In a sea of big, long, technologically-advanced cars full of screens and AI and LiDAR and self-driving tech, one car stood out. With brown matte paint, this car was wedge-shaped and stylistically chic. Sure, there are plenty of classy, well-finished, and well-styled manufacturers from China’s domestic manufacturers, but this felt new. It felt fresh, and most importantly, it wasn’t a time-wasting concept meant to gauge opinion or preview a new model, but an actual production car with specifications and plans to enter China’s market within the next few weeks.

Imagine my suprise for me to walk to the front of the stand and saw a round grey “H” on the front of the car. It was a Hyundai, the new Ioniq V. “It’s a striking car, that’s for damn sure,” I said to myself, walking from Xiaomi’s stand to Geely’s stand at this year’s Beijing Auto Show. For once, I didn’t feel so pessimistic when it came to non-Chinese automakers in China. Based on vibes alone, it felt like at least one non-Chinese automaker understood where it went wrong and wanted to right the ship, so to speak. 

Photo by: Kevin Williams/InsideEVs

Two Years Ago, Legacy Brands Were Asleep At The Wheel

This was a marked improvement from the first time I had come to China, in 2024. That was one of the first shows China had after removing its COVID-19 contact tracing and quarantine requirements, allowing for significantly easier entry and exit to the country. At the time, I only knew what I had read about, mostly in Western media and via translated versions of Auto Sina or Autohome, and digital conversations with executives and other on-the-ground Chinese automotive enthusiasts. 

It was safe to say that there was a lot of riff-raff about China’s New Energy Vehicle market (NEV), with many in the West insisting that China’s car market was mostly fake, and that the reasons as to why so-called “Western” brands were losing against China’s homegrown car industry were largely due to unfairly low prices from China’s home brands. Seemingly every other news piece before I had gone to China had been automakers complaining about their sales and profitability woes in China, with news of retreat. Some hawks tried to blame it all on IP theft, trying to justify where their profit had gone.

It took me all of 15 minutes at the 2024 Beijing Auto Show to realize that what I was told here in the West wasn’t the full story. Sure, perhaps the incentives from China’s federal, provincial, and municipal governments definitely helped its EV industry develop probably faster than it would have otherwise, but once again, that ain’t the point. What I saw on the ground was that by and large, cars with “Western” badges were crap. They were old designs, with not-great interiors, basic infotainment, and none of the high-tech stuff that China’s car buyers had come to expect from its home-grown brands. 

China’s own brands had clearly innovated and created cars that were tailor-made for what its people wanted, and they had done so very quickly. By comparison, the non-Chinese competition felt low-rent, basic, and sometimes poorly made, for prices that were much higher than China’s homegrown brands. 

In 2026, They Came Back Swinging

But this time around, at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show, it felt like legacy automotive brands had learned their lesson. The Hyundai Ioniq V is one of the most visible examples of a true renaissance from non-Chinese automakers to fight back in the country. The design felt fresh, but more importantly, it seems like Hyundai had taken its time to really listen and craft out a product that’s correct for China. The ADAS system came from Momenta, one of China’s autonomous-driving pioneers, and could end up being on par with the ones we’ve seen from China’s leaders, like Xpeng. For once, it felt like the car wasn’t lacking when it came to the rest of China’s very competitive market.

Photo by: Kevin Williams/InsideEVs

I’ve been using the Ioniq V as an example, but it wasn’t the only brand that came out in full force. Volkswagen showed off a series of near-production level models and concepts, like the ID Aura, T6, ID. ERA 9X  and ID UNYX 08. Buick is back with a recently launched version of the GL8 Encasa and Electra E7, both available in extended range EV (EREV) and full EV form. Mazda has leaned into its EZ-60 crossover with a full EV to supplement its EREV. Even in the concept realm, Peugeot and Citroen reaffirmed their commitment to China with swanky concepts that are refreshingly eye-catching compared to the low-effort slop it currently sells in China.

By China, For China, with China’s Speed

Whatever the case, China is now an unignorable part of the global automotive landscape. It is the largest car market for both car sales overall and for EV sales specifically; it’s a trendsetter, point blank. Although many Western brands are rethinking their China strategy, some think that retreating from China won’t solve any brand’s issues. Inevitably, the trends that China has started will spread across the globe. 

