The 2026 model year is underway, and that means plenty of new cars. In addition to the many vehicles undergoing redesigns and refreshes, several automakers are expanding their lineups with something completely new. These five all-new cars are all expected to arrive within the 2026 model year. While some models might get to dealerships later in 2026, at least one should be available for a test drive as soon as next month.

2026 Acura RSX

Acura discontinued its first EV—the ZDX crossover SUV—after just two years on the market. However, Acura says that was always part of the plan. The ZDX (along with its Honda Prologue cousin) was based on General Motors’ Ultium architecture and manufactured by the automaker as a stopgap while Acura and parent Honda engineered homegrown EVs. The first of those purely Acura EVs will revive the Acura RSX name, originally used on a small coupe in the early 2000s. Now, the RSX name will be inherited by a new model with the more popular crossover body style. 

A platform designed to keep the center of gravity as low as possible and a dual-motor powertrain should provide a sporty experience. The new RSX will feature a new operating system dubbed Asimo (after Honda’s humanoid robot). The arrival of the Asimo OS will leave plenty of room for software-based features, which are yet to be announced. As a nod to EV competitors, Acura will offer bidirectional charging that will let the RSX serve as a mobile power source.

Expected arrival: Second half of 2026

Where will it be made? Ohio, USA

Why it’s worth waiting for: Acura may be late to the game, but the RSX promises to be a fresh take on what an electric SUV can be.

2026 BMW iX3

BMW is launching its next-generation EV family, the Neue Klasse (German for “new class”) with the iX3, a small SUV with a similar form factor to the gasoline X3. While BMW has plenty of experience with EVs, the iX3 represents a clean break from the past. Nearly everything has been reimagined, from the battery cells and pack design, to the panoramic dashboard display, to a high-power charging system that will allow the iX3 to recover 230 miles of range in just 10 minutes. The 2026 BMW iX3 will also feature a NACS (Tesla) charge port which will give owners access to more than 20,000 Tesla Supercharger stations across the United States. 

Total range is expected to be around 400 miles, thanks to efficiency improvements throughout. A standard dual-motor powertrain generates 463 horsepower, getting the iX3 from zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. A streamlined electrical architecture, with four main “superbrain” computers, is designed to integrate powertrain, chassis, and driver-assistance systems for a more natural responsive feel, preserving BMW’s hallmark driving dynamics.

Expected arrival: Mid-2026

Where will it be made? Debrecen, Hungary

Why it’s worth waiting for: Faster charging, greater efficiency, and smarter tech should make the iX3 the true Ultimate Driving Machine of the EV era.

Honda Prelude

Last seen in 2001, the Honda Prelude returns as a sporty hybrid coupe borrowing some of the best bits from the Civic. It uses the powertrain from the current Civic Hybrid sedan and hatchback, rated at the same 200 hp, but it also borrows the dual-axis front suspension from the Civic Type R to help quell understeer. 

To further improve the driving experience, Honda has devised a new powertrain control system called S+ Shift that makes the Prelude respond more like a conventional, non-hybrid car. All of this is packaged in two-door coupe bodywork that’s become quite rare, and pricing will reportedly start around $40,000. That should make the sixth-generation Prelude a great option for buyers who want a fun car, but don’t want to splurge.

Expected arrival: Late 2025

Where will it be made? Saitama, Japan

Why it’s worth waiting for: Combining fun and fuel efficiency in what should be a relatively affordable package, the reborn Prelude fills a blank space in the market.

Rivian R2

The Rivian R2 electric SUV is set to be one of the most compelling new vehicles of the coming year. The Rivian R1S and R1T offer unique designs, true utility, and impressive range and performance, but at luxury-car prices. The R2 is expected to offer those same attributes at a starting price below $50,000, providing a more rugged alternative to popular EVs like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Tesla Model Y.

Like other Rivians, the R2 should be greater off-road, while single-, dual-, and tri-motor powertrain options will provide brisk acceleration on pavement. The R2 will also feature a built-in NACS charge port and drivers will have access to Tesla Supercharger stations. In typical Rivian fashion, a highly functional interior aimed at outdoor lifestyles will also be part of the package.

Expected arrival: Early 2026

Where will it be made? Illinois and Georgia, USA

Why it’s worth waiting for: An adventure-ready Rivian at a lower price, without compromises on utility, charging, or range.

Subaru Uncharted

Affordable EVs are experiencing a resurgence with the redesigned 2026 Nissan Leaf and updated 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV. And for Subaru fans, there’s the new Uncharted. It’s a smaller electric crossover slotting below the Solterra sharing DNA with the new Toyota C-HR.

Unlike Toyota, Subaru plans to offer a lower-priced front-wheel drive version with an estimated 300 miles of range, albeit in limited numbers. The more common dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain will offer up to 338 hp and a zero to 60 mph time of less than five seconds, plus a respectable 290 miles of range. Like the updated 2026 Solterra, the Uncharted has a NACS port, granting owners access to Tesla Supercharger stations. 

And with the Solterra already starting at just under $40,000, the smaller Uncharted should be among the cheapest new EVs when it arrives at dealerships in early 2026.

Expected arrival: Early 2026

Where will it be made? Toyota, Japan

Why it’s worth waiting for: As EV shoppers become more price-conscious in the wake of tariffs and canceled incentives, the arrival of this more-affordable electric Subaru couldn’t be better timed.