The 5 Worst Cars at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show

VW's Horn and Diess introduce the Volkswagen Tiguan GTE Active Concept car at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit

Volkswagen Tiguan GTE Active Concept VW's Horn and Diess introduce the Volkswagen Tiguan GTE Active Concept car at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit

Even before its emissions scandal broke, VW was suffering from a lack of offerings in the hot SUV segment so this plug-in hybrid concept, representing the second generation Tiguan, was key. Concept cars are supposed to provide a glimpse of exciting future designs. Instead, the Tiguan's bland styling did nothing to make it stand out from the many SUV offerings. The company needs more SUVs, but this one doesn't quite have the luster to help Volkswagen’s turnaround efforts.

2017 Hyundai Genesis G90 The 2017 Hyundai Genesis G90 is unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit

Much is riding on this car, the first in Hyundai's new luxury Genesis nameplate, but the G90 lacks the sizzle the flagship of a brand should possess. The design, while perfectly acceptable, seems to play it safe. While the crest grill with a refined wing emblem on the top is a nice touch, it's not quite enough. Hyundai is known for offering comfort, safety and luxury features for much less than competing luxury makers, so pricing will be key. If the Genesis 90 is priced lower than its competitors, its value could lure those who may consider overall design to be a secondary consideration.

Show attendees look over a 2017 Lincoln Continental after the model was introduced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit

2017 Lincoln Continental Show attendees look over a 2017 Lincoln Continental after the model was introduced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit

Lincoln has been criticized for having cars that look more like rebadged Fords, so this Continental is a pivotal offering — and needed to be something Lincoln could call its own. While it satisfies that requirement, it doesn't push the envelope as much as the concept that was previously unveiled. The plush leather interior is appealing, but it features many of the same accoutrements found in other luxury vehicles. The exterior resembles the more staid vehicles in this class. It doesn't pop like it should. Lincoln needed to take a page from European automakers’ books and pursue bolder styling.

Kia Telluride The Kia Telluride concept vehicle is displayed at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit

Kia is looking to expand its brand beyond cute, trendy-looking cars. This full-sized, seven-passenger luxury SUV is an attempt to show how the company envisions gaining a share of the market. But the design is uninteresting, with a boxy shape. It looks more like a truck intended to haul cargo than a sporty passenger vehicle. Inside, there's a hint at a futuristic feel, but overall Kia could have taken more chances and provided more innovative styling with a concept. The company said it has no plans to bring this precise vehicle to production. Hopefully, if they decide to build a full-size SUV, they'll bring more excitement to it.

GM's Alan Batey introduces the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze hatchback at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit

2016 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback GM's Alan Batey introduces the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze hatchback at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit

Chevy hasn’t altered the design of its successful compact much, except for in the rear, where the modified Cruze provides more space: With the rear seat folded, cargo space expands to 47.2 cubic feet. And this model is more than 200 pounds lighter than the previous one. But with the dramatic fall of gas prices, the public's appetite for small cars is dwindling and the 2017 model doesn't provide much to lure buyers back to a more fuel-efficient offering. Hatchback cars have also been out of fashion, since they carry a perception of being cheap. Chevrolet hopes that more practically minded millennials think otherwise and will embrace their practicality.