Must See Vehicles at the 2018 New York Auto Show

The New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) is quickly becoming one of the most significant auto shows of the year. What used to primarily focus on luxury brands, NYIAS now features all kinds of significant automotive introductions from just about every automaker. Join us as we take a look at all the new vehicles debuted at the show, with information on what's changed and when they'll be available.

What changed? After showing a prototype at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show, the official production version of the 2019 RDX was unveiled in New York. The new 5-seat crossover promises better handling due to brand-new body and chassis, and with a slightly longer wheelbase and increased cargo capacity, comfort and convenience should be vastly improved as well. Also available will be the RDX A-Spec, which features extensive sport styling both inside and out, in the spirit of the Lexus’ F SPORT series.

When is it available? Mid-2018.

How much? Pricing TBA.

What changed? The 2019 Audi RS 5 Sportback is the first of its breed, and the fifth member of the Audi Sport lineup. It is a five-door hatchback powered by a 2.9-liter V6 bi-turbo engine that produces 444 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. The RS 5 can go from 0-60 mph in under 4 seconds up to a top speed of 155 mph. Add the optional Dynamic plus package, and top speed is extended to 174 mph. The RS interior features sport seats with RS embossing, a flat-bottomed steering wheel wrapped in perforated leather, stainless steel pedals and other race-inspired elements.

When is it available? Second half of 2018.

How much? Prices to be announced.

What changed? The BMW X4 M40i is an M Performance model SUV that delivers blistering speed and dynamic sport styling. The suspension has been updated, the aerodynamics have improved, and the six-cylinder engine yields 355 hp, accelerating from 0-60 in 4.6 seconds. New standard creature comforts include a panoramic moonroof and a 3-zone climate control system.

When is it available? Summer 2018

How much? $60,450 (plus $995 destination charge)

What changed? The Chiron, already a beast by any measure, got faster and lighter. To provide more agility and superior handling, the Chiron Sport comes with a new dynamic handling package. The car’s weight has been reduced by 40 lbs, which has helped it to become faster and more nimble. In terms of appearance, look for a new wheel design and new four-pipe exhaust deflector.

When is it available? End of the year.

How much? $3.26 million including transport, customs duties, taxes, and fees.

What changed? The top of the line CT6 sedan finally joins the Cadillac V-Sport family. Like the CTS V-Sport, the CT6 V-Sport will boast enhanced performance chops and menacing styling to set it apart from the more traditional offerings. It gets the first engine exclusive to Cadillac in decades, which is a twin-turbo V8 with an estimated 550 hp. V-Sport styling cues include a large V mesh grille, gloss black window trim, and unique 20-inch V-Sport wheels.

When is it available? TBA

How much? Pricing is not yet available.

What changed? The Cadillac XT4 is a brand-new small crossover from the brand that’s poised to compete with the Infiniti QX50, Lexus NX and Lincoln MKC. Available as Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport models, the 5-door, 5-seater is aimed at a younger buyer. With a starting price just under $36,000 and a 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine that delivers 237 horsepower, it should raise some eyebrows – in a good way. Although it’s new, it’s very recognizable as a mini-version of the brand’s larger SUV, the XT5.

When is it available? Fall 2018

How much? Starts at $35,790

What changed? The Genesis Essentia is a concept car, a hint toward the possible design and engineering direction for the brand. Genesis calls their design language “Athletic Elegance.” The concept for an all-electric high-performance two-door luxury Gran Turismo car. is built around a carbon-fiber monocoque with a multi-motor battery-electric powertrain. In GT fashion, it has a long hood, swept-back cabin, and an abbreviated trunk. The concept also has a carbon-fiber body.

When is it available? Maybe never. Production vehicles take cues from concept cars, but the actual concept is often almost unrecognizable in the final product.

How much? Not for sale.

What changed? The new Sierra now gets its own off-road specialty treatment with the AT4, GMC's new off-road package. Like Chevrolet's Z71 off-road package, the AT4 package will be available across GMC's lineup. Highlights will be a 2-inch suspension lift, off-road tuned Rancho monotube shock absorbers, traction select system, and a surround vision display. The AT4 will also be distinguishable by body-colored front and rear bumpers and a black chrome grille.

