New Roads Ahead: The Most Exciting 2025 Car Launches to Watch
The automotive market is rapidly evolving. While some automakers continue to introduce new EVs, others have scaled back their electrification efforts and shifted their focus toward producing hybrids and gas-powered models.
Models slated for release this year offer us a glimpse of the automotive industry's direction.
We utilized reports from Motor Trend, Car and Driver, Consumer Reports, and other publications, as well as manufacturer websites, to formulate a list of vehicles that are currently scheduled for release in 2025.
With the New York Auto Show marking the conclusion of the 2024-2025 auto show season that began last fall, we have already seen a few exciting vehicles released just a few months into the year.
In 2024, the Toyota RAV4 ended the Ford F-150's 42-year reign as America's best-selling vehicle. What began as a small, car-based entry into the Toyota SUV lineup in the 1990s has evolved into the most popular vehicle in America and also ushered in the compact crossover segment.
Introduced for the 2019 model year, the current generation RAV4 is in its seventh year and due for a redesign. The availability of gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains has contributed to the current generation's success. Since the recently redesigned Camry is now hybrid only, it wouldn't be surprising if Toyota takes the same approach with the RAV4. The RAV's primary competitor, the Honda CR-V, is 3 inches longer; expect the RAV4 to grow slightly larger for 2026.
Dating back to 1953, the Corvette is one of the longest-running nameplates in automotive history. With its most recent iteration, it has transitioned from front mid-engine rear-wheel drive to rear mid-engine rear-wheel drive. A performance hybrid, the Corvette E-Ray, has also joined the lineup, offering all-wheel drive. However, Chevrolet isn't stopping at these changes; more models are anticipated as part of the new Corvette sub-brand.
While General Motors produces many SUVs, they have yet to offer a Corvette SUV. Before everyone chimes in on whether it will be a 'true Corvette,' the segment of vehicles that emphasize the 'Sport' in sport utility has grown rapidly in recent years. Lamborghini, Ferrari, and Porsche, other revered sports car brands, produce SUVs, making a Corvette SUV seem inevitable. Car and Driver reports that the Corvette SUV is rumored to be based on the same platform as the fantastic Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing, with both compact and mid-size SUVs possibly being offered.
BMW was an early player in the EV scene with its original i3 and has gradually expanded its electrified lineup to include the i4, i5, i7, and iX. While the gas-powered 4-series, 5-series, and 7-series each have electric models carrying the i-badge, the 3-series is expected to receive one of its own when it's redesigned later this year.
If the BMW's Neue Klasse concept serves as a visual indication of the next 3-series, it could represent the sport sedan's boldest redesign yet. The 2002-inspired looks and classic three-box sedan shape may signal a new design direction for the Bavarian marque.
Genesis is expected to release its first 3-row EV later this year. The Korean luxury brand previewed the upcoming SUV in its Neolun Concept, showcasing Genesis's trademark two-line lamps that stretch from the headlights across the fenders.
What might not make production are the clamshell doors, lack of a B-pillar, and rotating driver's seat. The concept's interior, featuring large captain's chairs, aligns more with the Mercedes GLS-Maybach than with other SUVs in this size category. Its corporate cousins, the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9, already offer an impressive amount of opulence when fully equipped. However, you can expect Genesis to provide the next level of luxury.
Infiniti has sold the QX55 'coupe' version of its QX50 luxury compact SUV for a few years now, and they're employing a similar strategy with the new QX65, which will be the 'coupe" version of the QX60 3-row SUV. Expect the QX65 to offer two rows of seats and reduced cargo capacity compared to its QX60 counterpart.
In many ways, Infiniti was at the forefront of the sporty luxury SUV segment with its original FX more than two decades ago. Since its discontinuation, luxury automakers have continued to introduce coupe versions of their SUVs. It's only fitting that Infiniti offers a midsize coupe SUV once again.
Jeep has experienced sales success with its 4xe lineup of PHEVs, including the Grand Cherokee and Wrangler. With the Wagoneer S EV launching soon, the brand will also introduce the Recon, an electric vehicle that will serve as the de facto electric Wrangler until the actual Wrangler becomes electrified in a few years.
