Last week, the automotive media flocked to southern California for the 2025 Los Angeles Auto Show; and while these events tend to be less important and less of a spectacle these days, they still serve as a convenient platform for manufacturers to show off their latest models, and give consumers a chance to get up close to all the latest models. We saw some impressive products and concepts come out of this year’s show, starting with a group of sister companies that have used auto shows to great effect in recent years.
2027 Kia Telluride
It may seem odd that we’re already seeing a 2027 model, but we just take that as a sign Kia is more confident in their three-row Telluride utility more than ever. Aside from the new styling, which falls in line with current “boxy is beautiful” trends, this upcoming Telluride will sport the model’s first hybrid powertrain. It’s a 2.5-liter turbo-four paired with electric motors and a 1.7-kWh battery. Combined, this hybrid ride’s output is 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. An estimated 600 miles of combined range is also a nice bonus; though a non-hybrid version of the 2.5-liter turbo will be available, rated at 274 horsepower and 311 lb-ft. You may have picked up on the fact that this is a decrease from the current 291 horses, but a noticeable increase from the current’s 262 lb-ft. Hybrids utilize a six-speed automatic transmission, whereas hybrids see an eight-speed unit. In either case, all-wheel drive is available.
The new Telluride is slightly larger, now 199.2 inches long on a 116.9-inch wheelbase, contributing to improved volume for up to 86.9 cu-ft of storage (46.3 cu-ft behind the second row, 22.3 cu-ft behind the third or 21.3 in the Turbo Hybrid). The X-Pro grade returns for ‘27, providing more off-road capabilities than other grades. Expect 9.1 inches of ground clearance supported by a specially tuned suspension, an electronic limited-slip differential, and off-road camera views. The X-Pro is easy to identify with its bright recovery points front and rear, and the more aggressive treading of its all-terrain tires.
2026 Hyundai Elantra N TCR and IONIQ 6 N
If you’re noticing the trend that, year after year, sister companies Kia, Hyundai and Genesis use Los Angeles as one of their go-to venues for announcing new products, you’re not alone. We’ve acknowledged it too, and the trend continued this year. Hyundai’s debuts aren’t exactly reveals, as we’ve been aware of these performance-focused models for some time, but news of a North American launch for both is music to our ears– starting with the snap, crackle, pop of the Elantra N.
The Elantra N is an absolute blast to drive, this front-wheel drive, turbo-four powered, manual or dual-clutch auto shiftin’ compact calling us to thrash it about each time we get the chance. What you may not know is just how successful this platform has been for Hyundai’s N motorsports division– enough for them to release this TCR edition (“Touring Car Racing,” in case you were wondering). Now the news here isn’t that the TCR exists, as we’ve known of its existence for at least a year now; rather, the TCR is making its way to the U.S. market early next year in limited numbers.
Yes, the adjustable swan-neck rear wing, made from carbon fiber, is part of it, as are the 19-inch forged alloy wheels and four-piston monobloc brake calipers. The interior is wrapped in Alcantara but retains many of the creature comforts “necessary” for daily use (though we know some of you would daily a competition-spec model if you could). No word on pricing, but we can’t wait to see more.
Another North American debut goes to the IONIQ 6 N, the second battery-electric model to be graced by Hyundai’s N-gineers. A total output of 601 horsepower, capable of being temporarily boosted to 641 via a built-in boost feature, and 568 lb-ft of torque is enough to have us intrigued, as is a 0-60 time of 3.2 seconds with “N Launch Control.” You’ll notice Hyundai’s performance division likes to tack on the titular letter onto various drive systems, including the N e-Shift technology. It simulates gear shifts through feel and sound, the latter achieved through the N Active Sound + feature. It may sound a little gimmicky, and perhaps it is, but we didn’t mind it so much in the IONIQ 5 N, one of our favorite battery-electric performers we’ve tested to date.
The IONIQ 6 was already aerodynamically shaped, but the N’s own swan-neck wing, and the addition of wider fenders and the like should aid in the pursuit of downforce more than range. No news regarding final range or pricing, but we should know soon.
Hyundai CRATER Concept
Okay, this is pretty rad, and almost entirely different from the rest of Hyundai’s portfolio. The closest you’ll get, at the moment, to the CRATER Concept is one of the maker’s XRT-branded off-road-oriented trims, and that’s only going so far.