When is it available? Fall 2018

How much? TBA

What changed?Honda has used the Insight name for a gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle before, but the 2019 Honda Insight is an all-new compact sedan with a gasoline-electric two-motor hybrid system. Slotted into the Honda lineup between Civic and Accord, the new Insight is capable of delivering up to 55 mpg in the city. The Insight has a lovely exterior design, adopting the coupe-like swooping roofline and fastback look; It‘s a car that advertises its style, not its fuel efficiency.

When is it available? Early summer.

How much? Pricing has not yet been announced but should start between $18,840 and $23,570 (starting prices for Civic and Accord).

What changed? The 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric is a battery-electric-powered crossover vehicle (BEV), and it’s all new. It fits into the Hyundai design scheme, with modern and assertive lines. Since the BEV doesn’t require a front grille for radiator cooling, the face of the Kona Electric is unique and striking. The big story is a claimed 250-mile range from its 201-hp, 291 lb-ft of torque electric motor, drawing from a 64-kWh lithium-ion battery.

When is it available? Fourth quarter 2018, starting in California and spreading to ZEV-focused states in the western and northeastern US.

How much? Pricing has yet to be announced.

What changed?  The Santa Fe Sport name has been discontinued and the five-passenger 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe will now be known just as Santa Fe (The seven-passenger, three-row version will be Santa Fe XL). The Santa Fe gets a new front fascia with a bolder grille, new headlights, LED daytime running lights, and a larger DLO. The interior has also been updated, with a particular emphasis on ergonomics and ease of use. Each of the three engine choices for Santa Fe (2.4-liter naturally-aspirated, 2.0-liter turbocharged, 2.2-liter diesel) get mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission.

When is it available? Summer 2018.

How much? Pricing has not yet been announced.

What changed? The QX60 is Infiniti's most popular crossover vehicle, and now it will get a special edition in 2019: the QX60 Limited. Piled on top of its already long list of luxury features, the Limited will include custom 20-inch wheels, stone-colored semi-aniline leather seats, and dark silver wood accents. It will also have a dark chrome front grille, fog lamp finishers, and door moldings. Roof rails and cross bars get dark paint, and a special rear bumper lower gets gloss paint. It wouldn’t be a special edition without a “LIMITED” rear hatch emblem.

When is it available? Spring and summer 2018.

How much? Pricing will be announced closer to launch dates.

What changed? Infiniti’s flagship SUV, the QX80, gets its own special edition this year in the 2019 Infiniti QX80 Limited. On the outside, look for dark machine-finished 22-inch forged aluminum alloy wheels, stainless steel running boards with rubber grips, satin chrome trim, roof rails and crossbars, and a Limited hatch emblem. Inside you'll find two-tone semi-aniline leather/Alcantara seating with quilting, contrast stitching and piping, along with open-pore ash wood trim and a black Ultrasuede headliner and pillars.

When is it available? Spring and summer 2018.

How much? Pricing will be announced closer to launch dates.

What changed? Jaguar-Land Rover’s Special Vehicles Operation (SVO) got hold of Jaguar’s first-ever crossover vehicle to create the 2019 Jaguar F-PACE SVR. Ramping up the horsepower and torque, the new SVR makes 550 hp and 502 lb-ft of torque from the supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine. Suspension bits have been tickled, brakes have been fettled, aerodynamics have been fluffed and the whole package is just a whole lot more special – and exclusive.

How much? $79,990

When is it available? Summer 2018.

What changed? The 2019 Jaguar I-PACE is all-new, Jaguar’s first battery electric vehicle (BEV). Powered by a 90-kWh battery, the I-PACE’s range is estimated at up to 240 miles. It is capable of accelerating from 0-60 in 4.5 seconds, and can achieve a top speed of up to 124 mph. The I-PACE can be charged at either an alternating current (AC) power source or a direct current (DC) source. DC charging is much faster than AC – as much as 10 times faster or more, so this is a big deal.

