The Top 10 New Cars We’re Most Excited for This Year (So Far)

Wondering what has us buzzing in the car world? Let us tell you.

Chris Chin

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By Chris Chin and Gray Van Dyke

Published August 8, 2026

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We’re already more than halfway through 2026 and it’s shaping up to be an exciting one for new vehicles.

Not only did many carmakers reveal some sweet new sheet metal, but many others most certainly gave us something to anticipate.

From Nissan and Infiniti’s enthusiastic resurgence, to BMW revealing its entire next-generation of automobiles, to the return of not one, but two of Japan’s most iconic off-roaders.

In no particular order, here are the top 10 cars we’re most stoked for that were announced, will debut or will launch in 2026.

The next-gen Mitsubishi Pajero/Shogun/Montero

Bright horizontal LED light bar with vertical end lights and "PAJERO" text below in dusty environment. — After a nearly seven-year hiatus, the Mitsubishi Pajero will return to once again to rival the Toyota Land Cruiser and Nissan Patrol (Armada in the US).

We’re beyond excited to the moon about the return of the Pajero because it’s one of Japan’s definitive off-roaders, and it’s been on hiatus for almost a decade. Once it returns, supposedly in a few weeks time, it’ll complete what we like to call the “Great Japanese Off-Roader Trifecta,” to rival the Toyota Land Cruiser and Nissan Armada. Best of all, it’s highly rumored to return to America as the Montero. – CC

Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC

Blue sports car with black hood vents and rear spoiler driving on a highway with metal guardrails. — Ford proves that muscle cars are something that Detroit still does best.

Ford got the year off to gallop with an even more track-optimized version of the Dark Horse called the SC. Along with some GTD-derived pedigree in the Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes and 3D-printed titanium, it also touts refined aerodynamic upgrades and even more power, to the tune of 795 thundering horses. – GvD

A potential new Subaru WRX STI

Blue Subaru WRX STI hatchback with black roof, hood scoop, large rear spoiler, and sporty alloy wheels in a studio. — After underdelivering for years, Subaru confirmed the return of STI and a potential new WRX STI by year’s end.

After Subaru announced its ambitions to make sports cars again and revive its performance division STI, the company revealed two exciting concepts in late 2025. But earlier this year, the Subaru announced it’ll be pushing one of those concepts into production, supposedly by the end of the year: the Performance-B STI Concept. Which could only potentially really mean one thing: the first new production WRX STI in almost a decade. – CC

2027 Rivian R2

White electric SUV with black roof and vertical oval headlights parked on gravel under trees. — Rivian’s R2 is the brand’s highly-anticipated affordable midsize entrant.

The Rivian R2 is an SUV with tons of promise, as its eventual sub-$50,000 starting price will help further democratize the BEV space. As it is, the midsize already makes the brand more accessible, and it stands to yield further exciting variants like the R3. – GvD

Aston Martin Vanquish 25

Two silver Aston Martin Vanquish cars, one coupe and one convertible, parked side by side on a concrete surface with mountains in the background. — Aston Martin celebrates its flagship grand tourer in the best ways possible.

To be frank, you don’t have to be a car enthusiast to love and appreciate an exquisite machine like a V12-powered Aston Martin. And its latest Vanquish 25 is a prime example. Not only was it one of 007’s most iconic chariots, the Vanquish remains one of Aston’s greatest models, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year after getting the spotlight in Die Another Day. – CC

2026 Toyota Corolla GRMN

Gray Toyota hatchback with carbon fiber hood and roof, bronze wheels, and sporty aerodynamic features. — Toyota defies its “boring carmaker” reputation with cars like the Corolla GRMN.

Toyota’s Corolla GRMN is a truly ludicrous take on the Japanese hot hatch, honed to a knife’s edge for Nürburgring dominance and priced to the moon. While it’s an extremely limited vehicle in production capacity, it’s still an important demonstration of Toyota’s willingness to build fun cars. And, it’s even coming to America. – GvD

The next-gen Nissan Xterra

Front view of a yellow Nissan car with illuminated amber lights in the rain at night. — The return of one of Nissan’s signature off-roaders has our four-wheeling fandom buzzin’.

As we are fans of four-wheeling and overlanding, Nissan’s confirmed revival of the Xterra has us sitting at the edge of our seats. Considering it is one of the brand’s signature off-roaders, we are thrilled to see it on the path to a comeback after over a decade of being six feet under. Rumors say it’ll debut sometime next year, but Nissan’s confirmation and a teaser has us already buzzing at the Motoring desk. – CC

2026 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport

Two Chevrolet Corvette sports cars, one white and one black, parked side by side on a paved area with mountains and trees in the background. — Chevy resurrected one of its most iconic Corvette variants, and it’s one grand return.

Chevrolet’s Corvette Grand Sport is more than a token revival of a badge. With the designation, the Golden Bowtie has introduced its new LS6, a whopping 6.7-liter naturally aspirated V8 that echoes the legendary Le Mans racers of the C2 generation. – GvD

Next-gen Nissan Skyline

Rear side view of a black Nissan Skyline with illuminated round red taillights in a dark setting. — Nissan’s Skyline will live on for a new generation, complete with a six-speed manual.

Nissan appears to be making a significant comeback and one of its most enticing announcements was the return of the Skyline sedan. Although this vehicle is typically exclusive to the Japanese Domestic Market, America got the Skyline in the form of the Infiniti Q50 and Q60 (formerly the G35 and G37), meaning we’ll probably get it too. And the best part is, Nissan confirmed it’ll have a six-speed manual. – CC

Honda Super N

What the Super N lacks in outright power, it more than makes up for in approachability and enthusiast appeal. Between its simulated shifts, boost function and upgrade availability, it promises big fun in a small package – GvD

Honorable mention: 2026 Bovensiepen 05 GT

Gray luxury station wagon with black roof and quad exhaust pipes viewed from above rear side. — As self-professed wagon lovers, we had to honorably mention this gorgeous machine from Bovensiepen.

When BMW officially acquired Alpina, that didn’t stop its original founding family from making cars. And that’s what Bovensiepen did with the 05 GT. It’s essentially a dressed up, more mature BMW M5 Touring, which we absolutely love. Yet, Bovensiepen seemingly did the impossible and somehow made it better, just like Alpina would’ve done. And because we’re unashamed of our wagon love at the GP Motoring desk, we couldn’t omit this gorgeous machine. – CC

About the Author: Chris Chin is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, trucks and anything else with four wheels. He has over a decade of experience writing news and reviews but considers himself an enthusiast first, with a passion for classics and European cars. His daily driver is a 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL with nearly 250,000 miles (87,000 are his).

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Adventure Vehicles, Electric Vehicles, Ford, Mitsubishi, Sedans, Sports Cars, Subaru, SUVs & Trucks