I suppose it depends on the exact application and if what you're looking for is a drop in replacement or not but the LMD18200 is one device that springs to mind (that I've actually used). It's a single bridge though, not double as the L298N. Don't know if it's much newer than then L298 but it is at least an alternative you could look at.
Texas Instruments DRV8873 is certainly newer, can handle higher current but at a slightly lower voltage, again only a single bridge though.
Allegro A4950, 40V 3.5A in a small 8pin package but again, single bridge.
For step motor applications the ST L6470 or one of the Trinamic chips might be Worth a look but then we're pretty far away from the L298.
Go to Digikey and browse to Integrated Circuits (ICs) > PMIC - Motor Drivers, Controllers