When is it available? Second half of 2018.

How much? $69,500

What changed? The 2019 Kia K900 gets a new exterior, new interior, new powertrain – everything but a new name. It’s longer and wider than the outgoing model and inside, Korea’s best fit and finish has been lavished upon the K900, and it shows. A new 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 (the same one that’s in the Stinger) sends 365 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque to the wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control. 

When is it available? Late 2018.

How much? Pricing will be announced closer to the launch date.

What changed? Only 650 special edition models of the Lexus RC F SPORT will be made, in either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. Each Black Line model will come in either Black (Caviar) or Silver and will feature contrasting matte black wheels and black chrome trim around the grille and windows. Inside, you’ll find orange contrast stitching (to match the orange brake calipers), a wood trimmed steering wheel, navigation, and a premium Mark Levinson audio system.

When is it available? Spring 2018

How much? RC 300 - $51,730 (w/AWD - $53,755), RC 350 - $54,660, (w/ AWD - $56,120)

What changed? The Lexus UX is an all-new compact crossover from Lexus, one that will compete with the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA. First shown in Geneva this year, the UX shares very similar design language with its larger siblings, the NX and RX. The crossover will be available in two different models; the UX 200, featuring 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine coupled with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and the UX 250h, a hybrid.

When is it available? December 2018

How much? TBA.

What changed? Finally straying from the alphabet soup nomenclature of MKT, MKC, etc., Lincoln is teasing the new generation of their next mid-size SUV as the Aviator. The Aviator concept is a three-row, plug-in hybrid that is similarly sized to the Ford Explorer. Extremely posh and good-looking to boot, the Aviator will feature 30-way adjustable massaging seats, standard Wi-fi, and the capability to use your smartphone as the vehicle key, instead of carrying a key fob.

When is it available? Not for sale yet.

How much? N/A

What changed? The Trofeo is an even beefier limited edition of the Levante SUV, built for enthusiasts in the U.S. and Canada. With a signature matte carbon fiber trim, 22-inch aluminum wheels, and distinctive restyling of the front fascia and rear bumper, the Trofeo is easily distinguishable from the standard Levante. The twin-turbo V8 engine that makes 590 horses sets it apart as well, accelerating from 0-60 in 3.9 seconds.

When is it available? No details just yet.

How much? Pricing not yet available.

What changed? A new exterior design, with a bigger grille and sleeker, sharper lines characterizes the 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe and C-Class Cabriolet. You'll notice bigger wheel arches and a strong character line down the side, with standard LED headlamps and optional LED Intelligent headlamps with Ultra Wide highbeam. The interior gets a standard 10.25-inch central media display, with the option of adding a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Under the hood, a new four-cylinder engine pumps out 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque.

When is it available? Late 2018.

How much? Prices will be announced closer to launch.

What changed? Now based on the new C-Class, the 2019 Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe and C43 Cabriolet arrive with a new twin-louver AMG grille, muscular front bumper and new rear bumper with twin tailpipes that distinguish the AMG variants from the ordinary C-Class. The optional fully-digital cockpit gets AMG displays, and the latest AMG steering wheel. A hand-assembled AMG-enhanced 3.0-liter V6 bi-turbo engine is tuned to produce 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, connected to a nine-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT transmission and AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive.

When is it available? Early 2019.

How much? Prices are not yet available.

What changed? With the new generation of C-Class, the AMG versions had to follow, and elevate. C63 is the most popular AMG model with a 4.0-liter bi-turbo engine that can produce up to 503 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. It’s a ton of power for a compact car, and it requires additional upgrades to the speed-sensitive steering, its AMG suspension, and the electronically controlled limited slip differential. A 9-speed MCT transmission assures fast smooth shifts. A new steering wheel with a heavily contoured rim makes its debut in the C63, and new trim and material options are available for the interior.

When is it available? Early 2019.

How much? Pricing has not yet been announced.

