December 25, 2024

Edmunds: 5 game-changing vehicles you’ll want to know about

By Chase Bierenkoven
A small crossover SUV, Cadillac’s new 2025 Optiq is fully electric and comes standard with a hands-free driving feature.

A small crossover SUV, Cadillac’s new 2025 Optiq is fully electric and comes standard with a hands-free driving feature. (AP photo/AP)

If you’re thinking about buying a new car but don’t need one right away, now is a great time to show a little patience.

Generally, waiting until the fall or winter can create an opportunity to purchase an all-new or significantly updated vehicle.

The 2025 model year is jam-packed with big updates for some of the most popular vehicles.

To give you an inside scoop on what’s coming down the pike in the next few months, the automotive experts at Edmunds have picked five vehicles that promise to be well worth the wait.

Cadillac Optiq

Cadillac’s Optiq SUV will be a new option for electric SUV shoppers who might have otherwise considered an Audi Q4 e-tron, Genesis GV60 or Tesla Model Y.

A follow-up to the larger Lyriq luxury SUV, the smaller, less expensive Optiq targets the mainstream in a big way.

Considering the standard all-wheel drive, 300 horsepower and estimated 300 miles of range, it should be compelling.

Another reason to be excited is that Cadillac’s hands-free Super Cruise driving feature is standard equipment.

Edmunds has found Super Cruise to be beneficial in making driving in heavy traffic less fatiguing.

Estimated on-sale date: Late 2024

Starting price: $54,390, including destination

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 receives a new hybrid powertrain option that will get close to 40 mpg.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 receives a new hybrid powertrain option that will get close to 40 mpg. (AP photo/AP)

Mazda CX-50 Hybrid

Mazda’s CX-50 is Edmunds top-ranked small SUV. It boasts a classy interior, sporty handling and a decent off-road capability.

For 2025, the CX-50 will add hybrid fuel efficiency to the mix, as well. The new hybrid version will borrow its powertrain from the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.

While there is not an official EPA figure yet, Mazda estimates it will get 38 mpg in combined city/highway driving.

That’s 10 mpg better than the CX-50′s most efficient base engine. With 219 horsepower, the hybrid is more powerful, too.

Estimated on-sale date: Late 2024

Starting price: $35,390, including destination

The new 1500 REV will be Ram’s first all-electric pickup and will have up to an estimated 500 miles of range.

The new 1500 REV will be Ram’s first all-electric pickup and will have up to an estimated 500 miles of range. (AP photo/AP)

Ram 1500 REV

The Ram 1500 REV will be the automaker’s first electric truck. Its dual electric motors will produce up to 654 horsepower and allow a max tow rating of 14,000 pounds.

That’s significantly more than the 10,000-pound maximum towing capacities of the electric Ford F-150 Lightning and Chevrolet Silverado EV.

Two battery options will be available. The standard pack should propel the 1500 REV to an estimated 350 miles while the bigger battery will be good for an estimated 500 miles of range.

Ram also says the 1500 EV will have multiple household-style power outlets to power tools and equipment for recreational use, job sites and more.

Estimated on-sale date: Late 2024

Estimated starting price: $65,000

The 2025 Porsche 911 GTS has a new hybrid powertrain that significantly improves performance and low-speed responsiveness.

The 2025 Porsche 911 GTS has a new hybrid powertrain that significantly improves performance and low-speed responsiveness. (AP photo/AP)

Porsche 911

A new 911 is always a big deal, but this one is particularly special. For 2025, the 911 is going hybrid.

However, Porsche didn’t hybridize its iconic sports car just for better fuel economy. Here, the hybrid is about performance.

The powertrain exclusive to the 911 GTS combines a turbocharged flat-six engine with a hybrid system to produce an impressive 532 horsepower.

Besides the extra oomph, the hybrid system also helps to improve responsiveness at low rpm.

Other changes for all 2025 911s include standard rear-axle steering and a fully digital dashboard.

On-sale date: Available now

911 GTS starting price: $166,895, including destination

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner has new engines, an updated interior and even more off-road capability than before.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner has new engines, an updated interior and even more off-road capability than before. (AP photo/AP)

Toyota 4Runner

Toyota’s 4Runner is getting a much-needed overall for 2025. This midsize SUV is thoroughly modern, but still has all the qualities that made prior editions so popular.

Toyota has dropped the old V6 in favor of a new turbocharged four-cylinder good for 278 horsepower. A 326-horsepower hybrid version will also be available.

Inside, the new 4Runner sports an available 14-inch center touchscreen and chunky control knobs and switches.

Of course, the latest 4Runner won’t skimp on off-road capability. The new Trailhunter version, for example, will have additional ground clearance, 33-inch off-road tires, a locking rear differential and more.

Estimated on-sale date: Fall 2024

Estimated starting price: $42,000

Edmunds Says

The 2025 model year is jam-packed with big updates for some of the most popular vehicles on the market. These models we listed above will have some significant advantages over a vehicle in the here and now.

Buyers shopping for new wheels will have a lot of exciting options to choose from in the next few months.

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