The 14 Best Cars, Trucks and SUVs of 2025: Toyota, Subaru, Slate and More

A countdown of the year’s best new vehicles.

Collage of five images featuring a black pickup truck doing a burnout on a racetrack, a blurred white sports car, a close-up of a gray electric SUV wheel, a green sports car parked on pavement, and a red AMG sports car with illuminated taillights and "STAY TUNED" text on the rear display.Gear Patrol

If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more

“Gradually, then suddenly.” Since The Sun Also Rises, Hemingway’s signature quip has been used to describe everything from political upheaval to cultural change — or, for our purposes, industry in flux.

As with any list, our countdown of the year’s most important cars, trucks and SUVs is sure to ruffle a few feathers, if not for the selections then certainly for their order. Though perhaps it’s for the best.

After all, change is not always smooth nor welcome. But it is always on its way, first slowly before arriving all at once.

GP100: Gear Patrol’s annual roundup of the most important releases collects key watches, cars, outdoor gear and more. Browse the full list or catch up on last year’s winners.

14. The car enthusiasts’ dreams are made of

Matte blue Lamborghini sports car parked inside a spacious building with arched windows and hanging globe lights.Lamborghini

GP100 Winner

2025 Lamborghini Temerario

Specs

Engine 4.0-liter gas-electric twin-turbocharged V8 plug-in hybrid
Transmission 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Output 907 hp & 590 lb-ft

No matter where your biases lie as a car enthusiast or appreciator. Nearly everyone indisputably grew up with a Lamborghini poster on their wall, featuring cars like the Temerario.

It’s the follow-up to the Huracán, or Lamborghini’s midrange model, carrying the same lineage established by the Gallardo, Jalpa and Silhouette. But this time around, the Temerario boasts some radical changes.

Green and black sports car with red accents and black multi-spoke wheels parked on asphalt.
The Temerario is the follow-up to the iconic Huracán.
Lamborghini

Like its larger and significantly faster and pricier big sibling, the V12-powered Revuelto, the Temerario is the first of the breed to sport a gas-electric plug-in hybrid powertrain. Yet it isn’t all about efficiency or zero emissions, but technological prowess.

For instance, total system output is 907 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. The twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter flat-plane crank V8 punches out 789 of those horses alone.

The latter alone allowed Lamborghini engineers to achieve an eye-watering 10,000-rpm redline. And its electric-drive system boasts state-of-the-art axial flux motors.

Interior of a Lamborghini with black leather steering wheel, brown leather seats, and a central touchscreen display.
Unlike Lamborghinis of the past, the Temerario boasts one of the nicest interiors in the company’s history.
Lamborghini

And the results? A 0-60 time of just 2.4 seconds and a top speed well past the 200 mph mark, or 213 to be exact. All the sorts of numbers you’d expect from one of greatest purveyors of supercars in all the land.

But what’s even crazier is that Lamborghini yet to even release any variants. Its saga has only just begun.

Matte blue Lamborghini sports car with hexagonal LED headlights parked on a coastal road.
The Temerario is the sort of supercar worthy of being the poster child for would-be car addicts.
Lamborghini

Because it’s a completely new model, the Temerario sets the stage for the brand for the next 10 or so years, similar to the Huracán, which had a series production run for about a decade.

And because it’s the sort of car that ends up on the walls of aspiring car enthusiasts as a poster, it’s going to serve as a source of inspiration for several generations of automotive aficionados for years to come.

13. A big, British flip of the bird to electrification

Gray Bentley Supersports coupe drifting on a smoky asphalt road at night.Bentley Motors

GP100 Winner

2027 Bentley Continental GT Super Sports

Specs

Engine 4.0-liter gasoline twin-turbocharged V8
Transmission 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Output 657 hp & 590 lb-ft

Not too long ago, Bentley announced its plans to march slowly towards an all-electric future. It began by revealing its latest plug-in hybrid, the Flying Spur Speed.

However, Bentley isn’t just about fastidious opulence, but also performance. And while electric propulsion technology has proven to be worthy of some serious power, it’s still not quite the same as good ‘ol fashioned pure internal combustion.

Matte black Bentley Continental GT Supersports with bronze accents driving on a dark road at night.
The latest Continental GT Supersports is a big poke in the eye to electrification and efficiency.
Bentley

Especially since electric propulsion gear weighs a ton and still seriously compromises performance on nearly all accounts.

Which is why Bentley flipped the bird to the movement and built the Continental GT Supersports as a poke in the eye to tree-hugging zero-emissions and efficiency committees.

