If you're looking to switch up your ride this year, there's plenty of new models arriving in showrooms in 2026. That includes a range of new EVs, hybrids, petrol and diesel models.
We’ve chosen 12 newcomers to the market – a mixture of cars, SUVs, pick-ups and vans, so there’s something for everyone!
Did you know?
Almost half a million (473,348) new EVs were registered in the UK in 2025, which makes up 23.4% of the total new car market. That's more than the whole of 2021 and 2022 combined!
Petrol and diesel vehicles are still the biggest sellers. But the growing demand for EVs and hybrids has narrowed that majority to just 51.5%, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Renault Twingo E-Tech
After the success of the Renault 4 and 5 in 2025, the Twingo is the latest iconic model from the French carmaker to be reborn as an EV.
Designed with a nod to the 1992 original, this dinky electric city car is expected to cost less than £20,000.
A small 27.5kWh battery will give the Twingo a range of up to 163 miles, and you can charge it from 10-80% in around 30 minutes.
Toyota Hilux EV
For many, the launch of the all-new, ninth-generation Hilux pick-up truck will be a highlight of 2026.
Toyota's gone the extra mile and included a 100% electric version in the new Hilux range.
The EV's 59.2kWh battery should be good for up to 160 miles of range. Plus, it has a 715kg payload and 1.6-tonne towing capacity.
It'll still be a resilient off-road truck, with front and rear eAxles to secure permanent all-wheel drive.
Hyundai Ioniq 3
This stunning concept car previews the design for Hyundai's new Ioniq 3 electric hatchback.
Expected to start at less than £30,000, it’ll take on the likes of the Kia EV4, Volkswagen ID.3, Cupra Born and MG4 EV.
We don’t know much about the production version of the car yet. But judging by this two-door sports coupe, it’s set to be another winner for the South Korean carmaker!
Kia PV5
Amazing value for money, practical, easy to drive and lots of new tech, Kia's first venture into the world of vans is a real gamechanger.
Also available as a people carrier (Passenger), the PV5 Cargo is all-electric. And they have other variants planned already, including:
- a Chassis Cab – a basic version designed for different third-party conversions, including campervans
- a WAV – a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle
There are two battery options with a range of up to 258 miles – a 10-80% charge will take around 30 minutes.
BMW iX3
Already named overall Car of the Year at the 2026 What Car? Awards, the BMW iX3 family-sized SUV has been developed from the ground up as an EV.
It has a huge potential range of 500 miles and an ultra-fast charging capability. That means you can add 231 miles of range in just 10 minutes.
Priced from £58,755, the iX3 is the beginning of a new era for BMW, with new tech and softer styling.
Plus, it has all the quality, practicality, power and driving engagement we've come to expect from the premium brand.
Mitsubishi L200
After withdrawing from the UK in 2021, Mitsubishi Motors is back this year with new generations of the legendary L200 pick-up truck and Outlander SUV plug-in hybrid.
‘Tougher and more capable than ever’, the Series 7 L200 features aggressive, rugged styling and an interior with advanced technology and quality.
Powered by a large re-engineered 2.4-litre bi-turbo diesel engine, the iconic 4x4 offers a choice of seven drive modes:
- Normal
- Eco
- Gravel
- Snow
- Mud
- Sand
- Rock
Nissan Leaf
The original Nissan Leaf was an EV pioneer when it launched way back in 2011. But the sleek third-generation model in 2026 brings the Leaf right up to date.
With two battery options (52kWh and 75kWh) offering ranges of up to 271 and 386 miles, you shouldn’t worry about running out of range!
The new Leaf also supports 150kW DC fast charging, meaning a 20-80% charge should take around 30 minutes.
Built in Britain at Nissan's giant Sunderland plant, the latest Leaf is priced from £32,249 and eligible for the full UK Electric Car Grant of £3,750.
Volkswagen ID.Polo
Volkswagen has decided to stick with the household name that is the Polo, rather than the ID.2 or ID.2all, for its new small electric hatchback.
About the same size as the current petrol-powered Polo, it’ll offer the VW ID.Polo with two battery sizes and a range close to 280 miles.
Thankfully, Volkswagen has also listened to criticism of its touchscreen-centric interior tech.
That means the ID.Polo will come with a row of proper rocket switches below the screen to control essentials like temperature and fan speed.
There are also physical buttons on the steering wheel, plus a volume knob in the centre console.
Honda Prelude
After 24 years, the much-loved Honda Prelude is back on sale in 2026.
The sporty two-door coupe, now with hybrid power, has a hint of the latest Toyota Prius up front, a rear with a Porsche-like look.
Priced from £40,995, it borrows the tried and tested e:HEV full hybrid system from the Civic, plus the Type R’s suspension.
A claimed 54.3mpg is impressive – plus C02 emissions of just 117g/km.
The new Prelude also features Honda’s new S+ shift system, which is supposed to be like a regular eight-speed transmission with wheel-mounted paddles.
Jaguar Type 00
The first new model from Jaguar is probably the most anticipated new car of 2026 – now transformed into an all-electric luxury marque.
Starting with the controversial new four-door GT (the pink Type 00 concept caused quite a stir!), there won’t be any mistaking this new car on the block.
Riding on 23-inch wheels, it’ll feature a long bonnet, sweeping roofline, no rear window, two butterfly-wing doors, flush surfaces and a slatted panoramic roof.
Kia EV2
Designed and built in Europe, the cute EV2 is Kia's most compact electric vehicle yet.
With styling inspired by some earlier models, the EV3 and EV9, it's expected to start at about £25,000.
It’s available with two battery options, 42.2kWh and 61.0kWh, which will deliver a claimed range of 197 and 278 miles.
The EV2 is surprisingly spacious, with an impressive boot capacity of up to 403 litres, plus a 15-litre 'frunk' under the bonnet.
It’ll also come with Kia's generous seven-year/100,000-mile warranty.
Volvo EX60
The smart new EX60 is Volvo's most important launch for years.
The ageing combustion-engined XC60 is the Swedish brand's biggest-selling car ever – so this all-new, all-electric version has a lot to live up to.
Marketed as a ‘gamechanger’, it has a class-leading range of up to 503 miles on a single charge, cutting-edge infotainment tech, and can charge faster than any Volvo before.
To put that into context, it can add up to 211 miles of range in just 10 minutes when connected to an ultra-fast 400kW charger. And charging from 10-80% should only take around 19 minutes.
Which one are you most excited about?
Gareth Herincx
Motoring journalist
I'm an experienced journalist, digital editor and copywriter, now specialising in motoring. I’m editor of Automotive Blog and have worked across the media in newspapers, magazines, TV, teletext, radio and online for household names including the BBC, GMTV, ITV and MSN. I’ve produced digital content in the financial sector for Lloyds Bank, Nationwide and the Money Advice Service. I'm married with two children and live near Bath in Somerset.
