Must See Vehicles at the 2019 New York International Auto Show

Almost as long as there has been an automobile, there’s been an auto show in New York. The 2019 New York International Auto Show runs from April 19 – 28 at the Jacob Javits Center in Manhattan, the latest edition in a run of annual expositions of the best and most up-to-date in automotive design, engineering, and technology that began in 1900 at the first Madison Square Garden. 1949 marked the First International Automobile Show at the 69^th Regiment Armory. Since 1987, the show has been held at the Javits Center. The show is expected to attract more than 1 million attendees this year, with vehicles and booths spread across over 900,000 square feet of display space.

Here are some of the must-see vehicles at the 2019 New York International Auto Show.

TLX is Acura’s midsize luxury sedan, based on the same platform as the Honda Accord. It is a front-engine/front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive four-door that was introduced as a 2015 model. Exclusive PMC Edition features will include: Valencia Red Pearl nano-pigment paint; PMC Edition numbered serial plaque; gloss black 19-inch wheels, roof panel, door handles, and grille; dual black chrome exhaust finishers; black Milano leather seats with Alcantara inserts and red stitching; and more.

When is it available? This summer (TLX PMC); Soon thereafter (MDX PMC).

How much? Around $50,000 (TLX PMC); TBA (MDX PMC).

The Nürburgring is one of the most renowned motorsports parks in the world, located in the western part of Germany south of Bonn. Manufacturers from across the globe regularly bring their vehicles to the Nürburgring to pit them against the course and the competition. Alfa Romeo will produce a limited-edition run of 110 vehicles bound for North America celebrating the brand’s successes at the Nürburgring, dubbed “NRING Editions.” The vehicles will be divided among Giulia Quadrifoglio NRING sport sedans and Stelvio Quadrifoglio NRING SUVs. Each will feature distinct exterior styling and a 505-hp twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 engine, Circuito Gray Matte Paint, red brake calipers with white Alfa Rome Script, carbon fiber mirror caps and V Scudetto grille, a serialized number inlay on the passenger console, carbon fiber steering wheel and shifter bezel, two-tone red and black leather interior with red stitching, and more.

When is it available? To be announced

How much? To be announced

The 2019 Audi Q3 has benefitted from a sharpened exterior design following cues of the latest generation of its larger sibling, Q5. It is longer, wider and taller than the outgoing Q3. Inside, the rear seats now slide fore and aft by 5.9 inches, allowing for a compromise between rear seat legroom and luggage space. A digital instrument cluster with a 10.25-inch screen is standard, along with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display at the top of the center stack. A 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder gas engine with Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system is standard on all trim levels.

When is it available? Later in 2019.

How much? $34,700 - $42,900.

Audi’s mid-engine supercar, the R8, gets refreshed for 2020 with sharpened design and enhanced performance. Each model of R8 will now be capable of a track speed of at least 200 mph. On the exterior, a new grille, spoiler lip and lateral air intakes dress the front, while a new bumper, oval exhaust pipes and a new diffuser spiff up the rear. A 5.2-liter naturally aspirated (non-turbo) V10 engine lurks beneath the glass deck lid, either in 562-hp tune or 602-hp tune. Each engine is matched with a seven-speed S tronic automatic transmission with quattro all-wheel drive. Both Coupe and Spyder versions will be available. A limited-edition 2020 Audi R8 V10 Decennium edition celebrates the 10^th anniversary of the supercar, with 50 of the 222 units produced slated for sale in the U.S.  

When is it available? To be announced.

How much? R8 V10: $169,900 - $208,100. R8 V10 Decennium: $214,995.

The top of the TT lineup, the 2019 Audi TT RS, has been refreshed with a redesigned front and rear fascia, enhanced technologies and new packages and trims designed to provide buyers with more options for personalization. Seven exterior colors will be offered, including new colors Turbo Blue; Tango Red metallic; and Kyalmi Green. Full LED lighting is standard, and OLED rear taillights are available. 19-inch Auid Sport wheels are standard, and 20-inch wheels are available. The Audi virtual cockpit is standard, as is a 680-watt Bang & Olufsen audio system. A 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder gasoline engine with 394 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque helps the all-wheel drive TT RS scoot from 0 – 60 mph in 3.6 seconds.

When is it available? Spring 2019.

How much? $66,900.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 is an all-new compact luxury sedan. It will be the second vehicle, joining CT6, to offer Super Cruise, Cadillac’s semi-autonomous freeway driving technology. The front-engine/rear-wheel drive sedan will be offered with a choice of turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine or twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engine, each paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive will be available on all models, and customer-selectable drive modes will be standard. Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport trim levels will be available at launch, with a Platinum package available on Premium Luxury and Sport.

When is it available? Available for ordering Fall 2019.

How much? To be announced.

