It’s Easter weekend in New York City, and while some people are hunting eggs, car lovers are hunting horsepower. The 2026 New York International Auto Show officially opened its doors today at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center on 11th Avenue — and if you haven’t been to this thing in a while, trust us, it’s worth the trip.
As reported by the show’s organizers, this year’s event spans over 850,000 square feet across four levels of the Javits Center, featuring more than 750 vehicles from over 30 automotive brands. From a $35,000 electric Kia that might actually make EVs mainstream to 1,500-horsepower hypercars that have no business existing — it’s all here, all in one place, right in Midtown Manhattan.
"For more than 125 years, the New York Auto Show has been where car and truck makers meet the public."
The Biggest Debuts You Need to Know
This year’s show came out swinging. Press day on April 1st delivered a string of genuine world premieres — here are the ones that made everyone stop scrolling:
🔥 STAR OF THE SHOW
Hyundai Boulder Concept
Hyundai’s surprise global debut — a rugged body-on-frame off-road SUV sitting on 37-inch mud tires that previews a full pickup truck by 2030. Think Bronco vibes, Korean engineering. Nobody saw this coming.
🔥 ELECTRIC OF THE YEAR
Kia EV3
The affordable EV the market has been waiting for. Expected to start around $35,000 with up to 320 miles of range. If this lands at that price, it changes the conversation on electric cars entirely.
TOYOTA
2027 Highlander EV
Toyota’s most popular SUV goes fully electric. Three rows, redesigned inside and out — the future of the family SUV is officially here.
SUBARU
2027 Getaway EV
420 horsepower, 300-mile range, three rows, all-wheel drive. Subaru’s biggest EV push yet and a corporate cousin to the new Highlander. Expected mid-$50,000s.
INFINITI
2027 QX65
Infiniti’s first new nameplate since 2021. A coupe-style luxury SUV under $55,000 with a bamboo-inspired grille and genuinely impressive rear-seat space. Audi Q8 better watch out.
NISSAN
2027 Z Nismo Manual
420 horsepower twin-turbo V6. Six-speed manual. GT-R brakes. A new Shinkai Green Pearl color. Car people are absolutely losing their minds over this one.
DODGE
Durango America250 Edition
Celebrating America’s 250th birthday with a star-spangled Durango. Red, white, blue, and more muscle than you probably need on the BQE.
GENESIS
G90 Wingback Concept
A luxury concept so dramatic it has aerodynamic wings at the rear of a stretched body. Not for production — but a glimpse at where Genesis wants to go.
More Than Just Cars — There’s Actually Stuff to Do
This isn’t just walk-around-and-stare-at-cars. As reported by the show’s organizers, the 2026 edition is built around an experience-first approach with interactive attractions across all four levels.
The Hybrid & EV Test Track is back as a large indoor ride experience — you can actually get in and feel the acceleration of the newest electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Camp Jeep returns with its legendary off-road course featuring steep climbs, rugged obstacles, and dramatic articulation. New this year is the Toyota outdoor test track, giving visitors a chance to push some of their newest vehicles in a controlled environment.
Down on the lower level, the R2X Rides & Rigs Expo mixes classic cars, vintage police vehicles, tiny Japanese Kei cars, and Toyota AE86s — yes, those Initial D cars. And yes, Sung Kang from Fast & Furious is actually at the show promoting his new film, Drifter, with the hero AE86 on display. That alone is worth the trip if you grew up watching those movies.
When, Where & How Much
⚡ PLAN YOUR VISIT
Monday – Thursday..............10am – 8pm
Friday & Saturday..............10am – 10pm
Sunday (Easter)..............10am – 7pm
Easter Saturday Early Access
Doors open 8:30am (floor at 10am)
Why This Year Feels Different
Auto shows have had a rough decade. After COVID shutdowns, brands pulling out, and the rise of online reveals, many wondered if the traditional auto show still mattered. As reported by Headlight News, this year’s New York show is shaping up to be the most exciting of the decade — with as many as a dozen significant debuts from brands that actually showed up and delivered.
The mix of EVs, off-road concepts, affordable electric options, and genuine muscle cars reflects exactly where the market is right now — torn between the future and a deep love of the past. New York, as always, got to see it all first.
THE NYC WEED NEWS TAKE
The auto show is one of those only-in-New-York events that reminds you why this city never gets old. You can hop the subway, walk into the Javits Center, sit inside a $300,000 hypercar, test drive an electric SUV, watch a Fast & Furious actor sign autographs, and be back in Brooklyn in time for dinner. While you’re in the neighborhood — Hudson Yards and Hell’s Kitchen have some of the best legal dispensaries in Manhattan. Just saying. Plan accordingly.
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