The most surprising new car models of 2026

With rising competition and shifting consumer trends changing the playing field, each of the cars listed below bring something fresh to the table – and these are only the ones we know about right now.

Let’s check them out.

Ford Bronco New Energy

Ford will take on the evergreen Toyota RAV4 later this year with an all-new range-extender EV/hybrid model wearing a very old nameplate.

Badged as the Bronco New Energy in China, where it is set to arrive from to keep pricing ultra-competitive, this is a monocoque-bodied mid-sized SUV, and will act as the very-late replacement for the unsuccessful Escape.

Under the chunky bonnet will be a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine and LFP battery (supplied by BYD) offering about 200km of electricity-only range or around 1200km-plus combined. An EV version is also on the cards for Australia later on.

Mazda CX-6e

Mazda is finally re-entering the EV SUV market in Australia after the failure of the oddball MX-30 coupe of 2021 with the CX-6e, and has the Tesla Model Y firmly in its sights.

Due in the second half of this year, this is a development of the existing Deepal S07, due to a model-sharing agreement with China’s Chongqing Changan Automobile Co, but with unique styling and specific Mazda chassis tuning for a sportier look and feel.

To be made in China, count on a circa-$50,000 starting price, high equipment levels and a big battery offering competitive range.

Geely EX2

Sales of city cars have been slipping for years, but a reversal of fortune is forecast thanks to an all-new EV coming our way from China.

Expected to be priced against the ground-breaking BYD Atto 1 EV that starts from under $25,000, the Geely EX2 is a slightly larger and more crossover-shaped hatchback that has taken its home-market by storm since debuting there in 2024.

Reasons for the latter’s popularity include attractive styling, excellent interior space utilisation, decent range from its battery-electric powertrain and reasonable value.

Volvo EX60

New from the ground up, the Volvo EX60 will be positioned as the more-progressive, EV-only alternative to the ageing XC60 series.

The headline news here is up to 800km of WLTP-rated battery range in the coming P12 AWD version. Up from 620km in the regular models, the Swedish mid-sized SUV EV breaks new ground and reduces range anxiety for potential buyers, due in part to advanced engineering that sees impressive efficiency gains

Aimed at the likes of the BMW iX3, there will also be a jacked-up Cross Country variant. Look for sales to start in the second half of this year.

Mitsubishi Pajero

Already spotted in heavy camouflage testing in southern Australia, the as-yet unveiled Pajero revives the now-dormant 4x4 wagon nameplate as Mitsubishi’s answer to the Toyota Prado, Nissan Patrol and Ford Everest.

Not much is known other than it will likely be based on the Triton ute’s chassis, for toughness as well as off-road capability, with four-cylinder turbo-diesel and – perhaps a little later on – hybrid petrol engine choices on offer.

Honda Super-ONE

Honda Australia has confirmed that this funky electric urban supermini will debut locally later this year as an inexpensive alternative to the Mini Cooper EV.

The appeal here is sports-car handling and agility, in the vein of traditional “hot hatches” like the classic Peugeot 205 GTi of the 1980s, to help lure driving enthusiasts as well as buyers seeking a quality, affordable EV runabout.

The city-friendly pert dimensions and retro styling are further drawcards, as Honda doubles down against Chinese rivals like the BYD Atto 1 and Geely EX2.

Image credit 2026 Mitsubishi Pajero: TikTok render