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By Eileen Falkenberg-Hull
Senior Editor, Autos, Travel and Lifestyle
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In 2026, automakers will offer a wide variety of new vehicles across the globe that meet a variety of customer expectations, from capable gas-powered pickup trucks to all-electric city cars. Many models that had splashy debuts in 2025 will begin going on sale to a wider audience next year, like the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Toyota RAV4. Others are expected to have their debut in 2026 and go on sale the same year. The vehicles we recognize on this list are hotly anticipated in the markets they are listed under and expected to meet customer expectations there. While some may already be on sale elsewhere, 2026 will mark the year they arrive for sale in the areas where they are on the list. If a new car purchase is down the road for you, we hope this helps pique your interest in what’s coming soon to a new car seller near you.
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AFRICA
South Africa
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In April, Slate officially emerged from stealth mode for the first time, appearing in the pages of Newsweek. Today, we know what the truck will look like, how much it will cost (under $30,000) and when it will come to market (2026). This new, exclusive image shows the truck in fresh light as the company readies for production.
ASIA
China
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This technology-forward battery-electric SUV features the company’s vintage-inspired illuminated grille of the future, nifty glass roof technology and an infotainment screen that stretches the width of the car. Mercedes will continue selling the hybrid and plug-in versions for the GLC, too.
India
[India’s] homegrown brands like Tata and Mahindra also hope to take their new products...to more global markets while decisively continuing their onslaught, edging out the Koreans and Japanese for a larger share of the domestic market.
Siddharth Vinayak Patankar, World Car Awards juror
Japan
While Chinese automakers are focused on EVs, Hyundai's latest cars prove that efficient gas, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and even hydrogen fuel-cell powertrains have global appeal—and real staying power.
Steven Ewing, World Car Awards juror
South Korea
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Zeekr’s luxury five-seat SUV is big on both power and range. The plush yet uncluttered interior has stylish accents, executive-style seating and a multi-tone color scheme. With a range of nearly 500 miles (CLTC) before needing a charge, it also boasts an aerospace-grade electromagnetic safety design protecting its electronics from outside interference.
AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
EUROPE & U.K.
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As BMW’s first Neue Klasse model and a compact, battery-electric SUV, the iX3 advances the company’s emissions-free objectives while giving a peek into a high-tech future for the brand, one that includes unique shapes and fewer screens alongside BMW’s trademark performance capability.
Continental Europe
The new BMW iX3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC are definitely some of the most exciting new launches for 2026. They are fast charging and [have] a high range—bringing the German brands back into the league of technology leaders.
Bernd Conrad, World Car Awards juror
Scandinavia
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The stylish coupé is the new halo model of Aston Martin’s DB line, but it’s not just a pretty face. With 690 horsepower from its twin-turbo V8 engine, a more responsive accelerator pedal and fine-tuned shift times, the DB12 S has all the ingredients to be a thrilling super tourer.
U.K. & Ireland
LATIN AMERICA & MEXICO
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Jeep’s all-electric off-roader is coming to market in 2026 as a doors on or off, silent travel proposition, enabling a full immersion experience sans road or engine noise. Its square-body design and refined interior feature hallmark Jeep characteristics for the model that’s competition for the Toyota 4Runner and Rivian R2.
Eventually, BYD is expected to start exporting vehicles from its Brazilian plant to the rest of Latin America. Only then will we see how deep its regional expansion truly goes.
Jose Carlos De Mier, World Car Awards juror
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The new, next-generation Clio is efficient, attractive and chock-full of safety technology. The city car comes with either a hybrid or gas powertrain, built-in Google technology with access to over 100 apps and a premium Harman Kardon sound system.
MIDDLE EAST
U.S. & CANADA
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Rivian’s long-awaited fourth vehicle goes into production soon. Its new, two-row model has R1-like design features but and next-generation technology. The midsize SUV will start at just $45,000 in the U.S. and can travel 300 miles between charges.
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Porsche’s pricey all-electric SUV is designed to showcase the company’s technical prowess from powertrain to charging to drive dynamics to infotainment. It marks the company’s first foray into inductive charging and has a unique curved central screen.
Uncertainty reigns supreme in the marketplace thanks to the current presidential administration’s policies and changes. The only certainty in 2026 will be uncertainty.
Joel Feder, World Car Awards juror
Methodology
How These Were Chosen: The World’s Most Anticipated New Vehicles 2026 list is designed to be forward-looking and preview models coming to market in the next calendar year, but timelines can change. The winners were carefully selected by Newsweek's Autos team over the last year and are based on many factors including local and regional expectations of each market. Every effort was made to accurately predict which models will come to market and when, given the intelligence available at the time of publication.
Read more about new vehicle trends for the coming year, how vehicles are tested in extreme weather and Newsweek's interview with General Motors President Mark Reuss.
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