SEMA 2019 Trends & Takeaways

It’s the grand event that needs no introduction, so why waste time on formalities? The 2019 SEMA Show is currently wrapping up in Las Vegas. And not only were our automotive expectations met, but the clever minds behind the aftermarket went above and beyond to impress, delight, and surprise us. Here are the major takeaways of SEMA 2019 along with noticeable trends, builds, and new products.

Gladiatorfest

YOU get a Gladiator, and YOU get a Gladiator, and YOU get a Gladiator… Truly, guys, did we miss an Oprah giveaway?

Much like the JL Wrangler monopolized last year’s show, the Gladiator has been equally well-timed and well-designed. And, lucky for attendees, they battled it out with style mods and performance specs to match.

Admittedly, most sported overlanding trimmings but, as our friends at FourWheeler point out, “That’s what happens when the popularity of a certain style of off-road activity is on the rise at exactly the same time a vehicle perfect for [it] hits the market.”

(It also didn’t hurt that SEMA 2019 featured a cool, immersive Overland Experience that was just itching to be decked out in capable rigs. But more on that later…)

As you can see in the picture above, there was no shortage of impeccable builds. But, personally, I’ve been eyeing up the Gladiator Rubicon brought by Rugged Ridge. From the paint scheme (loving how that gold accent line wraps around the tail lights) to the sharp angles (oh, hey Venator front bumper), I am loving everything about this adventure-ready truck.

While many builds can fall victim to being “over-SEMAfied,” this Gladiator looks tailored and attainable. And I still think those are the best looking DRL front fender chop brackets I’ve seen. Plus, the snorkel we were eyeing up from last year’s SEMA show is finally in production form!

So. Many. Supras.

Forty-three to be exact. We know this because one intrepid attendee counted them all.

Sadly, just ONE sported a manual transmission. This Supra, customized by Texas tuner European Auto Group (EAG), debuted at SEMA 2019 with a six-speed manual, making it the world’s first. (If that appeals to you—they’ll outfit yours for about $12k.)

Toyota itself brought three custom Supras to the show, as well as a GR Supra 3000GT concept. The wide body and big wing-equipped concept pays homage to the 1994 special edition MK4. Of the other Supras, the Heritage Edition looks really sharp. And extra points for sporting actual, functional fender vents.

It’s possible the bevy of Supras represents a push by the manufacturer to drum up excitement for a model that isn’t selling as well as expected. But we’d like to think it’s indicative of a renewed excitement in the sport compact market. Excitement that was aided by a number of impressive tuner builds, like Honda’s 900-hp RWD Civic Si drifter, H&R Special Springs’ tricked-out Jetta GLI, a number of dream builds in the Toyo Tires’ Treadpass, and even Nissan’s unexpected crossover Kicks Street Sport.

For those performance junkies more interested in the Euro tuner scene, SEMA 2019 trends point to renewed enthusiast interest in that segment as well. This was clear from the influx of next-level builds at this year’s show, like the BMW e30 pictured above. Posted up at the Meguiars booth, this gem with an insane custom exhaust system is also a finalist in the Battle of the Builders.

Whoa, Broncos.

It’s no surprise that among hot rod trends, restomods are gaining in popularity. We’ve talked on the blog about how we’ve seen this happening at the auction block—and it seems SEMA 2019 is no stranger to the trend either. But a place we didn’t quite expect to see it was on the mass number of vintage Broncos that populated the show.

We anticipated more than a few with the new model release date creeping up, but boy did they turn up in spades. One of the best looking (and most indicative of the restmod trend), however, was the classic ’68 build, by LGE-CTS Motorsports for Jay Leno. Appearing pretty damn near stock at first glance, a closer look reveals that this Bronco has been given a complete overhaul.

Sporting a Ford Performance 5.2L supercharged V8 mated to a five-speed Tremec, it also gains a heavy-duty 4WD drivetrain to handle the extra power. A custom airbox and exhaust help the Bronco breathe, fresh Wilwood brakes help it stop, and Fox 2.0 factory race series coil-over shocks and steering stabilizer help handling and ride quality.

“Bronco was an iconic vehicle that was many things to many people,” said Leno at the reveal. “The idea of having a classic Bronco upgraded with modern handling, performance, and braking really makes it the best of both worlds.”

All that paid-homage-via-vintage-models paid off for SEMA show attendees. Ford unveiled its 2019 Baja 1000 race truck, the Bronco R prototype. While it’s not the production-ready 2021 SUV debuting this spring, it gives us a peek under the curtain. And we feel pretty confident that the boxy roofline and squared off grille with integrated headlights and B-R-O-N-C-O lettering will carry over.

Overlanding

As mentioned, SEMA 2019 featured a new attraction this year—the Overland Experience. Recognizing the recent growing trend for off-grid adventure travel, SEMA partnered with Overland Expo to create the dedicated area. And with this kind of industry and real-world experience behind it, the new show section had an authentic feel, with representation from a variety of companies.

Check out the video below from Expedition Portal for a quick run-through of some of the truly impressive rigs found both in the Overland Experience and throughout the whole show. There were plenty of Jeep Gladiators, as mentioned, but also a number of hella-fresh Land Cruisers, Ford trucks, some plucky Crosstreks, and a seriously beautiful restored Scout.

There were also a lot of cool new products on display. Yakima arrived with its comprehensive Heavy Duty collection, displayed on a very clean-looking Ranger. Dometic highlighted its new power cooler, the CFX3. And Putco brought its new Venture TEC bolt-on aluminum bed rack system.

Falcon arrived with its new WILDPEAK A/T TRAIL, a rugged crossover tire designed for street, highway, and trail travel. While the tire already had its debut, it arrived at SEMA 2019 on a really tastefully-outfitted Subaru Crosstrek built by Crawford Engineering. And you know we love our Subies…

On the other end of the overland adventure spectrum, Lance Camper debuted a new truck camper project—the Altimeter—along with a matching Yamaha YXZ 1000RSS side-by-side. Built in the short bed of a Ford Super Duty, it features room for four and a seriously cushy interior. An ICON Vehicle Dynamics Stage 5 suspension system, Hellwig Products front and rear sway bars, Raceline Defender Wheels, Maxxis RAZR MT tires, and powerful 6.7L Powerstroke V8 diesel engine ensure it can manage off-grid.

By the People, For the People

The OEs can keep their focus groups and market surveys. We all know it’s the people on the ground who determine what’s hot and what’s not. And SEMA 2019? Well, that sentiment was clear.

Stay tuned over the next few weeks, as we barely scratched the surface here. Check Monday’s Auto News for the Battle of the Builders results. Also, we’ll be unpacking the off-road and overlanding segments more, with some help from our friend Cody Sisson over at the The Trailchasers Podcast.  And, you can be sure we have some gushing to do over the sheer volume of new product releases.

But, for now, we would love to hear from YOU. Did you attend SEMA 2019? What were your favorite builds, attractions, or products? Let us know in the comments!