The 2025 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) kicked off last week with an exciting and refreshing mix of new cars and concepts that made the tariff woes of late seemingly fade away in favor of pure automotive admiration. Subaru and automaker siblings Kia, Hyundai, and Genesis took the spotlight at the Javits Center with multiple debuts from each. Jeep also introduced a new trim for the Wagoneer, and Volkswagen revealed a range-topping R-Line trim for the 2026 Tiguan.
2026 Subaru Outback
Subaru used NYIAS to debut three new models, including the 2026 Outback, which appears to be the most controversial. The adored adventure wagon has gone in a new design direction with its seventh generation. It looks more SUV-like than a sedan-based wagon. With a taller roofline and wider floor width, the new Outback adds more cargo capacity for increased hauling utility. Every model gets a new 12.1-inch touchscreen center display paired with a 12.3-inch full digital gauge cluster and comes standard with Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive and the latest version of the automaker's EyeSight driver assist technology.
2026 Subaru Trailseeker
Calling it "your newest adventure-ready sidekick", the all-new Subaru Trailseeker becomes the automaker's second EV and is set to be sold alongside the next-generation Solterra. Though appearing more adventure-ready than the Solterra, the Trailseeker seems to be filling the visual void in the Subaru lineup the incoming Outback leaves by not looking more like a wagon. The Trailseeker builds on Subaru's partnership with Toyota and shares parts with Toyota Europe's C-HR+. The new Traileseeker comes standard with Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive and 8.3 inches of ground clearance. It uses a two electric motors rated for 375 horsepower powered by a 74.7-kWh lithium-ion, high-capacity battery rated for 260 miles of range. Subaru says it can move from zero to 60 in 4.4 seconds and tow up to 3,500 pounds.
2026 Subaru Solterra
Subaru leans further into the EV game by introducing the second generation of its Solterra. Where the outgoing model was estimated to have a range of 227 miles, Subaru says the range on the 2026 Solterra has increased by 25%. Power output has also increased on the new Solterra, from 215 horsepower to 233 on base models, with the Solterra XT offering up to 338. It's also supposed to charge quicker; Subaru claims 10-80% in less than 35 minutes. Looks-wise, Subaru has refined Solterra's design language in favor of a more clean appearance, albeit without sacrificing capability. The 2026 Solterra offers 8.3 inches of ground clearance and Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive.
2026 Kia EV4
The EV4 becomes Kia's first all-electric global sedan, featuring a new "Opposites United" design philosophy that the automaker says blends nature and humanity for a modern and expressive appearance. The EV4 offers two high-voltage battery options depending on trim: 58.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh long-range. Kia says the EV4 can charge from 10 to 80% with DC fast-charging in 29 or 31 minutes (depending on battery size). The batteries stay charged with the help of Kia's latest i-Pedal 3.0 system that allows for one-pedal driving. Kia touts that all EV4s get nearly 30 inches of combined widescreen display. This new EV is expected to launch in early 2026.
2026 Kia K4 Hatchback
After launching the K4 sedan last year in New York, Kia returns to launch the K4 Hatchback. Kia calls it the athletic counterpart to the K4 sedan. The hatchback's distinctive floating roof design and versatile cargo space provide class-leading rear headroom and rear legroom and 22.2 cu-ft. of space behind rear passengers. Powertrains on the K4 Hatchback carry over from the sedan and include a standard 2.0-liter engine that produces 147 horsepower and 132 lb.-ft. of torque or an available 1.6-liter turbocharged engine that produces 190 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque. Kia says available features include an ultra-wide glass sunroof, a Harman Kardon audio system, and heated and ventilated front seats dressed in a SynTex synthetic material.
2026 Kia EV9 Nightfall Edition
Kia adds an appearance trim to its three-row EV, the Nightfall Edition. The automaker has made a point to highlight the standard performance-boosting function of this new trim, which is claimed to increase torque from 443 lb.-ft. to 516 lb.-ft. and result in a zero to 60 time of 4.5 seconds. The Nightfall Edition gets a new, exclusive Roadrider Brown exterior color, as well as a unique stitching and black interior scheme.