The 2020 Ford Escape makes its first U.S. car show appearance at 2019 NYIAS. The Escape first debuted as a 2001 model, and has gone on to become Ford’s second-best seller (right after the F-Series pickups), so a new fourth-generation vehicle is a big deal. The Escape will be available with two gasoline-only powertrain choices (new 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter EcoBoost), and two new hybrid gasoline-electric choices (conventional hybrid and plug-in hybrid). The Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) Escape projects to have an EV range of 30 miles. Gasoline-only models will have a sliding second-row seat, allowing for best-in-class second-row legroom when slid fully rearward, and 37.5 cubic feet of luggage space when slid fully forward.

When is it available? Fall 2019 for gasoline-only and HEV models; Spring 2020 for PHEV.

How much? To be announced.

On the 55^th Anniversary of its debut, the entry-level 2020 Ford Mustang gets a new 2.3-liter High Performance Package. The EcoBoost turbocharged engine will create most powerful four-cylinder sports car currently offered by an American automaker, delivering 330 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. The 2.3L High Performance Package includes Mustang GT brakes and Mustang GT Performance Package aerodynamics and suspension components. The engine was originally featured in the Ford Focus RS. In the Mustang, it will enable 0-60 mph runs in the mid-four-second range, up to a top speed of 155 mph. Running on Premium fuel, the new engine has a flat torque curve with 90 percent of peak torque between 2,500 and 5,300 rpm.

When is it available? Fall 2019.

How much? To be announced

Genesis unveiled the Genesis Mint Concept, a two-door luxury electric vehicle concept. The vehicle takes inspiration from the brand’s design cues, including Quad Lamps in front and back, the Crest Grille, and signature Parabolic Line. Scissor-opening side panels provide access to the rear package shelf in place of a traditional notch-back trunk. Seating for two uses lightweight textiles and cognac leathers emblazoned with the G-Matrix pattern. An oblong steering wheel is surrounded by six copper Graphic User Interface (GUI) screens, while a seventh screen is mounted in the steering wheel, displaying primary vehicle information. A high-density battery-electric powertrain is predicted to provide 200 miles of range per full charge, and 350-kW fast charging.

When is it available? No current plans for production.

How much? N/A.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata is the latest in the company’s longest-running and most successful model, having debuted as a 1985 model. The new Sonata features a redesigned exterior with a “four-door coupe” look, a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline direct-injection (GDI) engine, and a preliminary EPA fuel economy estimate of 33 mpg combined, up from 29 mpg combined for the outgoing 2.4-liter engine. The Sonata will support Hyundai Digital Key, a smartphone app-based technology that uses Near Field Communication (NFC) to control selected vehicle systems remotely.

When is it available? October 2019.

How much? To be announced.

The all-new 2020 Hyundai Venue joins the brand’s extensive lineup of crossovers as the smallest model to date. It will ride on a 99.2-inch wheelbase, 3.2 inches shorter than the Hyundai Kona, and is 158.9 inches long, 5.1 inches less overall length than Kona. It will use a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated (non-turbo) inline four-cylinder engine with a six-speed manual or continuously variable automatic (CVT) transmission, and is expected to deliver up to 33 mpg combined. The Venue will be offered in “fun, youthful colors,” including Ceramic White, Black Noir, Steller Silver, Galactic Gray, Scarlet Red, Intense Blue, Green Apple and Denim. Interiors will be gray or black cloth, except Denim examples, which will be offered with denim cloth and leatherette interiors with a white contrasting roof – because nothing says “fun, youthful” like a pair of jeans.

When is it available? Fourth quarter of 2019.

How much? To be announced.

The refreshed 2020 Jaguar XE is a compact luxury sedan featuring an enhanced exterior design with new front and rear bumpers, a new grille, and all-LED headlights and taillights as standard equipment. The interior has been similarly updated, with standard leather seats and soft-touch materials throughout. A 12.3-inch touchscreen display with optional Jaguar InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment, along with Smart Settings technology utilizing artificial intelligence to tailor itself to the preferences of individual drivers, adds a high level of innovation to the cabin. Two versions of the Ingenium four-cylinder gasoline engines are available with 247 hp (P250) and 296 hp (P300) outputs and standard rear-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive (standard on (P300).

When is it available? Available to order now.

How much? Starting at $39,900.

Kia brought a new fully electric all-wheel drive compact four-seat concept vehicle, the HabaNiro, to the 2019 NYIAS. The concept boasts an electric-only range of more than 300 miles and a level-five autonomous mode. It has four scissor-opening doors, and is designed to be an “Everything Car or ECEV,” according to Kia. It has off-road friendly aluminum skid plates and billet aluminum tow hooks. The vehicle uses Kia’s Real-time Emotive Adaptive Driving (READ) system, which “can optimize and personalize a vehicle cabin space by analyzing a driver’s emotional state in real-time through artificial intelligence-based bio-signal recognition technology.” That’s old-school concept car jargon, and we love it.

