The New York International Auto Show has returned, and to mark the event, the CarGurus editorial team has launched its first-ever podcast, covering all the major news from the 2025 show. Hosted by Elliot Haney and featuring editors Natalie Harrington, Dave Undercoffler, and Matt Smith, the episode focuses on significant new model reveals, design direction shifts, and technology updates.
While auto shows have declined in industry importance post-pandemic, the 2025 New York Auto Show proved there's still value in presenting cars directly to the public. Subaru's triple debut, Hyundai’s hybrid expansion, and Kia's combination of bold EVs and the mass-market-focused K4 Hatchback collectively showcased how mainstream brands are evolving to meet buyer expectations around style, practicality, and electrification.
Subaru, Hyundai, and Kia Set the Tone at the 2025 New York Auto Show
Subaru Debuts a New 2026 Outback
Subaru made the biggest splash this year, unveiling multiple vehicles at once—a rarity in today's auto show landscape, where many automakers prefer standalone reveals. While the brand promoted three newsworthy releases, one stood out: the all-new 2026 Subaru Outback.
The redesigned Outback marks a clear shift away from the wagon shape that has long defined the model. While still instantly recognizable, the new Outback leans heavily into SUV cues: a higher beltline, a more upright rear-end, and bulkier cladding. This design might be polarizing for longtime fans, especially those drawn to the Outback’s wagon roots. But as Dave pointed out during his walkaround at the show, it should do well in pulling in shoppers who previously dismissed it as “not SUV enough.”
Powertrain: The Outback carries over with a base 180-horsepower boxer engine and an available 260-hp turbocharged version.
Design: A clear evolution, but not radical. From certain angles the new Outback retains wagon-like proportions, yet overall it's more rugged and upright.
Interior: The big news is a return to physical buttons below a moderately sized touchscreen, after years of using a large vertical display. The change is likely to appeal to buyers frustrated with screen-heavy interfaces.
Interior Details: One small but appreciated feature is the Outback's new carpet-lined water bottle holders. These provide an anti-rattle design touch that reinforces Subaru's attention to practical needs and speaks to its outdoorsy shoppers.
2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness: Function Over Form?
The Wilderness trim returns with more aggressive styling and increased ground clearance. However, the CarGurus panel remains divided on its aesthetics. While ruggedness is part of the Wilderness brand, the squared-off design, thick plastic cladding, and blocky rear end look like they belong in the world of Minecraft. Functionally, it's still one of the more capable crossovers for light off-roading, but the Outback Wilderness now sports a look that may take time to grow on buyers.
All-New Subaru Trailseeker EV: Subaru Expands Its Electric Footprint
The 2026 Subaru Trailseeker is an all-electric, two-row crossover that adds real intrigue to Subaru’s lineup. Though it shares its underpinnings with an as-yet-unreleased Toyota model, Subaru’s version is going to market first.
Power and Range: 375 horsepower, 260-mile range, and 3,500-lb towing capacity
Charging: 150-kW fast-charging capability
Performance: 0–60 mph in 4.3 seconds
Stylistically, the Trailseeker differentiates itself from Subaru’s rugged gasoline models with sleeker, more aerodynamic lines. It almost looks like a sleeker Outback crossed with the Subaru Solterra, as if it's Subaru's EV answer to the Toyota Crown Signia.
Though the interior borrows heavily from Toyota, including temperature dials with embedded digital readouts and dual wireless chargers, the overall execution was well received. It marks a promising next step for Subaru's EV ambitions, assuming they get pricing right.
Updated Subaru Solterra Solves Earlier Shortcomings
Subaru’s existing EV, the Solterra, received a much-needed update. Key changes include a horsepower bump (from 215 to 233 hp), increased rangle (from ~225 miles to around 300), and faster charging (increasing from 100 to 150 kW).
There will also be a new XT trim for the 2026 Subaru Solterra, which will deliver up to 338 hp.
Most importantly, the Solterra now feels more like a Subaru. Previous versions felt more like a rebadged Toyota BZ4X, but updates to the software, interior features, and drivetrain make it a more compelling product for shoppers.
Hyundai Reveals the 2026 Palisade
Hyundai also delivered a headline-grabbing debut with the fully redesigned 2026 Palisade, its popular three-row family SUV.
Styling: Bold and upright with a light bar up front, Range Rover-style rear tail lights, and blocky proportions. A new XRT Pro trim adds real off-road hardware like tow hooks and increased ground clearance.
Interior: Premium finishes and a more upscale ambiance. Third-row space remains solid for adults, and practicality remains a strength.
Powertrains: Two options now:
While the naturally aspirated V6 still makes a healthy 287 horsepower, the hybrid engine is the bigger news; it pairs a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering 329 hp and, impressively, an estimated 34 mpg in combined driving.
The addition of a hybrid option makes the Palisade even more appealing for families who need space but want better fuel efficiency. While styling might divide shoppers (particularly the wheels and rear quarter window treatment), the packaging and drivetrain improvements are clear upgrades.
Kia EV4: Striking Looks, Practical Range
Kia brought several significant updates to the show, ranging from new EVs to a practical hatchback for value shoppers. Revealed as a compact electric sedan, the new 2026 Kia EV4 shares its platform with the EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6, and Genesis GV60.
Battery Options: 58.3 or 81.4 kWh, with up to 330 miles of range
Charging: Fast-charging capability on an 400-volt architecture
Design: Aggressively styled, with a high beltline, long fastback tail, and compact proportions
Whether the EV4’s bold design will appeal to mainstream buyers remains to be seen, but it's another step in Kia’s ambitious EV rollout. Expect pricing to land below the EV6.
2026 Kia EV9 Nightfall Edition Offers More Torque, More Presence
The 2026 Kia EV9—the brand’s large three-row electric SUV—adds a new Nightfall Edition. Built on the high-spec Land AWD trim, it features:
Upgraded Performance: Up to 579 lb-ft of torque and 0–60 mph in 4.5 seconds
Design: Unique exterior color (Roadrider Brown), dark interior, and quilted seats
Price: Expected to start in the $70,000 range, but should qualify for $7,500 federal tax credit.
The Nightfall trim adds a dose of performance and luxury flair to one of the most distinctive large EVs on the market.
Kia K4 Hatchback Looks Like a Smart Alternative for Practical Shoppers
Lastly, Kia introduced a hatchback version of the K4, the compact sedan that replaced the Forte. The new 2026 Kia K4 Hatchback features:
Design: Sharper and more cohesive than the sedan, especially at the rear
Cargo Space: 22.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, 59.3 cubic feet with seats folded
Dimensions: Roughly 11 inches shorter than the sedan, improving maneuverability
For shoppers who want more versatility without moving to a crossover, the K4 hatchback offers smart design, efficient space use, and potentially strong value.
Toyota, Maserati, and Others Keep a Lower Profile
While Subaru, Hyundai, and Kia dominated headlines, other brands made quieter showings:
Toyota: No major new models, though the brand showed special editions of the GR86 and GR Corolla, and promoted a 4Runner-themed giveaway.
Maserati: Unveiled the GranCabrio convertible and a new customization program.
These reveals catered more to niche segments than mainstream buyers.
Overall, for everyday car shoppers, the key message from the 2025 New York International Auto Show is clear: whether you're looking for a versatile crossover, a family-size SUV, or a future-forward EV, the options revealed in New York are worth keeping on your radar.
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