Looking for the most important upcoming cars in 2026? The final months of 2026 are bringing several significant new vehicles to U.S. buyers, from Toyota's first three-row battery-electric Highlander and Lexus' first three-row EV to new Mercedes electric and performance SUVs and an updated Porsche Taycan.
8 New Cars and SUVs Expected in the U.S. Before the End of 2026
This DriveSpecLab guide focuses on manufacturer-confirmed or officially scheduled late-2026 U.S. arrivals, followed by a separate watchlist for important 2027 models whose exact U.S. timing is still developing.
Upcoming Cars in the U.S. by December 31, 2026
| Model | Type | Expected U.S. Timing | Headline Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Toyota Highlander | 3-row EV SUV | Late 2026 | Up to 320-mile manufacturer estimate |
| 2027 Lexus TZ | Luxury 3-row EV | Late 2026 | Starts at $64,050 |
| 2027 Mercedes GLC 400 Electric | Luxury EV SUV | Second half 2026 | 483 hp and high-power DC charging |
| 2027 Mercedes S 580e | Luxury PHEV sedan | Q4 2026 | 576-hp combined output |
| 2027 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 680 | Ultra-luxury SUV | Later 2026 | Updated V8 and luxury technology |
| 2027 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S | Performance SUV | Fall 2026 | 603-hp V8 |
| 2027 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 | Performance 3-row SUV | Fall 2026 | 603-hp V8 |
| 2027 Porsche Taycan | Electric sports sedan | Fall 2026 | E-Shift, NACS and 105-kWh battery |
1. 2027 Toyota Highlander — Now Fully Electric
One of the biggest changes among the new cars coming in late 2026 is the transformation of the Toyota Highlander into a battery-electric SUV.
The fifth-generation Highlander becomes Toyota's first three-row battery-electric vehicle for the U.S. market and seats up to seven passengers.
Toyota will offer XLE and Limited grades. XLE buyers can choose front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, while selected AWD configurations use the larger 95.8-kWh battery.
The Highlander also introduces vehicle-to-load capability, Toyota Safety Sense technology and a standard 14-inch touchscreen.
Toyota says U.S. sales are expected to begin in late 2026 and continue rolling out into early 2027. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.
2. 2027 Lexus TZ — Lexus' First Three-Row Electric SUV
The 2027 Lexus TZ is one of the most important upcoming luxury EVs because it expands Lexus into the three-row electric SUV segment for the first time.
Premium, Premium Touring and Luxury grades are planned. Available technology includes Dynamic Rear Steering, a large panoramic roof, premium seating features and Lexus Safety System+ 4.0.
Comparing other Lexus SUVs? See our 2027 Lexus RX price, specs and trims guide and 2027 Lexus LX price and specifications for two other important 2027 Lexus models.
Lexus says the TZ is expected to go on sale in the United States in late 2026.
3. 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC 400 4MATIC Electric
Mercedes-Benz is bringing the GLC into a new electric era with the 2027 GLC 400 4MATIC Electric.
The cabin introduces fourth-generation MBUX powered by MB.OS, while available features include the expansive MBUX Hyperscreen, AIRMATIC suspension and rear-axle steering.
Mercedes-Benz says the electric GLC arrives at U.S. dealerships in the second half of 2026. Final U.S. MSRP and EPA range remain to be announced.
4. 2027 Mercedes-Benz S 580e 4MATIC
For buyers who want electric commuting capability without going fully electric, the refreshed 2027 Mercedes-Benz S 580e 4MATIC remains an important plug-in hybrid flagship.
The PHEV combines a turbocharged inline-six engine with an electric motor and all-wheel drive.
Not sure how a plug-in hybrid differs from a conventional hybrid or a full EV? Read our Hybrid vs Plug-In Hybrid vs EV guide before comparing powertrain choices.
The wider 2027 S-Class update adds refreshed lighting, upgraded digital technology and new personalization opportunities.
Mercedes-Benz lists the S 580e for U.S. dealership arrival in Q4 2026. U.S. pricing remains TBA.
5. 2027 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 680
At the top end of the luxury SUV market, the refreshed 2027 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 680 receives a more expressive exterior, an updated V8 powertrain and additional cabin technology.