When is it available? In the future.

How much? N/A.

The second-generation 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque features an all-new design language, advanced driver assistance systems, and sophisticated off-road technologies. A new hybrid gasoline-electric powertrain is available with 296 net hp and an underfloor 48-volt battery to store energy recaptured during deceleration. Evoque debuts a new ClearSight GroundView technology, which allows the driver to virtually see through the front end of the vehicle by projecting a 180-degree view of the ground onto the vehicle’s upper touchscreen.

When is it available? Late 2019.

How much? Starting at $42,650.

The name is a mouthful: 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition. The vehicle is a special version of the Velar that has been designed and developed by Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations, featuring a much more powerful drivetrain and enhanced interior and exterior design detailing over the standard Velar models. The SVA Dynamic Edition Velar will be offered exclusively during the 2020 model year. It will use a supercharged 5.0-liter gasoline V8 engine tuned to produce 550 hp and 502 lb-ft of torque, good enough to pull the Velar from 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds up to a top speed of 170 mph (electronically limited).

When is it available? 2020 only.

How much? To be announced.

Let’s hear it for Lincoln, and the return to classy vehicle names after a run of confusing alpha-numerics. The 2020 Lincoln Corsair will take the lineup slot formerly occupied by the MKC. The Corsair is a premium two-row compact crossover vehicle with an exterior design that echoes the Aviator and Navigator SUVs in smaller form. Particular attention was lavished on the sound qualities in the interior, with active noise cancellation and six unique symphonic chimes, recorded by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, replacing standard electronic alerts. An available 14-speaker Revel premium audio system further elevates the Corsair’s sound quality. Power comes from either a 250-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine or a 280-hp 2.3-liter four cylinder gas engine, each using an eight-speed automatic transmission.

When is it available? Fall 2019.

How much? To be announced.

Maserati shocked Italian car purists with the 2017 debut of the Levante SUV, but fans were pleasantly surprised by the essential “Maserati-ness” of the vehicle. Further elevating the distinction of the two-row crossover, the 2019 Maserati Levante will be the first vehicle to be offered with a custom Pelletessuta leather interior crafted by Ermengildo Zegna. Zegna and Maserati have had a longstanding partnership, collaborating on interior design and materials in the past. Pelletessuta, a supple, woven Nappa leather material, is soft, luxurious and lightweight, yet durable and comfortable. Maserati will be the only automobile company to bring Pelletessuta to market. The interior option will be available on multiple models in 2020, but will be exclusive to Levante for 2019.

When is it available? Available to order on 2019 Levante models.

How much? To be announced.

Mazda’s big news at 2019 NYIAS was the long-awaited arrival of the Skyactiv-D 2.2-liter diesel engine, which will first be fitted into the 2019 Mazda CX-5 Signature Diesel compact crossover vehicle. The new engine will be an option on the CX-5, Mazda’s best-selling vehicle in the United States. The twin-turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine will be tuned to produce 168 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque, with EPA estimates of 27 mpg city/30 mpg highway/28 mpg combined.

When is it available? Now.

How much? $41,000.

The hot-rod version of Mercedes-Benz’s compact crossover, the 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63, (along with variants GLC 63 Coupe and higher-performance GLC 63 S Coupe), will feature revised exterior designs, sharpened vehicle dynamics, optimized connectivity, and new light design. New dynamic handling control, AMG Dynamics, joins the standard electronically controlled locking differential. Air suspension with adaptive damping, all-wheel drive and high performance brakes support GLC 63’s 4.0-liter biturbo V8 gasoline engine, tuned to produce 469 hp in the 63 models and 503 hp in the 63 S. A nine-speed automatic transmission is standard across the board. Inside, a new AMG performance steering wheel is standard, along with revised ergonomics and functionality. Optional performance seats provide optimal lateral support.

When is it available? Late 2019.

How much? To be announced.

Billed as the S-Class of Mercedes-Benz SUVs, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS is the three-row entry into the M-B family of SUVs. A new electrified V8 engine with a 48-volt electrical system will be featured in the GLS 580 4MATIC. The GLS 450 4MATIC will use a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder gas engine with EQ Boost. E-Active Body Control active suspension will be available. An available Executive Rear Seat Package can transform the GLS into a luxury limousine, while two seats in the third row are sized to comfortably seat passengers up to six feet four inches tall. A large touchscreen connects to the MBUX infotainment system up front, with optional tablet access in the rear.

When is it available? Late 2019.

How much? To be announced.