Like it or not, the rest of the world will have to keep up with China and how quickly it moves. That’ll likely require working in close quarters with China’s homegrown automakers. “The only path forward for legacy auto in China is to partner with Chinese tech companies,” wrote Tu Le, of Sino Auto Insights. 

“Even still, the companies that currently seem to be in retreat feel deep down in their hearts that eventually, by continuing to refine and pump future products designed and developed locally full of ‘local’ features, they can eventually launch products that can compete in the Chinese domestic market. And then they’ll recapture some past glory,” he continued.

Photo by: Volkswagen

That was the trend at this year’s auto show. Perhaps the taglines are a little cliché, but VW and Hyundai both used the same “China Speed” and “By China, For China” buzzwords, with the goals of reversing the collapse of sales in China. The Hyundai Ioniq V is said to be developed in partnership with  BAIC (Beijing Automotive Group), using local Chinese suppliers and tech companies for its infotainment and ADAS software. Similarly, Volkswagen made a big deal about speeding up its development and relying more on its local partnerships. It’s ID. Era, ID. Aura, and ID. Unyx (and AUDI) models are developed in conjunction with Xpeng and SAIC, and made by its local joint ventures. These partnerships are meant to jumpstart sales and get these big brands back on track in China. Hyundai said its Ioniq V is part of a push to grow sales to 500,000 units per year in China by 2030.

Will it Work?

Still, just because you try again doesn’t mean it’ll succeed. “Even with these local partnerships, there’s no guarantee for future growth and success. It just helps them survive the moment,” wrote Le. 

Author of Driving The Dragon, and Chinese car market expert, Mark Andrews, also seconds Le’s assessment, insisting that legacy automakers are trying to do better in China’s car market by aligning themselves closer with Chinese automakers. Still, Andrews isn’t convinced that it is necessarily a winning proposition.“Whether they’ll actually be successful is debatable. Wang Chuanfu, BYD’s CEO, in 2024 predicted that the JVs’ share of the market would fall to just 10% in 3-5 years,” he wrote via e-mail. Andrews said that there are new headwinds in China’s car market and the economy as a whole. China’s economy is slowing, and there is evidence that consumers are becoming less willing to buy new cars. Also, the car market’s growth is stagnating, with a lot of Chinese automakers’ growth coming from overseas markets. It doesn’t do too much good to foreign manufacturers trying to rekindle sales in China if China as a whole is less able to buy its own cars. 

Photo by: Kevin Williams/InsideEVs

Still, we’ve already seen some modest successes from brands that have gone all-in with cooperation with China’s homegrown EV makers. The Kia EV5, based on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform but developed for China, has helped the brand increase its sales by nearly 50% between 2023 and 2024. The Dongfeng-based Nissan N7 and NX8 sedan and crossover EVs have both had healthy preorders and sales. Buick’s GL8 Encasa and Electra cars, based on its Xiao Yao platform (developed with SAIC), have both received warm critical reception in China. Toyota’s GAC-based bZ3x is the best-selling SUV made by a joint venture in China, moving 80,000 units in its first year on the market. 

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To me, those promising numbers say that success is very much possible, and that at the end of the day, the collapse of non-Chinese brands in China had much to do with the quality and execution of the cars themselves. And if China gets better cars, I think it bodes well for the rest of the world, because a rising tide lifts all ships. Even if those “ships” never make it to American shores. 

Contact the author: kevin.williams@insideevs.com 

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MELBOURNE played host to one of the largest motor shows in recent memory last weekend, the three-day event featuring more brands over more floor space than previously, attracting record crowds. 

 

In terms of scale and public interest, it was reminiscent of the last Australian International Motor Show to be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) back in 2011. 

 

Organisers estimate that as many as 120,000 visitors attended the sold-out three-day event (up 45,000+ from 2025), doubling its previous footprint by using all 20 MCEC bays. 

 

Primarily centred on Chinese new energy manufacturers – including BYD, Denza, Farizon, GAC, Geely, GWM, JAC, MG Motor, Polestar, Smart, and Zeekr – the event was balanced by more established players that included Harley Davidson, Honda, Isuzu Ute, Kia, Renault, Skoda, Tesla, and Volkswagen, alongside dozens of aftermarket suppliers, car clubs, and automotive accessory vendors. 

