5 New Vehicles We’re Likely to See at the 2026 Montreal Auto Show
The 80th edition of the Montreal Auto Show is now over, with nearly 163,000 visitors coming to the Palais des congrès between January 17 and 26 to see more than 30 car brands and 16 Canadian premieres, among other things. You know what that means? We’re less than 350 days away from next year’s event!
All-new and redesigned models will make their debuts sometime in 2025, including a few that rank among the best-selling vehicles in Canada. Looking at our crystal ball—and wish list—here are five that we expect to be on display at the 2026 Montreal Auto Show.
Honda Prelude
In case you haven’t heard, the Prelude will return to the Canadian market in late 2025. There’s a pretty good chance it will be featured at the Palais des congrès next January.
Unlike the previous five generations—the first dating back to 1978 and the last one discontinued in 2001—the sixth-gen Prelude will be sold exclusively as a hybrid when it arrives as a 2026 model. We’ve seen the prototype, so now we’re waiting for the production model, which is expected to be extremely similar. Time will tell if the new Prelude enjoys greater success than the late Civic Coupe.
Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
More than one new Subaru model could be on display in Montreal next year, such as the next-generation Outback and the hybrid variant of the Forester and Crosstrek.
The Crosstrek Hybrid will go on sale this fall. Unlike the discontinued Crosstrek PHEV, this one uses a next-generation, series-parallel hybrid system combining a newly developed 2.5-litre Atkinson/Miller-cycle boxer engine with an electric motor-generator and electric traction motor, as well as a 1.1kWh lithium-ion battery. Total output is rated at 194 horsepower, which is just 12 horsepower more than the gas-only Crosstrek equipped with the 2.5-litre engine.
Toyota RAV4
Are you ready for the next generation of Canada’s best-selling SUV? The completely redesigned 2026 RAV4 will change significantly inside and out, likely taking inspiration from the company’s latest products, but powertrain options will probably be carried over, maybe with a few enhancements.
As we wait for the reveal and the specs, all signs point to the plug-in hybrid variant (formerly called Prime) offering increased EV range. Considering the outgoing model is good for 68 km (officially), that sounds very promising.
Jeep Recon
Initially announced in September 2022, then shown in concept form in March 2023, the Recon will become Jeep’s second electric SUV in North America following the larger Wagoneer S. It will use Stellantis’ STLA Large platform, which also underpins the Wagoneer S and Dodge Charger Daytona. We’re anticipating an early-2025 reveal, unless more delays occur.
The Recon will be largely inspired from the Wrangler, complete with removable doors and roof, plus similar off-road skills. Jeep has previously claimed it has the capability to cross the challenging Rubicon Trail, making use of a Selec-Terrain four-wheel drive system, e-locker axle technology and aggressive off-road tires.
Tesla Model Y
The refreshed Tesla Model Y was just a bit too late for this year’s Montreal Auto Show, but it will definitely be on hand for the 2026 edition. In fact, deliveries in Canada are scheduled to start a few weeks from now.
Looking to maintain its position as the best-selling electric vehicle in North America, the Model Y’s cosmetic update reminds us of the driverless Cybercab that was unveiled this past fall. Other changes include more comfortable front seats, a new 8-inch touchscreen in the second row, improved material selection, reduced noise, enhanced steering and suspension tuning, and more. Don’t miss it.
