I get it that you are confused about how come car makers are announcing 2026 cars in 2025 but naming them 2026 models. Today i will explain in detail what strategy do these all car makers implement to hype their brand.
When Do 2026 Cars Come Out?
What automakers do is they announce 2026 year model vehicles in somewhere in 2025 which allows them to meet the consumers demand ahead of new year holiday season and generate buzz of their vehicle without actually making it available for purchase.
While announcing 2026 year model companies usually make available a concept or production ready vehicles in auto expos to test its market acceptance and correct all the flaws before making it available to public for purchase.
Typically production of 2026’s cars begin in 2025 which assure that there will be a plenty of stock available at the time of release. following are some of the cars releasing in 2026 but announced in 2025.
2026 Afeela 1
Afeela 1 is all electric sedan jointly built by Sony & Honda will be released in 2026 but its concept version has been made available for media and public for review and marketing purpose.
As per auto maker it will feature dual 180 kW electric motors producing combined 483 horsepower. Range is expected around 300 miles with 91kWh lithium-ion battery.
2026 Honda Passport
In SUV segment we have Honda Passport which is scheduled to release in 2025 as a 2026 model. so sometimes companies release in early year and name them next year model. this is very common in markets like USA and Canada.
2026 Honda Passport has been all over the internet, it is an “Born Wild” concept of Honda making it rugged and off-road capable SUV. It features astonishing 3.5 liter v6 engine with 10 speed automatic transmission.
2026 Cadillac Vistiq
Another example is very famous upcoming Cadillac Vistiq. its an mid-size three row luxury SUV whose production has began in 2025 Feb but debut is scheduled in 2026.
2026 Zenvo Aurora
There are many cars going to launch in 2026 but i will end my list here with 2026 Zenvo Aurora. Danish Manufacturer Zenvo has already making buzz about there upcoming hybrid hypercar 2026 Zenvo Aurora.
Although, the car is going to be released in 2026 but has been promoting it throughout 2025. they have revealed concept model in various auto expos.
It will be available in two models – Aurora Tur & Aurora Agil. Both of them will feature 6.6 liter quad turbocharged v12 engine with electric motor and what car maker claim is that they are expecting 1,850 horsepower.
