RIP:  Vehicles Going Away In 2026

As the auto industry pivots away from electrification, automakers seeking higher profit margins, and fewer low-volume nameplates, the 2026 model year is shaping up to be a quiet but consequential turning point. A growing number of familiar cars, SUVs, and EVs are ending production after 2025, victims of changing consumer tastes, tightening regulations, rising tariffs, and automakers’ efforts to simplify lineups. If you’ve ever thought, “They don’t make them like that anymore,” you may be right—and in m any cases, that is good news!

Sedans continue to take the hardest hit. Buyers have overwhelmingly shifted to crossovers, leaving traditional four-door cars struggling for relevance. Several long-running and respected sedans are bowing out, not because they were bad vehicles, but because they were no longer profitable enough in a market obsessed with ride height and cargo space. In some cases, automakers are also clearing the decks for new naming strategies or electrified replacements that have yet to materialize.

Luxury brands are not immune. A number of premium sedans, coupes, and crossovers are being trimmed as manufacturers streamline offerings and focus on global platforms. Some vehicles are disappearing entirely, while others may return later under different names or in electric form. For now, though, they are finished as we know them.

Electric vehicles are also seeing casualties, which may not surprise some consumers, and certainly doesn’t surprise your friendly content provider. Early EV optimism collided with real-world pricing, charging concerns, and shifting federal incentives. Several electric models are being discontinued or paused as automakers reassess demand and production costs. In a few cases, vehicles were simply too expensive or too niche to survive without heavy incentives.

Below is a consolidated list of vehicles confirmed or widely reported to be discontinued after the 2025 model year and not returning as 2026 models in the U.S. market.

Acura TLX
Acura ZDX (electric)
Audi A4
Audi A7
Audi S7
Audi Q8 e-tron
BMW X4
Cadillac XT4
Cadillac XT6
Chevrolet Malibu
Genesis Electrified G80
Infiniti QX50
Infiniti QX55
Jeep Wagoneer (standard version)
Kia Soul
Lexus RC
Lexus RC F
Nissan Versa
Nissan Ariya
Polestar 2
Subaru Legacy
Volvo S90 (and likely other Volvo sedans)

There are also additional models rumored or expected to exit shortly thereafter as manufacturers continue to adjust production plans, including some compact SUVs that no longer align with future product strategies.

For consumers, the implications are clear. If one of these vehicles is on your shopping list, 2025 inventory represents your last chance to buy new. Dealers are often motivated to move discontinued models, which can translate into strong incentives and attractive lease or purchase terms. On the flip side, resale values can become unpredictable, depending on brand loyalty and long-term support.

The bigger picture is unmistakable. The automotive market is narrowing, not expanding, and choice—especially in affordable cars and traditional sedans—is shrinking. Whether this ultimately serves consumers remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the 2026 model year will arrive with fewer familiar nameplates, and the showroom floor will look a little different because of it.

Photo:  Lexus.