Bentley Super Sport models have always been about benchmarking performance and summoning the automaker’s rich motorsports heritage. And the latest Conti GT Supersports does exactly that.

Luxury car interior with black and beige leather seats, beige-trimmed steering wheel, and carbon fiber dashboard at sunset.
Despite a heavy diet, the Conti GT Supersports is still as luxurious as Bentleys typically get.
Bentley

Like previous versions, Bentley takes its popular grand tourer coupe, puts it on a strong Weight Watchers plan, beefs up the suspension, chassis, brakes, engine and bodywork, caps production, all to make one of the rarest and fastest Flying Bs in all the land.

The numbers speak for themselves. Its twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 punches out 657 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque, allowing 0-60 mph to happen in just over three seconds.

That might be significantly less power than the plug-in hybrid powertrains in the standard Conti GT Speed and Mulliner. And it also might be slower in a straight line.

Matte black Bentley Continental GT Supersports performing a burnout with smoke around the rear tires.
Because it’s all about performance, the Supersports is the most driver-focused Continental GT yet.
Bentley

But the Supersports’ aggressive diet also means it’s a whopping 1,000 pounds lighter. That means better handling, braking and overall driving sensations from behind the wheel.

It’s simply the ultimate driver’s Continental GT. Only 500 will be made, all for the estimated cool price of around $486,000.

And because it ticks all the boxes for such performance, luxury, exclusivity and the way it says “bugger off” to buck industry trends, all those attributes make the Continental GT Supersports one of the auto world’s current greatest pinnacles.

12. One of Auburn Hills’ greatest and most anticipated comebacks

Blue Jeep SUV with a bike and kayak mounted on the roof at sunset on rocky terrain.Jeep

GP100 Winner

2026 Jeep Cherokee

Specs

Engine 1.6-liter gas-electric turbo-four hybrid/2.0-liter gas turbo-four ('27MY)
Transmission eCVT/8-speed automatic (2.0L)
Output 210 hp & 230 lb-ft (total, 1.6L hybrid)/TBD (2.0L)

It’s been a couple of years since Jeep gave us one of its most iconic and elemental models: the compact Cherokee. After discontinuing the previous fifth-generation model following a long and dated nine-year production run, fans were ready for another.

At first, uncertainty loomed around the Cherokee’s future following several significant management changes with Jeep’s parent company. Additionally, as the previous model had been around since 2014, fans were left underwhelmed and ready for a new one.

Silver Jeep Cherokee SUV parked on a sandy area near a small body of water, with greenery and rocky terrain in the background. The vehicle has black trim around the wheel arches and lower body, modern alloy wheels, and a distinctive front grille. The reflection of the SUV is visible in the water.
The sixth-gen Cherokee returns to its original form with a boxier, more rugged exterior design.
Jeep

Especially since the curvy and rounded exterior design of the fifth-gen model didn’t quite align with the visual ethos and rugged appearances of its predecessors. But after a rocky road, the Auburn Hills-based purveyor of patriotic four-wheelers pulled the sheets off its all-new sixth-gen Cherokee in New York City.

Revealed in August, the Cherokee arrived to eager fans and appreciators, continuing a legacy that helped define Jeep’s reputation for nearly the past half-century. Although the new sixth-gen “KM” Cherokee continues to make use of a car-based unibody chassis, it gets a completely new one.

Blue Jeep SUV parked on a sandy, rocky terrain with a natural backdrop of dirt hills and greenery, viewed from the rear. The vehicle has tinted rear windows, black lower bumper trim, and modern taillights. The license plate reads "DCH 758.
The 2026 Cherokee is the first of the breed to get gas-electric hybrid power.
Jeep

Specifically, it utilizes Stellantis’ latest STLA Large platform, which is the same one underpinning the new Wagoneer S and Recon EVs. But because of is complete ground-up overhaul, it benefits from all the improvements that come from a total redesign.

The new Cherokee also boasts a major first. It’s the first of the breed to get a gas-electric hybrid powertrain.

Interior of a Jeep vehicle featuring a black leather-wrapped steering wheel with control buttons, a digital instrument cluster, and a large touchscreen infotainment system displaying a navigation map. The cabin has light gray perforated leather seats, a center console with a rotary gear selector, cup holders, and climate control buttons below the screen. The dashboard and door panels combine light gray and black materials with contrast stitching.
An all-new and more upscale interior design complements the new exterior.
Jeep

Its new design represents a return to form, with a boxier and more rugged appearance. Its visual features paint a preview of what we can potentially expect to see with future Jeep models.

