Detroit’s NAIAS Now Just a Shell of its Glorious Former Self

At around the same time last year, we wrote a piece titled “2022 NAIAS in Detroit Has Bittersweet Taste for Visitors.” As it looked to attract more visitors by moving from January to summer and featuring more outside attractions, the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS)—the largest and most prestigious auto show in North America—was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Then again, who wasn’t? The auto industry is no longer what it used to be and neither are car shows. The Motor City seems to want to cling on to its glory days, but the fact of the matter is that the annual Detroit show has become just a shell of its former self. Most automakers, even the Americans, prefer to host their own events to introduce new vehicles.

Of course, it didn’t help that The Battery Show took place almost simultaneously in 2022 and this year, as well. This consumer-first, EV-focused event is proving far more successful than the more traditional NAIAS.

Medias Days have shrunk to basically just a half-day of unveilings, with only three highlighting the 2023 edition. Ford’s refreshed 2024 F-150 did show up, but it had already been revealed on the eve of the NAIAS, at a venue just a block away from Huntington Place.

We’ll cover the truck in a separate post later this week. For now, here’s a quick recap of the new models that premiered in Detroit:

2024 Jeep Gladiator

Following the lead set by the 2024 Wrangler earlier this year, Jeep’s midsize pickup showcased its numerous albeit subtle changes in Detroit—an updated front grille, new available wheel designs, revised dashboard, 12.3-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5 infotainment and more.

The turbo-diesel engine is gone, but the Gladiator returns with a standard 3.6-litre V6 producing 285 horsepower and enabling 7,700 lbs of max towing capacity. Great news as far as safety is concerned: first- and second-row side-curtain airbags are now included. Rear passengers also benefit from outboard seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

2024 GMC Acadia

Longer, wider and taller than its predecessor, the next-generation Acadia offers an expanded seating configuration of seven or eight passengers depending on the trim. Cargo room is improved, too. At the top of the range, the Acadia Denali keeps raising the bar for luxury. New for 2024 are 22-inch machined aluminum wheels—the largest ever on the Acadia. 

Inside, the focal point of the cabin is for sure the new, portrait-style, 15-inch touchscreen included as standard. It is fully configurable and features Google built-in compatibility. Meanwhile, the 3.6-litre V6 is no more. In comes a new, more powerful turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft. of torque.

2025 Cadillac CT5

Cadillac still believes in traditional passenger cars, and even though the brand has an all-electric future, its CT5 compact luxury sedan is getting a proper update for the 2025 model year. A redesigned front end gives it a sharper and more aggressive look, but the main change can be found inside—a new 33-inch LED touchscreen that is capable of a stunning 9K resolution and curves toward the driver in a single, continuous display spanning the driver’s viewing area. It’s exactly like the one in the Lyriq electric crossover.

Safety is enhanced with more advanced features included as standard. Unsurprisingly, engine selection remains the same. Will the CT5’s new lease on life move the needle in the compact luxury car segment? Let’s wait and find out.