The Most Exciting New and Redesigned Car Models Arriving in 2025

2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Hybrid

One of the best parts of my job is keeping up with all the new cars, trucks, SUVs, and yes, even minivans hitting the market. It's like a never-ending auto show, and I love seeing where each brand is headed. Especially in this era of fast-paced change, the shifts in technology, consumer demand, and government regulation are rewriting the playbook. And with a wave of all-new and redesigned models coming for the 2025 and 2026 model years, there's a lot to unpack.

Let’s take a look at some of the most exciting, eyebrow-raising, and just plain head-scratching vehicles coming soon to a showroom near you.

The Future is Electric (Whether We Like It or Not)

EVs are still hogging the spotlight, whether you're ready to plug in or still clinging to your gas-powered glory days. Here’s what’s charging into the market next.

2026 Nissan Maxima (EV)

The Maxima is back—but not like you remember it. Nissan has ditched the V6 sport sedan formula in favor of an all-electric reboot. Riding on the same EV platform as the Nissan Ariya, the new Maxima should land somewhere between $45K and $60K and promises to live up to its "four-door sports car" nickname. Built in Mississippi, it’s expected late 2025 or early 2026.

2026 Kia EV3

Kia’s baby EV SUV is smaller than the EV6 but sports a boxier, more practical design—think shrunken EV9. Targeting over 300 miles of range and priced around $35K, the EV3 is Kia’s answer to the need for affordable electric SUVs. The Kia EV3 is expected to debut in the US in the first half of 2026.

2026 Chevy Bolt

GM is bringing back the much-loved Bolt, this time riding on their new Ultium platform for better range and faster charging. Still aiming for a $30K price point, the Bolt remains one of the most attainable EVs—and it’s built right here in the U.S. The big comeback is scheduled for late 2025.

2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9

Hyundai’s sleek new three-row SUV shares DNA with the Kia EV9 but goes slightly bigger and bolder. With a standard NACS charging port (hello, Tesla Superchargers!), over 300 miles of range, and pricing starting in the low $60Ks, the IONIQ 9 is a stylish family EV that doesn't scream "electric toaster." We should start seeing these babies around May 2025.

Popular Models Go Hybrid (Finally!)

For those of us not quite ready to go full EV but still want better mileage and a cleaner conscience, hybrids are the way to go. Some of the most popular models are finally getting hybrid versions - and it's about freakin' time!

Mazda CX-5 Hybrid

Mazda is going its own way by developing a unique hybrid powertrain for the redesigned CX-5, possibly based on their rotary engine tech. The 2026 CX-5 hybrid will likely arrive in late 2025 or early 2026. Until then, the CX-50 Hybrid is already here, borrowing the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid engine.

Subaru Crosstrek & Forester Hybrids

Subaru is finally getting serious about hybrids. The 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid (due Fall 2025) and the earlier-arriving 2025 Forester Hybrid (Spring 2025) will both use a new system pairing Toyota’s tech with a new 2.5L Subaru boxer engine. More power, more efficiency, and finally... more options. This is what the Subaru lineup has been missing.

Honda Prelude (Hybrid)

And a special surprise for Honda enthusiasts - the beloved Prelude is coming back! Still a two-door coupe, the new Prelude will share hybrid tech with the Civic and Accord. And yes, it looks fantastic! We don't know when it will be released (some time in 2026, most likely) but expect prices in the $30K range. Get ready for some old-school driving fun with new-school efficiency

Still Rocking the Gasoline (for Now)

Yes, the internal combustion engine is still alive and kicking—and some of these newcomers are making sure it doesn’t go quietly into the night.

2026 Honda Passport

Honda's two-row SUV finally gets its own personality. Rugged styling, a stiffer chassis, and a naturally aspirated V6 paired with a 10-speed automatic and AWD system aim to give it real off-road chops. Pricing starts in the mid-$40Ks, and the new models will arrive starting in April 2025!

2025 Acura ADX

Acura's new subcompact SUV slots below the RDX and shares bones with the Civic and Integra. It’s a classier alternative to the HR-V and starts in the mid-$30Ks, competing against entry-level luxury rivals like the BMW X1.

The "WTF!?!" Files

Just because you can build something doesn’t mean you should—but the automakers have apparently decided to anyway. Here are a few of the most head-scratching new models headed our way.

2026 Ford Mustang Raptor

Yes, you read that right. A 700-horsepower off-road Mustang. Suspension lifted, price tag inflated ($100K+), practicality tossed out the window. This thing screams midlife crisis with mud flaps. Entertaining? Yes. Necessary? Absolutely not.

Electric Ford Fiesta Hatchback (TBD)

Ford might redeem itself with an EV version of the much-missed Fiesta. If they can keep it around $25K, it could be the small, affordable EV we’ve been waiting for. And the fact that a former Tesla engineer is heading the project gives us hope.

Mercedes EQ G-Wagon

Mercedes is electrifying the G-Wagon. It’ll cost a jaw-dropping $163K and promises off-road capability and luxury. Just don’t forget your charger when you’re "exploring" the wilderness.

The One I'm Most Excited About: The 2026 Hyundai Palisade

The fully redesigned Palisade is Hyundai’s big move in the three-row SUV space. Boxier and styled like a Korean Range Rover (without the maintenance nightmares), it’s expected to come in both gas and hybrid forms. If they go hybrid-only, I won’t complain. We need more family-sized hybrids, and this one could finally compete with the Toyota Grand Highlander and Lexus TX Hybrid—without the airbag drama.

What About the Kia Telluride?

Oh yes, it’s getting redesigned too. Code-named LQ2, the new Telluride will likely follow the Palisade's lead, possibly adding hybrid or plug-in hybrid options. Camouflaged test cars have already been spotted in California, so the launch shouldn't be far behind.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in the market for a new car and willing to take a (calculated) chance on a brand-new or redesigned model, 2025 and 2026 are going to be very exciting years. Between affordable EVs, long-overdue hybrids, and the occasional completely bonkers creation, there's something for everyone.

Just maybe skip the Mustang Raptor... unless your midlife crisis comes with deep pockets and an excellent chiropractor.

🎧 Want the full rundown with even more juicy car chatter? Tune into The Straight Shift podcast episode for this topic and get my unfiltered take on which of these new rides are worth your time—and which ones might belong in the junkyard of bad ideas.