From 2,000 HP Corvettes To Off-Road Minivans: The Best Of The NY Auto Show 2026

The 2026 New York Auto Show features numerous new car reveals, concepts, and an overall increase in excitement compared to previous years. Guests can explore supercars, exotic cars, luxury vehicles, and everyday models. Hyundai made a significant investment in concepts, typically displayed only during industry days. This year, the Boulder, a four-door Bronco-like SUV reminiscent of off-road vehicles like the Wrangler, was showcased, revealing Hyundai's design language and potential future vehicles. For 2027, the Chrysler Pacifica received a facelift, primarily on the front, and now carries Chrysler's new logo. To demonstrate minivan capability, Chrysler introduced the Pacifica Grizzly Peak Edition concept, featuring a lifted chassis for higher ground clearance and all-terrain tires, highlighting its off-roading potential for gear and people. Kia unveiled a redesigned Seltos, customized with off-road gear, all-terrain tires, a slight lift for better ground clearance, and a rose-colored matte paint. Also on display was the Kia EV3, a smaller version of the EV9, sharing its design language, linear headlights and taillights, and many interior details. Ford continued to expand its Mustang line with the GTD, built on the Mustang platform but featuring a hand-forged body and a hand-built engine generating 815 horsepower. It was presented in the Spirit of America Edition for the nation's 250th anniversary. Nissan introduced an all-new 2026 Leaf, one of the original EVs. The redesigned model boasts a new look, feel, interior, and an extended range of up to 300 miles, along with features like a dimmable panoramic sunroof, haptic touch controls, and a large multimedia screen. The first-ever Infiniti QX60 debuted at the show, while the Infiniti QX65 elevated luxury. Sharing the QX60's tall and long platform, the QX65 distinguishes itself with a sloped roofline, giving it a fastback or coupe-like shape for a more discerning SUV buyer. One of the biggest debuts was the 2027 Volkswagen Atlas. Volkswagen incorporated digital headlight and taillight designs with pixel or piano key-style lights, a standard lighted badge, and standard features uncommon in budget-friendly SUVs, such as wireless charge pads, rear window shades, and a power tailgate. Chevrolet showcased the Corvette Grand Sport, along with two electrified Corvette concept cars. The CX model is pure electric, and the CXR is a gas-electric hybrid, both delivering over 2,000 horsepower. The show offered a glimpse into the future of automotive, from smarter and faster EVs with longer ranges to more sports and luxury cars.