When a popular car is redesigned, people get excited; they run out to see it, put down a deposit, and relish in the hottest new thing. But pragmatic types send out caution alarms; you’ll likely pay top dollar, discounts may be scarce, and if there are issues, you’ll be first in line to discover them.
So, are these redesigned models really the best cars to buy right now, or should you go for the last model year? We’re listing some of the most exciting remodels and overhauls and comparing them to the “old” version to help you choose what’s best.
This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience, and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.
The Hot New Model or Last Year’s Design: Which Is Better?
If a great deal means more to you than the hottest new thing, then buying the outgoing model after a significant redesign can mean getting a bargain. But you have to really know the difference and make sure it’s what you need. Upgrades in tech, performance, or MPG could mean significant conveniences or savings in the new model versus the last.
Once you figure out what you really need in a new car, though, it’s time to start comparison shopping. Here are the best cars that got makeovers in 2025, how they differ from the outgoing model, and which may be the better deal for buyers on a budget.
Is the New Toyota RAV4 Worth Waiting For?
We are huge fans of the new Toyota RAV4. We love its reputation for reliability, that it’s available in a hybrid or plug-in hybrid electric, and that it can get as rugged as you like. The 2026 redesign, when it finally goes on sale, will show upgrades in all those details: all versions are either hybrid or PHEV, there’s a Woodland edition with all-terrain tires and off-road features, and there are more luxuries in all models.
Of course, the price went up by about $2,000 or so, depending on the model. The 2025 model starts at $29,800; the 2026 model will start at $31,900.
For 2026, the RAV4 looks more like the 4Runner with a flat front face and more truck-like proportions. The interior has more convenient storage, and the multimedia system is updated with more functions and faster performance. If those cosmetics aren’t important to you, you might save more than a few thousand dollars on a new one. But that’s a solid “might.” The Toyota RAV4 is always a hot ticket, even when it’s the last one in the bin.
Is the 2026 Subaru Outback the SUV You’ve Dreamed Of?
For 2026, Subaru gave the new Outback, priced from $33,995, a solid and thorough going over, upgrading and improving everything it could that needed it, leaving the rest alone. It’s taller and has more interior space than the 2025 model, priced from $33,060, though it’s the same length and has the same cargo space and legroom.
The biggest differences, besides the more SUV-like exterior proportions and a sleek new front face, are inside: A new multimedia screen, better storage, and little quality of life details like easier to reach cupholders and a very smart cargo cover that we simply adore.
If you’re happy with the interior and like the old multimedia screen (count me in that group), and you can score a deal on an outgoing model, you might be in for the deal of the century. These things are rarely found at a discount.
If the dealer won’t budge on price, though, go for the 2026. All the upgrades will make your new car feel really special, and you won’t notice the price difference.
New Vs Used Infiniti QX60? There Are Benefits To Both
For 2025, Infiniti gave the QX60, the popular 3-row luxury SUV, a facelift, upgrading some of the interior and exterior details but leaving the engine and frame mostly alone. It’s fitted with a larger display, Google built in, and looks more like the QX80.
Because it was introduced mid-year, it’s unlikely you’ll find a model-end 2025 used about $40,000 for Pure entry level mode; 2026: $53,690
The Kia Sportage Is (And Always Was) a Bargain
The Kia Sportage was always a small but mighty SUV, and for 2026, the hybrid version has been overhauled, too. It still has everything we loved in the previous model year: a good amount of cargo and passenger space, a gorgeous exterior design, a fun driving dynamic, and fun color options—all for an incredibly fair price. The new model starts at $28,690, while the 2925 model year started at $28,785.
Since the prices are so similar, you can’t go wrong with either model year. However, the new model year does come with a fun new design and a hybrid version that starts at $30,290 MSRP. For a little extra, you get exceptional mileage, and you save on fuel, so we recommend buying new.
The Jeep Grand Wagoneer is Barely Changed on the Outside, But Exceptionally Changed on the Inside
DO NOT FREAK OUT. Jeep changed everything about the Grand Wagoneer (and Wagoneer) from the name, which is now “Jeep” badged, to the models in the lineup. For 2026, the Grand Wagoneer will have a much lower starting price of $63,240 (add $3,000 for 4WD), a significant step back from the opening price of the 2025 Grand Wagoneer at $84,945.
However, the 2026 model has a slightly less powerful engine and more of the “Wagoneer” features versus the Grand Wagoneer. All that is to say, if you really want the outgoing Grand Wagoneer and all its luxuries (or the outgoing Wagoneer and its very nice power and features), this is the time to get it, both for availability and for negotiability; dealers will be dealing on these.
However, if the lower-priced Jeep Grand Wagoneer is for you, just be patient; it’ll be worth the wait. Last, don’t confuse the Jeep Grand Wagoneer, or the outgoing Wagoneer, with the Jeep Wagoneer S; that one is all electric and doesn’t have a 3rd row. Confusing, we know, but be patient while they get their ducks in a row. It’ll be worth it.
The New Jeep Grand Cherokee Comes with a New Face and New Options
The redesigned Jeep Grand Cherokee, like the Grand Wagoneer, isn’t as different on the outside as it is on the inside. Everything that made the Grand Cherokee a winning formula is still there, but with better tech and more powerful engine options.
As far as pricing is concerned, though, the Grand Cherokee redesign comes with a steeper price tag: $42,495 instead of $37,635. So, the new Jeep is more powerful and more attractive, but it’s pricier. Is it worth that worth the heightened cost? That depends on how much that matters to you. Mid or even high-range trims of the 2025 model year will cost around the same as the MSRP for the new base model.
