years of production. An updated semi-luxury sedan will be taking the place of the Avalon. The Crown is a cross of a sedan with an SUV and is rumored to have either a plug-in hybrid or EV version.
Volkswagen Passat
The Passat will leave the U.S. showrooms after 30 years as Volkswagen focuses on making the switch to hybrid engines and autonomous vehicles. One of Volkswagen’s models built entirely in the U.S., Volkswagen offered a limited edition run to celebrate the Chattanooga, Tenn. factory where the Passat had been built for the past decade. These features were subtle, the cupholders featuring an aerial map of Chattanooga along with a blueprint of the factory and the seat tags referencing the limited run.