What changed? Nissan says that the mid-size sedan is not dead. As evidence, they present the all-new 2019 Nissan Altima. Inspired by the design concept “emotive geometry,” it will ride on a longer wheelbase, and will be lower and wider than the outgoing model. Inside, Nissan’s Zero Gravity seats assure comfort, and the clean simple dash features an eight-inch multi-touch color display mounted on the dash at the top of the center stack, just where it belongs. The Altima will be available with full-time all-wheel drive, and ProPILOT Assist is standard on SV, SL and Platinum grades.

When is it available? Fall 2018.

How much? Pricing has yet to be announced.

What changed? Range Rover’s full-size luxury SUV has lost a pair of doors to create the 2019 Range Rover SV Coupe, and it’s going to be fast. Powered by a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 that’s putting out 557 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, the SV Coupe can go from a standstill to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds up to a top speed of 165 mph. Only 999 examples of the SV Coupe will be produced, hand-assembled at the SVO Technical Center in Warwickshire, UK.

When is it available? As they build them, starting late in 2018.

How much? Starting at $295,000.

What changed? Still clearly recognizable, the Forester looks more modern with a less boxy shape and a sleeker roofline after it's makeover for 2019. However, the biggest changes are all inside and under the hood. The interior cabin is roomier, and a new global platform makes it quieter and more agile on the road. Also new, the 2.5-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine now comes with direct fuel injection and higher compression, making it more capable and exciting to drive.

When is it available? Subaru says "later this year."

How much? Pricing will be announced closer to launch date.

What changed? Previously known as the Toyota Corolla iM, the hatchback got a big makeover for the 2019 model year. In addition to the sleek styling and the latest bells and whistles (standard 8-inch color touchscreen, Amazon Alexa integration, and Apple CarPlay), the Corolla also features a ton of standard safety technologies that are very impressive offerings for the economy class. Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.0 system contains cross-traffic alerts, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, dynamic radar cruise control, and lane tracing assist – a new feature that can recognize lane markings and automatically keep the car in the center of its lane.

When is it available? Summer 2018

How much? Pricing not announced.

What changed? Toyota's best-selling RAV4 got a dramatic redesign for the 2019 model year. The new fifth generation shares design language with the truck lineup in front, with the grille looking similar to the Tacoma, while the rear looks like the back end of the smaller C-HR. Toyota says it's best seller will be roomier, more powerful and have better fuel economy. They've sweetened the pot by adding Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa integration, and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 as standard. Three models of the popular crossover will be available, the RAV4, the more rugged RAV4 Adventure, and the RAV4 hybrid.

When is it available? No information just yet.

How much? Pricing TBA.

What changed? This concept is a very close representation of the 5-seat version of the Atlas SUV that will go into production next year at VW’s Chattanooga plant. The Atlas Cross Sport will be everything we love about the 3-row, 7-seater Atlas, but in a sleeker, sportier package. The Atlas Cross Sport is 7.5 inches shorter than the Atlas but shares the same wheelbase; however this concept features a plug-in hybrid engine, while the current Atlas does not. While Volkswagen has already confirmed the plug-in hybrid will not be available in America, a regular hybrid is a strong possibility.

When is it available? Concept vehicle is not for sale

How much? N/A

What changed? This dual cab, short bed pickup is just a concept — for now. It’s being introduced as part of the Atlas family, so we take that as a promising sign. The concept boasts a tech-heavy interior and lots of space, just like the Atlas SUV. Since its also based on the Atlas chassis, it would also have a better ride and handling experience than a usual pickup.

When is it available? Volkswagen has not committed to the pickup yet.

How much? Concept vehicle is not for sale.

What changed? The V60 wagon is back, offering an abundance of the safety and luxury features Volvo is known for. The wagon shares the same platform as the brand’s highly successful XC60 SUV and comes in two models: the front wheel drive T5, or the all-wheel drive T6. The V60 will also be the second vehicle from the brand to join the Care by Volvo car subscription program.

When is it available? Not yet announced

How much? Pricing not announced.