 

In a boon for crowds, the 2026 Melbourne Motor Show also hosted the Australian public debut of several new models from a wide range of brands, the highlights of which we have included below. 

 

Some brands also brought in models sold in other markets and under consideration for Australia, displaying them to gauge public reaction. 

 

 

Denza Z9GT  

 

Powered by BYD’s next-generation Blade Battery 2.0, the Denza Z9GT offers ‘Flash’ ultra-fast charging (available only at selected Denza dealerships at launch) that will offer peak DC charging of 1500kW, enabling a 10-97 per cent charge time claim of just nine minutes. 

 

For the flagship battery electric version coming to Australia, driving range is listed at 820km and system output 850kW via a three-motor, all-wheel drive configuration. Denza also produces not-for Australia plug-in hybrid and a rear-drive options. 

 

The Denza Z9GT is said to accelerate from 0-100km/h in a claimed 2.7 seconds, and rides on DiSus-A air suspension that is said to offer grand touring levels of ride comfort and handling confidence. 

 

Inside, the cabin décor pays tribute to “centuries on Chinese mastery in exquisite design” and includes highlights such as Nappa leather upholstery, massaging seats, a 50-inch segmented head-up display, Devialet premium audio bundle, and 128-colour LED ambient lighting to name but a few. 

 

“The Denza Z9GT proves the electrification can deliver not just efficiency, but exhilarating performance, extraordinary safety, and genuine long-distance usability,” said Denza Australia chief operating officer Mark Harland. 

 

Pricing and further specifications will be revealed when the model goes on sale in Q3 this year. 

 

IM Motor LS9

Touted as a large, high-technology, luxury large three-row SUV, the IM Motor LS9 demonstrates “the future direction of intelligent electric mobility” for MG Motor’s premium brand. 

 

The LS9 is offers highlights such as four-wheel steering, lidar-based advanced driver assistance systems, artificial intelligence computing platforms, and “high-level automated driving features”. 

 

An 800-volt electrical platform pairs with dual electric motors and a range-extending petrol engine to deliver an output of 390kW/670Nm and driving range of up to 1500km on the more lenient CLTC scale. 

 

Inside, the LS9 is said to emphasise a “highly digital and premium cabin experience” with large, integrated displays, advanced connectivity, and “luxury seating configurations” that are designed to position the model as a “flagship technology showcase”. 

 

Geely EX2  

 

Offered with complimentary home charging equipment, the EX2 will join the EX5 (electric) and Starray EM-i (plug-in hybrid) medium SUVs in Geely’s expanding local line-up and is offered with a choice of six paint colours, a single electric motor, rear-wheel drive dynamics, a sophisticated multi-link rear suspension layout, and efficient liquid cooled battery. 

 

While specifications and pricing are yet to be announced, the model is expected to be competitively placed to take on similar-sized entrants from Chinese importers, including those of the BYD Dolphin, GAC Aion UT and MG 4 Urban. 

 

Zeekr X 

Zeekr revealed full specifications and pricing for its updated ‘X’ compact SUV ahead of the model’s May launch, the battery electric crossover positioned as “one of the strongest value offerings in the segment”, according to its manufacturer. 

 

The five-seat Zeekr X is priced from $48,900 drive-away ($8000 less than when the X launched Down Under in September 2024) and offers the choice of rear- or all-wheel drive configurations delivering 250kW and 365kW of output respectively, and a driving range of up to 415km on the WLTP cycle. 

 

Standstill to 100km/h acceleration times for the duo are listed at 5.6 seconds and 3.7 seconds respectively, with an improved Golden Battery (LFP) pack optimised to offer 230kW DC fast charging for a 10-80 per cent charge time claim of just 18 minutes. 

 

The Zeekr X is said to deliver a “richer suite of in-cabin convenience and technology” introducing previously optional features as standard. 

 

These include heated first- and second-row seats, inductive steering wheel controls, a 13-speaker Yamaha surround sound audio system, and, on the AWD variant, massaging front seats plus an on-board fridge. 

 

With more advanced safety and driver assistance technologies than before, Zeekr Australia managing director Frank Li says the Zeekr X looks set to make its mark in a highly competitive segment, without asking a premium for the privilege. 

