After being canceled last year due to the pandemic, the LA Auto Show made a triumphant return, hosting some major model debuts from track-focused sports cars like the bonkers Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS to Toyota and Subaru's first-ever electric cars and futuristic concepts like the Hyundai Seven Concept and Kia EV9 Concept. These are the star cars of the 2021 LA Auto Show.
2022 Fisker Ocean
After the production model debuted in 2019, the production-spec Fisker Ocean finally debuted at the 2021 LA Auto Show. With its sleek styling, a range of over 350 miles, and a starting price tag of $37,499, the Fisker Ocean has the potential to be a Tesla Model Y killer when production begins late next year.
Hyundai Seven Concept
The Seven Concept previews the Hyundai Ioniq 9, a flagship electric SUV that will be sold alongside the Ioniq 5 hatchback and Ioniq 6 sedan. Hyundai's "category-bending" SUV features a futuristic design incorporating the Ioniq 5's Parametric Pixels design language for the headlights and a lounge-like interior with a curved bench seat and swivel chairs.
2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid
After the new Sportage debuted last month, the new 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid made its world debut in LA. The new electrified Sportage packs a 1.6-liter turbocharged GDI engine and a 44-kW electric motor producing a combined 226 horsepower while offering 39 mpg with front-wheel drive and over 500 miles of driving range, as well as class-leading interior space.
Kia Concept EV9
As Kia ramps up its electrification efforts with the aim to become an all-electric brand by 2023, the EV9 Concept previews a future flagship electric SUV that will effectively be an electric version of the Telluride. Riding on the same Electric Global Modular Platform as the EV6, the EV9 offers three rows of seats and a range of over 300 miles on a single charge.
2022 Land Rover Range Rover
Setting the standard for ultra-luxury SUVs all over again, the all-new 2022 Range Rover made its motor show debut in LA. While the styling is evolutionary, the new Range Rover rides on a new architecture and the cabin is more opulent than ever. A mild-hybrid 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six and a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 will be available at launch, followed by plug-in hybrid and all-electric variants in the future.
2022 Lexus LX
After making its public debut at SEMA, the 2022 Lexus LX was showcased in Ultra Luxury and F Sport trims at the 2021 LA Auto Show. Serving as the automaker's flagship SUV, the new LX ditches its predecessor's V8 in favor of a new 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 409 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque and features a redesigned interior with improved tech.
2023 Nissan Ariya
The Nissan Ariya was revealed back in 2019, but after numerous delays, Nissan's electric crossover was shown off in LA before deliveries begin in 2022. Nissan's Tesla Model Y rival is one of the most attractive electric crossovers we've seen in a long time and has the potential to be an even bigger hit than the best-selling Leaf.
2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS
Put simply, the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS is the most extreme Cayman ever made, with aggressive aero, less weight, increased downforce, and, more power, which is provided by the 911 GT3's naturally aspirated flat-six producing 493 hp and 317 lb-ft. The sprint from 0-60 mph in this track monster takes 3.2 seconds before the GT4 RS maxes out at 196 mph. Still need a 911?
2022 Porsche Taycan GTS
Slotting between the 4S and Turbo, the new Taycan GTS sedan and Sport Turismo debuted on the west coast as new mid-range variants of Porsche's first electric sports car with a dual motor setup generating 590 horsepower. Compared to the Cross Turismo, the new Sport Turismo features a lower ride height and a body-colored rear spoiler.
2023 Subaru Solterra
Better late than never, Subaru is joining the EV party with the Solterra. Co-developed with Toyota, Subaru's first-ever electric SUV rides on the e-Subaru Global Platform and comes with the Japanese automaker's signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with two electric motors, with one on each axle producing a combined 215 horsepower and 248-lb-ft of torque. On a single charge, Subaru estimates the Solterra will offer a range of over 220 miles.
2022 Toyota bZ4X
Previewed by a concept earlier this year, the Toyota bZ4X is the Japanese automaker's first of several EVs that will launch under its new beyond Zero brand. Unlike its near-identical Subaru Solterra sibling, the bZ4X is offered with either FWD or AWD. In the latter, two electric motors combined to produce 214 hp. On a single charge, the more efficient FWD variant offers 250 miles on a single charge.
2022 VinFast VF e35 & VF e36
Vietnam's VinFast is going global. At the LA Auto Show, Vietnam's only carmaker presented the VF e35 and e36, two electric SUVs styled by Pininfarina that are coming to America. Available with either a 197-hp single electric motor or a dual motor setup producing 398 hp, the e35 will compete with the Tesla Model Y and Volkswagen ID.4, whereas the e36 is a Tesla Model X rival with three rows of seats, a dual-motor setup with 402 hp, and a range of up to 422 miles. Both models offer semi-autonomous driving assists and will go on sale in the US next year.