The Main Event: New Cars, Big Brands, and What People Actually Come to See

The Auto Show positions itself as a broad sweep of the market—everyday commuters, family SUVs, performance models, and a growing EV presence—with tourism partners promoting it as a major winter draw.

In plain English: expect the usual crowd magnets—big three-row SUVs, fresh EV platforms, and “look-what’s-coming-next” concept/prototype energy—without needing to visit ten separate dealerships.

Major brands on the floor include Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and more. Highlights include the all-new 2026 Ford Bronco with a turbocharged 6-cylinder engine option, the latest Acura MDX with advanced tech features, and a range of electric vehicles from various manufacturers.

Attendees can also look forward to interactive exhibits showcasing the latest automotive technologies, including autonomous driving features, advanced safety systems, and cutting-edge infotainment options.

Top Ten Vehicles on Display: Your “Don’t Miss These” Hit List

If you only have time to hunt down a handful of standout rides at the 2026 Washington, D.C. Auto Show, make it these. The official program guide’s Top Ten lineup is a solid mix—headline-grabbing performance, EV muscle, and the family-friendly, real-world vehicles people actually shop for in the DMV.

Aston Martin Vantage Roadster This is pure Auto Show drama—in the best way. The Vantage Roadster is low, sculpted, and built to be photographed. Even if you’re not a supercar shopper, it’s worth seeking out because it delivers that instant “wow” the moment you see it in person.

GMC Hummer EV The Hummer EV doesn’t blend in—it dominates space. It’s a bold, electric take on American muscle that draws crowds fast because it looks like the future decided to show up wearing combat boots.

Hyundai Santa Cruz A great “urban utility” pick: part pickup, part crossover, and perfectly suited for people who want versatility without living full-time in a full-size truck. It’s one of the most relatable vehicles on the Top Ten list.

Kia Carnival Hybrid Family-ready without feeling boring. The Carnival Hybrid is a smart stop if you’re comparing comfort, tech, and practicality—especially if you want people-mover space with a modern efficiency story.

McLaren Artura This is your exotic performance moment. The Artura has the kind of presence that stops people mid-aisle, and it’s the type of car that reminds you why auto shows still matter: some vehicles have to be seen in person.

Mustang Mach-E One of the most important EVs on the floor for everyday shoppers. The Mach-E blends recognizable Mustang attitude with modern electric performance, and it’s a strong “future-forward but still fun” stop.

Ram 1500 This is the “real world heavyweight” of the list. If your readers care about capability, comfort, and everyday usability—this is the truck they’ll want to compare up close.

Subaru BRZ A pure driver’s car. The BRZ is light, sporty, and built for people who care about handling and road feel. It’s also a refreshing contrast to the big trucks and SUVs.

Toyota GR Supra A modern classic with serious presence. The GR Supra is a magnet for performance fans and nostalgia lovers alike, and it’s one of the easiest “must-photograph” vehicles on the list.

VW Atlas Cross Sport A practical closer—and a very DMV choice. The Atlas Cross Sport is a stylish, spacious SUV built for daily life: commuting, errands, weekend trips, and everything in between.

Beyond the Auto Show: Make the Most of Your Trip in DC

Attending the 2026 Washington DC Auto Show is just the beginning of an unforgettable experience in the nation’s capital. It is a fantastic reason to visit, but don’t stop there! Whether you're a first-time visitor or a longtime resident, DC has something for everyone—history buffs, food lovers, art enthusiasts, and adventure seekers alike.

Take advantage of everything DC has to offer—from world-famous museums and historic landmarks to an unbeatable food scene and vibrant nightlife. Whether you’re here for a weekend or an extended stay, the capital city promises an unforgettable experience for every traveler.

Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray

ART-of-Motion: DC’s Auto Show Turns Into a Living Gallery

If you think an auto show is just rows of polished metal under bright lights, ART-of-Motion is where that idea gets wrecked—in the best way. This is the Washington, DC Auto Show’s culture-and-creativity centerpiece, where cars stop being “products” and start being canvases. It’s loud, visual, and unapologetically DMV—part live art studio, part street-style showcase, part automotive celebration.

ART-of-Motion is the Washington Auto Show’s creative pressure valve—where the event shifts from product showcase to culture experience. Now in its 10th annual run, the exhibit (produced by Automotive Rhythms with Adrenaline Lifestyles and Throttle Life) brings DMV auto and moto culture to life through cars painted in real time, custom motorcycles, tuners, classics, exotics, and a soundtrack of live hip-hop DJ sets. This year’s live-paint roster includes Shawn “SP the Plug” Perkins, Matt Long, Josue of the Corinto Gallery, and David Zambrano, with new Toyota, Acura, Hyundai, Ford, and Kia vehicles transformed into rolling art pieces.

Spotlight Artist: Matt Long, From Cherry Blossoms to ART-of-Motion

If Matt Long’s name feels familiar to DC locals, it’s because his work has already been woven into one of the city’s most iconic seasonal traditions. Long—an artist and graphic designer based in Frederick, Maryland—was selected as the official artist for the 2020 National Cherry Blossom Festival, creating the festival’s signature artwork that showed up across commemorative posters and wide-ranging merchandise (and even public-facing placements around the District). His Cherry Blossom Festival piece wasn’t a generic “pretty pink petals” take either; in interviews he described pushing beyond the usual pastel palette, pulling inspiration from blossoms at dusk and the energy of the crowds—aiming to capture spring “in a different light and energy.”

Long’s work is known for its bold colors, dynamic compositions, and ability to capture movement and emotion. His style blends elements of street art, pop culture, and traditional techniques, resulting in pieces that are both visually striking and deeply resonant. For ART-of-Motion, Long is bringing his signature style to a new canvas: a 2026 Toyota GR86. Expect vibrant colors, dynamic lines, and a design that captures the energy and spirit of the DMV car culture.

What makes that history especially relevant inside the 2026 Washington, D.C. Auto Show is that Long’s Cherry Blossom moment is directly connected to the Auto Show circuit. He’s spoken about how his pathway into the Cherry Blossom Festival artist role started with the Washington Auto Show, where he was invited to paint a cherry-blossom-themed art car live on the show floor—the kind of high-visibility, high-foot-traffic activation that puts an artist’s work in front of thousands of people in real time. That project didn’t just stay inside the convention center either; he described it being wheeled out to the parade, where he even drove in it—exactly the sort of crossover between public art and automotive culture that ART-of-Motion is built around today.

Long’s style is a big reason he fits this space so naturally. The National Cherry Blossom Festival describes his signature look as bright, energetic, and motion-filled—created through a mix of acrylic paint, Sharpie markers, and digital techniques—and it explicitly notes his work has appeared in both the 2020 National Cherry Blossom Festival and the 2019 Washington Auto Show. That continuity matters for your Auto Show coverage: Matt Long isn’t just “a painter at ART-of-Motion.” He’s part of a very DC creative loop—Cherry Blossom season, auto show floor, public-facing art—making him one of the best examples of how this city’s biggest events cross-pollinate culture, design, and community. Long’s work is a testament to the power of art to connect people, and his involvement in ART-of-Motion is a perfect example of how the city’s creative ecosystem thrives on collaboration and shared passion.