The 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show is finally open to the public, which means there's a slew of new-car reveals to dig through. We toured the show late last week, as part of the media preview, and have highlighted the biggest debuts in the City of Angels. As we said in our auto show preview, crossovers would reign supreme, and we weren't wrong. This list of big debuts is literally nothing but crossovers or SUVs. Check out the highlights of the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show below.
2018 Hyundai Kona
Hyundai desperately needed a small crossover, and the Kona is its answer. Two engines are available. There's a base 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. An optional turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder from the Hyundai Tucson produces 175 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is available with either engine. A six-speed automatic gearbox pairs with the 2.0-liter engine while a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission comes with the more potent turbo 1.6-liter mill.
2018 Jeep Wrangler
The 2018 Jeep Wrangler is all-new while still wearing the SUV's classic look. One of three engines powers the 2018 Wrangler: A turbocharged 2.0-liter making 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 making 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, or a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 engine making 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. The most significant news with the new Wrangler announced at this year's auto show is about what's coming for 2020 – a plug-in hybrid electric version.
2018 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid
Kia is expanding its Niro lineup for 2018, adding a plug-in variant alongside its standard hybrid offering. The Niro Plug-In offers an EPA-rated 26 miles or range in EV mode while providing a total driving range of 560 miles. Power comes from a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine making 104 hp and a 60-hp electric motor. Total output is 139 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque.
2019 Kia Sorento
A mid-cycle refresh gives the 2019 Kia Sorento an update to its exterior and interior designs. Gone for 2019 is the optional turbocharged 2.0-liter engine though. Kia says a diesel engine is in the works. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder carries over with its six-speed automatic while the otherwise unchanged 3.3-liter V6 gets a new eight-speed automatic. Seven-passenger seating is standard.
2019 Lincoln Nautilus
The Lincoln Nautilus isn't an all-new crossover. Instead, it's a refreshed MKX with a new badge. The 2019 Nautilus shows the luxury automaker is committed to bringing back actual names to its vehicles, joining the Continental and Navigator in Lincoln's lineup. The Nautilus also gets the brand's new rectangular grille and large Lincoln emblem, replacing the split grille. Engine choices are either a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder or a 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6.
2018 Lexus RX L
The 2018 RX L gives the large Lexus crossover the legroom it needs to compete against the likes of the Acura MDX and other three-row luxury crossovers. The RX L seats either six or seven passengers depending on whether the second row is a bench or captain chairs. Lexus extended the rear of the RX L by 4.3 inches and raised the second row of seats to increase legroom. Lexus also added a steeper angle to the rear window to improve headroom, saying the third row is as comfortable as the second row.
2018 Nissan Kicks
Nissan is retiring the funky Juke compact crossover for the Kicks – a more toned-down replacement that borrows many styling cues from the bigger Rogue Sport. The 1.6-liter engine is naturally aspirated, making a paltry 125 hp and 115 lb-ft of torque, though. Front-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission are standard. While that will limit its appeal in wintry environments, the Kicks is remarkably well equipped for not a lot of cash.
Toyota FT-AC Concept
A new Toyota compact crossover is coming and the FT-AC Concept likely previews a production off-roader that sits alongside the Toyota C-HR and RAV4. This is Toyota's third compact crossover concept in the last six months, each likely testing the design waters for feedback. The production version of the FT-AC will likely ride on Toyota's TNGA platform offering both front- and all-wheel drive.