According to Car and Driver, the Recon is expected to be available with a power-folding rooftop. Spy photos suggest very boxy looks and a front that resembles the new Honda Passport. The trunk-mounted spare tire, square rear taillights, and exterior-mounted door hinges (for door removal) pay homage to the Wrangler.
Range Rover has dipped a toe into the EV space with PHEV versions of its Range Rover and Range Rover Sport variants, but has yet to launch a fully battery-electric vehicle (EV). Meanwhile, key competitors like the Cadillac Escalade offer full BEVs.
In the meantime, buyers can purchase a Range Rover P550e Gas Plug-in Hybrid starting at $119,900, which boasts an impressive EPA estimated all-electric range of 53 miles.
It's not often that Motor Trend and Consumer Reports agree when praising a vehicle, but the Telluride not only garnered accolades at its launch, it has also maintained its position at the forefront of the 3-row midsize SUV segment ever since. Smart packaging, styling, handling, and a spacious interior have made the Telluride an appealing choice among 3-row SUVs. Many have highlighted the luxurious interior and overall value as key strengths.
Since its launch in 2020, new models such as the Toyota Grand Highlander and Mazda CX-90 have entered the competitive 3-row midsize SUV segment. Both offer hybrid powertrains. Based on the upcoming Hyundai Palisade, with which it shares a platform, the new Telluride is expected to introduce its first hybrid powertrain and increase in size for an even more spacious interior.
The new Palisade was revealed for the American market at the New York Auto Show in April. Boasting a boxy silhouette reminiscent of a Range Rover, Hyundai went bold with the new Palisade. With a 2.5-inch longer wheelbase and an additional 2.7 inches in length, the new Palisade is larger than before. However, its new design emphasizes its size, making it seem larger than it actually is.
Although some mid-size SUVs have shifted exclusively to 4-cylinder engines, Hyundai has maintained a 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 287 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. The Palisade's first hybrid powerplant features a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that provides a combined 329 horsepower and 339 lb.-ft. of torque. An XRT PRO off-road-focused trim level also joins the lineup, offering an extra inch of ground clearance, enhanced approach and departure angles, unique design features, and more.
Subaru's popular Outback is all new for 2026, featuring more squared-off styling compared to the outgoing model. Slightly longer than its predecessor, the new Outback is also wider, 2 inches taller, and has an increased cargo capacity of 34.6 cubic feet for 2026.
A large touchscreen is at the center of the new dashboard, which also features a combination of physical buttons and knobs for a more user-friendly experience. The off-road-focused Wilderness trim returns, offering 9.5 inches of ground clearance.
Debuting at April's New York Auto Show, the Trailseeker is an Outback-sized EV that perfectly aligns with the adventure-ready needs of the typical Subaru buyer. Standard equipment includes a NACS charging port, Subaru EyeSight® driver-assistance technologies, and Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with modes for snow/dirt as well as deep snow/mud.
The Trailseeker delivers 375 hp and sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. With an estimated electric driving range of 260 miles, the Trailseeker can charge from 10% to 80% in under 35 minutes.
Kia's impressive EV sedan takes aim at the Tesla Model 3. With a design that reimagines the conventional sedan, an interior that balances intuitive controls with technological innovation, and a spacious rear seat, the EV4 presents an intriguing option.
The EV4 is offered in both standard-range and long-range versions, with the latter featuring an estimated driving range of 330 miles. While competitors provide dual-motor all-wheel drive, the EV4 is reportedly single-motor front-wheel drive, at least initially.
The new Kia K4 Hatchback brings bold styling to the compact segment, along with cargo space that rivals some compact crossover SUVs. As the average car price approaches $50,000, it's refreshing to see a model that provides style and value for half that amount.
Standard equipment includes 16 Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), while the GT-Line Turbo trim level features a 190 hp turbocharged powertrain. The front-wheel-drive K4 Hatchback competes against the Subaru Impreza, Honda Civic, Mazda3, and Toyota Corolla.
From electrified ultra-luxury SUVs to reimagined gas-powered sport sedans, 2025 already promises to be an exciting year for new vehicles. External factors like tariffs could impact which models we see and when; however, with a variety of gas, hybrid, PHEV, and EV options available across many segments, buyers have an abundance of choices.
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