What Do Automakers Have in Store for 2026?

Following our list of 10 vehicle debuts that highlighted 2025, we now turn our attention to 2026 and the new models that automakers are preparing for the Canadian market. We’re talking about cars, trucks and SUVs that have not yet been officially revealed. Some will go on sale later in 2026, while others will arrive in 2027.

Ready for an overview? Let’s go!

Two Popular Compact Cars

Toyota took advantage of the Japan Mobility Show in late October to unveil the Corolla Concept, a car with much bolder lines than the current model, which could indicate the direction the manufacturer intends to take with the next generation of its compact car, due as a 2027 model. As for the engine, will the new Corolla become a hybrid only, like many other Toyotas? That remains to be seen.

Also in Tokyo, Mazda showed a stunning concept called Vision X-Coupé that represents the brand’s future design direction. This boldly styled car clearly indicates what the next-gen Mazda3—expected to be unveiled in 2026—could look like.

GM’s Full-Size Pickups

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 consistently rank among the top 10 best-selling vehicles. A new generation is on its way to replace the one that debuted for the 2019 model year. Expect a slightly boxier silhouette and a redesigned dashboard with an even larger digital interface.

Both the turbocharged four-cylinder and the diesel six-cylinder could return, although the fate of the latter is less certain. What we do know is that GM is working on a new generation of V8 engines (the sixth) for 2027.

Nissan’s Turnaround Continues

Nissan, which is going through difficult times and continues to shuffle its portfolio, has developed a hybrid technology called e-Power that’s already available in other parts of the world including Europe. However, it is still in the development and adaptation phase for the North American market. The system will debut with the next-generation Rogue and will likely mark the end for the short-lived Rogue PHEV, which was launched for 2026. The 2027 Rogue is slated to hit the market in the fall of 2026.

Looking to offer consumers more reasons to be excited and to capitalize on the adventure trend sweeping the automotive industry, Nissan also plans to bring back the rugged Xterra. Will the unveiling take place in 2026? That remains to be confirmed, but it appears the market launch will wait until 2028. Nissan’s partner, Mitsubishi, is preparing to introduce an off-road SUV of its own, one that could revive the Montero nameplate.

The Return of the Shelby GT500

The Mustang Shelby GT500 was last sold as a 2022 model with a supercharged 5.2-litre V8 producing 760 horsepower—55 hp less than the new Mustang GTD. Its successor will inevitably gain power, but how much? That’s the big question. It was once believed to debut for the 2026 model year, but it will likely arrive for 2027 instead. Camouflaged prototypes have been spotted testing, and it appears Ford is working on a convertible this time around.

What About Luxury Brands?

At Audi, a production model based on the Concept C from September 2025 should see the light of day, possibly an entry-level electric car (A4 e-tron?) or a new sports car replacing the discontinued TT. Let’s also keep an eye on Audi’s upcoming large SUV, the Q9, which will finally be unveiled in 2026. It will launch in Europe later this year, but likely not until 2027 in North America. What’s more, Audi will introduce the next-generation Q7 sometime in 2026. Both SUVs will be based on a version of the PPC (Premium Platform Combustion) architecture.

BMW is about to introduce a brand new i3. Forget the small hatchback bearing the same name that was discontinued in 2021. Just like the equally new iX3, this one will ride on the automaker’s Neue Klasse architecture. It will also be joined by the next generation of the gasoline-powered 3 Series, which is set to adopt an evolution of the current platform. Talk about a dynamic duo.

Over at Volvo, despite scaling back its electric vehicle plans, the company is still betting heavily on the upcoming EX60 midsize crossover—essentially a battery-powered variant of the best-selling XC60—which should attract a significant number of customers. It will be the first Volvo to ride on the new SPA3 platform and will utilize next-generation, higher-efficiency electric motors developed in-house.

Finally, Jaguar, now aspiring to the pinnacle of luxury, promises to follow up the spectacular Type 00 concept from 2024 with the first production car of its new era: a four-door GT based on the JEA (Jaguar Electric Architecture) platform. Speaking of platforms, the one Ferrari unveiled last fall will give birth in early 2026 to a four-seat electric coupe with over 1,000 horsepower, simply called Elettrica yet mimicking the sound and feel of a V12.

Keep following our blog throughout 2026 to learn and see more!