Celebrating 50 years of GT-R heritage, the 2020 Nissan GT-R NISMO made its debut at 2019 NYIAS. According to Nissan, “the new NISMO’s performance suggests it is a car that belongs on the race track – but is also at home on the open road.” The new GT-R features more carbon fiber in its construction than any previous version, including the front and rear bumpers, front fenders, hood, roof, side sill covers, trunk and rear spoiler. Twenty-inch RAYS forged aluminum wheels with new Dunlop tires increase the contact patch by 11 percent. Exclusive front seats are designed to hold the shoulder blades and lower body points more securely. A revised six-speed dual-clutch automatic (DCT) transmission moves the power from the 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine (600 hp/481 lb-ft of torque), enabling a top speed of up to 186 mph.

When is it available? Summer 2019.

How much? To be announced.

The 2020 Nissan Versa is the third sedan in the lineup to get a makeover, following the recent Maxima and Altima redesigns. The new Versa is lower, wider and longer than before, with horizontal interior elements enhancing the feel of space inside the cabin. A new 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine (122 hp/114 lb-ft of torque) with an enhanced Xtronic continuously variable automatic (CVT) or five-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive provides the motivation. Standard keyless entry, push button start and power windows, along with available heated front seats, automatic climate control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, elevate the Versa above the expected entry-level.

When is it available? Late Summer 2019.

How much? To be announced.

Time flies! It's been almost 50 years since the debut of the original 1970 Datsun 240Z, and Nissan is commemorating that milestone with a 2020 Nissan 370Z 50^th Anniversary Edition. With special exterior and interior enhancements, it will be available in a choice of two distinct two-tone color options: white and red or silver and black. The Z will wear special BRE-style accent stripes and 50^th Anniversary rear badging and red wheel accent stripes. The interior will feature 50^th Anniversary seatback embossing and red accents. An eight-speaker Bose audio system with active noise cancellation and active sound enhancement is standard. A 3.7-liter V6 engine producing 332 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque is under the hood, with a choice of six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive.

When is it available? To be announced.

How much? To be announced.

On the eve of the arrival of the next-generation 911 (992), Porsche has revealed a special Heritage Design Package for the 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster, which will be accompanied by a Chronograph 911 Speedster Heritage Design timepiece made exclusively for owners. The Heritage Design Package will feature GT Silver Metallic paint with front and rear bumper “arrows” painted in White. “Gumball” style graphics, inspired by historic Porsche 356 models, will decorate the front hood and doors. Twenty-inch center lock wheels are painted in Platinum Satin or Silver and bear a historic Porsche crest. The interior features two-tone leather (Black and Cognac), Full Bucket Seats (upholstered in Cognac leather), and interior trim pieces are painted to match the exterior.

When is it available? Limited production, available to order.

How much? To be announced.

In certain parts of the United States where all-weather prowess is treasured, the Subaru Outback is ubiquitous. So, the reveal of the sixth-generation of is big news. The 2020 Subaru Outback is a two-row crossover suv – some would call it a wagon – that will be available in Base, Premium, Limited, Touring, Onyx Edition XT, Limited XT and Touring XT models. A choice of naturally aspirated (non-turbo) 2.5-liter Boxer four-cylinder engine (182 hp/176 lb-ft of torque) or a turbocharged (for the first time since 2009) 2.4-liter Boxer four-cylinder engine (260 hp/277 lb-ft of torque), each with a Lineartronic continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). An all-new suspension with hollow stabilizer bars front and rear is lighter and more responsive. Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is standard on all models, including DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System.

When is it available? Fall 2019.

How much? To be announced.

The Toyota Highlander is a midsize three-row crossover vehicle that has been a staple in Toyota’s lineup since 2001. The Highlander will be available in five grades: a new base L grade; LE; XLE; Limited; and Platinum. All five grades can be ordered with a 295-hp 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine, while all grades above L can be ordered with a hybrid gasoline-electric powertrain with a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine and two electric motors. Front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is available. The Highlander comes with second-generation Toyota Safety Sense (TSS 2.0) standard.

When is it available? To be announced.

How much? To be announced.

Toyota says there’s an ideal formula for the modern hatchback: “Make it fun, make it efficient, and keep it affordable.” From a quick look at the debut of the new 2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback at 2019 NYIAS, all three boxes appear to have been checked. The compact five-door has a pugnacious, sporty exterior design available in a choice of six colors: Stealth; Graphite; Pulse; Sapphire; Chromium; Frost; and Icicle. It will be offered in two trim levels: LE and XLE, with a long list of standard features including Smart Key Entry with Push-Button Start, fog lights, rear backup camera, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, chrome interior door handles, and illuminated vanity mirrors. A seven-inch touchscreen display is standard, and navigation hardware is included. Customers only need to buy the accessory SD card through a Toyota dealer to activate it.

When is it available? To be announced.

How much? To be announced.