The 2024 Los Angeles Auto Show proved once again to be a stage for bold innovation and captivating design. This year’s event saw automakers like Hyundai, Honda, and Volkswagen push boundaries with groundbreaking unveilings, while the North American Car, Truck, and Utility Vehicle of the Year™ (NACTOY) finalists underscored excellence in performance, design, and value. From cutting-edge EVs to rugged SUVs, the show provided a glimpse into the future of automotive excellence.
Let’s dive into the most significant unveilings and announcements, including detailed insights into the Hyundai IONIQ 9, a hydrogen-powered Hyundai concept, Volkswagen’s redesigned Tiguan, and Honda’s rugged all-new Passport.
Hyundai introduced its largest all-electric model yet, the IONIQ 9, a three-row SUV designed to meet the needs of modern families. Unveiled at the mid-century modern Goldstein House in Los Angeles, the IONIQ 9 embodies Hyundai’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. Positioned as a flagship EV in the IONIQ lineup, it boasts a WLTP-estimated range of 620 km, thanks to its 110.3 kWh high-capacity lithium-ion battery. The SUV supports ultra-fast charging, replenishing from 10% to 80% in just 24 minutes with a 350 kW charger.
Inside, the IONIQ 9 offers a luxurious, tech-forward experience. The cabin features Hyundai’s first Relaxation Seats with Dynamic Body Care massage technology, capable of reducing fatigue during long drives. Swiveling second-row seats create a lounge-like atmosphere, ideal for family interaction during stationary moments. Sustainability is a cornerstone of the design, with materials like recycled PET fabrics and bio-based paint. The SUV also delivers practicality with up to 1,323 liters of cargo space with the third-row seats folded.
The sleek exterior, highlighted by Hyundai’s signature Parametric Pixel LED lighting, achieves a low drag coefficient of 0.259, enhancing range and efficiency. With up to 21-inch aerodynamic wheels, the IONIQ 9 maintains a bold yet refined stance. Powertrain options include rear-wheel and all-wheel-drive configurations, with the AWD Performance model delivering a spirited 0-100 km/h time of 5.2 seconds. This combination of performance, space, and sustainability makes the IONIQ 9 a game-changer in the electric SUV market.
Hyundai showcased its hydrogen future with the INITIUM, a concept SUV embodying the automaker’s 27-year commitment to fuel cell technology. The INITIUM introduces Hyundai’s new “Art of Steel” design language, blending robust functionality with a sophisticated aesthetic. Designed for both urban lifestyles and outdoor adventures, the INITIUM offers a driving range exceeding 650 km, thanks to its enhanced hydrogen fuel cell stack and aerodynamic optimizations.
The interior prioritizes spaciousness and comfort, featuring reclining rear seats and a wide-opening rear door for effortless access. Advanced technologies, such as a built-in FCEV-specific route planner, address one of the primary challenges for hydrogen vehicles: infrastructure. The system provides real-time updates on hydrogen station availability and wait times, streamlining the refueling process. The INITIUM’s practicality and performance position it as a compelling contender in the future of sustainable transportation.
Volkswagen surprised attendees with the debut of the fully redesigned 2025 Tiguan. Built on the MQB Evo platform, this two-row SUV showcases a sportier, more dynamic profile, with a shorter rear overhang and a bolder front fascia featuring slim LED headlights and an illuminated VW logo. The Tiguan’s lightweight design incorporates aluminum and high-strength steel, reducing weight by 170 pounds compared to its predecessor, which improves both acceleration and fuel efficiency.
Under the hood, the updated 2.0-liter turbocharged engine now delivers 201 horsepower, a noticeable upgrade from the previous 184 hp. Inside, the Tiguan’s cabin exudes luxury, with materials like genuine walnut wood, quilted leather seats, and a redesigned center console. Advanced technology takes center stage, with a 12.9-inch infotainment screen, a customizable Digital Cockpit Pro, and Volkswagen’s new Atmospheres system, which integrates ambient lighting and soundscapes for a personalized driving experience. Safety is also a priority, with standard IQ.DRIVE Level 2 driver assistance features, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.
Honda unveiled its all-new Passport, boasting an even more rugged design aimed at adventurous families. The 2025 Passport features an aggressive grille, reinforced skid plates, and a redesigned rear fascia, giving it a commanding presence. Its TrailSport trim, equipped with off-road-tuned suspension, all-terrain tires, and enhanced all-wheel drive, ensures capability on challenging terrains.
Inside, the Passport combines practicality with sophistication. The interior features premium materials, such as contrast-stitched leather seats and a newly designed center console for additional storage. Tech highlights include a large infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, along with Honda’s updated TrailWatch camera system for improved visibility during off-road navigation. The Passport continues to offer best-in-class cargo space and a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, making it a versatile choice for active lifestyles.
The North American Car, Truck, and Utility Vehicle of the Year™ (NACTOY) awards announced their finalists at the show, spotlighting the year’s standout vehicles.
The Honda Civic Hybrid delivers remarkable efficiency and modernized design, with advanced Honda Sensing® safety features as standard. The exclusively hybrid 2025 Toyota Camry remains a perennial favorite, now with sharper styling and hybrid powertrains offering up to 208 horsepower while maintaining an average fuel economy rating of less than 5.0 litres per 100 km.
The Ford Ranger impresses with robust off-road capability and a turbocharged engine delivering 270 horsepower. The Ram 1500, featuring a refined interior and the latest tech, remains a top choice for capability and comfort. Toyota’s Tacoma enters a new generation with a hybrid option, improved payload, and trail-ready trims.
Chevrolet’s Equinox EV combines affordability with cutting-edge electrification, offering a range of over 500 km in some versions. Hyundai’s Santa Fe debuts with a bold new design, spacious interior, and advanced hybrid technology. The Volkswagen ID. Buzz reimagines the classic microbus for the electric era, blending retro charm with modern functionality.
The 2024 Los Angeles Auto Show served as a testament to the automotive industry’s drive toward innovation, sustainability, and performance. From Hyundai’s electrifying IONIQ 9 and futuristic hydrogen concepts to Volkswagen’s redesigned Tiguan and Honda’s rugged Passport, the show offered something for every automotive enthusiast. As the NACTOY finalists gear up for the prestigious awards in January, it’s clear that the vehicles showcased in Los Angeles are setting new standards for the road ahead.
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