- Detroit’s 2026 show has 27 brands, up from 22 last year.
- Only one confirmed world debut will happen at the show.
- Over 275,000 attendees expected, up from last year’s turnout.
Once the epicenter of America’s automotive calendar, the Detroit Auto Show has seen its prominence dim in recent years. Like many large-scale car shows around the world, it’s been forced to rethink its identity in a post-Covid landscape. As the 2026 edition prepares to open next week, just one global reveal has been officially confirmed. One. Singular.
Organizers say that 27 brands will be present at this month’s show, up from the 22 featured last year. Major car manufacturers to have displays in Detroit include Subaru, GM, Ford, Stellantis, Toyota, and Kia.
They will be joined by several dealerships displaying a wide range of vehicles from brands including Honda, Hyundai, Audi, Ferrari, Ineos, Mercedes-Benz, Aston Martin, Jaguar, Polestar, Land Rover, and Mini.
Read: Meet The Contenders For 2026’s Car, Truck And SUV Of The Year
A new version or special edition of the Ford Bronco is expected to be revealed at the event, with the Blue Oval planning to show the model at a dedicated media gathering on January 13. Although the reveal won’t take place inside the show itself, Ford will stay in the spotlight, as its Detroit headquarters is also set to host the launch of Red Bull Racing’s 2027 Formula 1 racer, possibly alongside a new sports car, on January 15.
While technically not debuts, Ram is expected to display the new 1500 SRT TRX and the diesel-powered Power Wagon at the event, giving showgoers a closer look at both trucks.
Back at the show, attendees can expect a more interactive layout. This year’s event will feature five compact test tracks built right into the show floor, giving visitors a chance to ride in several of the vehicles on display.
Detroit will also once again serve as the backdrop for the 2026 North American Car, Truck, and Utility Vehicle of the Year awards.
Speaking with Auto News, executive director of the Detroit Auto Dealers Association, said he expects attendance at the 2026 show to surpass the 275,000 visitors who turned out last year.
“I think the evolution of our show is very much a content show,” Klement said. “We can be a show for everyone. We can have the big Ford event on Tuesday night, then have newsmakers from all over the world coming to the show because they want to talk about the industry. Then you open it up to the public and have events like Charity Preview where people will be sharing content … and reaching global audiences through their phone, I think that shows the value still of having all that under one roof.”
Brussels Opens with Global Firsts
Detroit isn’t the only city hosting a major automotive event this January. Over in Belgium, the Brussels Motor Show has just opened its doors and is expected to be the largest European car exhibition of the year.
Arguably the standout reveal in Brussels is the global premiere of the Kia EV2, which was detailed earlier today. The show will also host several European debuts, including the newest generation Hyundai Nexo and two recent Hyundai concept vehicles: the Concept Three and the Insteroid.
Other vehicles featured at the Brussels event include an updated Alfa Romeo Tonale, the all-new Alpine A390, Leapmotor’s B03X, and a number of Nio models, among them its entry-level Firefly. Renault’s newly unveiled Twingo will also be on display.