But most of all, we haven’t even gotten around to seeing what other variants Jeep may have up its sleeve. How about a Trail-Rated all-terrain variant? All things considered, the new Cherokee’s chapter is only just getting started.

11. The ultimate one-car solution finally comes Stateside

Blue BMW M3 Touring with black grille and roof driving on a forest road.Chris Chin

GP100 Winner

2025 BMW M5 Touring

Specs

Engine 4.4-liter gas-electric twin-turbocharged V8 plug-in hybrid
Transmission 8-speed automatic
Output 717 hp & 738 lb-ft

Once upon a time, the BMW M5 Touring was off limits to North American buyers. Quite simply, the automaker didn’t think Americans wanted it.

That’s because wagons were often perceived as uncool soccer parent-mobiles. They were the antithesis to all things fast and fun, clashing with the hearts and desires of high-paying enthusiasts and clientele.

Blue BMW M3 Touring driving on a winding road with a 35 mph speed limit sign visible.
This is America’s first-ever official M5 Touring and it’s as epic as you think it is.
Chris Chin

But ever since Mercedes-Benz teamed up with AMG during its aftermarket years to make hot wagons in the 1980s, the niche grew into one of the biggest and most desirable automotive guilty pleasures among enthusiasts.

BMW jumped in on the action with the third-generation E34 M5 in the early 1990s and the E60 M5 Touring two generations later in the mid-to-late 2000s. However, neither made it to North America.

Interior view of a BMW car showing a black leather steering wheel with red accents and a digital dashboard with navigation display.
It may look like an ordinary 5 Series inside, but it’s far from it.
Chris Chin

Once Audi (RS6 Avant) and Mercedes-AMG (E55/E63 AMG Estate) proved that Americans love hot long roofs after the new millennium — and are willing to pay for them — BMW M hopped on the bandwagon.

Now, to many enthusiasts rejoicing, the M5 Touring is no longer forbidden fruit. For the first time in BMW’s and the M5’s history in America, the Munich-based automaker is officially selling it Stateside.

And it’s as good as you can imagine it to be.

Rear view of a gray BMW M3 Touring with illuminated taillights parked on a road at sunset.
What’s better than being able to keep up with Ferraris while hauling your family and their things?
Chris Chin

It isn’t without its criticisms, of course. For one, it weighs as much as a Chevy Tahoe from being saddled by all its extra gas-electric plug-in-hybrid running gear.

But with over 700 horsepower (717 to be exact) and enough torque go move the moon (738 pound-feet), it’ll still keep up with Italy’s finest Prancing Horses. It’ll sprint to 60 MPH in almost three seconds and onto a limited top speed of 155.

Yet, it does it all while being able to haul your entire family and things in the same sort of comfort a normal 5 Series wagon would. What more could you ask for?

10. Reimagining one of Lexus’s greatest hits of all time

Many thought Lexus’s previous supercar, the insane and incredible V10-powered LFA, was just going to be an exotic one-hit wonder. But after rumors about a successor began brewing a few years back and the recent revealing of the latest LFA Concept, that obviously was not the case.

In December, Lexus unveiled its next-generation LFA next to its parent company’s first-ever standalone exotic: the Toyota GR GT.

Sleek gray sports car with black roof and rear LED light strip parked on a concrete surface.
Lexus’s original LFA wasn’t just a one-hit wonder.
Lexus

Originally previewed at The Quail during Monterey Car Week in August as the Lexus Sports Coupe Concept, the model had a second chance to take the spotlight recently in Tokyo. Which is when Lexus confirmed it as the LFA Concept.

In addition to a completely ground-up redesign, the new LFA Concept will take a radical departure from the old model. Gone is the sonorous and iconic V10 in favor of a high-output all-electric powertrain.

Futuristic Lexus car interior with a rectangular steering wheel, digital dashboard, and panoramic roof.
The LFA Concept took its first bow as the Lexus Sports Coupe Concept during Monterey Car Week.
Lexus

It’s also longer, wider, but not necessarily taller. Rather, the changes in dimensions are meant to improve the car’s handling and performance.

For instance, the greater length and width allow Lexus engineers to place the wheels further at each corner. The result is a wider axle track, resulting in a lower center of gravity and better handling.

Sleek light blue sports car with black roof, black wheels, and yellow brake calipers parked on a concrete floor.
The new LFA Concept is both longer and wider than the previous model.
Lexus

It also allows chassis engineers to better manage the production LFA’s heavy electric drive components.

Originally, speculation suggested Toyota’s new twin-turbocharged V8 would power the new LFA. But that’s reserved for the GR GT and the new LFA will be fully electric.

