6 New Cars to Look Forward to for 2026

Just as we recently bid adieu to some discontinued vehicles, we are eagerly anticipating a host of refreshed, updated, and all-new models for the 2026 model year. Many mainstream models like the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, and Jeep Cherokee are being totally redesigned for 2026. Furthermore, the automotive industry continues to launch new battery-electric vehicles, including the Acura RSX, BMW iX3, Mercedes-Benz GLC EQ, and the Rivian R1T.

However, among all the new models coming in the next year, here are a select few we are looking forward to the most.

BMW 3 Series

Four-door sedans remain on the automotive endangered models list. Witness the recent demise of the Acura TLX, Audi A4, Nissan Maxima, Subaru Legacy, and Volvo S60. So, it's with great relief and anticipation that Germany's BMW is moving ahead with an all-new 3 Series sedan for 2026.

The current 3 Series made its debut in the 2019 model year, with a modest mid-cycle update in 2022. Following the recent introduction of the BMW iX3, a battery-electric compact SUV, the German automaker is set to unveil its next 3 Series in 2026. But we already have a pretty good idea of what it will look like.

BMW gave a glimpse of the 3 Series’ future with the i Vision Dee concept that debuted in 2023, and later that year with the more production-ready Vision Neue Klasse (literally translating in English from German as New Class) concept. The next 3 Series, just as the new iX3, will be based on BMW’s updated Neue Klasse design strategy, paying homage to the original BMW sedans and coupes sold between 1962 and 1972, which established the luxury sports brand identity of BMW automobiles.

If we look to the new iX3 as a guide, we expect both the interior and exterior of the Neue Klasse 3 Series sedan’s style to be a striking departure from BMW’s current design language. In addition to regular gas, high-performance M, and hybrid powertrains, an all-electric i3 is also expected to be part of the lineup.

Honda Prelude

Who remembers the booming affordable coupe era of the 1990s? Before “coupe SUVs” were even a glint in the eyes of automotive designers, a raft of front-wheel drive (FWD) two-door compact coupes, such as the Ford Probe, Mazda MX-6, Mitsubishi Eclipse, and Toyota Celica emerged. These popular two-door models were attractive, enjoyable to drive, and reasonably priced. This is why we're looking forward to the return of the Honda Prelude, expected to arrive in 2026 with essentially zero competition.

Along with the Civic and Accord, the Prelude 2+2 coupe was one of Honda’s first three models. Sold in Canada between 1978 and 2001, a quarter century later, the Prelude returns, this time as a hybrid featuring high-performance hardware borrowed from the Civic Type R hot hatch.

Instead of a high-revving, naturally aspirated VTEC engine, which previous generations were equipped with, the new FWD Prelude features the same twin-electric motor system found in the current Civic Hybrid models. It delivers 200 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque, with an estimated combined fuel consumption of 5.4 L/100 km.

Unlike previous Preludes, there's no manual gearbox on the menu. Instead, the new Prelude introduces the Honda S+ Shift system, which the automaker says simulates the experience of a "dual-clutch transmission.” On the fun-to-drive front, Civic Type R parts the Prelude borrows include Brembo four-piston aluminum front callipers, a dual-axis strut front suspension, and adaptive dampers.

Inside, the 2+2 passenger Honda boasts what it calls “a driver-focused cabin” featuring "ultra-premium" front sport seats with soft-touch leather designed to provide “maximum comfort and support during spirited driving.” For the first time, the Prelude also features a rear hatchback design, adding some practicality to its sporty coupe character.

Kia K4 Hatchback

They aren’t as rare as FWD compact coupes, but the choices in the small hatchback segment continue to dwindle. Thankfully, Kia hasn't given up on the segment. The new 2026 Kia K4 Hatchback, will offer a stylish and practical alternative to the well-established compact hatchbacks: the Honda Civic Hatchback, Mazda3 Sport, and Toyota Corolla Hatchback.

First seen at this year's New York International Auto Show, the K4 Hatchback is set to go on sale in Canada in late 2025. Just as the also-new K4 compact sedan replaced the Forte, the K4 hatchback replaces the Forte 5 hatch. Like its four-door sibling, the K4 hatch displays Kia’s new aggressive-looking bodywork and a roomy interior. There’s also a wide range of advanced technology, including an available wall of screens on the dashboard and various driver-assistance features.

Despite the hatchback's overall length measuring almost a foot shorter than the sedan, Kia’s designers managed to keep the sedan's rear legroom measurements while adding an extra inch of rear headroom, resulting in measurements that lead the compact segment in both categories, according to Kia.

