Has there ever been a better time to buy a new car? Electric muscle cars, badass overlanders, family cars that do everything but change diapers, pickup trucks that can go topless. The possibilities among the best new cars are endless thanks to design and engineering which is truly a global competition.
2024 was a great year and 2025 looks to be even more filled with beautiful new designs, thrilling drives, and cars we will want to own forever. Especially since there are several that promise to be fast and efficient, some that promise to bring the best parts of the past to the present, and those that promise to make hot models more accessible to a wider variety of shoppers.
Some are trucks, some are SUVs, and some are EVs – and the writers at A Girls Guide to Cars can’t wait to get behind the wheel of the best new cars of 2025.
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.
Dodge Just Built the “World’s Only Electric Muscle Car”
Contributor Cameron Aubernon was invited to check out the electrified Dodge Charger, called the Dodge Charger Daytona R/T. Instead of over 800 horses under the hood from a thirsty V8, they’re generated by two 335-horsepower electric motors that have 100% torque at 0 mph.
Dodge’s webpage for the “only electric muscle car” says the new Charger R/T Scat Pack will have a limited-slip differential in the rear to “minimize slipping during high powered all-wheel drive launch moments” at the drag strip.
Aside from crazy cool technology that will likely make it bannable at tracks across the country due to unfair advantage, Cameron liked the speaker system. She dubbed it the “loudest EV ever made,” thanks to a Fraztonic Chambered exhaust like those of a now bygone era.
When these come out sometime this year, we can’t wait to get behind the wheel of one. Especially since, compared to other EVs on the market, it isn’t all that bad price-wise. The base R/T trim will start at $59,595, while the Scat Pack trim starts at $73,190.
The anticipation of speed, performance, and power puts the EV Charger at the top of our list of best new cars.
The Jeep Wagoneer S Promises Luxury, Speed, and Efficiency
The gas-powered Jeep Grand Wagoneer was one of our favorite family-oriented off-road ready SUVs, both as the two and three-row configuration. Now to elevate the already luxurious model is the highly anticipated Jeep Wagoneer S – the quick, posh, and all-electric version.
The Wagoneer S’s webpage says it’ll come with a range of over 300 miles on a full charge, and will boast a combined output of 600 horsepower from two electric motors. Therefore, this demure but curvy full-sized SUV will have a zero to 60 time of 3.4 seconds.
Unlike its gas-powered predecessors, the Wagoneer S won’t have a third row. There will, however, be plenty of touch screens for drivers and passengers to muck around with. It’ll also only be available with four-wheel drive.
Not unlike the Grand Wagoneer, the S will cause quite the case of sticker shock. The base price for the Launch Edition is $70,795. However, it does qualify for the $7,500 EV tax credit.
We can’t wait to dive deeper when it hits the dealerships this fall.
The Hyundai IONIQ 9 Has Us on the Edge of Our [Driver’s] Seats
We got to meet the IONIQ 9 late last year at the Los Angeles Auto Show, and we immediately fell in love with the smooth design language, handy features, and gorgeous interior. It’s the yin to the Kia EV9’s yang. The IONIQ 9 is soft-spoken and calm while the EV9 is brighter, has an edgier design, and comes in playful colors.
One of our favorite features, the reclining driving and passenger seats, is a flagship feature that will make up the IONIQ 9’s DNA. It’s also found in the EV9 and the Kia Carnival.
Additionally, it will qualify to ride in the HOV lanes, even with a single driver, as it qualifies as a “clean air vehicle.” So, if you’re in Georgia, Florida, California, Arizona, Hawaii, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, or Utah, that’s something worth looking into.
Hyundai says the IONIQ 9 will have over 300 miles of range on a full charge, and can either come in rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Horsepower figures vary from 215 to 422, depending on the configuration. Charging will be quick and easy, thanks to the inclusion of a NACS port allowing drivers to charge alongside Teslas at Superchargers.
Hyundai hasn’t officially announced pricing since the unveiling, but we wouldn’t be surprised if the base price was closer to $60,000 and the cream-of-the-crop pricing was around $75,000.
When this gorgeous family hauler becomes available in the spring, we’ll be ready to see if it’s worthy of its place on our list of best new cars of 2025.
We Can’t Wait to Meet the Revamped Honda Prelude
Finally bringing back a class we were actively mourning, Honda announced the modernized return of the Prelude. We’re so excited to see the ways Honda configured the “S+ Shift” technology designed to “advance the joy of driving.” From what we know, the Linear Shift Control has been refined to make the hybrid-electric sports car fun.
We don’t know how much horsepower it’s set to have, but we assume it’ll be in the mid to high 200s since the Civic, Accord, and CR-V have a hybrid-electric setup.
Pricing hasn’t been revealed yet either, but it’s likely to be closer to $40,000. When it’s finally across the pond later this year, we’ll try to be the first in line to get behind the wheel.
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The Cadillac IQ’s Promised Range Puts it on the Best New Cars List
When we were introduced to the Cadillac IQ we couldn’t help but be smitten. The unveiling happened just after the Silverado EV, making us excited for General Motors’ latest tech and creature comforts in a three-row SUV.