Matte light blue Lexus sports car with black roof and large black alloy wheels parked on concrete.
Sadly, the new LFA will forgo the original car’s sonorous V10 in favor of neck-snapping all-electric power.
Lexus

Neither Lexus nor parent company Toyota divulged any additional specifics. But needless to say, enthusiasts have another unique and unconventional supercar to look forward to in the near future.

9. Mercedes-Benz unveils its look for the next decade

Glossy black luxury coupe with large illuminated grille and sleek LED headlights in a minimalist studio.Mercedes-Benz

GP100 Winner

Mercedes-Benz Vision Iconic Concept

Concept cars generally serve one or two purposes. They either preview a potential future model, a company’s general strategic direction, new technologies and features, or all of the above. For the Mercedes-Benz Vision Iconic Concept, it’s precisely option numbers two and three.

Unveiled earlier this year at the Shanghai auto show, the Three-Point Star pulled off its wraps to provide a glimpse of what to visually expect from its next generation of cars. While the Vision Iconic Concept doesn’t necessarily imply a new model, it’s more of a design study.

Sleek black luxury coupe with tinted windows and large black alloy wheels on a reflective surface.
The Vision Iconic Concept provides a glimpse into the design language of Mercedes-Benz’s next generation of cars.
Mercedes-Benz

Every so often, these concepts sometimes translate into a production model. Some even speculated that it could hint at the return of the S-Class Coupe and Convertible.

But that’s rather unlikely. Instead, the Vision Iconic’s impact on the brand will be far greater. It will essentially dictate Mercedes’ future design language, transcending stand-out visual styling cues and themes in future vehicles.

Glossy black Mercedes-Benz car rear with sleek red taillights in a minimalist studio setting.
The Vision Iconic Concept takes heavy inspiration from the height of the Art Deco era.
Mercedes-Benz

Because it sets the stage for the company’s newest design language, the automaker clearly made sure to distinguish it from past ones. This time around, Mercedes’ designers took heavy inspiration from the height of the Art Deco period.

That squarish and shiny new grille up front? It will likely end up as the brand’s new corporate-wide signature front design element, as has been the case for all Mercedes-Benzes since the dawn of time.

Front grille of a black Mercedes-Benz car with illuminated grid pattern and hood ornament.
Although seen on the concept, the Vision Iconic’s grille can already be seen on the production GLC-Class EV.
Mercedes-Benz

In fact, it’s already showing up on the next-generation GLC-Class EV. The Vision Iconic’s overall curvaceous, low-slung shape, head- and taillight designs will also likely find their way onto future production models.

The concept also boasts some of the innovative technology that the company is working on.

Front view of a sleek black Mercedes-Benz luxury car with illuminated grille and modern LED headlights.
The impact that the Vision Iconic Concept will have on Mercedes’ future lineup with have far-reaching effects.
Mercedes-Benz

For instance, the car’s paint features photovoltaic paint, which can convert the sun’s energy to electricity to help recharge its main battery pack. The Vision Iconic also showcases Mercedes’ plant to implement an all-new advanced steer-by-wire system.

Because Vision Iconic lays the groundwork for new Mercedes-Benz models in the near future, its influence will have far-reaching effects for the automaker over the next decade, if not more. Which is something that can’t be said for many other concept cars.

8. The prototypical all-road wagon, but boxier and more SUV-like than ever

Green Subaru SUV with black grille and roof rails parked on grass with trees in the background.Subaru

GP100 Winner

2026 Subaru Outback

Specs

Engine 2.5-liter boxer inline-four, 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer inline-four
Transmission CVT
Output 180–260 hp & 178–277 lb-ft

After introducing the Outback as an option on the Legacy in the 1990s, Subaru eventually spun the nameplate off into its own distinct model. In doing so, the Japanese automaker created what has been one of the most successful and enduring station wagons on the American market.

Green Subaru Outback SUV parked on grass with trees in the background.
The redesign comes just in time for the Outback’s 30th Anniversary, though Subaru is taking the model in a decidedly different direction.
Subaru

Oddly enough, for the Outback’s 30th anniversary, Subaru finally succumbed to the crossover epidemic and made the model look more like a midsize SUV than ever before. Completely redesigned inside and out, it’s no longer a high-riding station wagon on account of its split headlights, taller roofline and boxier shape.

As such, even though Subaru made only minor changes to the Outback’s flat-four powertrain, the vehicle does bring some significant upgrades when it comes to the user experience.

