The hottest EVs from the 2026 New York Auto Show (plus one brawny concept)

With gasoline prices rising across the country, consumers are turning to electric vehicles to save money on their travels. And while there weren’t a ton of all-new electric vehicles on display at the 2026 New York International Auto Show, we did see some notable debuts from automakers including Subaru, Kia, Hyundai, and more. So here’s a look at some of the most interesting upcoming EV models on display today, including a handful of previously announced vehicles that we haven’t had the chance to see in person before.

Subaru Getaway

Built on the same platform as Toyota’s Highlander EV, the Getaway is not only Subaru’s first three-row EV SUV, it’s also its most powerful with up to 420 horsepower. Naturally, the car comes standard with the company’s signature symmetrical all-wheel-drive technology, while the long-range model’s 95.8 kWh battery pack delivers more than 300 miles. Unfortunately, with a lackluster expected charging speed of 150 kW, the Getaway will need around 30 minutes to bring its battery from 20 to 80 percent. The Getaway is expected to arrive in late 2026, and while Subaru has yet to reveal official pricing, it also plans to launch a more affordable standard range model with a 77 kWh power pack in the first half of 2027.

Hyundai Boulder Concept

2026 marks the 40th anniversary of Hyundai’s entry into the American automobile market. To celebrate the occasion, the company introduced a new concept car called the Boulder. Although concrete details are scarce, the prominent grille and body-on-frame strongly suggest that this won’t be a full BEV (battery-powered EV). At best we are considering a hybrid or extended range electric vehicle. That said, the Boulder features what Hyundai calls its “Art of Steel” design philosophy, which seeks to emphasize the strength, flexibility and beauty of its metal exterior while looking much more approachable than a Tesla Cybertruck. Notably, while there’s no guarantee the Boulder will look as big and muscular if it ever reaches production, Hyundai says this platform will underpin a future midsize pickup expected to arrive sometime in 2030.

Kia EV3

The EV3 has been on sale in Europe for about a year and a half, but today at the New York International Auto Show, Kia debuted the new 2027 model of the EV3 which will go on sale here in the United States sometime before the end of the year. As the EV9’s little brother, the EV3 features a similar design that combines the bulky body of an SUV with sleek, futuristic lines, but in a more compact vehicle similar in size to the Sportage. Although Kia hasn’t released official pricing, the EV3 is expected to arrive in two main configurations: a standard range model with a 58.3 kWh battery and up to 220 miles of range that could start at just $35,000, or a more premium long-range variant that promises 320 miles of range. Unfortunately, its 400-volt architecture means it won’t charge as quickly as some of Kia’s more premium EVs. But as an added bonus, the company says the EV3 will feature vehicle-to-charge technology, so you can use the car’s battery to power other devices like tools, lights, or your home.

Genesis GV60 Magma

Although it shares the same chassis and platform as Hyundai’s Ioniq 5N, the Genesis GV60 Magma appears to offer a more luxurious version of what an electric hot hatch can be. And it looks pretty damn good, especially with its melted orange paint. Compared to the regular GV60, the Magma gets exclusive 21-inch wheels along with profiled canards, a much larger rear spoiler and a redesigned bumper that offers better airflow. But the best part is that while it may look like a custom creation designed purely to attract attention at car shows, Genesis is actually going to put this thing into production with a release planned for mid to late 2026.

Polestar 4 Arctic Circle Edition

Yellow isn’t my favorite color, but between its striking paint job and new cold-weather upgrades, the Arctic Circle version of the Polestar 4 looks absolutely fantastic. It also includes 20-inch wheels from OZ Racing, a set of additional exterior lights, and a ski rack. And because the Polestar 4 relies on rear-facing cameras and a screen integrated into its rearview mirror, you can still see out the back without anything getting in your way. Unfortunately, as this is a one-off model built for the FAT International Ice Race, you will not be able to purchase one for yourself.

Hyundai Ioniq 5

A year and a half ago, when I was looking for a car, the Ioniq 5 was high on my shortlist. Although I ultimately settled on a Mach-E, if this XRT edition had been available at the time, it might have tipped the scales in Hyundai’s favor. This model combines the signature pixelated beauty of the Ioniq 5 with some nice off-road touches to create a well-equipped mid-size electric vehicle that can handle virtually any situation. I particularly like the addition of bright orange tow hooks which contrast nicely with the subtle digital camo print on the XRT’s front bumper. And although its larger tires result in slightly less range than an equivalent Limited model (259 versus 269 miles), the XRT makes up for that by including Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel-drive system as standard without a huge price increase.

Corvette CX-Concept

With the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X already boasting over 1,200 horsepower, it’s a little scary to think about what the Corvette CX Concept could bring if it ever reaches production. Described as the vision of the future, the CX is Chevrolet’s version of an electrified hypercar while also serving as the blueprint for all future Corvettes. And even though its proportions and styling are so extreme that it’s hard to believe they’ll make it to a mainstream vehicle, this thing is certainly easy on the eyes.

Rolls Royce Specter

For a brand as old and steeped in tradition as Rolls Royce, it’s easy to forget that the luxury automaker began its transition to the electric vehicle era in 2022. And even though the company wasn’t officially at the New York Auto Show, Manhattan Motorcars was kind enough to bring a Specter to the show for plebs like us to observe. In many ways, this car is an ideal showcase for the benefits of electrification, as the Specter offers ample power (up to 650 hp for the Black Badge variant) and massive torque, but without all the hustle and bustle that an internal combustion engine provides. Despite weighing around 6,500 pounds (making it one of the heaviest passenger cars on the market), it still offers more than respectable range, with up to 277 miles depending on the specific configuration. However, it’s not like Specter owners are actually going to take this thing on a cross-country road trip.