The Detroit Auto Show is shifting gears again – and this time, electric vehicles are taking a backseat. Once a hotspot for flashy EV reveals, this year's event (January 15, 2026) shows automakers pivoting toward hybrid tech and hands-on experiences for car enthusiasts.
🔋 What's Changed? While 2024-2025 saw major brands like Ford and GM dominate headlines with electric prototypes, 2026's floor features more retro-inspired combustion engines and augmented reality test drives. Only 3 fully electric models debuted this year compared to 12 in 2025.
🎮 Experience Over Specs Attendees can now race autonomous vehicles in VR simulators and customize cars via AI design stations. 'People want to touch innovation, not just admire it behind ropes,' says show organizer Mia Chen.
🌱 Green Tech Still Present While pure EVs are less prominent, sustainable materials and hydrogen fuel cells emerged as dark horse trends. Toyota's bamboo-interior concept car drew crowds, proving eco-conscious design still resonates.