2026 Hyundai Palisade
Back by very popular demand is the second coming of the Hyundai Palisade. With V-6 models expected this summer, and hybrid models to follow in the fall, Hyundai's flagship SUV sits on a stretched platform from the outgoing model, resulting in a more premium presence and larger cabin. The 2026 Palisade gets a slightly downsized V-6 (from 3.8-liter to 3.5-liter) that produces an estimated 287 horsepower (four horsepower less than the outgoing model) and mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. New for 2026 is an available hybrid powertrain, which pairs a 2.5-liter turbocharged in-line four-cylinder engine with two electric motors mounted inside the six-speed automatic transmission. The total system output is estimated to be 329 horsepower and up to 339 pound-feet of torque and Hyundai is claiming 30+ mpg on the highway and a range of 619 miles. Other new items include a soft-road-focused trim, the XRT Pro, available convenience technologies like first-and-second-row relaxation seating, digital key, factory tow hitch, and 100-watt capable USB-C ports. Additional safety features like a built-in dual-camera dash cam has also been added.
Genesis X Gran Equator Concept
Not on our bingo card for NYIAS was Genesis dropping their first adventure vehicle concept; no complaints here because quite frankly, we dig it. The luxury automaker says the X Gran Equator Concept reimagines Genesis' "Athletic Elegance" design philosophy, which appears to effortlessly blend elegance and rugged capability. The long hood against the raked C-pillar and integrated roof rails with dark wheel-arch cladding and 24-inch beadlock wheels exude a gorgeous aura. The cabin is even better. The X Gran Equator Concept contrasts between analog architecture, digital technologies, shapes, and colors throughout. The three-tone, blue-and-cream interior with contrast stitching is ethereal. The four-circle display cluster draws you into the center stack, with linear lines tracing attention to the rest of the cabin, with individual sky windows for front and rear passengers and modular storage making this concept as functional as it is aesthetic. The automaker says the X Gran Equator Concept signals Genesis’ continued expansion into lifestyle-oriented vehicles that balance sophistication with versatility. Production of this concept has not been confirmed by Genesis at this time.
2025 Jeep Wagoneer Overland Special Edition
Jeep introduced a new trim for its Wagoneer called the Overland Special Edition. Although still not Jeep "Trail Rated", the automaker says this new trim is "purpose-built for challenging conditions." The Wagoneer Overland Special Edition comes standard with 32-inch all-terrain tires, Quadra-Lift air suspension, a two-speed transfer case, skid plates, hill ascent/descent speed control, 360-degree surround view camera, two front tow hook and one removable rear tow hook, and Jeep's heavy-duty trailer tow package with trailer brake control that enables a towing capacity of up to 10,000 lbs. Overland Special Edition models also get a unique appearance package which includes a black-painted roof, black exterior highlights, roof rail crossbars, and Nappa leather seating.
2026 Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line
Last, but certainly not least, is the 2026 VW Tiguan R-Line, the compact crossover's new range-topping trim. VW says the Tiguan R-Line gets bolder styling, a refined interior, advanced infotainment system, and uses a more powerful version of the Tiguan's turbocharged four-cylinder 2.0-liter engine that's paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Motion all-wheel drive. This new Tiguan R-Line makes 268 horsepower (67 horsepower over the other Tiguan models) and 258 lb-ft of torque (up from 207 lb-ft of torque). Other Tiguan R-Line features include a new 10.3-inch digital cockpit and 15.0-inch infotainment display, 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, genuine American walnut wood décor, a wrapped and double-stitched center console, upgraded Varenna leather seating surfaces. VW also notes that the gear selector has been moved onto the steering column to free up space for a large center console that enhances cabin storage.
