10 Vehicles Dying in 2026 (And What to Buy Instead)

Miami Herald

23-05-2025

Not every model in the dog-eat-dog automotive world can survive. Vehicles get killed off for numerous reasons: poor sales, dated styling, changing consumer tastes, replacement by a new model, etc. There's already a hit list for 2026, and at the end of this year, more than 20 models will get the axe. We're truly heartbroken to see some of them go, but there are some we will not shed any tears for. Here's the list of all 2026 discontinued vehicles and our recommendations for alternatives. Of course, if you've had your heart set on any of these, you'd better get moving while these 2025 models are still on dealer lots.
It's not official, but the A7 Sportback ($72,000) is probably not going to make the cut for 2026, and Audi is eliminating its Sportback moniker to focus on sedans. The new A6 is just around the corner, which will likely exist as the replacement for the handsome 2025 A7 Sportback powered by a 335-horsepower turbocharged V6. We think the A7 Sportback is currently the brand's best-looking vehicle now that the R8 is no more, but it looks like it will follow in the R8's dodo-like footsteps.
What to buy instead: Audi A6
The refreshed midsize A6 sedan arrived in 2024, but the new one is just over the horizon as a 2026 model. The fully redesigned A6 will get a turbocharged six-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive. Perhaps most importantly, the exterior styling is more daring with a larger grille and more dramatic creases. All trims will get a 14.5-inch central touchscreen and an 11.9-inch digital gauge display with an option to have a 10.9-inch passenger display. Pricing has not yet been announced.
The attractive and monstrously powerful M8 ($140,000) in coupe, convertible, and Gran Coupe forms won't make it to 2026. Each one is powered by a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, good for 617 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque through an 8-speed automatic powering all four wheels. We're sad to see them go because they were all genuine head-turners and truly opulent inside. It looks like BMW is extending the life of the regular 8 Series in coupe, convertible, and Gran Coupe forms for one more year.
What to buy instead: Lexus LC 500
If it's a beautiful grand tourer with a burly V8 under the hood you crave, the LC 500 ($101,100) is the perfect choice, and it's quite a bit cheaper than the M8, although not as powerful. Who cares, though, because the 471-hp 5.0-liter V8 engine sounds amazing, and the cabin is even better than the M8's. Plus, the LC 500's reliability ratings are about as good as a sport-luxury coupe can get.
The Escape ($29,150) sells incredibly well. So, why is it getting axed after 2025? Ford wants to focus its energy and resources on the excellent Bronco Sport, which is better in almost every way. We will miss the Escape for its conservatively handsome styling and its four variants. The Escape comes in two gas engines (181 hp and 250 hp) and two hybrid powertrains (hybrid and PHEV). Both the ride and interior quality fall short of the Bronco Sport's, and Ford is hoping customers will flock from the Escape to the more rugged model.
What to buy instead: Ford Bronco Sport
The Bronco Sport ($29,795) is barely more expensive than the Escape, but it comes with standard all-wheel drive and more ground clearance. Engine choices are a 180-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder or a more powerful 250-hp turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder. Every Bronco Sport now gets a bigger 13.2-inch display with Ford Sync 4. It's great to drive on pavement and off-road, so it's the best of both worlds, unlike the Escape.
The Lexus RC ($46,695) is showing its age after a decade, and it never really sold in big numbers. Sales have tanked for the past few years, and it's all the more reason for Lexus to say goodbye. Engine choices are a 241-hp turbo four or a 260-hp V6. The more powerful V8 RC F ($94,000) with its 475 horsepower is also getting killed off, and it's the one we're sad to see go because it's one of the few front-mounted V8 engines left on the planet.
What to buy instead: Ford Mustang GT Premium Fastback
The Mustang GT ($51,080) might end up as the last V8 standing in the not-too-distant future, and it's currently the only gas-powered American muscle car left. The V8 'Stang is the perfect replacement for the RC F because it's sporty, angry, visceral, and visually arresting in the best kind of way. It's also way cheaper than the RC, more powerful with 480 horsepower, and better looking with its redesigned interior and exterior. Most importantly, it's a much better driver's car and can be had with a 6-speed manual transmission.
Porsche was waffling on the decision to end two of the best driver's cars on the planet, but it looks like they will hammer that last nail into the coffins of both the hardtop Cayman ($72,800) and the convertible Boxster ($74,900) after all. The 718 series is marvelous to drive, no matter the trim. Available engines are a 300-hp turbo four, a 350-hp turbo four, or a flat-six with 394 horsepower. Both sports cars will return as EVs, but even that is getting pushed out due to the market and development issues.