The New Jeep Cherokee is Here, and it’s a Hybrid!
There isn’t a 2025 model year for the Jeep Cherokee, as it was discontinued in 2023. This time around, it’s back as a hybrid-only mid-sized SUV that starts at $36,995, which is a lower price from the 2023 model year’s starting price of $39,290. Right now, the 2023 Jeep Cherokee costs $22,000 used, but it wasn’t known for its reliability.
We loved the Cherokee’s redesign and overhaul—but especially the pricing. Therefore, we recommend buying the new one.
The Kia Telluride Drives a Hard Bargain
The new 2027 Kia Telluride doesn’t arrive until early 2026, and we wanted to mention it because it’s more than just a redesign (which makes it look like a Hot Wheels or Matchbox car); it’ll come with a new hybrid engine, improved towing, and a beefier off-road trim. Pricing for the new Telluride hasn’t come out yet, but it’s likely a little more than the previous model year.
The 2025 model starts at $36,390, which is a steal for any three-row SUV—but they certainly hold their value. Most trims of the 2025 Kia Telluride, even used, average out at around $32,000. If you can’t stand the wait (though we recommend you do), we don’t blame you. But the new version comes with substantial upgrades, so it’s absolutely worth the wait.
The New Honda Passport Has New Tech, But Retains the Good ‘Ol Stuff
The 2026 Honda Passport, at least on the outside, is brand new. It has a new, rugged design language, it’s wider, taller, and longer, and it’s built to tackle some seriously tough stuff. We took it off-road and absolutely loved it. As off-road-focused as it is, we love the family-friendliness, which has been retained from previous model years.
It’s not a three-row SUV, though it’s big enough to be one—and it still has the 3.5-liter V6 that Honda’s been using for years. Price-wise, it hasn’t changed much from the previous model year. The starting price of the 2026 model is $44,750, while the average price of the previous Passport is $43,895. The redesign is worth the higher cost for the new technology, design, and space. The old one is still a great buy, but it isn’t as refined. So, we recommend going for the new one.
The New VW Tiguan is Fancier—But Does That Make it Better?
The new VW Tiguan was always a favorite of ours because of the price-to-feature ratio, the interior design and quality, passenger space, and technology. The new model adds the SEL R-Line Turbo trim with 268 hp, updated Travel Assist, an upscale cabin, and a new 15-inch screen. We also loved the new ambient lighting settings.
Because the price of the new one is still pretty similar to the previous model year, we definitely recommend paying the extra few Gs for the redesigned model. Trust us—it’s worth it.
The 2026 VW Taos is a Solid Pick, Too
The VW Taos is a tough contender for an affordable car that doesn’t compromise on style, features, driving style, and technology. The newly redesigned VW Taos is no exception to that rule. It was redesigned for 2025, but for 2026, there are noticeable upgrades like rear seatbelt pretensioners, wireless charging, and upgraded audio on the SEL trim.
Since they’re similar in price ($25,495 for 2025 vs $24,995) and the “upgrades” don’t justify the heightened price of the “new” version, we recommend sticking to 2025 and getting that end-of-the-year deal for a higher trim of the outgoing model.
The Hyundai Palisade May Be the Best 3-row, but it is Pricier
The Hyundai Palisade went through one of the most dramatic changes of this year, with a new face, new interior, a new and more powerful V6, and—finally—a brand new, powerful hybrid system. It’s bigger, so it translates to more room for more people; it’s quieter on the inside, and it feels so much more expensive than it is. Not unlike the 2025 model year.
The starting price for the Palisade, thankfully, remains a bargain. The 2025 model starts at $38,695 versus the redesign’s $39,493, but the 2026 model offers so much more. We wouldn’t blame you at all if you took advantage of the year-end sales for a 2025, but the new version is a massive leap forward with a new hybrid engine, more room, a better third row, and upgraded technology.
The Nissan Leaf Comes with Massive Improvements All-Around
The Nissan Leaf was the perfect EV for commuters, with an approachable price, a respectable range, and fairly forward features. But it was best for just that: commuters. The limited range of 212 kept it within county limits. But Nissan aims to change that for 2026, with a fresh, young, and eccentric design, an improved range of 303 miles, an NACS charging port from the factory, fast charging, more trims, and Nissan’s ProPilot Assist.
Therefore, we could shout our recommendations for the 2026 model from the mountaintops. It’s more than just an overhaul; it’s showing the world that the Nissan Leaf isn’t here to play checkers—it’s here to play chess. And win. Especially since the starting price is $29,990.
The Mazda Heard Our Cries and Finally Listened with the New Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 was a winner as soon as it got to the starting line, because it was affordable, stylish, roomy, efficient, with a decent ride, and even had an optional turbocharged engine. However, our only complaint was the severe (and I do mean severe) lack of technology. The CX-5’s screen was only a touch screen if you were using a phone mirroring software, and when you weren’t using that software, you were stuck navigating a very antiquated system.
The new and improved CX-5 comes with a large touchscreen (no more rotary dial—FINALLY), a revamped interior, but with a familiar face—for the friendly price of $29,050. Instead of the 2010s software, Google built in with Gemini AI and an upcoming hybrid option. We’d recommend holding out for the hybrid version, but we definitely wouldn’t blame you for rushing to the lot when the redesign rolls off the truck.
