These Are the New Cars You’ll Be Most Looking Forward to in 2026
The Most Anticipated New Cars of 2026 – A Jalopnik‑Inspired Preview
Image: The Most Anticipated New Cars of 2026 – A Jalopnik‑Inspired Preview – Performance Comparison and Specifications
It’s that odd little window between Christmas lights and New Year fireworks when we all have a few idle minutes to scroll through Jalopnik’s latest roundup of upcoming rides. If you’re like me, you’ve already bookmarked a handful of concept teasers, and you’re probably wondering which of them will actually hit the streets next year. In this post we’ll break down the four most buzz‑worthy models, compare their design cues, tech bundles, powertrains, and price points, and give you a quick FAQ so you can decide which one deserves a spot on your wish list.
1. 2026 BMW i7 Luxury EV
The German giant is finally extending its electric flagship to the full‑size sedan segment. The BMW i7 blends the classic iDrive cockpit with a glass‑capped panoramic roof that stretches from the A‑pillar to the rear hatch. Inside, you’ll find vegan leather, a 15.6‑inch OLED display, and an optional rear‑seat entertainment system that can stream 4K content.
Design & Dimensions
| Metric | i7 | iX |
|---|
| Length | 5,210 mm | 4,970 mm |
| Width | 1,950 mm | 2,000 mm |
| Height | 1,520 mm | 1,680 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,150 mm | 2,990 mm |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | i7 | Competitor |
|---|
| ADAS Level | Level 3 | Level 2 |
| Panoramic Roof | Standard | Optional |
| Rear‑Seat Entertainment | Optional | None |
| Charging Speed (kW) | 250 kW | 200 kW |
Engine Specifications
| Spec | i7 |
|---|
| Motor Layout | Dual‑motor AWD |
| Peak Power | 500 hp (373 kW) |
| Torque | 730 Nm |
| 0‑60 mph | 4.2 seconds |
Price Comparison
| Trim | US MSRP |
|---|
| Standard | $115,000 |
| Luxury | $139,900 |
| Performance | $159,900 |
What really sets the i7 apart is its Level‑3 autonomous driving suite, which can take full control on highways while you relax with a coffee. If you love the idea of a silent powertrain that still feels sporty, the i7 is a strong contender.
2. 2026 Toyota GR Corolla Turbo‑Petrol
After a few years of hybrid focus, Toyota is reminding us why its gasoline engines still have a place in the hot‑hatch market. The GR Corolla returns with a 2.0‑liter turbo‑petrol unit, a lightweight chassis, and a new “R‑Sport” aero package that adds a carbon‑fiber rear wing.
Design & Dimensions
| Metric | GR Corolla | Hot Hatch Rival |
|---|
| Length | 4,260 mm | 4,300 mm |
| Width | 1,795 mm | 1,820 mm |
| Height | 1,425 mm | 1,460 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,560 mm | 2,580 mm |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | GR Corolla | Competitor |
|---|
| Launch Control | Yes | Yes |
| Adaptive Suspension | Standard | Optional |
| Infotainment | 10‑inch Touchscreen | 9‑inch |
| ADAS | Level 2 | Level 1 |
Engine Specifications
| Spec | GR Corolla |
|---|
| Engine | 2.0 L Turbo‑Petrol |
| Peak Power | 261 hp (195 kW) |
| Torque | 360 Nm |
| 0‑60 mph | 5.9 seconds |
Price Comparison
| Trim | US MSRP |
|---|
| Base | $28,500 |
| R‑Sport | $31,900 |
| Track Edition | $35,200 |
If you grew up dreaming of a rally‑ready hatch, the new GR Corolla delivers that visceral feel without compromising daily usability. Its turbo‑petrol engine provides a quick‑spool soundtrack that’s still legal for most city streets.
3. 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 6 “Performance” EV
Hyundai’s sleek sedan silhouette finally gets a high‑performance twist. The Ioniq 6 Performance pairs a rear‑mounted motor with a 77 kWh battery that can sprint from 0‑60 mph in under 3.5 seconds—fast enough to rival many sports cars.
Design & Dimensions
| Metric | Ioniq 6 Perf. | Standard Ioniq 6 |
|---|
| Length | 4,870 mm | 4,880 mm |
| Width | 1,885 mm | 1,880 mm |
| Height | 1,470 mm | 1,460 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,970 mm | 2,970 mm |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Performance | Standard |
|---|
| All‑Wheel Drive | Yes | No |
| Adaptive Cruise | Level 2 | Level 1 |
| Digital Cockpit | 14.5‑inch | 12.3‑inch |
| Fast‑Charge Rate | 350 kW | 250 kW |
Engine Specifications
| Spec | Ioniq 6 Perf. |
|---|
| Motor Layout | Rear‑Motor AWD |
| Peak Power | 320 hp (238 kW) |
| Torque | 580 Nm |
| Range (EPA) | 310 miles |
Price Comparison
| Trim | US MSRP |
|---|
| Base | $44,900 |
| Performance | $58,700 |
| Performance+ | $62,900 |
Beyond raw speed, the Ioniq 6 Performance impresses with an ultra‑sleek aerodynamic kit that drops the drag coefficient to 0.22. For drivers who want an EV that feels like a sports sedan, this is the model to watch.