What to buy instead: BMW Z4 M40i
While not as dynamic as the 718 Cayman or Boxster, the 2025 BMW Z4 M40i ($67,150) now gets a proper 6-speed manual transmission mated to its silky 3.0-liter inline-6 turbo engine that produces 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. It also offers a luxurious interior with a 10.3-inch touchscreen, high-end materials, and a 9.9 cubic foot trunk, more than twice that of the Porsche convertible.
The Macan ($63,100) is easily the best driving luxury compact SUV in its class, and we mourn its impending demise. Its replacement is the Macan EV, which is already here. Of course, it's still possible that Porsche could extend the gas Macan's life since it's the brand's best-selling vehicle, and Porsche is questioning its all-hands-on-the-EV-deck approach. The Macan comes in four trims: base, T, S, and GTS, with outputs of 261, 375, and 434 horsepower, depending on trim level. The base engine is turbocharged, and the other three get twin-turbochargers.
What to buy instead: BMW X3 M50 xDrive
The 2025 BMW X3 has been completely redesigned inside and out, but the part that matters most is its driving prowess, which has been made even better for the new generation. The X3 M50 xDrive ($72,050) is the Macan's best substitute with its 3.0-liter inline six with a 48-volt hybrid system for a combined 393 horsepower. It also has a standard adaptive suspension system. It's probably not as engaging as the Macan, but it should be pretty close.
The Legacy, in its current form, is extremely competent, if not thrilling to drive. The venerable Legacy started the all-wheel drive sedan class, and it's famous for its standard AWD traction, top safety ratings, and great value. The 2025 Legacy ($25,210) comes in five trims: Base, Premium, Limited, Sport, and Touring XT. The two engine choices include a 180-horsepower 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder and a 260-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder, both mated to a CVT. We will miss it for what it represents and for its 35 years of excellence.
What to buy instead: Toyota Camry
The refreshed Toyota Camry ($28,700) is a gem, and that's why it sells so well in a world of crossovers and trucks. Full hybrid power and available all-wheel drive make it a supremely efficient and tractable family sedan. With up to 232 horsepower, it's no street slug, either. Comfort, safety, and fuel efficiency with up to 53 mpg city and 50 mpg highway in FWD or 51- and 49 mpg in AWD make it more than a good replacement for the Legacy.
The S60 ($43,795) never got the sales love it deserved. When it debuted in 2000, the S60 quickly caught the attention of sports sedan shoppers with its turbocharged engine, manual transmission, and all-wheel drive platform. Sales were never overwhelming, however, and now the S60's demise comes just halfway through the current generation's life cycle. The base engine is a 247-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine, or you can upgrade to a plug-in-hybrid version with 456 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and 41 miles of all-electric driving.
What to buy instead: Acura TLX Type S
The Acura TLX Type S ($45,400) sports sedan is better than ever, especially with its rakish styling and improved driving dynamics. The 355-hp turbocharged V6 is powerful and smooth, the steering is engaging, and the 10-speed automatic transmission shifts quickly. This top trim performer comes standard with Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, a Sport+ driving mode, Brembo front brakes, adaptive dampers, leather seats, and an ELS premium audio system. It's also quite a bit roomier than the S60.
The S90 ($59,490) is a stunning Swede, and nothing from other brands looks or feels as elegant. It has one of the most beautiful interiors of any car, but Volvo sedans have always struggled against the Germans, and the S90 is another victim. Now, with potential import tariffs on the Chinese-built S90, it's curtains. It's powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder with a 48-volt hybrid mild-hybrid system for a combined 295 horsepower. There's also a PHEV with 38 miles of all-electric range and 455 horsepower.
What to buy instead: Genesis G80
The G80 ($57,100) might not be as elegant as the S90, but it's extremely close. The Bentley-esque exterior styling turns heads, and the regal interior is one of the best in the mid-size luxury sedan class. The G80 has two available engines: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 300 horsepower or an optional twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 with 375 horsepower. The 2025 model has received fancier tweaks in a refresh, including a revised grille and a huge 27-inch OLED display.
The automotive industry is a cutthroat one at times, and not every vehicle can live on to the next year. We don't always understand why some mediocre vehicles remain, while great ones fade into the shadows. 2025 is no different; more than twenty vehicles are going into that great garage in the sky. Some we won't miss at all, but the demise of these ten vehicles has us misty-eyed already.
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