When you head to the auto show like it’s your business, because it IS your business, it can be hard to figure out your angle. I’m not personally shopping for a new car (although I’d always like to be). So I put on my automotive media hat and I put on my consumer hat and try to figure out what I can bring you that will make my information maybe a little more digestible than the big automotive sites out there.
Nissan invited me to attend the LA Auto Show, which has been on my bucket list for a while. It’s a big show with a lot of big introductions and I’m happy to say that the show did not disappoint. Not only did I find gorgeous cars but I also saw a lot of innovative cars (think high-end electric vehicles). I know, however, that most of you are probably not in the market for one of those. If you are curious, you should totally check out my video recap below. But if you’re simply Joe Consumer wondering if you should hang onto your beater for the next 5 years, or even six months, check out some of my favorite vehicles for 2019 either coming soon or already out now!
Full disclosure: I have included these vehicles in an order that most closely aligns with my taste or level of excitement.
Honda Passport
Release Date: Early Spring 2019
Why am I so excited about the Passport? When I reviewed the Honda Pilot a few months ago, I fell in love and lamented the fact that I didn’t need such a large SUV. So I started researching the Honda CRV and found what I typically find. Smaller SUVs omit the luxury that I love so much. The Passport is almost exactly the same as the Pilot – only smaller!
And if the name sounds familiar, it’s because a vehicle of the same name was produced in the 1990s. Thankfully, this version has nothing to do with Isuzu (like the original!).
Kia Telluride
Release Date: Early 2019
Kia definitely has a car for everyone. No, I mean it. Literally every type of driver there is. Except for those that like full-size SUVs. That’s the void that the Telluride will fill. I haven’t gotten up close and personal but if I’m judging a book by its cover, this will be a great read.
Audi Q8
Release Date: January 2019
If I pushed budget aside and went solely on looks, the brand new Audi Q8 would definitely make my short list. It may sound shallow to judge a car by its looks but that’s kind of what car shows are for!
Hyundai Palisade
Release Date: Summer 2019
I can’t say if the Hyundai Palisade is related to the Kia Telluride, another full-size SUV from its sister company, but it’s hard not to make the comparison. I can’t wait to try them both but I did get to sit in the Palisade. But I think it will having you saying, This is a Hyundai?
Jaguar I-Pace
Release Date: October 2019
This is a love-it-or-hate-it design from Jaguar. I happen to fall into the love it category and not just because it was an integral part of the Formula E Prix race I recently attended in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. I simply love Jaguar from behind the wheel to under the hood. This all-electric vehicle is no exception to that.
Ford Ranger
Release Date: Early 2019
When it comes to trucks, I like them cute and rugged (like my men). Granted, this Ford Ranger is a special performance edition but the body style is making me like pick-up trucks again!
Mazda3
Release Date: Early 2019
Mazda is systematically redesigning and updating each model in its lineup and they’re doing it in such a way that their brand consistency is almost flawless. Get behind the wheel of the Mazda3 sedan and you’ll almost forget that Mazda6 is the bigger, fancier version. Or, you can still go the hatchback route if that’s your preference.
Rivian R1S and R1T
Release Date: Late 2020
Have you heard of Rivian? It’s an innovative company offering two models (SUV and pick up truck) under its all-electric brand. But you won’t see anything until late 2020 (at least that’s what they’re saying) so why watch them in 2019? Because you can put down your $1000 refundable deposit to get on the list for one of these vehicles. There’s a lot for this growing company to figure out but if their prototypes actually come to fruition, this vehicle is a major gamechanger.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Release Date: February 2018
It may not be that new for 2019 but it’s new to me. I had all but written off Mitsubishi but they’re making a comeback. Looking for a budget crossover that doesn’t feel so budget? This Eclipse Cross is worth a look.
JEEP Gladiator
Release Date: (Estimated) April 2019
The jury is still out on where this Jeep-flavored pickup truck will land. I think it’s ugly. I think Jeep owners will revolt. But others say it’s functionality that Jeep owners have been asking for. Oooookay.
BMW X7
Release Date: March 2019
We’re Americans. We need bigger and better. At least that’s what BMW thinks. They’re releasing their largest SUV ever. I’d still be thrilled with my very own X5 but if you need more, BMW has answered the call.
Cadillac XT4
Release Date: October 2018
I would guess that Cadillac is still struggling with its identity. While it can still be the large luxury sedan for the older demographic, every automaker wants to attract younger buyers and Cadillac is no exception. The XT4 caught my eye simply because it looks so much like the Volvo XC40 – at a lower price.
Lexus UX 200 and 250h
Release Date: December 2018 and January 2019
If there’s one thing I wish Lexus would do, it’s change their naming convention. I can’t keep up with their letters and numbers. The new UX keeps making me think of what the abbreviation is normally used for, user interface. Although maybe that was intentional? This small crossover is available now and shortly as a hybrid version.
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Release Date: TBD
A few years ago, I reviewed the Mitsubishi Outlander and it was probably one of my least favorite vehicles that I’ve reviewed. I’m a little excited though to see the strides Mitsubishi is making in quality while keeping prices low. And even better – they’re soon to be offering a plug-in hybrid version of their SUV.
So much more this year…
I didn’t show you everything, of course. I couldn’t show you everything. We have the redesigned Nissan Maxima and Murano. We have the updated and redesigned Kia Soul. We have the new hybrid Toyota Corolla hitting the market. And I probably didn’t even see everything at the show. That’s why I’ve brought you VIDEO!
Take a look at some of these cars in action and see if you spot some that I didn’t talk about here. And if you watch to the end, I promise you’ll see concept cars and even a car with a price tag of over $2 million. And if there’s something you want to see a little bit more of, let me know. My next car show is just a few weeks away!