Front view of a dark green Subaru SUV with LED headlights on a grassy lawn.
The split headlights are key to the vehicle’s boxier look.
Subaru

In addition to helpful creature comforts like Nalgene-compatible cup holders, gear organizers and cable keepers, it also brings overhauled tech in the form of a fresh infotainment system and — refreshingly — a return to buttons and knobs.

Progress is inevitable and even though Subaru’s Outback wagon sold in significant quantities, it was only a matter of time before it bulked up around the outside.

Dark green Subaru SUV with black plastic cladding and alloy wheels parked on grass.
As large as the new Outback looks, it’s actually pretty similar in proportions to its predecessor. Nevertheless, it skews much more Forester now.
Subaru

As large as it looks, the appearance is deceiving as the physical dimensions are actually comparable, apart from a few inches of extra height. Nevertheless, it amounts to a significant design change for a vehicle that outlasted its donor: the Subaru Legacy.

7. A V8 about-face that echoes the industry’s changing EV initiatives

Black RAM pickup truck parked on a racetrack with empty grandstands in the background.Stellantis

GP100 Winner

2026 Ram 1500 Hemi

Specs

Engine 5.7-liter V8
Transmission 8-speed automatic
Output 395 hp & 410 lb-ft of torque

The Ram 1500 secured a spot on this year’s roundup not because of anything new that it brought to the table. Rather, we felt it worthy of inclusion due to the fact that the truck made a return to Hemi V8 power, as it’s a change that speaks to the state of the automotive world at large.

Last year, Ram discontinued the 5.7-liter option in favor of its more powerful and more efficient Hurricane Straight Six Turbo as part of a larger Stellantis mixed-energy strategy.

Black RAM pickup truck parked on a racetrack under a partly cloudy sky.
The Hemi returns to the Ram 1500 after a short absence, but it’s nevertheless an impactful statement.
Stellantis

However, following continued consumer outcry and a significant change in leadership personnel, the brand reversed its decision and reintroduced the engine to the 1500 series for 2026.

As if that wasn’t enough, Ram has since reframed the whole ordeal as a marketing opportunity, announcing its commitment to internal combustion through a new “Symbol of Protest” badge and cancelling the development of its all-electric Ramcharger pickup.

Chrome and black engine emblem on the side of a black vehicle near the wheel arch.
The “Symbol of Protest” badge speaks to Ram’s continued commitment to internal combustion.
Stellantis

In any case, the initial discontinuation and subsequent reintroduction of a V8 as iconic as the 5.7-liter Hemi (and from a truck like the Ram 1500 no less) is much more than a mere administrative error. It’s a moment that epitomizes an ongoing and industry-wide about-face regarding automotive electrification.

Black RAM pickup truck performing a burnout on a racetrack with smoke around the rear tires.
Ram’s cancellation of the Ramcharger EV echoes the rest of the industry’s response to the changing political climate in the United States.
Stellantis

After all, on a Federal level, the United States’s hesitancy to embrace EVs has resulted in not only the discontinuation of tax credits but also the nullification of emissions standards.

6. A revival of an icon and a preview of future sports car possibilities

Blue Honda electric coupe driving on a winding road with a hillside covered in grass and shrubs in the background. The car features sleek, modern headlights and black wheels.Honda

GP100 Winner

2026 Honda Prelude

Specs

Engine 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder & two electric motors
Transmission eCVT
Output 200 hp & 232 lb-ft

25 years after the discontinuation of the Prelude, Honda has revived the model for a new sixth-generation version based on the Civic hybrid. However, as notable as it is that the badge has made a return, it’s really the car’s implications that earned it a spot on this list.

For one, the Prelude — true to its heritage — is packed full of innovation, as its Honda S+ Shift drive mode brings simulated gear shifts to a hybrid-electric powertrain.

Silver Honda sports coupe with black alloy wheels parked on a paved surface, set against a backdrop of green forested mountains and clear sky. The car features sleek, modern headlights and a streamlined design.
The Prelude returns after a significant hiatus, bringing with it typical Honda innovation.
Honda

By precisely managing engine RPM and integrating paddle shifters, Honda has made it so that the car can mimic downshift blips, rev matching, gear holding and enhanced engine sounds, even though it’s a pair of electric motors that actually drive the wheels.

What’s more, the Prelude makes for the first hybrid-electric model to incorporate the chassis components from the legendary Civic Type R.

close-up showing supension setup on the upcoming honda prelude
It’s the first hybrid-electric Honda to benefit from the Civic Type R’s chassis components.
Honda

Along with the dual-axis strut front suspension, it also brings the hot hatch’s wider front and rear tracks, as well as its oversized front brakes.