Changes include a redesigned Maybach-specific grille with illumination, revised lighting, upgraded interior materials, expanded massage functions and the latest MB.OS-based digital experience.
Mercedes-Maybach also highlights improved refinement through additional insulation and powertrain revisions.
The updated Maybach GLS 680 is scheduled to reach U.S. dealerships later in 2026.
6. 2027 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S
The refreshed Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S keeps V8 performance at the heart of AMG's midsize SUV range.
The revised 4.0-liter biturbo V8 produces 603 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque and works with an integrated starter-generator system.
Other updates include revised AMG styling, sophisticated suspension technology and a broader MANUFAKTUR personalization catalog.
7. 2027 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63
The larger 2027 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 brings the same 603-hp V8 formula to a full-size performance SUV with three-row capability.
Mercedes-AMG combines the revised powertrain with AMG Performance 4MATIC+, a nine-speed transmission and AMG-specific chassis technology.
Mercedes says both the updated GLE 63 S and GLS 63 are scheduled to reach U.S. dealerships in fall 2026.
8. 2027 Porsche Taycan — E-Shift, NACS and More Tech
The 2027 Porsche Taycan receives an interesting EV update: Porsche's available E-Shift system brings simulated gear changes and a more emotive electric sound experience.
The 105-kWh Performance Battery Plus becomes standard across the lineup, while the passenger-side DC fast-charging port becomes NACS-native for the U.S. market.
Other upgrades include new infotainment software, AI-enhanced voice control and faster smartphone wireless charging.
For another upcoming Porsche EV, see our full 2027 Porsche Cayenne Electric price, specs and new-features guide.
Porsche says 2027 Taycan deliveries begin in the United States in fall 2026. The base MSRP excludes Porsche's stated delivery, processing and handling fee.
Upcoming 2027 Cars to Watch
The following vehicles deserve attention, but their currently available manufacturer information does not support placing them in exactly the same confirmed-before-December-31 category as the eight models above.
2027 Lexus NX
The updated Lexus NX moves to a fully electrified Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid lineup.
Lexus says the vehicle will become available across global markets by the end of 2026, but the initial announcement does not provide the same specific U.S. on-sale timing as the Lexus TZ.
Highlights include more than 40 miles of manufacturer-estimated EV driving range on select PHEV configurations, DC fast charging for the plug-in hybrid, a standard 14-inch touchscreen and Lexus Safety System+ 4.0.
We have a separate detailed breakdown of the 2027 Lexus NX Hybrid and PHEV, including its range, charging, trims and new features.
2027 Toyota Tundra
The 2027 Tundra receives updated styling, new technology and a new Trailhunter package.
Toyota says additional specifications and pricing are planned closer to launch. Because the announcement does not provide the same clear customer-delivery window as the confirmed models above, the Tundra remains in our watchlist.
2027 Toyota Sequoia
Toyota is also updating the 2027 Sequoia with revised styling, more technology and a newly available Trailhunter package.
Because its customer-sale timing is less specific than the confirmed launches above, we are keeping the 2027 Sequoia in the watchlist until Toyota provides clearer dealership timing.
2027 Audi Q9 and SQ9
Audi has officially confirmed the all-new full-size 2027 Audi Q9 and SQ9 flagship SUVs for the U.S. market.
One of the important U.S. technology announcements is the arrival of adaptive Digital Matrix LED headlights on the Q9 family.
The models remain important vehicles to follow, but until a sufficiently clear late-2026 U.S. dealership-arrival window is published, they remain in the DriveSpecLab watchlist.
Late-2026 Launch Timeline
Why the End of 2026 Is Important for U.S. Car Buyers
The late-2026 launch calendar highlights several important automotive trends.
First, three-row electrification is expanding. Toyota is transforming the Highlander into a full EV, while Lexus is entering the premium three-row electric segment with the TZ.
Second, next-generation charging and software are becoming increasingly important. New EVs such as the Highlander, electric GLC and updated Taycan place charging connectivity and digital features near the center of their product strategies.
Third, high-performance combustion engines are not disappearing immediately. Mercedes-AMG is simultaneously introducing updated 603-hp V8 versions of the GLE 63 S and GLS 63.
