New York Auto Show: The 10 cars and SUVs to watch
The SUV boom will be on full display at the 2018 New York International Auto Show.
Cadillac, Lincoln, Acura and Volkswagen are just a few of the brands that will bring new SUV models to New York, as the industry wages an intense competition to win over buyers. SUVs will account for half of all U.S. sales by 2020, Ford estimates, with more consumers expected to ditch sedans. Today, SUVs and trucks are responsible for two-thirds of the market.
The first official press day of the New York auto show is Wednesday, March 28. Here are 10 of the best cars and SUVs to watch:
Cadillac XT4
The General Motors luxury brand has a couple of noteworthy debuts slated for New York. The new XT4, a compact crossover, will join the XT5 and Escalade in Cadillac’s SUV lineup. Cadillac gave a sneak peek of the XT4 in an advertising campaign for the Oscars.
Show-goers will also see the Cadillac CT6 V-Sport, a high-performance version of the brand’s flagship sedan. The V-Sport will pack a twin-turbocharged V8 under the hood with an estimated 550 horsepower.
Lincoln Aviator
After unveiling the Nautilus in Detroit, Lincoln will reveal a new crossover called the Aviator. The three-row SUV will replace the current MKT, likely slotting in between the Nautilus (pictured above) and full-size Navigator.
Ford Fusion
Ford has a refreshed 2019 Fusion in the works, but most of the changes go beyond styling. The company is adding more electric range to the plug-in hybrid version. Ford’s package of driver aids, Co-Pilot360, will also make its debut in the Fusion. Co-Pilot360, which Ford announced in March as part of its two-year product plan, will be standard on new models and includes automatic emergency braking, blind spot detection, lane-keep technology and other safety systems.
Hyundai Santa Fe
Hyundai will have a busy show. The Korean automaker will introduce the all-new 2019 Santa Fe SUV, an updated Tucson SUV and the all-electric Kona, which appeared at the recent Geneva Motor Show. The new Santa Fe will go on sale in the summer of 2018.
Acura RDX
After revealing a prototype of the new RDX luxury crossover at the Detroit Auto Show, Acura’s booth in New York will display the production version. Acura previously announced that the 2019 RDX will be powered by a new 2.0-liter turbocharged engine paired with a 10-speed transmission.
Mercedes-Benz
The German luxury giant’s two-door and convertible versions of the C-Class will make their world debuts. The C-Class coupe and cabriolet, including Mercedes-AMG performance models, will get extra horsepower and new LED headlights and taillights.
Lexus RC coupe
The brand’s sporty coupe, the RC, is getting the special-edition treatment. Lexus said it will reveal the RC F Sport Black Line in New York. Toyota will make just 650 units of the Black Line edition, which features a gloss exterior paint, matte black wheels and optional orange brake calipers.
Toyota RAV4
Toyota will debut the fifth generation of RAV4 crossovers. The RAV4, the best-selling SUV in America, surpassed the Camry as Toyota’s most popular vehicle in the U.S.
Nissan Altima
While most automakers have larger vehicles at the New York expo, Nissan is betting that a revamped Altima can grab a larger share of the sedan market. Last year, the Altima was the fifth-best selling passenger car in the U.S. The 2018 Altima is pictured above.
Volkswagen’s mini Atlas
In announcing a $340 million investment at its Tennessee plant, Volkswagen said it will introduce a concept version of a yet-to-be-named SUV derived from the Atlas. The new SUV will have seating for five, while the Atlas is a three-row passenger that seats seven.