As for power, you'll find a pair of gas engines. The K4 Hatchback’s starter engine is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder making 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). For drivers seeking more oomph, a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine produces 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft, sent through an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the K4 hatchback may not offer the same level of performance hardware as a Volkswagen GTI, its GT-Line trim will come with tighter suspension tuning, providing a sportier driving experience, according to Kia.

Polestar 5

Compared to other automakers' offerings, Volvo’s all-electric brand continues to focus on high-performance, minimalist design, innovative technology, and a commitment to sustainability. And new Polestar models continue to arrive. In addition to the Polestar 3 and 4, both of which were released last year, we now have the Polestar 5, a new flagship model scheduled to arrive in 2026. An evolution of the 2020 Polestar Precept concept, the production version of the Polestar 5 gets an aluminum platform, an 800-volt battery system, and one of the most powerful electric motors on the market.

There will be two versions of the Polestar 5 to choose from: the Dual Motor and the Performance. The base Dual Motor boasts 748 horsepower and accelerates from zero to 97 km/h in 3.8 seconds, which is quicker than a Porsche Taycan 4S, according to Polestar. The Performance trim produces 884 horsepower and reduces the zero-to-100-km/h run to 3.2 seconds, making it faster than battery-electric performance rivals like the Taycan GTS and BMW i5 M60. As for driving range, expect around 670 kilometres for the Dual Motor and 565 for the Performance trim.

Inside, the Polestar 5 features a mix of traditional luxury materials, including open-pore wood on the dashboard, plenty of solid metal trim, and an interior made from recycled plastic water bottles, as well as a material Polestar calls Amplitex, which is made from woven flax fibres. Like the Polestar 4, the 5 trades a rear window for a digital rearview mirror, designed to improve headroom for second-row passengers.

Polestar's flagship four-door BEV is expected to go on sale in 2026. Rivals include the aforementioned Porsche Taycan and BMW i5, plus the Audi e-Tron RS, Tesla Model S, Lucid Air, and Mercedes-Benz EQS.

Porsche 911 Turbo S

While hardcore track enthusiasts will argue that the GT3 trims of the 911 are the more track-focused versions of Porsche's long-standing sports car, the top-dog Turbo versions have always been regarded as the most capable all-weather on-road versions. So, it's with great anticipation that we welcome the arrival of a new 911 Turbo S for 2026, powered by an electrified flat-six-cylinder gas engine that pumps out more power than any production model of the fabled sports car since its debut way back in 1964.

Keen Porsche enthusiasts are aware that the latest 911 (internally known as the 992.2) has been on sale since 2020. However, the changes under the 2+2 passenger Turbo S coupe and cabriolet's sheet metal are fairly extensive. The outgoing 911 Turbo S's 3.7-litre six-cylinder gas engine is out, replaced by a version of the 3.6L engine found in the 911 Carrera GTS hybrid. And instead of a single electric turbocharger, there's now a second one that works in parallel. The result is a whopping 701 horsepower, a significant increase from the previous Turbo S's 641 horsepower. The 590 pound-feet of torque rating remains unchanged.

With standard all-wheel drive and a dual-clutch automatic transmission, Porsche's new hybrid 911 Turbo S can accelerate from rest to 100 km/h a half a second faster than the last version, in a mere 2.5 seconds, reaching a top speed of 322 km/h on a track. Apparently, the new 911 Turbo S can lap the famous Nürburgring Nordschleife in only 7 minutes and 3.92 seconds, an impressive 14 seconds faster than the outgoing model.

Toyota C-HR

Electric cars remain in demand. However, the majority of models are in the upper price segments. Affordability is further compounded by the recent removal of government purchase incentives. Could the new all-electric 2026 Toyota C-HR be the affordable electric car Canadian drivers are looking for?

The original Toyota C-HR was an affordable small SUV that was sold in Canada between the 2018 and 2022 model years. It was a small four-door crossover that was more quirky than practical, and featured a ho-hum 144-horsepower gas four-cylinder and CVT powertrain. Fast forward four years, and Toyota’s C-HR nameplate is back, this time with battery-electric power exclusively.

The front-wheel drive version of the new C-HR boasts 221 horsepower and an impressive estimated driving range of 500 km, while the AWD trim ups the ante with 338 horsepower and a slightly shorter range of 465 km. When it’s time to plug in, the C-HR has a North American Charging System (NACS) charge port that’s compatible with the Tesla Supercharger network, and a peak charging speed of 150 kW. This allows Toyota to claim that the C-HR can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in just 30 minutes.

Compared to the electric Toyota bZ it shares a platform with, the new C-HR is smaller, more in line with compact BEVs, such as the Hyundai Kona Electric, Kia Niro EV, and redesigned Chevrolet Bolt. Despite the electric Toyota’s coupe-ish rear roofline, there’s up to 720 litres of rear cargo space behind the rear seats.