From everyday hybrid SUVs to thrilling sports cars, models change every so often. If they didn’t, the designs, technology, and powertrain setups from the 1950s and 1960s might still be used today. Sometimes generational changes leave drivers wanting more; other times, they create issues that need to be addressed at some point in the vehicle’s lifecycle. This means mid-cycle refreshes, or facelifts, need to address issues drivers have had with their vehicles.Even small aesthetic tweaks can significantly boost appeal, which increases sales potential. Tech updates are critical in keeping vehicles modern, which sometimes means adding a few new safety or connectivity items. The best facelifts refine vehicle identity rather than reinventing a platform. These facelifts can make it much easier for drivers to enjoy their cars. Without these facelifts, some vehicles might not have made it to the next generation. 2021 Lexus IS Facelift: Slim Headlights, Wider Stance, Full-Width Taillight Bar The 2021 Lexus IS underwent significant changes during this facelift, but it was certainly time for this car to receive upgrades. It is part of the third generation of the IS, which began in 2013. The 2021 model received restyled headlights and taillights, a new grille, an improved infotainment system, and upgraded chassis tuning. The reworked tech package introduced a new touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, bringing the IS into the modern age. Driving Improvements Added Character Lexus In addition to the cosmetic and tech changes, the F Sport models of the Lexus IS were much more enjoyable on the road thanks to the improved handling and new Dynamic Handling package. This allowed the car to be much more active and responsive, making it feel more like a sporty luxury car and increasing its overall appeal. 2022 Genesis G70 Facelift: Quad-Headlight Design, Updated Tech, Improved Materials When the Genesis G70 hit the market, it was an instant winner. There was hardly an expert list that didn’t have this new luxury car at or near the top. By 2022, it was time for a makeover, and Genesis obliged. The G70 received front- and rear-end styling changes, an improved cabin, and a new, larger, more premium-looking infotainment display. The infotainment update addressed one of the G70's largest complaints. One Loss Among The Smart Upgrades Genesis Despite the improvements to the 2022 Genesis G70, the loss of the optional six-speed manual gearbox was a bit disheartening for driving purists. Of course, had more G70 shoppers selected this option, it would have remained, but that wasn’t the case. Most drivers didn’t notice the loss of the stick shift and enjoyed the changes to the G70, which made it an even more enticing compact luxury sports sedan. 2021 BMW 5 Series Facelift: Sharper Lighting, Larger Infotainment Screen, Mild-Hybrid Systems Giving a car new powertrain features and all-new sheet metal might seem like a generational change, but for this BMW, it was only a facelift. The mild-hybrid upgrades to the six-cylinder models gave the car smoother power delivery and quicker off-the-line acceleration, while slightly improving fuel efficiency. This new 5 Series is longer than the previous model year, which typically isn’t a facelift change, but it was in this case. Pushing The Styling Envelope BMW The 2021 BMW 5 Series pushed the proverbial styling envelope a bit, allowing the car to embrace the oversized twin-kidney grille design. At the top of the range, the 5 Series in its M550i and M5 models retained their powertrains, continuing with the formula that has made this one of the most enticing midsize luxury cars available. 2020 Lexus RX Facelift: Added Touchscreen, Revised Suspension, Subtle Styling Tweaks The 2020 Lexus RX finally got a touchscreen infotainment system. Lexus drivers could almost hear the angels singing with this update. The lack of a touchscreen was the biggest complaint about the 2019 model, and when this new, facelifted version arrived, it had one with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Most drivers nearly forgot about the improved suspension, which gave the RX slightly sportier handling. Continuing To Do Lexus Things Lexus The Lexus RX has been around the block a few times, and the 2020 upgrades only added to what makes it a top-tier luxury SUV. It continued to offer a stylish cabin covered with high-quality materials while showcasing impressive styling. The ride quality remains smooth and confident, while also being a little sportier than before. Lexus also added a few more standard safety features in 2020, but the biggest news was the new touchscreen. 2017 Nissan GT-R Facelift: Larger Grille, Refined Interior, Smoother Ride Tuning High-priced sports cars cost a lot to develop, so many automakers want to get as many years of use out of them as possible. The 2017 Nissan GT-R received important upgrades that kept the aging platform going for a few more years. A larger grille gave it a more aggressive look, the updated interior looks better than expected from the Nissan brand, and a new eight-inch touchscreen added the desired tech touch. More Horsepower Is Always Welcome Nissan It would seem almost sacrilegious to upgrade a sports car without increasing its power. Thankfully, Nissan did just that, taking the 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine from 545 to 565 horsepower. This nice little bump, coupled with smoother ride tuning, gave the GT-R a little more for drivers to love about this well-loved performance machine. 