2026 Detroit  Auto Show: Full Event Schedule

The Detroit Auto Show is making a big comeback in 2026. The auto show has been bouncing around on different dates over the past few years due to the pandemic. However, it appears to be back to its regular schedule in January. This is just right for people who are auto enthusiasts.

The dates for the Detroit Auto Show in the year 2026 are scheduled to take place between the 14th and the 25th of January at the Huntington Place in Detroit. The attendance last year had been recorded at 275,000 visitors, and the economic impact was estimated at $370 million to the city. It is more than just numbers. It is evident in the hotel occupancy and the restaurants.

The 2026 edition looks even bigger. For 2026, there are 41 brands participating, an increase from 34 brands seen in 2025. The list of participants includes key players such as Ford, GM, Stellantis, and Toyota. The fact that they registered first is an indication that the Motor City still counts in the global automotive industry.

Here’s what makes it more than just clicking through some car sites. You can get in these cars. You can talk to the people who built them. There are four interactive track experiences where you can ride along in the cars and be shown what they are capable of by some pros.

NAIAS 2026 Dates, Venue, and Schedule Information

I’d like to walk you through the timeline because it does get a bit confusing. The show is not one thing that is unrolling for 12 days consecutively.

Gallery: This kicks off on January 13 between 6-9 PM. This is where there will be over 50 ultra-luxury vehicles from Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, and Rolls-Royce, to name a few. This costs $250 per person or a pair for $400. This supports Forgotten Harvest to feed families in Southeast Michigan.

Industry Days will take place January 14-15 between 9 AM and 7 PM. This event is for media and industry representatives. During these two days, there would be the Mobility Global Forum with talks and panels on what is to come for the auto industry. The speaker for this occasion would be Pete Buttigieg, former Secretary of Transportation of the U.S.

Charity Preview will be held on January 16 from 5-9 PM. This is the black-tie gala that has raised more than $125 million for children’s charities for over 30 years, dating back to 1976. Robin Thicke will provide the evening’s entertainment. Jalen Rose is Master of Ceremonies.

Public Show days are from Jan 17-25. The event will be open 10 am to 8 pm, except on Sunday, Jan 25. Its closing time will be 7 pm. Tickets will be priced at $20 for adults, $10 for children aged 7-12. Children aged 6 years and under will be free.

Here’s what you should bear in mind if you plan on attending. There will be no admission past 7:45 PM on most days, and 6:45 PM on the last Sunday of the event. They are very strict about this, so don’t show up at 7:50 hoping to get in.

Helpful Links:

Detroit Auto Show 2026 Schedule
Detroit Auto Show 2026 Tickets

Detroit Auto Show 2026 New Updates – Top Announcements & Highlights

There were 34 brands and almost 500 cars at last year’s event. The 41 brands this year imply even more diversity in offerings.

There will be electric cars everywhere. The Detroit Auto Show will again offer the indoor EV Experience with an acceleration lane in excess of 300 feet. The auto goes through a serpentine route. The passenger sits in the auto alongside an experienced driver who helps one go through all the routes. It is one thing to read about the power of torque in an electric motor. It is quite another experience.

The preliminary nominees for the North American Car, Truck, and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards are set to be announced during the event. The car nominations include Dodge Charger, Honda Prelude, and Nissan Sentra. Truck nominees consist of Ford Maverick Lobo and Ram models. Utility nominees include Hyundai Palisade, Lucid Gravity, and Nissan Leaf.

See Also: Winners of 2025 Detroit Auto Show“

Racing Day” comes back this year as part of a partnership with the “Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix.” You’ll get a chance to see IndyCar racing, car demos, and hands-on activities. Watch professional car racing, where a car’s performance will be tested on a tight track if you’ve never attended a similar event before. But one cool newcomer in the world of model autos in the year 2026 is the U.S. premiere of the Levegh model collection. The Parisian company produces highly detailed models scaled at 1/8 of actual size. The detail on these models is nothing short of astonishing.

However, the show is more than just new cars. “Modded Detroit” will feature custom car builds. “Drive the Beat” will feature live performances on the exhibit floor. These add a bit of flair to the event, turning the trade show into a celebration.

2026 Auto Show Highlights: What to Expect

Walking into Huntington Place during auto show week feels electric. The energy is different from any other automotive event.

Electric Vehicle Launches Expected at Detroit Auto Show 2026

The shift to electric is happening fast. Given the way the industry is going, attendees can anticipate a lot of electric vehicles and hybrids on the floor.

Ford will likely showcase updates to the F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E. GM’s Cadillac brand has been leading their EV strategy. Expect to see new Cadillac electric models or updates to existing ones.

Toyota’s presence is interesting because they’ve been slower to embrace full battery-electric vehicles. They prefer hybrid technology. Whatever they bring will show where they think the market is heading.

Hyundai, Nissan, and other brands will display their latest electric offerings. The Nissan Leaf finalist for Utility of the Year represents their commitment to affordable EVs priced under $30,000.

The indoor EV track experience lets you feel the difference electric motors make. Instant torque from a standstill changes how vehicles accelerate. Sitting in the passenger seat while a professional driver demonstrates this is worth the ticket price alone.

Concept Cars and Future Technology at NAIAS 2026

Concept cars represent where designers think the industry will be in 5-10 years. These aren’t just wild sketches. Many concepts preview actual production vehicles.

Automakers often bring flashy concept cars to Detroit as futuristic prototypes that hint at what might be on the road in 5-10 years. Keep your eyes open for surprise unveilings during media days.

Autonomous driving technology will be featured across multiple exhibits. Even if full self-driving isn’t ready for primetime, the sensors and cameras that enable advanced driver assistance systems are improving rapidly.

Interior technology deserves attention too. Digital instrument clusters, heads-up displays, and massive touchscreens are becoming standard. How manufacturers integrate these systems into cohesive user experiences separates good designs from great ones.

Battery technology advances faster than most people realize. Range anxiety is becoming less of an issue as newer EVs push past 300 miles per charge. Charging speeds are improving too.

Classic and Collector Vehicle Displays at Detroit Auto Show

The Gallery brings together some of the world’s most desirable automobiles. Over 50 ultra-luxury and performance vehicles will be on display during the January 13 opening event.

Koenigsegg, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, and Aston Martin represent the pinnacle of automotive engineering. These aren’t just expensive cars. They’re rolling art pieces that push technical boundaries.

For collectors, seeing these vehicles in person provides perspective you can’t get from photos. The paint depth on a properly detailed exotic car is mesmerizing. The interior materials in a Rolls-Royce show what’s possible when cost isn’t a limiting factor.

The Gallery also serves as a networking opportunity for collectors and dealers. Conversations happen here that lead to significant transactions. If you’re in the market for a high-end vehicle, the connections you make might be more valuable than the cars you see.