LOS ANGELES (KABC) — The LA Auto Show has opened its doors, and that means it’s time for the auto industry to show off a little with what’s new and what’s cool.
Kia kicked things off during media day by introducing a new generation of its popular Telluride SUV, with some upgrades. It’s not only an all-new design, but has some more practicality as well.
“A roomier interior, easier ingress/egress, and improved ride quality,” said Tom Kearns, Kia’s senior chief designer, after the new Telluride was rolled onto the stage for the attending media.
Auto shows are great places to see the future, and Hyundai is ushering in part of its future with a rugged show car called the Crater Concept. I actually got a sneak preview of it last week at their studio in Irvine, and had a chance to meet its young designer.
“The Crater Concept is another example of us continuing to kind of push the capabilities, different segments,” said Kellen Gustine, who grew up in Southern California and graduated from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena.
The Crater Concept could be a hint at a future production vehicle, under Hyundai’s XRT off-road sub-brand.
Jeep brought something very different. While it could pass for a concept car, it’s an all-electric off-roader called the Recon, which goes on sale early next year. Think of a Wrangler, but as an EV. Jeep says that with four-wheel-drive, open-air capability and battery power, it’s perfect for California.
“This is the most important EV market in the world, and that’s why we expect to sell a lot of Recons out here as well,” said Aamir Ahmed, who heads up Jeep’s off-road and EV models at its headquarters in Michigan.
To drive the point home, Jeep showed the Recon off at a pre-show preview party earlier in the week, putting the Recon in different Golden State outdoor scenarios, such as in a forest, in a desert and in a ski area.
This auto show is awash in SUVs, for sure. Nissan’s here showing off its two newest: a plug-in hybrid version of the Rogue, and a new Pathfinder. The latter is a vehicle with some history right here in this very convention center.
“We debuted a new generation of the Pathfinder back in 1996. We’re here now with the new 2026 refreshed Nissan Pathfinder,” said Zach Jeppesen, a product planning manager with Nissan.
Sure, all kinds of new vehicles are here, but also a certain old vehicle. It’s one that became world famous earlier this year.
Remember that vintage VW Bus, shining like a ray of hope amid the ash and soot of the Palisades Fire? It’s back! Volkswagen of America saw that photo, reached out to the owner and gave it a full restoration since it actually had been damaged by the intense fire.
“It’s beautiful. They made it so much better. I’m so grateful,” said Megan Weinraub. She’s the vintage bus’s owner, a vehicle she calls “Azul” due to its distinctive blue color.
MORE: Blue VW Bus fully restored, reunited with owner after Palisades Fire
The beloved teal blue, 1977 Volkswagen Bus that was damaged in the Palisades Fire has been fully restored and reunited with its owner.
You’ll be able to see this survivor at the auto show, parked near its spiritual descendent, the fully electric ID.Buzz, wearing a similar color scheme.
And you can see all sorts of cars at the show, from large to small, which runs all through the long Thanksgiving weekend.
For more information, visit www.laautoshow.com.
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