A wave of anticipation surrounds the upcoming 2025-2026 vehicle models. As experts from Car and Driver have confirmed, automakers are pushing limits on design and technology with enhanced safety features and performance capabilities. Cutting-edge electric powertrains are becoming increasingly mainstream, redefining expectations for daily transportation.
This curated selection spotlights vehicles poised to transform the automotive landscape. The rigorous selection process considered factors like fuel efficiency, safety ratings, and tech integration.
14. 2025 Hyundai Tucson (Exterior)
The 2025 Tucson features a bold parametric design with angular surfaces and distinctive character lines. The front fascia showcases an integrated parametric grille with hidden daytime running lights that appear to be part of the grille when turned off.
Sculpted side panels and a sloping roofline create a dynamic, athletic stance. The rear adopts a full-width LED light bar connecting the taillights, giving the Tucson a premium and contemporary appearance that stands out from competitors.
2025 Hyundai Tucson (Interior)
Step inside to discover a dashboard centered around the driver with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and matching vertically stacked touchscreen. The center console appears to float, creating an airy, spacious feel throughout the cabin.
Premium materials include soft-touch surfaces and available leather upholstery with contrast stitching. Ambient lighting with 64 color options illuminates the cabin, while the panoramic sunroof floods the interior with natural light, enhancing the sense of spaciousness.
13. 2026 Honda Prelude (Exterior)
The Prelude’s exterior blends retro-inspired elements with Honda’s modern design language. Low-slung proportions and a fastback profile honor its heritage while LED light signatures create a distinctive nighttime presence that’s unmistakably Honda.
The front features a slim grille and angular headlights reminiscent of the current Civic. A gently sloping roof leads to a clean rear end with integrated spoiler and horizontal light bar, creating a cohesive, sporty appearance that turns heads.
2026 Honda Prelude (Interior)
The driver-focused cockpit features a digital instrument cluster and elevated center touchscreen. Physical climate controls and a proper volume knob maintain ergonomic usability while the sport bucket seats provide excellent lateral support during spirited driving.
Red accent stitching and aluminum pedals reinforce the sporting character. The honeycomb mesh dashboard accent similar to the current Civic creates visual interest while cleverly hiding air vents for a clean, uncluttered appearance.
12. 2026 Mazda CX-5 (Exterior)
The CX-5’s exterior evolves Mazda’s Kodo design language with more pronounced sculpting along the sides. The signature shield-shaped grille grows slightly larger while maintaining the brand’s premium aesthetic with tasteful chrome accents.
Slim, elongated headlights feature intricate LED elements that emphasize width. The rear showcases more angular taillights connected by a subtle chrome strip, while dual exhaust outlets on higher trims hint at the performance potential beneath the elegant shell.
2026 Mazda CX-5 (Interior)
Mazda continues its upmarket interior strategy with genuine leather and wood trim options throughout the cabin. The horizontal dashboard layout features minimal buttons and a centrally mounted 12.3-inch display operated by an intuitive rotary controller.
Front seats offer multi-way power adjustment and available heating and ventilation. The redesigned steering wheel incorporates streamlined controls, while the premium Bose audio system delivers exceptional sound quality through strategically placed speakers.
11. Porsche Electric Boxster/Cayman Replacement (Exterior)
The electric Boxster/Cayman maintains classic mid-engine proportions despite housing batteries instead of a combustion engine. Sharp LED matrix headlights and the signature four-point running lights establish a direct visual link to Porsche’s heritage.
Active aerodynamic elements deploy at speed, including a rear spoiler that adjusts angle based on velocity. The absence of exhaust outlets creates a cleaner rear fascia with full-width light bar similar to other contemporary Porsches, emphasizing horizontal width.
Porsche Electric Boxster/Cayman Replacement (Interior)
The digital cockpit features a curved display behind the steering wheel combined with a secondary touchscreen for infotainment. Physical toggles and rotary drive mode selector remain for critical functions, maintaining Porsche’s driver-focused philosophy.
Sport seats with integrated headrests provide exceptional support during high-G cornering. The two-spoke steering wheel includes touch-sensitive controls and paddle shifters that activate regenerative braking levels rather than traditional gear changes.
10. 2026 Toyota RAV4 (Exterior)
The 2024 Toyota RAV4‘s exterior embraces a more rugged, truck-inspired aesthetic with squared-off wheel arches and prominent body cladding. The front fascia features a trapezoidal grille flanked by slim LED headlights, creating a bold, confident face.
Roof rails come standard on most trims, emphasizing the vehicle’s adventure-ready capabilities. The rear features a power liftgate with adjustable height settings and distinctive vertical taillights that improve visibility while adding visual character.
