by It’s only the first month of 2026, and the automotive calendar is already filling up quickly. This year, a wide range of new models is expected at American dealerships—from budget hatchbacks to fully electric family cars and luxury flagships packed with technology.
Updates to Popular Models
The Autonews team has compiled a preliminary list of key car launches expected in the USA by the end of 2026. On the mass-market side, players like Toyota and Mazda are updating their compact SUVs: the RAV4 and CX-5 are transitioning to new generations.
Nissan is expanding the Rogue family with hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants. Kia has also introduced the fully updated Seltos, which has become noticeably larger and closer in size to the Sportage.
Ford held the crown for the most popular, but GM surpassed it in technical performance.
The Audi Q3 has also been updated, following in the footsteps of the larger Q5 in styling and technology. The four-ring brand is also preparing to introduce a new iteration of the Audi Q7.
The Electric Revolution
A very interesting clash will occur between three all-new premium electric SUVs, which are simultaneously the technological flagships of their brands. These are the BMW iX3, Mercedes GLC Electric, and Volvo EX60, which together with the Audi Q6 E-tron will form a highly competitive segment, offering the latest safety, multimedia, and electric powertrain technologies.
The BMW iX3 is almost sold out for 2026.
For those looking for something more, Genesis is preparing to introduce the GV90—a flagship SUV with three rows of seats and rear-hinged doors. JLR is also entering the electric market with a battery-electric Range Rover, while Porsche has introduced the Cayenne Electric as a new model in its expanding, albeit troubled, electric vehicle portfolio.
Acura, meanwhile, is reviving the RSX name, this time for an electric fastback crossover that uses the platform of the upcoming Honda 0 Series SUV. And for those more interested in automation than acceleration, the Tesla Cybercab is rumored to be nearing the start of production.
Affordable Electric Vehicles
The electric offensive is not limited to the premium segment. Several new models are aimed specifically at budget-conscious buyers. Among the most talked-about comebacks is the Chevrolet Bolt, now updated and still priced under $30,000, retaining its status as one of the most affordable electric cars.
Review: The $29,990 Nissan Leaf costs less but feels much larger.
However, this won’t make the road easy. The Bolt will face off against the Kia EV3 and an unnamed Mitsubishi crossover, the latter largely based on the Nissan Leaf. Rivian joins the race with the R2 model, although its starting price of $45,000 places it in a somewhat different category.
Even More SUVs
Meanwhile, a group of affordable and family electric crossovers will appear in American dealerships, giving buyers a choice between Subaru and Toyota badges. In addition to the already presented models (Subaru Outback, Uncharted, Trailseeker; Toyota bZ Woodland, C-HR+), Toyota will also introduce a new three-row SUV.
Gasoline SUVs aren’t disappearing either. The Kia Telluride is getting a full redesign and is now available with turbocharged four-cylinder and hybrid variants. Volkswagen is also preparing an update for the Atlas, while Honda recently conducted a more modest update for the Pilot as part of a mid-cycle refresh.
Infiniti, meanwhile, returns to the coupe-SUV scene with the new QX65. It is equipped with a traditional internal combustion engine and created as a modern tribute to the original FX.
On the more off-road end of the spectrum, the new Jeep Recon is the electric equivalent of the Wrangler, while the Jeep Grand Wagoneer is rumored to receive a range-extender powertrain option.
Sports Cars
In the world of sports cars, the novelties include rumors of a Ford Mustang facelift, a Corvette Grand Sport with a new V8, a hybridized Porsche 911 Turbo S, a plug-in hybrid Lamborghini Temerario, and the first fully electric Ferrari models.
The 2027 Corvette Grand Sport just appeared with stunning retro elements.
Another zero-emissions model, this time with exotic charm, is the new four-door Mercedes-AMG, aimed directly at the Porsche Taycan. Meanwhile, the hand-built car manufacturer Karma is expected to begin deliveries of the Gyesera, which replaces the Revero, and the related Amaris coupe, both with range-extender powertrains.
