New Vehicle Debuts to Watch For in 2025
Happy New Year to all The Car Guide readers! It sure sounds like 2025 will be another busy year in the auto industry, and we’ll be right there bringing you everything you need to know and more.
The upcoming CES in Las Vegas will kick things off, including the debut of Honda's new electric SUV concept. It will be followed by the return of Detroit’s North American International Auto Show in its original January time slot.
- Also: Top 10 New Vehicles Ready to Hit the Road in Canada in 2025
- Also: Top 10 New Models That Defined 2024
Below are 10 new vehicle debuts to watch for in 2025:
BMW: New Electric SUV
The next generation of electric vehicles at BMW is known as the Neue Klasse, and the first production model based on the Vision Neue Klasse X concept (pictured above) is scheduled to come to life at the Debrecen assembly plant in Hungary sometime in 2025. The site will become the first BMW Group factory in the world to run entirely on fossil-free energy.
2026 Honda Prelude
The Honda Prelude will return to the Canadian market in late 2025. Unlike the previous five generations—the first dating back to 1978 and the last one discontinued in 2001—the sixth-gen Prelude will be sold exclusively as a hybrid when it arrives as a 2026 model. We’ve seen the prototype (pictured above), so now we’re waiting for the production model, which is expected to be extremely similar.
Jeep Recon and New Hybrid SUV
Initially announced in September 2022, then shown in concept form in March 2023, the Jeep Recon will become the brand’s second electric SUV in North America following the larger Wagoneer S. It will use Stellantis’ STLA Large platform, which also underpins the Wagoneer S and Dodge Charger Daytona. We’re anticipating an early-2025 reveal, unless more delays occur.
Meanwhile, Jeep CEO Antonio Filosa has confirmed that a new hybrid SUV will arrive in 2025. It won’t be a plug-in hybrid model like the Wrangler 4xe or Grand Cherokee 4xe, but rather a conventional hybrid. A gasoline-powered variant will be sold alongside. All signs point to Jeep reviving the Cherokee nameplate, which was discontinued in March 2023.
More details about the Jeep hybrid SUV.
Mercedes-Benz CLA
Mercedes‑Benz is busy working on the next generation of its entry-level sedan, the CLA. Development is ramping up as the global premiere will take place sometime in 2025, with sales in Canada to begin for the 2026 model year. This will be the first of an all-new family of cars, heralding a new chapter for the entry segment at Mercedes‑Benz, according to CEO Ola Källenius, who said the CLA is designed to set new standards in range, efficiency, and charging speed.
Nissan LEAF Successor
A small electric crossover, slotting below the Ariya, will replace the LEAF hatchback. A debut is expected to take place sometime in 2025, but will the name survive? We’ll see. Look for a sportier-looking vehicle with approximately 25 percent longer range than the current LEAF (based on reports that have surfaced online). Oh, and all-wheel drive will be available this time.
Ram: New Midsize Pickup
In the new labour contract between Stellantis and the United Auto Workers (UAW) was the promise to build a new midsize pickup in Belvidere, Illinois. The automaker’s only midsize pickup at the moment is the Jeep Gladiator, which is built alongside the Wrangler in Toledo, Ohio. Since the UAW execs have referred to a “new” truck, we assume the Ram 1500 will finally be getting a little brother.
Range Rover Electric
JLR (formerly known as Jaguar Land Rover) says the upcoming Range Rover Electric will be its most refined vehicle ever created. And the quietest, too, obviously. The overall design will be pretty similar to that of the latest gas-powered Range Rover. Engineers aim to deliver the same level of performance and off-road capability as any other Range Rover. In fact, the automaker claims the Range Rover Electric will eclipse other electric luxury SUVs when it comes to towing loads and clearing obstacles.
Subaru: Three New Models
In 2025, we expect to see the next-generation 2026 Outback, which will look more like an SUV than ever before based on spy shots. Wagon lovers will be sad. The 2025 Forester Hybrid is also slated to debut and go on sale this year. And let’s not forget Subaru’s three-row electric SUV being developed together with Toyota and to be built by the latter at its Kentucky plant.
More details about the Forester Hybrid.
More details about the electric SUV.
Tesla Model Y
Following the Model 3’s Highland update for 2024, the Model Y’s so-called Juniper revision will be a highlight of 2025. Look for similar changes to those that were made to the sedan. And in typical Tesla fashion, prices will be adjusted—probably more than once, too.
2026 Toyota RAV4
Last but not least is the next generation of Canada’s best-selling SUV. The completely redesigned 2026 Toyota RAV4 will change significantly inside and out, but powertrain options will likely be carried over, maybe with a few enhancements.