One of our favorite features was the fact that it still had the Caddy-lavishness about it, without too much “futuristic EV” design language. However, if you notice, it will have lighting features similar to the Lyriq EV we’ve driven and loved.
Unlike its smaller Lyriq sibling, the Cadillac IQ will pack 750 horses under that sleek hood, and be able to get to 60 miles an hour from zero in under five seconds, making it one of the fastest grocery-family-haulers on the market – making it confident with its spot on the best new cars of 2025 list.
If you take a gander at Cadillac’s website, the first line reads, “The longest range of any EV SUV.” With more than 460 miles on a full charge, that stands true – for now. Aside from the range, we’re excited to test the 4-wheel steer features, that will make it easy to drive in congested cities.
When it’s looking pretty in Cadillac showrooms this summer, an in-depth review is in order.
We’re Counting Down the Days Until We Drive the Redesigned BMW M5 Touring
The BMW M5 Touring was announced last summer, boasting a wide body, big wheels, skinny tires, and lookin’ like a damn good time. A powerful twin-turbo German 4.4 liter V8 generating 718 horsepower on stiffer suspension or a PHEV configuration? Consider us enthusiastically signed up to drive.
We see a class of muscle-sport-wagons emerging from Audi too with the RS6 Avant, also fitted with a high-output V8 and wide body. The BMW M5 Touring, not unlike its Audi competitor, comes with a six-figure price tag.
The base Price for the muscle sports wagon starts at $123,275 and can go up north from $160,000 depending on add-ons and trim level.
When it arrives from Europe in the spring, we’ll be more than happy to see if it measures up to the “best new cars” hype.
We Will Be Happy to Survey the Jeep Recon EV
Stellantis disappointed its second-largest market when it announced the Recon EV, an all-electric compact off-road ready SUV, would be available in Europe before making its debut in the US. While it made sense due to the growing EV sales across the pond a few years back, its charming Liberty-esque looks and playful colors charmed across the board.
Like the Wagoneer S, it’ll be fully electric and four-wheel drive, making it one of two EVs in the Jeep family. Taking notes from the Wrangler and Gladiator, the doors are rumored to be removable, making it a true all-electric off-roader.
Jeep has been quiet about the exact range figures for the Recon, but if the Wagoneer S will have a range of over 300 miles, the Recon will likely have a similar range.
Pricing hasn’t been announced either, but we’d wager a price tag slightly less than the Wagoneer S. Since Jeep has never been shy about charging a pretty penny for its hybrids, we wouldn’t be surprised to see a starting price close to $65,000.
The Recon will make its way to America in the first quarter of the year, and we’re stoked to get our hands on the wheel.
Speaking of EVs, We’re Excited for More Posh Polestars
Polestar turned heads with its doing away with the rear window in favor of a screen and camera, and when we got a taste for what Volvo’s old EV division had to offer, we were more than charmed by the 2 and 3.
We loved the lavish interiors, intuitive technology, and reasonable prices compared to other luxury EV SUVs.
This year, we can’t wait to become familiar with the Polestar 4, as well as the extremely sporty and angular Polestar 5. The 4 is another sporty SUV by the company that can produce 272 to 544 horsepower depending on whether or not drivers choose the single or dual motor setup, and can have ranges of 300 to 270.
The single-motor setup has a starting price of $54,900, while the dual-motor configuration starts at $62,900.
The Polestar 5 is the company’s first true performance-oriented sports car scheduled to make its debut in the first quarter of this year. The design “borrows from tomorrow, not yesterday,” the website says and advertises a fully transparent roof.
The interior, Polestar says, will be made from 100% recycled PET bottles, making it one of the more eco-friendly interiors of the EV realm. Pricing for the 5 hasn’t been announced yet, but we wouldn’t be shocked by a $80,000 to $90,000 starting price.
Drum Rolls Please for the Ram 1500 REV Pickup
Ram is late to the EV pickup party due to delays, but we’re so excited for its fashionably late entrance regardless. The Ram’s design is similar to the gas-powered Ram trucks, so it doesn’t set itself too far apart from its predecessors.
However, the technology and capabilities are what we’re most excited about. The REV won’t have the most range out of its competitors, but it does have a respectable range estimate of around 350 miles on a full charge. It’ll also have 654 horsepower from a large 168-kWh battery pack.
We’re also excited to test the 14,000 lb. towing capacity, as well as the maximum payload weight of 2,625 – which Ram suggests is the best of all EV pickup trucks on the market.
Like the Ford F-150 Lightning, the REV will have a large and functional frunk for additional storage. It’s also advertised to be able to power your home for 30 days in the event of a power outage.
The interior looks luxurious, too. When it arrives this summer, we’ll be ready.
We’re Excited to Test the Battery-Plus-Generator Ram 1500 Ramcharger
This truck is going for speed and distance by including a large battery pack that can be charged by a built-in gas-powered generator. This means Ram borrows from the best of both the dinosaurs and electricity.