 

“Our customers have embraced the Zeekr X for its design, intelligence, and everyday practicality,” he said. 

 

“With the new model, we’ve added more performance, faster charging, and more features and standard, while keeping pricing competitive. 

 

“It offers genuine luxury EV credentials without pushing beyond what buyers expect to pay.” 

 

Volkswagen Tayron and Tiguan eHybrid 

 

Available in Elegance and R Line grades, the plug-in hybrid SUV duo is around $2000 and $3000 pricier than their petrol derivatives but offer fuel-saving 1.5-litre petrol-electric drivelines outputting 150kW and 200kW respectively and offering a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of as low as 1.6 litres per 100km. 

 

Electric-only driving range is listed at 113km and 117km for the pair, while rapid DC charging is rated at up to 40kW, allowing a 10-80 per cent top-up of the 19.7kWh battery in around 30 minutes. 

 

The front-wheel drive pair is available in five-seat format only, owing to the placement of the high-voltage battery pack. 

 

Initial customer deliveries are expected imminently. 

 

Farizon V7E and F3E 

 

 

Importer Jameel Motors Australia says the V7E delivers payload (over 1300kg) and cargo capacity (6.95m3) that is comparable with traditional ICE-powered vans, right-sized proportions, and “efficient electric performance suited to urban delivery environments”. 

 

“The V7E has been developed to meet the real expectations of commercial vehicle operators … with pricing that sits competitively alongside traditional ICE vans,” said Jameel Motors Australia country general manager Adam Lawson. 

 

Customer deliveries of the V7E are expected to commence in May with further specification details available soon. 

 

GWM Ora 5 

At the other end of the performance spectrum to the likes of the Denza Z9GT, but still with a lot of offer prospective battery electric vehicle buyers, is the GWM Ora 5 SUV. 

 

Replacing the unloved Ora hatch from an sharp $33,990 plus on-road costs, the Ora 5 SUV is slated to arrive in Australian showrooms from June, offering 150kW/260Nm of system output, seating for five, a 58.3kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, and up to 430km of WLTC driving range. 

 

 

It offers a long list of standard inclusions such as vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, LED headlighting, a 14.6-inch infotainment array, over-the-air (OTA) software updates, a 362-litre boot, and a palette of five vivid colours. 

 

 

Honda Prelude 

 

Offered in a single grade, and in five colours, the Prelude returns to Honda’s line-up after a 25-year hiatus, bringing with it new technologies, a stylish two-door body design, a performance chassis (based on the Honda Civic Type R) and a “confidence-inspiring drive” that fosters the “ultimate connection between human and machine”. 

 

Part of that connection comes from Honda’s new S+ Shift technology that debuts on the Prelude, offering a simulated sound and feel that is said to resemble a quick-shifting automatic transmission with an “evocative engine sound” – all at the push of a button. 

 

Speaking at the Melbourne Motor Show, Honda Australia director Andrew Thorp said the 2026 Prelude is a bold reinterpretation of the original model that brings the joy of driving into the hybrid era. 

 

“The 2026 Prelude is a bold interpretation of an iconic driver’s car for the hybrid era, developed from the same dreams and with the same spirit and ambition as the first Prelude back in 1978,” he enthused. 

 

MG 4 EV, MG 4 Urban, HS Hybrid +, S6 EV, U9 EV, and U9 Black Edition  

 

The reveal of the updated MG 4 EV introduces what the Chinese importer says is a family-sized electric hatchback bringing “even stronger technology, enhanced cabin quality, and engaging performance and improved driving” to the range, changes that come from customer feedback. 

 

With an improved driving range, larger infotainment screen, the option of rear- and all-wheel drive the MG 4 EV offers a driving range of up to 452km (WLTP). 

 

MG Motor also introduced its new S6 EV to Melbourne crowds, the mid-sized electric SUV featuring a high-capacity battery that offers a driving range of up to 530km (WLTP) and a fast DC charging time of 38 minutes (based on a 10-80 per cent top-up). 

 

The importer says it will offer the S6 EV in both rear- and all-wheel drive configurations but has kept full specifications and pricing under wraps until the model is launched later this year. 