The CRATER takes it to a new level. We could use all the buzz words– rugged, tough, angular, etc.– but you can see for yourself, including Hyundai’s frequently used pixel design. What you can’t see (sort of) are all bits that go into it, though some are more obvious than others, like the 33-inch off-road tires mounted on 18-inch wheels. Skid plating shields the undercarriage, while a roof platform provides mounting points for accessories. Connecting the top to the front is a pair of limb risers, cables spotted on serious trail rigs designed to prevent loose limbs from ruining the party.
The interior is totally tubular, and that should be taken almost literally. Various elements are shaped cylindrically, like the center console and dashboard crash pad. The roll cage is very functional and very cool, the steering wheel features terrain mode buttons, and a head-up display provides key vehicle readouts. The passenger side first aid kit is joined by a driver side fire extinguisher, and a removable bluetooth speaker sits in the center console. Wait… that is the center console.
Genesis Magma
Despite being the more luxury-minded of the trio, Genesis is also getting into the performance game. This is a move that’s been previously telegraphed, but we’ve received even more news regarding their Magma portfolio. Instead of Los Angeles, Circuit Paul Ricard in Le Castellet, France, served as the venue for the GV60 Magma, the production variant of the Magma concept we saw last year.
This utility is battery-electric, capable of 609 horsepower (or 650 with boost active). Launch control sees the GV60 Magma rocket to 124 mph in 10.9 seconds before reaching a top speed of 164 mph. No word on overall range, which we’re sure will decrease if you ‘send it’ at every chance you get. An electronically-controlled suspension is said to balance comfort with stability; a virtual gear shift system, akin to the IONIQ 5 N and 6 N, is present to replicate transmission operation; and a drift mode is there, again like Hyundai’s N electrics. Drift mode works the electric motors and electronic limited-slip differential for rear-driven action, and a battery optimization program keeps battery temps in check in order to extract the most performance.
On the opposite end of the automotive spectrum is the Magma GT concept, a planned halo car for their performance-driven ambitions. Ultimately, a production model of this concept could support the brand’s mission to enter GT racing, which typically requires a road-going version to be sold before competition-spec’d units can line up on the grid. It’s said to blend luxury with performance, a very on-brand approach for Genesis, to give this mid-engine sports car its own identity. No word on when a production version of this could come to fruition, but Genesis seems very serious about expanding their Magma and motorsports efforts. All we can do is wait.
These two, and a lot more, were present at their Magma World Premiere event, so what was in LA? This G70 Prestige Graphite, an exclusive trim for North America. Its Ceres Blue paint is grade-specific, contrasted by dark chrome elements all around. Ground effects include 19-inch multi-spoke wheels in a matching dark finish. The cabin’s Ultramarine Blue Nappa leather is paired with orange, providing a bespoke-feeling interior. A rear-wheel-drive G70 Prestige Graphite starts at $58,295, all-wheel drive adding two-grand onto that.
2026 Jeep Recon
We won’t go into too much detail here regarding the Jeep brand’s first “Trail Rated” battery-electric vehicle, but you can read up on it here. The TL;DR is that the Recon is built on the Stellanti group’s STLA-Large platform, outfitted with a 400-volt, 100.5-kWh battery. That sends power to a pair of electric motors, combining for a total system output of 650 horsepower and 620 lb-ft of torque. Range on the Moab trim, which we saw for ourselves ahead of the show, is rated at just 230 miles, while follow-up trims will see up to 250 miles. A DC fast charger will recoup 5-80% in about 28 minutes.
At 193.3 inches long, it’s slightly larger than a four-door Wrangler. And this Moab packs some rightful off-road amenities, including 33-inch tires, steel underbody protection, and larger-diameter half shafts. The doors can come off without needing tools (so can the 2026 Wrangler’s) and the rear quarter glass can, too. A Sky One-Touch Power Top gets you as close to a Jeep’s open-air freedom as possible without being able to remove the roof.
The Recon will start, with destination, at $66,995, though more affordable grades will follow afterwards. Expect the first Recons to make it to dealerships early next year.
Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale and Tonale
Another Stellantis member made a mark in LA this year; Alfa Romeo announced pricing for the refreshed 2026 Tonale SUV, which starts at $40,245 for the Sprint trim– and that includes the $3,250 destination charge. The Veloce and Sport Speciale follow at $44,745, same price for both. Some changes to the front fascia have been inspired by the 33 Stradale, our next subject, while new color options and wheel choices make the Tonale stand out that much more. A 2.0-liter turbo-four produces 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, delivered to its Q4 all-wheel-drive system, and four-piston Brembo brakes keep it in check.