In addition to previewing the potential loss of a manual for the Civic Type R, the Prelude has also proven that Honda’s parts bin can bear fruit.

White Honda Prelude coupe with black accents, tinted windows, and black alloy wheels, parked on a paved surface with mountains and a clear blue sky in the background.
The Prelude previews possibilities for Honda, along with the rest of the industry’s sportier electrified vehicles.
Honda

Initial orders in Japan were eight times that of the monthly projections.

5. Jaguar’s most pivotal moment since the E-Type

Matte pink futuristic Jaguar concept car with sleek LED headlights and large alloy wheels on pink ground.Jaguar

GP100 Winner

Jaguar Type 00 Concept

Specs

Engine TBD
Transmission Single-speed drive
Output 956 hp (est.)

It’s been over a half a century since Jaguar caused as much of a stir as the Type 00 Concept. The last time the Coventry-based automaker generated such a buzz was when it debuted the E-Type in 1961.

But when the company revealed the Type 00 Concept, it was met with both major criticism and praise. Those whose feathers were ruffled criticized it as being far too forward and avant-garde, with its unapologetically bold and polarizing design.

Two sleek, futuristic electric cars, one blue and one pink, parked side by side against a magenta wall.
The Type 00 Concept is undoubtedly Jaguar’s most ambitious car ever.
Jaguar

Many also questioned what it meant for the brand, a purveyor of sophisticated, fast and luxurious sports cars, sedans and even SUVs. On the other side, those praising the Type 00 Concept saw it as a way to depart from its antiquated past and rid the brand of its image of catering to the well-off AARP crowd.

Regardless of what side of the aisle you’re on, the Type 00 Concept’s impact on the auto industry is undeniably momentous.

It’s not just a concept either. The Type 00 previews a future production and exclusive luxury four-door grand tourer EV, one that intends to take on the likes of Rolls-Royce and Bentley.

Close-up of a black car wheel rim with a gold "JD" logo at the center.
The Type 00 represents not just a new era for the brand, but a completely new look.
Jaguar

It also reveals the company’s major rebranding and theme, “copy nothing,” complete with a new logo and insignia.

The Type 00 Concept also debuts Jaguar-Land Rover’s latest and completely new JEA or Jaguar Electric Architecture modular platform, which will spawn a complete range of all-electric models.

Sleek purple Jaguar concept car with large black and gold wheels on a pink rocky surface.
The first production model based on the Type 00 is expected to debut sometime in 2026.
Jaguar

But most importantly, it paints a picture of what the world can expect future Jaguar Cars to look like when they pull up to the local dinner spot.

The production model will also debut the company’s in-house all-electric propulsion system. Specifications are limited, but one of the key parameters of the design is that it has to provide between 450 and 500 miles on a single charge while also delivering 956 horsepower.

Side view of a blue car with gullwing door open, showing a minimalist beige and white interior with a steering wheel and single seat.
Jaguar aims to be more exclusive and luxurious by taking Rolls-Royce and Bentley head-on.
Jaguar

Although not yet confirmed, rumors suggest the production model will be ready for primetime sometime later in 2026 and early 2027.

4. A cutting-edge groundbreaker in all-electric high-performance luxury

Orange futuristic Mercedes-Benz AMG electric sports car with illuminated grille and sleek aerodynamic design in a dimly lit industrial space.Mercedes-Benz

GP100 Winner

Mercedes-Benz Concept AMG GT XX Coupe

Specs

Engine Dual axial-flux electric motors
Transmission Single-speed drive
Output 1,390 hp

Few automakers are looked upon for a glimpse into the future like Mercedes-Benz. There’s always been a saying: if you ever want a taste of the sort of innovative tech that will eventually trickle down to mainstream cars, you can always look to the Three-Point Star as the one leading the charge.

Which is exactly the case with Mercedes-Benz’s Concept AMG GT XX. It’s the company’s latest vision at an all-new, all-electric high-performance four-door sports car. If that formula sounds familiar, it’s basically what the current AMG GT Four-Door Coupe is today.

Mercedes-AMG Concept AMG GT XX Electric Hypercar rear end next to charging stationMercedes-AMG

The AMG GT XX essentially teases what’s to come with the next-gen model. But furthermore, it also showcases Mercedes-AMG’s ambitions for an all-electric future and the innovative technology involved.

Despite the rocky road to EV adaptation, Mercedes-Benz and its in-house performance division remain committed to the transition. So much, that it’s investing billions into state-of-the-art axial flux motors and groundbreaking battery tech.