 

 

The “next evolutions of the U9 story” mark what MG Motor says is an important step in its electrification journey, moving into a category that “continues to be one of the most popular among Australian drivers”. 

 

More information on the U9 EV and Black Edition will be available soon, with official launch timing to be revealed “at a later date”. 

 

 

MG Motor Australia managing director Dimitri Andreatidis said the model is part of the brand’s broader ambition of lowering the barriers to electrification by offering electric vehicles with pricing comparable to similarly sized petrol-powered cars while still delivering a “balanced mix of technology, range, and convenience features”. 

 

 

Released late last year, the MG HS Hybrid + is available from $40,990 drive-away, and is said to place a strong emphasis on comfort and practicality designed to support everyday duties. 

 

“Not every driver is ready to go fully electric, and that’s where hybrids play an important role,” added Mr Andreatidis. 

 

“Vehicles like the MG HS Hybrid+ provide a practical bridge, delivering strong efficiency gains without requiring chargers.” 

 

Renault Master and Symbioz  

Renault showcased both its latest generation Master van (due in showrooms from June) and its new Symbioz compact SUV in Melbourne, alongside a range of offerings from its current portfolio. 

 

 

With a choice of mid- and long-wheelbase chassis configurations and mid- and high-roof body styles, the model is also available to modify as a camper van or horse carrier, as shown on the Renault stand in Melbourne. 

 

Offering a higher standard of interior finish, a more aerodynamic profile, and a suite of all-new connectivity and safety equipment, the Renault Master is also capable of carrying more than the model replaces, while making more power and torque from the carryover turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine and nine-speed automatic combination (now 125kW/380Nm). 

 

The all-electric Master E-Tech, meanwhile, offers an 87kWh lithium-ion battery pack to deliver more than 400km of driving range and a DC fast-charging capacity of 130kW. 

 

Understood to deliver 105kW/350Nm of system power, The Master E-Tech is also expected to land with a 15-80 per cent recharge time of 38 minutes. 

 

 

The mild hybrid powertrain consists of a 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine – producing 104kW and 245Nm – and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission while the full hybrid uses a larger 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine – producing 80kW and 107Nm – paired with an electric motor generating 36kW and 205Nm and sourcing electricity from a 1.4kWh battery. 

 

This is good for a claimed WLTP driving range of up to 1000km, says Renault. 

 

Its hybrid system can use electric power only during acceleration up to 60km/h, which Renault says reduces fuel consumption by 40 per cent. 

 

Full Australian specifications, pricing and official arrival times are yet to be confirmed, but a 10.4-inch infotainment screen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, Google Built-in services, a dimming panoramic sunroof, sliding rear seats, and 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels are listed as key equipment highlights. 

 

BYD Seal 6 and Shark 6 

 

 

Rivalling Toyota’s popular Camry, the Seal 5 features BYD’s ‘DM 5.0 Super Hybrid’ powertrain technology comprising a 1.5-litre Atkinson cycle four-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor, a 10.1kWh or 19.0kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) Blade battery, and an all-electric driving range of up to 100km. 

 

Full specifications are set to be announced closer to the model’s imminent release, though it is noted that equipment highlights include an 8.8-inch digital instrument panel, a 12.8-inch infotainment array, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, seven airbags, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, child presence detection, and Level 2 semi-autonomous driving functionality. 

 

Meanwhile, the Shark 6 PHEV utility range is expanded to offer more trim grades, cab-chassis tray options, and a new Performance grade that combines a a larger 2.0-litre engine, with power and torque figures pushed out to 350kW/700Nm. 

 

The 0-100km/h time drops to 5.5 seconds, and towing capacity uprates to 3500kg. The Performance grade also introduces a new Crawl mode – which will also be made available via an over-the-air (OTA) update for the Dynamic and Premium models later this year – joining Mountain mode in the Shark 6’s suite of off-road settings. 

 

Crawl mode is designed to tackle off-road obstacles at slow speeds, limiting the Shark 6 to 20km/h, while making continuous torque adjustments to counter wheel slip. 

 

Full specifications are yet to be officially confirmed for the updated model line-up, but a smaller 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen in the Cab-Chassis (compared to the 15.6-inch found in the Premium and Performance models) comes equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto 

 

A 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, 6.6kW vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, and a full ADAS safety suite including a 360-degree camera are listed among the standard equipment. 