Making its North American auto show debut is the 33 Stradale, inspired by the 1967 Tipo 33 Stradale. Not much to see here that we haven’t covered already, and all 33 units destined for the global market are already spoken for, but enjoy it all the same. An available twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 generates up to 630 horsepower, completing 0-62 mph sprints in under three seconds and reaching a top speed of 207 mph.
2026 Nissan Rogue PHEV
Another vehicle we’ve covered, the newly announced 2026 Nissan Rogue PHEV, is turning heads in Los Angeles, and that’s partially due to its more overt than covert Mitsubishi Outlander foundations. It does look like a bit of badge reengineering, but considering how much we enjoy the Outlander PHEV, we don’t consider this a totally bad thing. A 2.4-liter four-banger is teamed up with an electric motor duo, delivering a total 248 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque to a standard all-wheel-drive system. Drivers will see 38 miles of electric-only range, 420 miles of range when using both propulsion systems, and an estimated 64 MPGe. As the brand’s first U.S.-destined plug-in hybrid, we think it’s a solid effort.
2026 Lucid Gravity Touring
Lucid is sort of a niche within a niche; that is, even within the realm of electric vehicles, they aren’t the most prominent. The Gravity Touring is their latest invention, and it looks to expand their portfolio– and perhaps attract more buyers following its reveal in Los Angeles.
The big news here regards pricing; the Gravity Touring will start at $79,900 before destination, substantially less than the Grand Touring’s $94,900. The Touring packs an 89 kWh battery, capable of an EPA-estimated 337 miles of range. A pair of motors sets up the Touring for standard all-wheel drive with a combined 560-horsepower output, reaching 60 mph in 4 seconds flat- -according to Lucid, that is. The cabin can be outfitted for five or seven seats; the 34-inch curved display is standard.
2026 Honda Prelude and Pilot
The revived Honda Prelude is back in LA, this time surrounded by more details, including pricing. Good thing, as the first examples are already reaching dealerships, starting at $43,195 with destination.
We’ve covered the new Prelude ad nauseum, and for what feels like years, so we’re eager to get behind the wheel. We’re also intrigued by the refreshed Pilot SUV, though for different reasons. It gets a boost in both form and function, changes including improved steering and stability, more sound insulation, and the inclusion of the Pilot’s 12.3-inch touchscreen in all grades. No word on pricing yet, but we expect it to hover around $41,000 to start, working up to $50,000 for some of the top models, like the off-road-oriented TrailSport.
Restored 1977 Volkswagen T2
This one obviously isn’t anything new, but we figured it deserved a quick mention on the basis of being just groovy. This 1977 T2 bus was featured in a prominent AP photograph detailing the 2025 Palisades fire, its blue paint a stark contrast against its charred surroundings. Volkswagen and a community of fans tracked down the owner, Megan Weinraub, and were able to extract the bus, named “Azul” by Weinraub, for a full restoration.
“When the photo of Azul went viral, I felt like the entire world experienced a piece of my heart,” said Weinraub. “And when Volkswagen reached out to see if Azul really survived, I was touched and couldn’t believe it. Seeing it now, I feel it’s even more of a symbol of hope than it was before.”
Working with VW was GE Kudensport, a team known for Porsche restorations, while their partners assisted with the most minute details of the engine refurbishment and the powder coating of different components. In their pursuit, every piece was inspected, repaired or replaced as needed.
You can see the reborn Azul at the Los Angeles Auto Show for yourself. If you’re around, it’s worth checking out.
NACTOY Finalists
We’ll end with a brief mention of this year’s North American Car, Truck and Utility of the Year (NACTOY) finalists, which were announced at the Los Angeles Auto Show once more.
In contention for “Car of the Year” is the Dodge Charger, Honda Prelude and Nissan Sentra. “Truck of the Year” will be contested between the Ford Maverick Lobo, and the Ram 1500 HEMI and Ram 2500 HD. “Utility of the Year” is between the Hyundai Palisade, Lucid Gravity and Nissan LEAF.
The winners, selected by 50 jurors across the U.S. and Canada (including MotorWeek’s John Davis), will be announced on Wednesday, January 14, at the Detroit Auto Show.
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