Best New Cars for 2025–2026: What’s Already Here and What’s Coming Soon

2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy

Car companies are finally giving us something to talk about. Whether you're shopping now or planning ahead, here are the new and redesigned vehicles that have my attention—for all the right reasons.

✅ Already Here: 2025 Models Worth a Look

If you’re in the market now, you don’t have to wait to get your hands on some impressive new models. These 2025 releases are already hitting showrooms—and they’re bringing serious upgrades in tech, efficiency, and style.

🚙 2025 Subaru Forester - Subaru gave its beloved Forester a much-needed makeover. The boxy new design is sharper, the cabin is quieter, and for the first time ever—there’s a hybrid version. It cleverly blends Toyota’s tried-and-true hybrid tech with Subaru’s signature boxer engine. Expect better fuel economy without giving up AWD confidence.

⚡ 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 9 EV - Hyundai's new flagship electric SUV is big, bold, and loaded with tech. Think three rows, sleek styling, and a minimalist interior that feels straight out of the future without looking like a space ship. It's roomy, refined, and a serious player for families going electric.

👑 2025 Toyota Crown Signia (Hybrid) - Replacing the Venza, the Crown Signia gives you luxury leanings without the luxury price tag. It’s a stylish crossover with a high-end cabin, Toyota’s hybrid powertrain, and smoother ride quality than you'd expect. Plus, it doesn’t look like every other SUV in the grocery store parking lot.

🔜 Coming Soon: 2026 Models Worth Waiting For

Looking ahead? These upcoming 2026 models are worth the wait, with bold redesigns, new hybrid and EV options, and smarter tech across the board.

🔥 2026 Toyota RAV4 (6th Gen) - America’s favorite compact SUV is getting a full makeover. Expect a bold new look, a more refined interior with massive 10.5″ and 12.9″ screens, and two electrified options: a standard hybrid and an upgraded plug-in with up to 50 miles of electric range. Oh, and Toyota’s new AreneOS tech platform means smarter, smoother connectivity.

🌟 2026 Mazda CX-5 - Mazda’s best-seller is going upscale. Built on an all-new platform, it promises sharper styling, better handling, and possibly Mazda’s new Skyactiv Z engine tech. Expect something that drives like a luxury SUV without the price tag—or the snobbery.

🌿 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid - This one drops in fall 2025. Subaru is finally bringing back the Crosstrek Hybrid with a better powertrain and (hopefully) improved EV range. Rugged enough for adventures, efficient enough for your daily grind.

🏞️ 2026 Subaru Outback - Yes, the Outback is getting another redesign that finally embraces its SUV identity with a boxier, more rugged look—no longer the awkward love child of a station wagon and a crossover. Expect a beefier Wilderness trim early 2026, a refined cabin, and more tech across the board. Subaru’s loyal fanbase will be all over this one.

🏔️2026 Kia Telluride - Still one of the best three-row SUVs out there, the redesigned Telluride lands in early 2026 with a fresh new look. A hybrid version will follow later in the year. Expect even more space, luxury-level features, and a price that undercuts the big names.

🚙 2026 Hyundai Palisade - Launching summer 2025 with gas V6 models, the radical redesign includes a futuristic face and more high-end finishes. Hybrid variants arrive in the fall—perfect for families looking for power and fuel savings.

🏎️ 2026 Honda Prelude (Hybrid) - Yes, the Prelude is back! This stylish hybrid sports coupe blends efficiency with sporty flair. Set to arrive in late 2025, it’s a nod to Honda’s legacy with modern tech and fuel economy to match. If you’ve been waiting for a fun-but-practical two-door, this might be your moment.

🏁 The Bottom Line

Between long-overdue redesigns, expanded hybrid options, and futuristic EVs that don’t suck, the next 18 months are shaping up to be very interesting for car shoppers. Whether you’re in the market now or plotting your next ride, there’s plenty worth getting excited about.

---

🚘 Not sure whether to buy now or wait?

Let me help you find the right car at the right time—without the stress or the dealership nonsense. Learn more about my unique car buying service!