10 New Vehicle Debuts That Highlighted 2025

The year is drawing to a close, but before we move on to 2026, a final look back is in order, don’t you think?

New vehicle debuts have been coming thick and fast over the past 12 months, and The Car Guide hasn’t missed a thing. Here are 10 of those that garnered the most attention in 2025:

2026 Toyota RAV4

We’ll start with the country’s best-selling SUV, which has been completely redesigned and, for the first time, is abandoning gasoline engines. The RAV4 now comes standard with a hybrid powertrain producing up to 236 horsepower and achieving an average fuel consumption of 5.6-6.1 L/100 km, according to Toyota. The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid returns with 324 horsepower and up to 82 km of electric range. Incidentally, the new Woodland model replaces the RAV4 Trail as the go-to option for adventure enthusiasts, and the GR Sport is another eye-catching new addition.

2027 BMW iX3

BMW unveiled the first production model in its highly anticipated Neue Klasse family of vehicles, which promises to revolutionize the manufacturer’s lineup in terms of technology while retaining the core values of driving pleasure and design on which the brand was founded. Similar in size to the Tesla Model Y, the new iX3 50 xDrive delivers 463 horsepower and 476 lb-ft of torque. It uses an 800V electrical architecture and, according to BMW’s EPA-compliant testing, has a potential range of 400 miles (643 km). How awesome is that? Sales in Canada will begin in mid-2026.

2026 Audi Q3

The Q3 was due for a new generation. The subcompact luxury SUV’s design draws inspiration from the latest Audi models such as the A5, A6 and Q6 e-tron. The interior features a completely redesigned digital interface and controls, while cargo space is a bit more generous. The only available engine is the same turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder found in the previous Q3, except that it now produces 261 horsepower. Fuel consumption remains an issue.

2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X

Chevrolet went a step further than the 1,064-horsepower Corvette ZR1 with a new model called ZR1X that boosts output to a whopping 1,250 horsepower. For real. Set to take on some of the world’s finest supercars, like the Ferrari F80 and McLaren W1, this Corvette adds an electric motor giving it all-wheel drive, but with an improved version of the Corvette E-Ray’s setup. Capable of sprinting from 0-60 mph in under 2 seconds and completing the quarter mile in under 9 seconds, the ZR1X became the fastest American production car at the Nürburgring in Germany earlier this year.

2027 Ferrari 849 Testarossa

Well, 2025 sure was a big year for the Maranello-based automaker. Its new 296 Speciale is the most powerful rear-wheel-drive Ferrari in history, the Amalfi debuts as the Roma’s successor, and the 849 Testarossa takes over from the SF90 Stradale. Despite a name evoking one of Ferrari’s most famous models, the latter is decidedly modern in every respect. Naturally, the company has planned a convertible variant (Spider) with a retractable hardtop. The twin-turbo V8 is paired with three electric motors to generate a total of 1,036 horsepower and accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 2.3 seconds. Oh, and let’s not forget that Ferrari has announced its first all-electric car, simply called Elettrica, will be a four-seater coupe with over 1,000 horsepower, slated for a debut in 2026.

2026 Honda Prelude

Unveiled in September, the Honda Prelude is making a comeback as a hybrid-powered coupe. In fact, the Prelude uses the same powertrain as the Civic Hybrid, producing a combined maximum output of 200 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque. Unfortunately, it does not offer a manual transmission, but it does borrow the front suspension from the Civic Type R and its Brembo brakes. We’re a bit shocked by the retail price, which is close to $50,000, and bummed about the fact that availability will be limited.

2026 Hyundai Palisade

The bigger of Hyundai’s two three-row midsize SUVs—and one of the best buys in the segment—has been completely redesigned for 2026. In addition to adopting a decidedly more modern look, the Palisade is now more comfortable and technologically advanced. A new V6 engine is offered, as well as a new hybrid powertrain. An adventure-oriented XRT Pro model is also being added to the lineup, with goodies such as increased ground clearance and specific drive modes.

2027 Kia Telluride

The Palisade’s cousin is also getting a full makeover, but for the 2027 model year (there is no 2026 model). The second generation boasts a more robust appearance, especially in X-Pro trim. The 3.8-litre V6 is dropped in favour of a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 274 horsepower. The first-ever Telluride Hybrid will use this same engine along with two electric motors to generate 329 horsepower. The revised interior offers more space, comfort, refinement and versatility. The first units will arrive at dealerships by the end of March.

2026 Jeep Cherokee and Recon

Let’s put these two together. First, the Cherokee is back after a three-year absence from the brand’s lineup. It introduces a new hybrid powertrain delivering 210 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque while achieving a combined 6.4 L/100 km. Cargo capacity has increased by 30%, which is great. Pricing will be key, though. Meanwhile, the fully electric Recon is very similar in size to the 4-door Wrangler (the doors and rear windows are all removable, too) and it becomes the most powerful Jeep ever with dual motors producing a total of 650 horsepower and 620 lb-ft of torque. The 100kWh battery, protected with a full suite of sturdy, high-strength steel underbody shields, enables the Recon to travel up to 402 km.

2026 Nissan LEAF

The LEAF has been reinvented as a small crossover with coupe-like styling, offering less cargo space but significantly longer range than the two previous generations (up to 488 km). The interior has also been completely redesigned, notably with dual 12.3- or 14.3-inch displays depending on the model, as well as optional features such as a panoramic sunroof with variable opacity (a first in this price range) and customizable ambient lighting with 64 colours.

Honorable mentions: 2027 Chevrolet Bolt, 2026 Kia EV4, 2026 Mazda CX-5, 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC EQ, 2026 Toyota C-HR/Subaru Uncharted.