2026 Toyota RAV4 (Interior)
The cabin emphasizes horizontal lines with a floating infotainment display perched atop the dashboard. Physical climate controls and rubberized grip surfaces on primary touchpoints demonstrate Toyota’s commitment to practical usability in all conditions.
Rear seats offer reclining functionality and 40/20/40 split-folding capability for versatile cargo configurations. The hybrid battery placement maintains a flat load floor, while numerous storage compartments throughout the cabin keep smaller items organized during adventures.
9. 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line Turbo (Exterior)
The Tiguan R-Line Turbo wears aggressive styling cues including a gloss black grille treatment and enlarged lower air intakes. Flared wheel arches accommodate wider tires, while R-Line specific bumpers create a more planted, performance-oriented stance.
Body-colored side skirts visually lower the profile despite the SUV’s practical ground clearance. The rear features quad exhaust outlets and a subtle roof spoiler, balancing sporty character with the refined aesthetic expected from Volkswagen’s premium offerings.
2026 Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line Turbo (Interior)
The cabin blends performance and luxury with microfiber seat inserts featuring contrasting stitching. Carbon fiber-look trim pieces adorn the dashboard and door panels, while customizable ambient lighting with 30 color options sets the mood.
The flat-bottomed steering wheel includes paddle shifters and haptic touch controls. A head-up display projects critical information directly into the driver’s line of sight, complementing the digital cockpit’s comprehensive performance data including g-force and lap timing functions.
8. 2027 Toyota Corolla (Exterior)
The Corolla adopts Toyota’s more expressive design language with deeply sculpted character lines and a lower, wider stance. The front fascia features a trapezoidal mesh grille flanked by aggressive boomerang-shaped headlights that flow into the fenders.
The hatchback variant offers the most dynamic profile with a steeply raked rear window and integrated roof spoiler. All body styles benefit from acoustic glass and improved aerodynamics, reducing wind noise while enhancing fuel efficiency.
2027 Toyota Corolla (Interior)
The cabin introduces a wraparound design that creates a driver-oriented cockpit without isolating the passenger. Soft-touch materials cover most surfaces within reach, while ambient lighting strips trace the dashboard and door panels, adjusting brightness based on driving mode.
The minimalist center console houses a wireless charging pad and electronic shifter. Rear passengers enjoy improved legroom thanks to the optimized seat design and nearly flat floor, making the compact Corolla surprisingly comfortable for longer journeys.
7. 2025 Mercedes-Benz G550 (Exterior)
The G550 Mercedes G550 maintains its iconic boxy silhouette while introducing subtle modernizations including reshaped LED headlights and an updated grille. The traditional exposed door hinges and prominent turn signals mounted atop the front fenders remain as distinctive heritage cues.
Protective elements like brush guards and rock rails come standard, emphasizing the vehicle’s genuine off-road capability. The spare tire mounted on the side-hinged rear door continues as a functional design element, providing quick access in remote locations.
2025 Mercedes-Benz G550 (Interior)
The cabin blends rugged utility with uncompromising luxury through hand-finished leather covering nearly every surface. The grab handle above the glove compartment remains as a functional reminder of the vehicle’s off-road heritage.
A completely digital dashboard integrates with the center infotainment screen under a single glass panel. The 64-color ambient lighting system illuminates air vents and door panels, creating a customizable atmosphere that contrasts with the vehicle’s utilitarian exterior.
6. Tesla Model Y Update (Exterior)
The refreshed Model Y maintains its distinctive crossover silhouette while incorporating subtle refinements to improve aerodynamics. Updated bumpers with more pronounced contouring direct airflow efficiently, contributing to the vehicle’s extended driving range.
New LED light signatures create a more premium appearance, especially at night. The panoramic glass roof remains, but now uses advanced heat-rejecting technology that eliminates the need for a sunshade while maintaining cabin comfort in all weather conditions.
Tesla Model Y Update (Interior)
The minimalist cabin receives an upgrade with better materials, including more generous padding on frequently touched surfaces. The steering yoke becomes optional, with a traditional wheel returning as standard equipment alongside the reinstated turn signal stalk.
Ventilated front seats join the features list, addressing a common request from owners in warmer climates. The revised center console includes wireless charging for two devices simultaneously, while rear passengers benefit from USB-C ports with faster charging capability.
5. 2026 Toyota Highlander (Exterior)
The Highlander adopts a more upright, squared-off profile that maximizes interior space while projecting a commanding presence. The front fascia features a wider grille with intricate mesh pattern and slim LED headlights that stretch toward the fenders.
