Most of the floor space at an auto show is filled with conventional cars and the main attractions are often rare, high-priced exotics and race cars most people will never see on the street. Beyond those vehicles, there is often a chance for showgoers to step back in time or get a glimpse of the future with some classics and concepts.
This year at the Canadian International AutoShow, we found some that are bizarre, cool and quite ugly. At least we think so.
The must-see cars at the 2026 Toronto auto show
2026 Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster
The 2026 Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster on display at the 2026 Canadian International AutoShow on Feb. 12.Jordan Chittley/The Globe and Mail
While it is designed to evoke the look of an old Land Rover, this pickup from Ineos is missing some of the charm even if it has a lot of presence.
Plus, we’re not sure who is go off-roading in a pickup truck with a five-foot bed, but it’s equipped to do so. It has a turbocharged three-litre inline-six-cylinder engine courtesy of BMW, a four-wheel-drive system with a two-speed transfer case and a locking centre differential. It looks like a less classy version of the Mercedes-AMG G63 pick-up truck, although would probably make a lot of sense if you have a lot of gear and are heading into Jurassic Park.
Tesla Cybertruck
A Tesla Cybertruck with a tent on display at the 2026 Canadian International AutoShow on Feb. 12.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
As if the Cybertruck wasn’t already the answer to a question nobody was asking – now it comes with a pop-up tent for camping adventures. Recent online videos have shown Cybertrucks struggling with snowy and muddy conditions so, for any overlanding adventure, We wouldn’t expect to go far from the paved road. It’s pointless, ridiculous and ugly.
Infiniti concepts
The Infiniti QX80 Terrain Spec on display at the 2026 Canadian International AutoShow on Feb. 12.Jordan Chittley/The Globe and Mail
When it comes to Infiniti, we suspect most drivers aren’t taking them off the paved road, and that would also likely be true for an off-road trim to the living room on four wheels that is the QX80. But, with rugged-looking versions of regular SUVs being hot sellers these days, Infiniti designers are showing off a rugged concept vehicle called the QX80 Terrain Spec. It has an elevated ride height, which is so high you likely need a step ladder to get into the cabin, off-road wheels with all-terrain tires, massive fender flares, a rooftop-mounted lightbar and a pop-up tent.
The Infiniti QX65 Monograph concept SUV on display at the 2026 Canadian International AutoShow on Feb. 12.Jordan Chittley/The Globe and Mail
And the smaller Infiniti QX65 Monograph concept SUV has a garish, mandolin-like front grille – hopefully a more subtle version makes it into the production version, slated to come out this spring.
1989 Nissan Pulsar NX SE Sportbak
A 1989 Nissan Pulsar NX SE Sportbak on display at the 2026 Canadian International AutoShow on Feb. 12.Jordan Chittley/The Globe and Mail
One look at this Nissan Pulsar and you are instantly transported back to a time of big hair, mullets and dance-pop. It is peak late 1980s, early 90s and incredibly functional with its sharp lines and wedge-yet-boxy shape. It has a T-top roof, front bra and a removable back that lets you pick between three different rear-end options – a convertible, hatchback and wagon. It was the first modular production car on the road and scores points for inventiveness.
The Pulsar is on display in the Oblivion experience, which also includes an Ecto-1 replica from the movie Ghostbusters and a Geo Tracker convertible towing a bright purple and green Yamaha Waverunner.
Kia K4 hatchback
A Kia K4 on display at the 2026 Canadian International AutoShow on Feb. 12.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
Bright yellow works on a car that looks like a hot dog. This Kia K4 gets the stretched hatchback or rather hearse-like treatment at the rear. But I suppose it is functional and versatile with 1,680 litres of cargo space. But seriously, Kia, your so-called “sparkling yellow” shade is unflattering and has got to go.
Hyundai Crater concept
The Hyundai Crater concept on display at the 2026 Canadian International AutoShow on Feb. 12.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
We’ll file this under ugly but pretty cool. This concept from Hyundai looks like something that will be used to drive across the surface of the moon. It features removable side-view mirrors that double as a quasi-GoPro-like camera complete with a flashlight so you can record all of your adventures, even at night, and a removable Bluetooth speaker in the centre console. No word yet if it will make it into production. But if it does, we’re hoping the removable side-view mirrors come with it.