The result is a late-2026 market where shoppers can choose among pure EVs, plug-in hybrids and high-output V8 SUVs rather than moving in only one technological direction.
Which Late-2026 Model Fits Different Buyers?
| Buyer Need | Model to Research | Why It Stands Out |
|---|---|---|
| Electric family SUV | 2027 Toyota Highlander | Three rows, up to 320-mile manufacturer estimate and NACS |
| Luxury three-row EV | 2027 Lexus TZ | DIRECT4 AWD and up to 300-mile manufacturer estimate |
| Premium EV technology | Mercedes GLC 400 Electric | 483 hp and new-generation Mercedes digital technology |
| Luxury PHEV sedan | Mercedes S 580e | 576-hp combined output with plug-in capability |
| Performance SUV | AMG GLE 63 S | 603-hp V8 in a midsize performance SUV |
| Three-row performance SUV | AMG GLS 63 | 603-hp V8 with full-size SUV practicality |
| Ultra-luxury SUV | Maybach GLS 680 | High-end comfort, craftsmanship and revised powertrain |
| Electric sports sedan | 2027 Porsche Taycan | E-Shift, NACS integration and updated digital technology |
DriveSpecLab Take
The most important story of the final months of 2026 is not simply that more EVs are arriving. It is the increasing variety of electrified and performance vehicles.
Toyota is turning one of America's familiar family SUVs into an EV, Lexus is entering three-row electric luxury, Mercedes is combining EV, plug-in-hybrid and V8 performance launches, and Porsche continues to refine the Taycan.
At the same time, models such as the updated AMG SUVs show that buyers looking for traditional high-output performance will still have combustion-engine alternatives.
For shoppers planning a new-vehicle purchase near the end of 2026, comparing these late-year arrivals with vehicles already sitting on dealer lots may therefore be worth the extra research.
Frequently Asked Questions
What new cars are coming to the U.S. before the end of 2026?
Manufacturer-scheduled late-2026 arrivals include the electric Toyota Highlander, Lexus TZ, Mercedes GLC 400 Electric, Mercedes S 580e, Mercedes-Maybach GLS 680, AMG GLE 63 S, AMG GLS 63 and updated Porsche Taycan.
Is the 2027 Toyota Highlander electric?
Yes. The redesigned 2027 Highlander for the U.S. uses a battery-electric powertrain and becomes Toyota's first three-row BEV for the U.S. market.
When will the 2027 Toyota Highlander go on sale?
Toyota says sales are expected to begin in late 2026 and continue into early 2027.
How much will the 2027 Lexus TZ cost?
Lexus says the 2027 TZ will start at $64,050 including its stated delivery, processing and handling fee.
When will the Mercedes GLC Electric arrive in the U.S.?
Mercedes-Benz says the 2027 GLC 400 4MATIC Electric is scheduled to reach U.S. dealerships in the second half of 2026.
Is a new Porsche Taycan coming in 2026?
Yes. Porsche says model-year 2027 Taycan deliveries begin in fall 2026 with updates including E-Shift, NACS fast-charging connectivity and new infotainment technology.
Are the 2027 Audi Q9 and SQ9 coming to the U.S.?
Yes. Audi has officially confirmed the 2027 Q9 and SQ9 flagship SUVs for U.S. customers. They remain in this article's watchlist until a sufficiently clear late-2026 dealership-arrival window is confirmed.
Will more 2027 cars be announced before December?
Additional 2027 model information can still be released during the fall. DriveSpecLab adds vehicles to the confirmed section only when manufacturer information supports their U.S. timing.
Official Sources
Toyota USA — 2027 Toyota Highlander
Mercedes-Benz USA — 2027 GLC 400 Electric
Mercedes-Benz USA — 2027 S-Class
Mercedes-Benz USA — Mercedes-Maybach GLS 680
Mercedes-AMG — GLE 63 S and GLS 63
Porsche Newsroom USA — 2027 Taycan
Toyota USA — 2027 Toyota Tundra
Editorial update: Information checked September 24, 2026. Manufacturer-estimated range figures are not final EPA ratings unless specifically stated otherwise. MSRP, specifications, equipment, availability and launch schedules can change before vehicles reach dealerships. Manufacturer press images remain subject to the respective manufacturer's media-use terms.