Side body panels incorporate subtle sculpting that reduces the visual mass. The rear showcases horizontal taillights connected by a chrome accent strip, creating a sense of width while maintaining the clean, family-friendly aesthetic Toyota buyers expect. For more comprehensive expert reviews and rankings, head to this deep dive on the best electric cars of 2025 and 2026 to help narrow down your shortlist.
2026 Toyota Highlander (Interior)
The three-row cabin prioritizes versatility with second-row captain’s chairs that slide and recline independently. A new panoramic moonroof spans both first and second rows, brightening the entire cabin with natural light.
The dashboard centers around a landscape-oriented touchscreen with physical climate controls positioned below for intuitive operation. Premium audio with active noise cancellation creates a serene environment, while multiple USB ports throughout all three rows keep devices charged.
4. 2026 Volvo S90 (Exterior)
The S90’s exterior embodies Scandinavian restraint with clean lines and minimal embellishment. The front features a concave grille treatment flanked by updated Thor’s hammer headlights that extend further into the fenders for a more dramatic appearance.
The long hood and set-back cabin create classic luxury sedan proportions. Chrome window surrounds and integrated dual exhaust outlets add subtle premium touches without compromising the car’s understated elegance.
2026 Volvo S90 (Interior)
The cabin exemplifies Scandinavian luxury with unvarnished driftwood trim and sustainable wool blend upholstery options. The vertically oriented touchscreen integrates Google’s operating system for intuitive controls and seamless smartphone integration.
Crystal gear selector from Orrefors adds a distinctive tactile element. Advanced air filtration with air quality monitoring ensures a healthy cabin environment, while the premium Bowers & Wilkins sound system delivers exceptional audio performance.
3. 2026 Lexus ES (Exterior)
The ES showcases Lexus’s evolving design language with a refined spindle grille treatment and sharper body lines. Triple-beam LED headlights create a distinctive light signature, while the fastback-inspired roofline gives this traditional sedan a more dynamic silhouette.
The side profile features a strong character line that rises from front to rear, creating visual movement. Chrome accents around windows and along the lower doors add a touch of luxury, while flush door handles contribute to the clean, sophisticated appearance.
2026 Lexus ES (Interior)
The cabin envelops occupants in comfort with semi-aniline leather seats offering 14-way power adjustment. The asymmetrical dashboard design places controls within easy reach while creating distinct zones for driver and passenger areas.
Advanced noise cancellation technology works with acoustic glass to create an exceptionally quiet environment. The Mark Levinson premium audio system delivers concert-hall quality sound through 17 precisely positioned speakers throughout the cabin.
2. Jeep Recon (Exterior)
The Recon embraces Jeep’s utilitarian design ethos with a boxy profile and seven-slot grille that’s illuminated on electric models. Removable doors and roof panels provide the open-air freedom Jeep enthusiasts expect, despite the electric powertrain.
Jeep Recon (Interior)
Protective skid plates shield critical components from trail damage. Integrated roof rails support adventure gear, while high-mounted auxiliary lights provide additional illumination during nighttime off-road excursions.Jeep Recon (Exterior)Protective skid plates shield critical components from trail damage. Integrated roof rails support adventure gear, while high-mounted auxiliary lights provide additional illumination during nighttime off-road excursions.
The weather-resistant interior features washable rubber flooring and marine-grade upholstery that resists water and dirt. The dashboard houses a rugged touchscreen designed to be operated even with gloves, maintaining functionality in challenging conditions.
Multiple power outlets and USB ports throughout the cabin support extended adventures off the grid. A portable wireless speaker integrated into the dashboard can be removed and taken outside the vehicle, perfect for camping and outdoor gatherings.
1. Dodge Charger Daytona (Exterior)
The Charger Daytona features a distinctive R-Wing front aerodynamic pass-through that improves both downforce and efficiency. Muscular fenders house wide performance tires, while illuminated Fratzog logo badging revives a classic Dodge emblem for the electric era.
The fastback profile incorporates a functional rear spoiler to manage airflow at high speeds. A full-width taillight panel showcases dynamic lighting patterns during vehicle startup sequences, creating a theatrical experience that emphasizes the car’s performance character.
Dodge Charger Daytona (Interior)
The cockpit focuses on performance with bolstered seats featuring illuminated Daytona logos. A thick-rimmed, flat-bottom steering wheel incorporates controls for the PowerShot function that delivers temporary power boosts for overtaking.
The center console houses the pistol-grip style drive mode selector, a nod to classic Dodge muscle cars. A fully digital dashboard displays performance metrics including a power flow meter that visualizes the electric drivetrain’s output in real-time. Looking even further ahead, don’t miss this roundup of cutting-edge vehicles transforming transportation, offering a glimpse at the future beyond the current lineup.