2021 Audi A4 Facelift: Sharper LED Lighting, Updated MMI Touchscreen System, Standard AWD Updated lighting and technology are always welcome, and those two simple things have kept many cars modern and up to date between generational changes. One such car is the 2021 Audi A4, which looks much sharper than its predecessor thanks to improved lighting and a new touchscreen system. This car also received standard AWD, which meant it gained Quattro perfection, a huge part of Audi for decades. A Little More Power Where It's Needed Audi If you are among those who think that many four-cylinder engines are underpowered, this Audi has what you want. The four-cylinder models received a 13-horsepower power bump, which isn’t much, but it could be enough to make the A4 more enjoyable for many drivers. The 2021 A4 continues to be quick, comfortable, and elegantly styled, making it everything you expect from an Audi. 2022 Kia Stinger Facelift: New Lighting, Larger Infotainment Screen, Updated Cabin Materials, More Power The Kia Stinger was an interesting car from its arrival until it left the market. This car was developed by Albert Biermann, a former BMW M Vice President of Engineering. The Stinger brought sporty sedan driving manners to the road and near-luxury qualities during its lifetime. It's no surprise that the 2022 Kia Stinger received upgraded lighting, cabin materials, and a larger infotainment screen; these were common upgrades for many cars in the early part of the decade. Power Makes The Difference Kia Both Kia Stinger powertrains received increases from the previous model year. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine was replaced by a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine. This increased the base model's horsepower from 255 to 300. The V6 engine also receives a slight power boost, going from 365 to 368 horsepower. 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Facelift: Redesigned Front/Rear Styling, Updated MBUX System, New Steering Wheel Designs From the outside, the upgraded styling made the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class even more enticing than before, but once you get inside, the upgraded infotainment system is a huge hit. This new system is much easier to operate than the previous setup, making the car much more user-friendly. This tech features Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and integrated navigation across the lineup. A Mild Hybrid Replacement Mercedes-Benz A new steering wheel design finishes off the interior changes, but another upgrade to note for this facelifted E-Class is the change to the E 450 powertrain. Instead of the twin-turbocharged V6 engine of old, Mercedes-Benz gave this car a new 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six mild hybrid powertrain that delivers 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This new setup allows the E 450 to rocket to 60 MPH in five seconds. 2021 Mini Cooper Facelift: Simplified Front Fascia, Digital Gauge Cluster, Improved Infotainment A car like the Mini Cooper has specific requirements when it comes to upgrades. You can’t change the overall look and feel of this classically-styled Mini. Instead of becoming more complicated, the 2021 Mini Cooper received a simplified front fascia and improved tech. The upgraded tech addressed some of the most common complaints about the car, offering a digital gauge cluster and a better infotainment system with navigation and Apple CarPlay. A Few Special Models Offered Mini The 2021 Mini Cooper also came with a few special models, which keep the car appealing to many drivers. The John Cooper Works GP model was at the top of the range with 301 horsepower, while the Oxford Edition and 1499 GT Special Edition models became available as part of the lineup for the 2021 model year. 2021 Jaguar XF Facelift: Complete Interior Redesign, New Infotainment System, Cleaner Exterior The final facelift before the Jaguar XF was discontinued, which occurred for the 2021 model year. This facelift brought the XF in line with the competition in terms of technology and cabin quality. The exterior maintained Jaguar styling while receiving updates to allow the 2021 XF to look smoother and cleaner. This was the final Jaguar sedan before the brand turned to an SUV-only lineup. Not Quite A Shrinking Violet Jaguar Although the 2021 facelift was the final hurrah for the Jaguar XF, it was never a meek or mild sedan. This model year not only brought styling changes but also reduced the trim levels to only three, making it much easier for drivers to choose the XF model they desired. Unfortunately, the top power level, a Supercharged V6 engine, was discontinued during this final revision.Source: Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book
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