2025 New York International Auto Show: Why these three cars could steal the show
Spring is in full swing and the 2025 New York International Auto Show is nearly upon us. This automotive exhibition is an opportunity for companies to show off their most impressive future offerings.
Many automakers will use the Jacob Javits Convention Center as a stage to debut refreshed, redesigned, and brand new nameplates to the world. The auto show garners the attention of millions of auto enthusiasts worldwide and thousands of fans travel across the globe to witness the industry's coolest innovations.
The 2025 New York International Auto Show has a special significance for consumers because distinguished jurors will award a special vehicle with the World Car of the Year title. Several other World Car winners will be announced in different categories, giving consumers insights into which nameplates are especially impressive.
So, what are the most important nameplates to watch during and after the 2025 New York International Auto Show? Models from Hyundai Motor Co. could steal the show. One Mercedes-Benz small SUV is also getting plenty of attention.
If you're a fan of the electric vehicle space, you know that South Korean Hyundai Motor Co. has worked hard in the past half-decade to establish itself as one of the most important EV manufacturers. Nameplates like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and previous World Car of the Year winner, the Kia EV9, have pushed the envelope in more ways than one. Now, a Hyundai Motor Co. model in a completely different segment has the potential to go for the gold this year.
The Hyundai Inster (AKA Casper Electric), is based on the Korean gas-powered Casper subcompact SUV. It's a tiny SUV that's only 150.6 inches long. Comparatively, the Chevrolet Trax American subcompact SUV is 178.6 inches long. So, the Inster is even tiny by subcompact SUV standards. It starts at around $21,000 in its home country of South Korea and goes for close to 23,495 euros ($26,719) in parts of Europe.
Hyundai's tiny electric SUV is only available in Asia and Europe (thus far). It may not be a huge nameplate for America, but the Hyundai Inster/Casper Electric is one of the few nameplates nominated for multiple World Car awards, emphasis on "world." It's also in the running for World Electric Vehicle and World Urban Car. These nominations are often indicative of current sales numbers, popularity, and future potential. You may have no desire to buy, lease, or drive the Hyundai Inster, but it's good to know what's trending in the automotive world across oceans.
Hyundai Motor Co.'s Kia brand is producing a subcompact SUV that could be just as impactful as the Hyundai Inster for the American market. The Inster just isn't practical for most U.S. drivers because of its small stature, but the Kia EV3 is a slightly larger model (about 169 inches) that incorporates design elements from its South Korean cousin as well as the popular Kia EV6 small electric SUV.
The Kia EV6, a close relative to the Hyundai Ioniq 5, is a sporty electric crossover that's affordable, quick, and stylish. Kia's EV3 model is slated for 2026, releasing in the subcompact electric SUV segment. It's a clear attempt to capture some of the Inster's magic and bring it to North America in a larger package.
The EV3 is also one of the few vehicles nominated for multiple World Car awards, including Car of the Year, World Electric Car, and World Car Design of the Year. Since the bold EV9 was so captivating at last year's Auto Show, the EV3 is certainly a model worth watching.
If you aren't a fan of EVs, there are still plenty of models worth paying attention to at the 2025 New York International Auto Show. While electric vehicles may be all the buzz at recent shows, there will be multiple exciting nameplates on display that appeal to the average gearhead who wants nothing to do with an EV.
Another World Car of the Year Award nominee and vehicle to watch is a model from BMW. The BMW X3 is a small luxury SUV known for its power, lavish interior, and many standard features.
The fully redesigned fourth-generation compact luxury SUV is the German automaker's best-selling vehicle in the U.S market. It boasts a powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine and rockets from 0-60 miles per hour in about 6.0 seconds. The X3 offers modern design perks and tech without deviating too far from BMW's winning formula for its American portfolio.
Whether you're a fan of electric vehicles or refuse to ever drive one, there's something for you at the 2025 New York International Auto Show. It's an awesome place for automakers, automotive professionals, brands, and consumers to come together and nerd out about the vehicles that power an industry and get us where we need to go.
Charles Singh reports for The Tennessean.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2025 New York International Auto Show: These are the cars to watch
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