05:57 15-12-2025

Upcoming 2026–2027 cars: new hybrids, EVs, SUVs and trucks

Explore key 2026–2027 car releases: Audi Q3, Toyota RAV4 hybrid-only, Rivian R2, Genesis GV90, Jeep Cherokee PHEV, plus more new hybrids, EVs, SUVs and trucks.

The next two years will be busy for buyers who chase the next thing rather than what’s already on the lot. Carmakers are overhauling design languages, moving big-selling nameplates to hybrid powertrains en masse, and readying a fresh wave of EVs—from halo flagships to pared-back, relatively attainable models.

One of the headline updates is the new Audi Q3 for the 2026 model year. The crossover moves into its next generation with a more grown-up face and a reworked cabin: more digital real estate, richer materials, and a promised uptick in space. A key number is 255 hp from a turbo four paired with a refined dual-clutch transmission. An all-electric Q3 e-tron is also under discussion and could follow shortly after launch.

Mazda has the 2026 CX-5 on deck—the third generation. Expect a slight bump in size and practicality, with the 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine and six-speed automatic carried over. The real intrigue is a possible hybrid in 2027. Mazda is also making a move that may split the fan base: more touchscreen control, fewer familiar physical switches.

The loudest mainstream debut is the 2026 Toyota RAV4 (sixth generation). In essence, it marks a handover: the pure gasoline version bows out and the entire RAV4 range goes hybrid. Expect a more up-to-date interior, improved materials, extra cubbies, and, crucially for everyday use, the continued presence of proper physical buttons. The lineup stays broad, from quiet family trims to sportier and more outdoors-focused variants.

Jeep brings the Cherokee back in 2026 as a plug-in hybrid. The spec sheet reads like an attempt to dramatically cut fuel use without sacrificing the brand’s all-weather confidence. The design goes boxier, and the cabin architecture and electronics take a clear step into the present.

For families, a key headline is the 2027 Kia Telluride with a hybrid powertrain. It pairs a 2.5-liter turbo engine with electric assistance and keeps the big-SUV brief intact: three rows, upgraded practicality, X-Line and X-Pro versions, more upscale finishes, and an even richer tech stack.

On the premium-EV front, the Genesis GV90 stands out as the brand’s forthcoming flagship. It’s positioned as an ultra-luxury electric SUV on Hyundai Motor Group’s new platform, promising speedy charging and a focus on quietness and comfort. The look avoids visual noise in favor of status, and the equipment list even mentions coach-style doors on select versions.

Cutting against the grain is the Slate Truck: a small two-door electric pickup promised to be simple, customizable, and—most importantly—relatively inexpensive. The press materials point to a target price around $25,000, 150–240 miles of range, and fast charging via NACS. The idea is clear: utility without the size or sticker shock of full-size electric rigs.

Rivian’s volume play is the Rivian R2, expected as a 2026 model. The key figures are a starting price near $45,000 and a range “over 300 miles.” Single-, dual-, and tri-motor setups are on the table, along with two battery sizes and useful tricks like bidirectional charging. Essentially, it’s Rivian stepping out of the high-price club to square up against the Model Y and other popular crossovers.

Even the staples are shifting. The next-gen Mercedes-Benz CLA, slated for 2027, will launch with both hybrid and electric variants, while the 2027 BMW 3-Series keeps internal-combustion versions but adds a separate i3 EV branch and a new interior approach without a traditional gauge cluster. And there’s one deliberate provocation: the 2026 Mustang Raptor—an off-road-minded Mustang with more ground clearance, a dirt-tuned suspension, and a V8, with talk of 450+ hp and even hopes for a manual.