Mercedes-AMG Concept AMG GT XX Electric Hypercar profileMercedes-AMG

Not only are the new flux motors far more power-dense than the current radial flux motors used in most EVs. They also weigh significantly less, are smaller in size and far more energy efficient.

The AMG GT XX also demonstrates the company’s first-ever AMG.EA EV architecture. And it features a revolutionary cooling system apparatus that helps manage one of the biggest problems with electric motors and batterys: thermal management.

Front view of an orange Mercedes-Benz sports car with headlights on in a dark room with orange ceiling lights.Mercedes-Benz

Thus, with all this tech and engineering, the results are staggering. AMG claims a total output of around 1,000 kilowatts, or about 1,360 horsepower.

Top speed? About 224 mph. And on top of all that, a driving range estimated at around 248.5 miles, thanks to an insanely low drag coefficient of 0.198 Cd.

But that’s not the only impressive statistic. With its standard 800-volt architecture along with AMG’s Formula 1-derived advanced battery pack, it can recharge up to 200 miles in just 15 minutes on a Tesla Supercharger.

These aren’t just empty statistics either. During one of its most rigorous endurance tests, engineers test drove the AMG GT XX at full over 40,000 miles in under eight days, with is the total circumference of the planet. And they’re not stopping there.

Mercedes-Benz AMG car interior with black yoke steering wheel, dual digital displays, and orange ambient lighting.Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-AMG didn’t specify when the production variant will arrive. But when it does, it’ll be one of the few cars helping to lead the industry more into an electric future.

3. A tiny EV truck that shows what people really want from pickups

Matte gray electric pickup truck with black roof and wheels parked inside a dimly lit industrial warehouse.Slate

GP100 Winner

Slate The Blank Slate

Specs

Engine 150 kW rear-mounted electric motor
Transmission N/A
Output 201 hp & 195 lb-ft

Although the Slate EV has yet to go on sale, the budget-friendly battery-powered truck has already proven to have an enormous impact. After all, even in the absence of standard paint, speakers and power windows, the vehicle managed to accrue more than 100,000 reservations in just two weeks.  

Of course, as a concept, Slate’s offering is truly novel in its minimalism and unlike anything on the market in its modularity. However, it’s not just a case of cutting corners to facilitate an affordable price point — the truck is designed to give consumers more control over what they drive.

slate truck
Slate touts customization as one of the main draws of its quirky little EV.
Slate Auto

As such, in keeping with the company’s name, it’s intended to be a true blank slate, allowing for customization of everything from the color of the wrap to the very body style of the vehicle itself. With accessories and upgrades available upon purchase or separately down the line, it provides a flexible buying experience unrivaled by even the cheapest of subcompacts.

slate truck
Not even speakers are standard — Slate specs an empty cavity that can be filled with off-the-shelf options or some of your own.
Slate Auto

From its  retro design and compact footprint to its simple interior and excessive customization options, the Slate EV bucks the status quo in more ways than one. Nevertheless, its immense virality proves that it’s exactly the kind of vehicle that carbuyers have been craving.

slate truck
Slate’s pickup packs tons of promise, though this isn’t the first time that an ambitious EV startup has attempted to break into the industry.
Slate Auto

Whether Slate will be able to deliver at its proposed price point given the ending of Federal tax incentives remains to be seen, but there’s no denying that it’s exciting to see a pickup of these proportions at a time when trucks continue to trend larger.

2. A look at BMW for the next 25 years

Blue BMW electric SUV driving on a mountain road with rugged hills in the background.BMW

GP100 Winner

2027 BMW iX3

Specs

Engine Dual synchronous electric motors
Transmission Single-speed drive
Output 463 hp & 475 lb-ft (50 xDrive)

BMW is in the midst of its most pivotal transition period in nearly its entire history. The last time the Bavarian automaker overhauled its whole product range to such a degree was back in 2002, when it launched the controversial “Bangle-era” E65 7 Series.

A dark blue BMW SUV displayed indoors with a spotlight on it, featuring sleek black alloy wheels and modern headlights. A woman dressed in a white top, beige jacket, and shiny beige pants is leaning against the front right side of the car. The background shows a blurred cityscape with warm sunset colors and several people in shadow.
The iX3 is the first production model to arrive as a result of BMW’s latest Neue Klasse strategy.
Chris Chin

Nearly a quarter of a century later, BMW is at it again. But this time, with the prospect of electrification. The result is its Neue Klasse generation of automobiles, which sets the theme for how its entire product range will look, drive and feel for the next 25 years.