4. 2026 Ford Maverick Hybrid‑Electric Pickup
Ford is finally giving the wildly popular Maverick a true plug‑in hybrid version. The Maverick Hybrid‑Electric combines a 2.5‑liter Atkinson‑cycle engine with an electric motor that can deliver up to 70 kW of pure electric power for short‑range city runs.
Design & Dimensions
| Metric | Maverick HEV | Standard Maverick |
|---|
| Length | 4,470 mm | 4,470 mm |
| Width | 1,820 mm | 1,820 mm |
| Height | 1,735 mm | 1,735 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,720 mm | 2,720 mm |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Hybrid‑Electric | Standard |
|---|
| Electric‑Only Range | 38 miles | 0 miles |
| Payload Capacity | 1,500 lbs | 1,500 lbs |
| Infotainment | 12‑inch SYNC 4 | 8‑inch |
| ADAS Suite | Co‑Pilot 360 Level 2 | Level 1 |
Engine Specifications
| Spec | Maverick HEV |
|---|
| Combined Output | 191 hp (142 kW) |
| Battery Capacity | 14.4 kWh (Li‑ion) |
| Fuel Economy (MPG) | 45 city / 50 highway |
| 0‑60 mph | 8.5 seconds |
Price Comparison
| Trim | US MSRP |
|---|
| Base Hybrid‑Electric | $24,300 |
| XL Hybrid‑Electric | $26,900 |
| XLT Hybrid‑Electric | $29,500 |
The Maverick HEV is perfect for weekend builders who need a modest payload but also want to zip around town without burning gasoline. Its plug‑in capability means you can do most short trips on pure electric power, saving you money and reducing emissions.
Why 2026 Feels Like a Turning Point
Each of these four models represents a different slice of the automotive future: full‑electric luxury, turbo‑petrol excitement, performance‑oriented EVs, and electrified pickups. What ties them together is a shared commitment to advanced driver‑assistance systems (ADAS), smarter connectivity, and a focus on sustainability without sacrificing the thrill that gets us behind the wheel.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a die‑hard petrol enthusiast, an eco‑conscious commuter, or someone who wants the best of both worlds, the 2026 lineup has something to spark your imagination. Keep an eye on the official launch dates, test‑drive the prototypes when they hit local dealerships, and remember that the best way to predict the future is to experience it yourself. Happy hunting, and may your next car be everything you’ve been dreaming about during this quiet week between the holidays.
FAQ
- Q1: Which 2026 model offers the longest electric range?
- A: The Hyundai Ioniq 6 Performance leads with an EPA‑rated 310‑mile range.
- Q2: Are any of these cars eligible for federal EV tax credits?
- A: Both the BMW i7 and Hyundai Ioniq 6 qualify for up to $7,500, provided the buyer meets income and price caps.
- Q3: Which model has the most advanced ADAS?
- A: The BMW i7’s Level‑3 system, which can handle highway cruising without driver input, is currently the most sophisticated.
- Q4: Can the GR Corolla be driven daily?
- A: Absolutely. While it’s tuned for performance, its fuel economy of roughly 30 mpg combined makes it practical for everyday use.
- Q5: What is the payload capacity of the Maverick Hybrid‑Electric?
- A: It matches the conventional Maverick at about 1,500 lbs, making it useful for light work duties.
- Q6: Will the Ioniq 6 Performance have a rear‑wheel‑drive version?
- A: No, the performance variant is sold only as an AWD model to handle the extra torque.
- Q7: How fast can the i7 charge on a 250 kW DC fast charger?
- A: Roughly 80 % in 30 minutes, thanks to its 800‑volt architecture.
- Q8: Does the GR Corolla include a manual transmission?
- A: Yes, a 6‑speed manual is standard, though a 6‑speed dual‑clutch automatic will be optional.
- Q9: Are there any special warranty packages for these new models?
- A: Most manufacturers are extending battery warranties to 8 years/100,000 miles for EVs, while turbo‑petrol models retain the usual 4‑year/50,000‑mile coverage.
- Q10: When can I expect to see these cars on the showroom floor?
- A: Early 2026 for the BMW i7 and Hyundai Ioniq 6, mid‑2026 for the GR Corolla, and late‑2026 for the Ford Maverick Hybrid‑Electric.