 

The world’s automakers gathered under the bright lights at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show on Thursday to show off some off their latest and greatest new cars, trucks, and SUVs. 

Though there weren’t many major debuts, this year’s show is notable in that nearly all of the flashy new cars unwrapped in Chicago will be in dealers by the end of the year. The redesigned 2020 Subaru Legacy touts a big tech upgrade inside and the allure of more underhood muscle, while a trio of pickup trucks debuted with more features and more power.

Crossover SUVs weren’t left out by any means. Toyota’s RAV4 now comes in TRD Off-Road guise and both Kia and Nissan made life-saving active safety tech more widely available.

Here’s a look at what got our attention at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show:

2020 Subaru Legacy, 2019 Chicago Auto Show

2020 Subaru Legacy

The biggest debut in Chicago was definitely the new Subaru Legacy. The new mid-size sedan is packed with tech and safety features, and it’s offered with a 260-hp turbocharged engine. Importantly, the Legacy also previews the next-generation Subaru Outback, which will almost certainly share the sedan’s 11.6-inch touchscreen and its turbo engine.

The lingering question: When will we see a new Outback? Our magic eight ball says that the New York auto show in April is a good bet. 

2020 Toyota Tacoma

The 2020 Tacoma isn’t a redesign, but it shows that Toyota pays attention. Features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, a passenger’s door sensor for the keyless ignition system, and a retuned suspension on the TRD Pro should address concerns we had with last year’s pickup truck.

The lingering question: With new competition from Ford and Jeep, will the Tacoma hold onto its position as the top-selling mid-size pickup? 

2020 Nissan Rogue Sport

The second-smallest of Nissan’s crossover SUVs hasn’t gone rogue for the new year. Instead, the automaker made active safety take more widely available and tweaked its headlights and taillights. We would have liked to see more power underhood or maybe an electrified option, but we’ll never say “no” to effective safety features. 

The lingering question: Did Nissan do anything to make the Rogue Sport perform better in crash tests? The 2019 model earned a troubling four-star rating from the NHTSA. 

2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road

Toyota will have fun with its stylish new crossover SUV. The 2020 RAV4 TRD Off-Road isn’t a serious mud-plugger, but the automaker wants its compact crossover to get in on the TRD division’s popularity. A Toyota representative told The Car Connection that TRD trims represent about 40 percent of its pickup truck and larger SUV sales, so there’s real potential for the RAV4. 

The lingering question: Do the long-travel shocks and springs make the RAV4 TRD Off-Road better to drive both on- and off-road? 

2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD

With its 35,500-pound maximum trailer-towing rating, the 2020 Chevy Silverado HD is tops among big pickup trucks. Of course, that rating applies to a single version of the new Silverado HD, but this boldly styled big truck will certainly be a formidable lugger when it arrives in dealers this summer.

The lingering question: How long will Chevy hold the towing crown? 

2020 VW Jetta GLI

VW’s under-the-radar sports sedan is back and it’s borrowing some GTI and Golf R go-fast and handle-great bits. It’s more powerful than last year’s model and rides on a much stiffer platform, so our expectations are high. Look for a 6-speed manual transmission and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic when the GLI goes on sale soon.

The lingering question: Will the Jetta GLI once again be a Golf GTI with a trunk? 

2020 Ford F-Series Super Duty

A new gas engine option headlines the 2020 Ford F-Series Super Duty, but the truckmaker isn’t willing to talk towing yet. Does it really matter if it’ll be rated as high as 35,501 pounds to top the Silverado HD? Probably not—and it won’t be with the new gas engine. 

The lingering question: If diesel’s the choice for most heavy duty truck buyers, why bother with a gas engine? Maybe we’ll see it in another Ford… 

2020 Kia Sportage

Toned-down looks and more active safety mark an early 2020 for the Kia Sportage. Kia added some worthwhile collision-avoidance tech to the Sportage’s options list. We like the new, Stinger-inspired front end and the available LED headlights. Good news: the Sportage’s sprightly turbo-4 engine option sticks around. 

The lingering question: Why didn’t Kia make the new active safety tech standard equipment?