The Detroit Auto Show Returns January 14—And It Actually Matters Again
Motor City's biggest automotive showcase opens January 14, and Detroit's Big Three are showing up with Toyota in tow. The Detroit Auto Show runs through January 25 at Huntington Place, and the opening Media Day sets up a week loaded with unveils, concept cars, and the industry deals that happen when executives gather under one roof.
Ford, GM, Stellantis and Toyota locked in early as the first confirmed exhibitors. That matters because these four automakers move markets, not just metal. Their presence signals that Detroit's show—after years of format experiments and pandemic disruptions—has regained its status as a must-attend industry event. More brands will join the lineup before doors open, but the foundation is Motor City royalty plus Japan's hybrid king.
What Happens on Media Day
Media and industry professionals get first access January 14-15, which means two days of embargoed reveals and closed-door meetings before the public arrives. The North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year awards kick off the morning of January 14, so expect winners announced before lunch and plenty of executive speeches about innovation, electrification, and American manufacturing. Translation: The morning runs long, but the unveils start rolling by afternoon.
Racing Day returns too, partnered with the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix. You'll see demo tracks, IndyCar driver meet-and-greets, and the kind of tire-shredding exhibition laps that remind you cars are supposed to be fun. The show also brings back its indoor EV Experience, where professional drivers pilot you through a serpentine track with a 300-foot acceleration lane. It's a sales pitch wrapped in adrenaline, but it beats staring at static displays.
Public days run January 17-25. Charity Preview happens January 16, with Robin Thicke headlining the black-tie gala.
My Verdict
If you're shopping for a truck, crossover, or EV in 2026, January 14-25 is when you'll see what's actually coming to dealerships this year. Skip the Media Day hype and hit the show during public hours January 17-25 when you can climb in, ask questions, and compare three brands in ten minutes. The Detroit show matters because it's where domestic automakers reveal what they're betting your money on. Grab tickets early and plan to spend half a day minimum. Anything less and you're just rushing past the good stuff.