The 2026 San Diego International Auto Show returns to the San Diego Convention Center from Thursday, January 1, through Sunday, January 4, packing over 400 vehicles into four days of motoring excitement for serious collectors and automotive aficionados. This annual event, the second-largest auto show in California, features a captivating mix of world debut concept cars, exotic supercars, classic antiques, and Hollywood-themed vehicles.

Automobile connoisseurs will find a rare opportunity to inspect provenance, heritage, and engineering before making acquisition decisions. The venue provides a wonderful setting for the event, offering ample space for the impressive collection of cars and related exhibits.

Motoring Enthusiasts can experience this incredible collection of vehicles firsthand. For more information, visit the official event website: San Diego International Auto Show.

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FEATURED CARS

Collector-grade enthusiasts will prioritize the 2027 Ram 1500 SRT TRX, slated for its World Debut on January 1. This low-production, high-torque monster boasts a 6.2L HEMI V8 and period-correct off-road specifications that promise strong long-term value.

The San Diego International Auto Show offers a variety of new cars, vintage cars, custom cars, concept cars, and supercars. Supercars on display include McLaren, Bugatti, Koenigsegg, and Lamborghini, just to name a few.

The 2026 Jeep Recon, Jeep’s first dedicated electric off-roader, represents a pivotal shift in the brand’s heritage while maintaining its legendary trail capability. This vehicle will appeal to motoring connoisseurs who track EV transitions.

For vintage supercar hunters, The Exotics Vault exhibit will showcase rare survivors. Here, driving enthusiasts can view cars from Aston Martin, Alfa Romeo, and Automobili Pininfarina, including concours-grade models with documented ownership lineage and frame-off restoration history.

Electric vehicle collectors should note the 2026 Toyota bZ and 2027 Kia Telluride, both expected to debut with advanced EV architecture and plug-in hybrid options. These models signal the future of sustainable motoring.

In addition to these, Hollywood autophiles can spot iconic movie cars such as the Bat Mobile and Scooby Doo Mobile. These vehicles possess a proven cultural lineage that often attracts car buffs seeking unique display pieces beyond traditional marques.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

The show expands beyond new models to include over 500 car and accessory exhibits. This gives automobile connoisseurs access to restoration parts, custom builds, and rare trim packages that define collector-grade restorations.

Everyone will be able to experience the thrill and excitement of racing around a track in an amazing racing car simulator.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Day on Friday, January 2, is hosted by San Diego Gas & Electric. This event features free EV tours, educational seminars, and test drives of the latest plug-in hybrids and fully electric models, including the 2026 Nissan Rogue Plug-in Hybrid and 2026 Honda Prelude.

The California Center for Sustainable Energy exhibit provides trained educators to answer technical questions on charging station availability, cost per mile, and maintenance. This is critical data for autophiles evaluating EV ownership before acquisition.

For gearheads who prefer raw mechanical power, the indoor simulated off-road exhibit offers test drives in the Jeep Gladiator and Ford Bronco. This experience mimics real off-road terrain with inclines and obstacles that showcase suspension engineering and traction control.

Family Day on Sunday, January 4, admits children 12 and under free when accompanied by an adult. However, serious collectors will find the day packed with classic car displays, custom builds, and rare vintage vehicles that demand close inspection.

GUEST HOSTS & CELEBRITIES

While the official list of honorary judges and celebrity hosts for the 2026 show has not yet been publicly confirmed, the event consistently features automotive personalities, industry veterans, and former race drivers. These individuals evaluate vehicle heritage and engineering significance during the show’s weekly seminars.

This year’s San Diego International Auto Show will feature our Exotic Brands, such as Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, and more.

Collectors can expect appearances by automotive historians and concorso judges who specialize in provenance verification, originality assessment, and rare production code identification. This expertise is key for buyers evaluating investment-grade vehicles.

THE VENUE

The San Diego Convention Center at 111 W. Harbor Dr. stands as a premier waterfront destination for collector car events. It combines modern exhibit space with historic Gaslamp Quarter charm. Its location near Seaport Village allows motoring enthusiasts to walk between shows, restaurants, and waterfront views, creating an immersive experience for automobile connoisseurs who value both vehicle heritage and venue prestige.

The San Diego Convention Center is located on the waterfront in downtown San Diego and encompasses over 2,600,000 total square feet and 615,700 square feet of exhibit space. The center is located directly on the waterfront and includes a Sails Pavilion with a custom roof made of distinctive Teflon-coated fiberglass “sails” that reflect San Diego’s maritime history.

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FULL SCHEDULE & TICKET PRICING

• Event Name: 2026 San Diego International Auto Show
• Dates: Thursday, January 1, – Sunday, January 4, 2026
• Times: 10am–9pm (Jan 1–3); 10am–6pm (Jan 4)
• Location: San Diego Convention Center, 111 W. Harbor Dr., San Diego, CA 92101
• Adult Ticket (13–61): $18
• Senior Ticket (62+): $15
• Military (Active Duty w/ ID): $15
• Child Ticket (7–12): $12 (Free on Family Day, Jan 4, with adult)
• Child (under 6): Free with adult
• Tickets Available: Online only via SDIAS Official Ticketing Site

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS BY DAY

Thursday, January 1,

• 10am–9pm — World Debut of 2027 Ram 1500 SRT TRX, opening ceremonies, and new model reveals

Friday, January 2,

• 10am–9pm — EV Day with SDG&E, featuring test drives of the 2026 Toyota bZ and 2026 Nissan Rogue Plug-in Hybrid

Saturday, January 3,

• 10am–9pm — Peak attendance day with The Exotics Vault, Hollywood car displays, and custom build showcases

Sunday, January 4,

• 10am–6pm — Family Day (children 12 & under free), classic car judging, and final vendor exhibitions

EVENT SUMMARY

2026 San Diego International Auto Show | San Diego, CA | Consumer Auto Show with Collector Car Focus