Helping the brand charge forward into its next era is its latest all-electric compact SUV, the iX3. It’s the first production model to launch as part of the Neue Klasse strategy, featuring BMW’s latest “Heart of Joy” ideology.

More importantly, it’s the carmaker’s first mass-production electric vehicle. Originally introduced in concept form as the Vision Neue Klasse X in 2024, the iX3 is essentially the version ready for primetime.

Blue BMW X3 50i SUV displayed indoors with people standing around, illuminated by bright spotlights highlighting its rear and side profile.
The iX3 made its official North American debut in September.
Chris Chin

When it hits US dealers next year, it’ll arrive in 40 xDrive form with an upgradable 50 xDrive spec. Although BMW remains tight-lipped about performance data, the carmaker did say the range-topper will churn out a total system output of 463 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque, translating to 0-60 mpg in just 4.9 seconds.

Interior of a modern BMW car featuring a white steering wheel with the BMW logo, a large central touchscreen display on the dashboard, white and black seats, and a sleek, minimalist design with a mix of white and dark materials. The background shows a group of people outside the car.
Despite the omnipresence of screen, BMW’s still committed to focusing the experience around the driver with its “Heart of Joy” ethos.
Chris Chin

But BMW didn’t forget the most important aspect about EVs: range charging. With a state-of-the-art 800-volt architecture, engineers say the iX3 can travel up to 400 miles on a single charge and recouping 217 miles only takes 21 minutes on the appropriate Level 2 fast-charger.

Black BMW SUV parked indoors on a wooden floor with a brick wall background, illuminated by a vertical light tube on the right side. The vehicle's front right turn signal is on, and two people are visible inside the car. There are potted plants in the corner behind the car.
The iX3 will arrive stateside in two forms, 40 xDrive and 50 xDrive.
Chris Chin

It might basically be an all-electric version of the next-generation X3 compact crossover SUV. Being about roughly the same size, it’ll cost around the same too, around less than $60,000.

But because the iX3 is the first car from the Neue Klasse strategy to reach production, the iX3 is essentially the beginning of a new chapter for the brand. And that’s a huge deal.

1. An all-star SUV that raises its own lofty bar

Silver Kia SUV parked on a gravel road with a lake and snow-capped mountains in the background.Kia

GP100 Winner

2027 Kia Telluride

Specs

Engine 2.5-liter gas turbo-four/gas-electric turbo-four hybrid
Transmission 8-speed automatic (2.5L)/6-speed automatic (2.5L hybrid)
Output 274 hp & 311 lb-ft (2.5L)/329 hp & 339 lb-ft (2.5L hybrid)

Kia revealed what is arguably its most important car of the decade at the Los Angeles Auto Show: the 2027 Telluride.

As one of the midsize segment’s best-selling and award-winning models, the latest second-gen version cranks up the style and pizzazz with million-dollar looks both inside and out.

When the Telluride first launched in 2019, it became a smash hit and remains a perpetual favorite here at GP. Not only did it set a new bar on how much value one can get in the mainstream market.

Black Kia Telluride SUV parked on a concrete driveway near a modern building at sunset.
The 2027 Kia Telluride has the looks and presence to match your rich neighbor’s full-size Range Rover.
Kia

It absolutely excels at nearly everything it’s designed and engineered to do. While it may not be groundbreaking from a performance or technological standpoint, the Telluride is one of the very few prime examples where a car company got everything so damn right.

There are a lot of good cars and hardly any glaringly bad cars out there. However, the Telluride is genuinely and almost nearly impossible to fault.

Car interior with tan leather seats, matching steering wheel, wood trim, and a wide digital dashboard display.
Because it’s a Kia, the Telluride will come jampacked with tech and features.
Kia

It’s also one of the few prime examples where a car company got everything so damn right.

This time around, the second-gen model brings some very notable changes, such as more powertrain options. It drops its silky-smooth naturally-aspirated V6 for a base 2.5-liter gasoline turbo-four.

And for the first time, that four-cylinder can be paired with an electric motor as the upgradable option. That makes it the world’s first Telluride hybrid.

Beige electric SUV with black wheels parked on a grassy field with mountains in the background.
The new Telluride has big shoes to fill from its predecessor, but we don’t doubt it will do so in spades.
Kia

But because it’s a Kia, it’ll be loaded up the wazoo with tons of standard equipment and features, without costing an arm and a leg. Add in the new Range Rover-like styling both inside and out, it look far more expensive than it will most likely be.

Which means, when all is said and done, like the original, the Kia Telluride will remain as one of the greatest automotive bargains of the century.

Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.

add as a preferred source on google
, , , ,