New Models Paint a Diverse Automotive Future
The Los Angeles Auto Show (LAAS) for years has been the “green” auto show with most of the vehicle debuts electrified in some fashion. It could be mild hybrid, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery electric or hydrogen-fueled electric. The 2024 LAAS had a mix of these, but also numerous vehicles powered by a more traditional internal combustion engine (ICE). This is noteworthy as it recognizes not everyone is ready for an electrified car, truck or SUV, and that gasoline engines are becoming more efficient and still have a place on the country’s roads and in people’s driveways.
While there were several “announcements” of vehicles promised to come out sometime in 2026 and beyond, we will stick with what we saw at this year’s LAAS that will be on-sale sometime in 2025. In alphabetical order:
- 2025 Acura ACX
This all-new premium compact SUV is the entry model to the Acura line-up, offering “young buyers” the opportunity to get into the performance side of Honda for less than they could in recent years. Available in three trims—ADX, ADX A-Spec and ADX A-Spec with Advance, even the base ADX will deliver plenty of performance and handling prowess before stepping-up both A-Spec line. Standard engine will be a turbocharged 1.5-liter VTEC four.
Final pricing will be announced close to the on-sale date, but is estimated being in the mid-$30,000 range. Deliveries to your local Acura dealer will be in early 2025.
- 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
If you live for the sound of a rumbling, crackling exhaust and the smell of gasoline and burning rubber, then the 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is for you. This high-performance, mid-engine, rear-wheel drive, 2-passenger, 2-door targa or convertible sports car, which features a carbon-fiber aero package, is powered by a 5.5-liter flat-plank crankshaft V8 producing 1,064 horsepower (hp) and 828 pound-feet (lb.-ft.) of torque. Make sure to hang on to something when tromping the accelerator pedal as the 8-speed automatic will do the quarter mile in under 10 seconds, can hit 233 miles per hour, and go 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds.
Final pricing will be announced closer to when the ZR1 goes on-sale in mid-2025.
- 2025 Chrysler Pacifica FAV
Before you pop a vein, FAV translates in Chrysler speak to Family Adventure Vehicle. Take the popular Chrysler Pacifica minivan and load it with black 18-inch wheels, all-weather floor mats, a Thule rooftop cargo carrier and some design cues from the Chrysler Halcyon Concept EV (see below in the Concept section). Families on the go now have a seriously roomy and capable vehicle in which to get away. Clean Fleet Report last reviewed the Pacifica plug-in hybrid in 2022 and were big fans. Upgrades and improvements since then, plus the FAV package, should make the Pacifica even better.
Pricing has not been announced but is expected to be in dealers in early 2025.
- 2025 Fiat 500e EV Giorgio Armani Collector’s Edition
Fiat reintroduced the Cinquecento, or 500e, in the United States in 2024. The five-year hiatus since the original 2019 model allowed Fiat to refine the 500e. At the time Fiat announced several Special Editions were coming with the most recent being the 500e EV Giorgio Armani Collector’s Edition that was introduced last week in Los Angeles. Available in two colors—Dark Green and custom shade created by Armani that combines gray and beige, Ceramic Greige, it has a matching tone-on-tone eco-leather interior.
Pricing starts at $38,000 when it arrives in early 2025.
- 2026 Genesis Gasoline and Electrified GV70
The updated 2026 GV70 gasoline and electrified GV70 will remain as top sellers among premium midsize SUVs. The refinement and power plant options continue to make these Genesis models must-be-considered when looking at their pricier competition. This is the story we wrote after seeing them at a private event two days before the 2024 LAAS.
- 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9
Hyundai made a big splash at the LAAS with the introduction of its first all-electric seven-passenger SUV. This sharp-looking SUV EV will feature second-row seats that swivel when the Ioniq 9 is not in motion, fast charging (10-to-80% in 24 minutes using a 350 kW charger), Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, 0-60 mph in the Performance model of 5.2 seconds, 16 exterior colors and 19, 20 and 21-inch wheel options.
Pricing has not been announced, but the Ioniq 9 is scheduled to be in dealers in the first half of 2025.