Forgotten Sedans
Although crossovers dominate the headlines, several sedans are still receiving updates. Honda did not mention changes for the Accord during last month’s presentation, but Autonews reports it may receive a minor facelift later this year. Lexus, meanwhile, is preparing to launch the next-generation ES, which will be offered with hybrid and fully electric powertrains.
Below is the full list of major debuts and redesigns expected in the US market throughout 2026.
US Market Launches in 2026
Model | New or Updated | Powertrain | US Availability
Acura RSX | New | EV | Early 2026
Acura Integra Type S | Facelift | ICE | Late 2026
Audi Q3 | New | ICE | Q1 2026
Audi Q7 | New | ICE / Hybrid | Late 2026
BMW iX3 | New | EV | Mid 2026
Chevrolet Bolt | Redesign | EV | Already Available
Corvette Grand Sport | New | ICE | Mid 2026
Chrysler Pacifica | Facelift | Plug-in Hybrid | 2026
Dodge Charger Sixpack Coupe R/T | New | ICE | First Half 2026
Dodge Charger Sixpack Sedan | New | ICE | First Half 2026
Ferrari Elettrica | New | EV | Q4 2026
Ford Super Duty | Facelift | ICE | Late 2026
Ford Mustang | Facelift | ICE | Late 2026
Genesis GV90 | New | EV | Mid 2026
Honda 0 Series SUV | New | EV | Late 2026
Honda Accord | Facelift | ICE | Fall 2026
Honda Civic Type R | Facelift | ICE | Late 2026
Hyundai Ioniq 6 | Facelift | EV | 2026
Hyundai Nexo | Redesign | Hydrogen | 2026
Infiniti QX65 | New | ICE | Q2 2026
Jeep Recon | New | EV | First Half 2026
Jeep Grand Wagoneer REEV | New Version | EV with Range Extender | 2026
Karma Gyesera | New | EV with Range Extender | June 2026
Karma Amaris | New | EV with Range Extender | Q4 2026
Kia Telluride | Redesign | ICE / Hybrid | Q1 2026
Kia K4 Hatch | New | ICE | 2026
Kia Seltos | Redesign | ICE | 2026
Kia EV3 | New | EV | 2026
Lamborghini Temerario | New | Plug-in Hybrid | Q1 2026
Range Rover Electric | New | EV | 2026
Lexus ES | New | Hybrid and EV | 2026
Lucid midsize crossover | New | EV | Late 2026
Mazda CX-5 | New | Hybrid | Early 2026
Mercedes GLC Electric | New | EV | Second Half 2026
Mercedes four-door electric AMG | New | EV | Late 2026
Mitsubishi crossover | New | EV | Second Half 2026
Nissan Rogue PHEV | New Version | Plug-in Hybrid | Early 2026
Nissan Rogue e-Power | New Version | Hybrid | October 2026
Porsche 911 Turbo S | Facelift | Hybrid | Spring 2026
Porsche Cayenne Electric | New | EV | Mid 2026
Rivian R2 | New | EV | First Half 2026
Subaru Trailseeker | New | EV | 2026
Subaru Uncharted | New | EV | 2026
Subaru Outback Wilderness | New | ICE | Q1 2026
Tesla Cybercab | New | EV | Mid 2026
Toyota RAV4 | New | Hybrid | 2026
Toyota C-HR+ | New | EV | 2026
Toyota bZ Woodland | New | EV | 2026
Toyota Three-Row SUV | New | EV | Late 2026
Slate Autos Pickup | New | EV | Late 2026
Volkswagen Atlas | Redesign | ICE | Late 2026
Volvo EX60 | New | EV | Second Half 2026
Such a large-scale list of new models indicates that 2026 will be a transitional period for the automotive industry. On one hand, the active updating of traditional models with internal combustion engines continues, especially in the SUV and off-road vehicle segments, which remain extremely popular. On the other hand, electrification is gaining momentum in virtually all price and style categories—from the affordable Chevrolet Bolt to exotic Ferraris and Lamborghinis. This creates an unprecedented choice for the consumer but also poses a challenge for manufacturers, who need to effectively communicate the value of new technologies and maintain interest in classic cars. The success of many of these new models will depend not only on technical specifications but also on the economic climate and the development of charging infrastructure.
