The Javits Center turned into a busy runway of fresh sheet metal this year, with a mix of family haulers, affordable EVs, and a rugged pickup concept grabbing the spotlight. Korean, Japanese, German, and American brands all showed up with something worth talking about, and the result was one of the more interesting press preview weeks in recent memory.
- Kia stole the show with two big reveals: the redesigned Seltos and the U.S.-bound EV3.
- Subaru’s new three-row Getaway EV became the most powerful production Subaru ever.
- Hyundai’s Boulder concept hinted at a future body-on-frame midsize pickup.
Kia Doubles Up With the Seltos and EV3
Kia had the busiest booth of the week. The all-new Seltos is a ground-up redesign with three powertrain options for the first time, including a hybrid. The familiar 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four and the 1.6-liter turbo carry over, but the headline is the new 1.6-liter hybrid. That setup produces 141 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque with a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission, and it offers an available e-AWD system using an electric rear axle, a first for a Kia hybrid SUV.
The styling took a sharp turn too. Now with Telluride-inspired design, the 2027 Kia Seltos is more serious than ever, and although it’s no off-roader, it looks like it could be, which is exactly what buyers in this segment like. Cargo space grew to 27.8 cubic feet behind the second row and 64.1 cubic feet with the seats folded, both increases over the outgoing model and the best figures in the subcompact SUV segment.
Right next to it sat the EV3, finally confirmed for American showrooms. The EV3 puts 320 miles of electric range within reach of buyers who found the EV6 and EV9 out of budget. The EV3 will be available in five trims: the base Light gets a 58.3-kWh battery, while the Wind, Land, GT-Line, and GT get a larger 81.4-kWh unit that delivers up to 320 miles of range. Unlike other markets, ours will come with an NACS port, giving owners native access to Tesla Superchargers.
Subaru’s Getaway Goes Big on Power
Subaru used New York to reveal the Getaway, its first three-row electric SUV. The model was co-developed with Toyota and shares its platform with the Highlander EV, but Subaru tuned things differently. It’s the company’s first three-row all-electric SUV and the most powerful production Subaru model with 420 horsepower from its two electric motors. Sixty mph happens in under five seconds, and with a 96.0-kilowatt-hour battery pack, it should still clip off 300 miles of range between charges.
Subaru also took the cabin in its own direction. Inside, the layout is basically identical to the Highlander, with a 14-inch touchscreen, a 12-inch digital gauge cluster, and good space in all three rows. Subaru is offering a bit more luxury in their version, being the only one available with ventilated second row seats and even heated third row seats. It’s expected in dealers late this year.
Hyundai Boulder Previews a Rugged Pickup
The surprise of the show came from Hyundai. The brand rolled out a beast of an off-road SUV it calls the Boulder. This wild design study will be a body-on-frame truck, built on a platform Hyundai plans to develop in America. The ladder-frame chassis says Hyundai is getting serious about pushing its off-road vehicle offerings to a more rugged level. While production details are not confirmed, the platform is expected to underpin a midsize pickup around 2030.
Chrysler Pacifica and VW Atlas Get Fresh Looks
Chrysler’s refresh was modest but notable because the Pacifica is the only model left in the brand’s lineup. Despite being last refreshed back in the 2021 model year, and being essentially the same van since the 2017 model year, the Pacifica crosses the 10-year mark with only a new front end and wheels to go along with a new logo. It’s all pretty much the same otherwise, aside from a couple new interior color combos and safety features. Unfortunately, the plug-in hybrid Pacifica that was abruptly dropped at the beginning of the year doesn’t seem to be making a return.
Volkswagen’s entry was the redesigned 2027 Atlas. The second generation Atlas has been reworked with a refined exterior and a new interior that features real wood, ambient lighting, Nappa leather seating surfaces and massaging front seats. The three-row Atlas is aimed at families riding in comfort around town or on the open road. Assembled in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport are an important part of Volkswagen’s lineup.
What to Watch For Later This Year
If one theme tied the show together, it was that SUVs still rule, and affordable EVs are staging a quiet comeback. Kia’s one-two punch, Subaru’s most powerful production vehicle ever, and a serious body-on-frame concept from Hyundai all point to a second half of 2026 packed with showroom arrivals. Shoppers who’ve been waiting for more choices at the smaller and cheaper end of the EV market finally have real options coming their way.
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