- 2025 Kia EV6
The popular EV6 retains its self-identifying look, but has evolved and been refined for a sportier edge. Changes include new head and tail lights, front and rear bumpers and newly designed 19-21-inch wheels. The biggest changes for 2025 are the available 84.0 kWh battery that in the rear-wheel drive Light LR, Wind, GT-Line trims is targeted to have a 319 all-electric driving range. The EV6 line, excluding the EV6 GT, will now all be built in West Point, Georgia.
Pricing will be announced close to when it goes on-sale in the first half of 2025.
• 2026 Kia EV9 GT
Since Kia introduced the 2024 EV9, the automotive media has raved about it and, based on the sales, so has the driving public. As if they can’t help themselves, Kia is taking the EV9 performance (remember what they did with the EV6 GT) up a few notches with the 2026 EV9 GT.
This three-row, six-passenger all-electric SUV has e-AWD with a 160 kW motor up-front and 270 kW motor in the rear. The combined 501 horsepower is a 122 horsepower increase that will deliver estimated 0-60 mph times of under 4.3 seconds. Add-in the driver-selectable electronically controlled suspension and the driver-selectable drive modes that adjust the shock damping, steering and brake feel, the EV9 GT should be one of the fastest ways to get the kids to school.
Pricing will be announced close to when it goes on-sale in the latter half of 2025.
- 2025 Kia Seltos
First launched in 2021, Kia did a major refresh of its compact utility vehicle in 2024. Now the 2025 Seltos gets further refinements to the digital gauges, a new power sunroof, 17-inch wheels standard on the base S trim, and updated interior materials and finishes.
The 2025 Seltos is available with two gasoline powertrains—a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 146 hp, and a 1.6-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine producing 195 hp. No mention of a hybrid or plug-in hybrid model coming anytime soon.
Pricing, excluding the destination and handling fee, ranges from $25,090 to $31,090. The 2025 Seltos is in dealers now.
- 2026 Kia Sportage
Kia’s top-selling model has been extensively updated with design, technology and convenience features. While still considered the fifth generation model, the upgrades almost give an all-new feel.
The three propulsion options of gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid, are offered across several trims designed for everything from commuting and around town driving to those who want to be more adventurous and get a bit dirty in sand, mud and snow. Each power plant delivers very good-to-great fuel economy, so there should be one trim best fitting every driving needs and lifestyle.
Clean Fleet Report last reviewed the 2023 Sportage Hybrid and became big fans of this compact crossover.
Pricing will be announced closer to when the 2026 Sportage is in dealers in mid-2025.
- Honda Passport and Passport TrailSport
The 2026 Honda Passport has a new design “expressing its adventure-ready character” with the Passport TrailSport the most off-road capable Honda SUV ever. With increased ground clearance, off-road-tuned suspension, steel skid plates, specially developed AT (all-terrain) tires and, what every off-road adventurer needs—bright orange recovery hooks. Honda is hoping owners will test its rugged capabilities, not just buy it as an aspirational vehicle. The Passport TrailSport is designed and built to be tested in something more demanding than the freeway or grocery store parking lot.
All 2026 Passports have the new 285 hp 3.5-liter V6 engine, paired with the model’s first 10-speed automatic transmission that has been tuned exclusively for Passport. Adding to Passport’s off-road cred is the Honda torque vectoring i-VTM4 all-wheel drive system that optimizes traction in all driving scenarios, especially slick and off-road conditions.
Interior occupants are treated to the new Passport’s improved rear seat legroom, increased cargo space and more standard tech than on previous Passport models. This includes a 10.2-inch digital driver instrumentation display, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, Google built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto all standard.
The fourth generation Passport will come in three trims—RTL, TrailSport and TrailSport Elite with the base price starting in the mid-$40,000s. Final pricing will be announced closer to when the 2026 Passport is in dealers sometime in early 2025.
- 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan 4Motion
Volkswagen pulled the sheet on the all-new 2025 Tiguan two-row midsize SUV the night before the LAAS Media Day. Journalists were invited to get up-close to the brand’s best-selling model in North America. What they showed revealed a refined exterior, upgraded interior, more power and better fuel economy. Typical for Volkswagen, everything of the all-new Tiguan is an evolution and tasteful, nothing radical that would scare away Tiguan owners from upgrading to the new model.
Powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, the 201 horsepower is up from the previous 184. There was no announcement but a hybrid Tiguan wouldn’t surprise anyone, opening the door for consumers who want some level for electrification in their next SUV.
The new Tiguan weighs around 170 pounds less than the outgoing model, helping both fuel economy and acceleration. EPA-estimated fuel economy is not yet available, but should be higher than the current model’s 25 mpg combined. The weight savings are in large part due to the use of aluminum in the suspension and high-strength hot-formed steel in the body structure.
The interior has premium materials and continues with the clean design Volkswagen is known for. Just like the exterior, no gimmicks here or overwhelming tech. The third generation Tiguan has a standard 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro system and a new central infotainment system featuring a standard 12.9-inch display.
Standard features include wireless charging and app-connect for seamless connectivity, with standard automatic climate control with front seat heat and ventilation. Available are a head-up display, 15-inch infotainment screen, 10- or 30-color ambient lighting depending on trim, and a premium 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
Pricing of the all-new 2025 Tiguan will be announced closer to launch, which is expected in mid-2025.
How About Some Concepts
These concepts were shown at the LAAS, earning “Oohs” and Aahs” from the public.
- Acura Performance EV Concept
The world debut of the Acura Performance EV Concept was at the 2024 Monterey Car Week in August, but the LAAS is the first time the general public has seen it. Acura says an all-new SUV, based on the Performance EV Concept, will go into production in late 2025, at the Honda EV Hub in Marysville, Ohio. This is a closer look at what could be the next EV from Acura.
• Chrysler Halcyon EV
It must have been a blast to be on the design team for the all-electric Halcyon Concept. It would never go into production the way it looks now, but that completely misses the point of the vision the Halcyon offers. It is a work of art that displays technological possibilities with a creative interior focusing on occupant comfort and safety. Go here to see more on this beautiful vehicle.
• Hyundai Initium Hydrogen Concept
Hydrogen-fueled electric propulsion for light-duty vehicles offers a big upside, but sales of these cars has been pretty much a California thing, since that’s virtually the only place with refueling stations. Hyundai has had the Nexo FCEV, fuel cell electric vehicle, on the market for a few years with limited sales, but Hyundai’s hydrogen commitment is strong worldwide, especially for heavy trucks. So it was a nice surprise to see the Initium Hydrogen Concept on the stage in Hyundai’s LAAS display. Except for the design, this is what was revealed about this concept.
Pricing and the on-sale date were not announced. (Or even hinted at!)
- Kia P5 WKNDR Electric Van Concept
Kia debuted the P5 WKNDR electric van concept at the SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) trade show earlier this month. The LAAS was the first time the general public had the opportunity to see this futuristic van. Technology is the theme with the WKNDR including hydro turbine wheels that rotate separately from the off-road tires to generate electricity. This happens when moving down the road or set-up in a camp. The solar roof adds to off-grid capabilities.
The interior has flexible, modular seats that pull-out, fold, rotate and convert into a dining surface. A pop-out platform can accommodate large items, such as a refrigerator, trash bin or act as a compact cooking area. Sleeping space includes the pop-top roof.
The WKNDR and the Chrysler Halcyon EV were the coolest concepts at the show. Will Kia produce the WKNDR? If the attention it drew is any indication, we can only hope so!
- Tesla Cybercab
This self-driving, battery-electric is a two-passenger robotaxi. No steering wheel or pedals. Projected start of production is fuzzy, but the end of 2026 is the target. However, since Tesla has never hit any of its announced production or delivery dates, put this one on your watch list for updates and developments. Tesla announced in October that autonomous taxi operations would start with its existing models after an upgrade to its Full Self Driving (Supervised) software.
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Story by John Faulkner. Photos by John Faulkner, Anne Proffit, and the manufacturers.