Ram’s website says the combination equals 690 miles of range, with all the towing figures, payload capacity, and a tad more horsepower over the Ram 1500 REV. It’s a truck Ram says “breaks the rules,” and we’re always ready to hang out with a bad girl.
Like the REV, the generator-battery combo can power a home for 30 days if you experience an outage, and comes with an industry-first eAWD driving mode that “optimizes energy consumption” and “enhances vehicle performance.”
The starting MSRP for the Ram 1500 Ramcharger hasn’t been announced yet, but we’d guess the base trim would start around $60,000 and the top-level trim would start around $80,000 or even $90,000.
We look forward to experiencing the first truck to utilize a generator to charge the battery when it comes out in the first quarter of this year.
We’ll Be Keeping a Lookout for the Rivian R2
Last August, we got to meet Rivian’s smaller and more affordable SUV, the R2. Production is expected to start next year, but we love it so much, that we just wanted to remind our readers why we can’t wait for it to be available.
During the unveiling event, Rivian said the small-but-mighty R2 will have a range of over 300 miles and a peppy zero to 60 time of three seconds. Most importantly, the starting MSRP is $45,000 as opposed to the R1S’s starting price of $75,900.
Despite its compact size, it can still comfortably seat five passengers and doesn’t feel like a compromise of quality. It still bears the iconic look of its larger sibling and comes with a long list of accessories – including a bike rack that folds into the front.
Rivian advertises the little SUV will still pack an off-road punch, too.
When the R2 becomes available in early 2026, we’ll be excited to give it a whirl.
It’s a Ways Away, but We’re Stoked for the 2028 Subaru STi EV
Subaru broke hearts across the nation when it announced the discontinuation of the WRX STi in 2022. The company didn’t try very hard to hide the fact that a performance-oriented EV would take its place in a few years. By “a few years,” they meant six – as it’s slated to be released in 2028.
In March of 2023, Subaru trademarked “STe,” proving the wheels were in motion to produce high-output EVs.
In typical Subaru fashion, nothing official about horsepower, pricing, battery capacity, range, or even a design has been released. Given the pricing of the Solterra, we think the starting price would hover around $50,000 and max out around $70,000.
Trust us – we’re looking forward to welcoming the STi (or STe) back into Subaru’s lineup.
The Scout Terra Will Be A Shocking Twist on Classic Toughness
We were amped up to meet the Scout Terra pickup at the unveiling event in October last year. We were immediately bewitched by the styling, matte paint job, and promising technology.
The Terra, like its gas-powered predecessors, will be built on a body-on-frame construction, feature NACS port charging, and will have a base price starting under $60,000. Plus, all Scout models will qualify for the full federal EV tax credit, thanks to being built in South Carolina.
Like the Ram 1500 Ramcharger, the Terra and the upcoming Traveler can come with a “Harvester” gas-powered generator that adds 150 miles of range. Taking from the past to redefine the future, the Terra comes with a leather interior – something designers thought was an important detail for buyers to connect to the past.
To further break the mold, the Terra can come with a bench seat with a classic tartan plaid pattern as a nod to the company’s past, too.
When it comes out two years from now, we’ll be ready.
You Probably Guessed We’re Excited About the Scout Traveler, Too
We were enthusiastic about the Scout Traveler too, which looks to rival the Rivian R1S directly. Its off-road readiness, classy and classically inspired interior, and cargo options nearly blew us out of our socks.
Our favorite feature was the tailgate which acts as a shelf to increase cargo space and create a workspace. The feature would be excellent for families on camping trips, as we noted it would make changing a squirmy baby on the go a breeze.
Don’t get us started on the panoramic roof, either. It practically takes up the entire ceiling, creating an open feel that’s hard to beat.
Scout is truly looking to change the off-road-ready game with their upcoming EVs, with several AUX switches to make connecting a factory light bar, winch bumper, and more as easy as plugging it in. You wouldn’t have to worry about drilling into anything at all with a Terra or Traveler.
As previously mentioned, Scout is aiming for a starting price of around $60,000, making us extremely excited for 2027.
We Felt the Ground Shaking When We Explored the Ford Expedition Tremor
We’ve always loved the Ford Expedition as a family car, but we’re shaking with anticipation to test drive the new Ford Expedition Tremor – which is a new trim for the 2025 model. We especially loved Ford’s inclusion of all the overland-yet-family-friendly factory accessories like the adjusting tailgate, adjustable rear seats, and the updated command center.
The Tremor trim replaces the Timberline trim and will have the same 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 delivering 440 horsepower, and enough torque to reportedly tow up to 9,500 lbs.
Another one of our favorite features was the storage space under the center console. Just slide it back, and there’s plenty of room for a purse, wallet, or anything else you’d prefer to keep out of sight.
When you’re ready to hit the trails, the Tremor package includes factory skid plates, a light bar exclusive to the Tremor, beefy tires, and delightful yellow accents inside and out. It also means a factory lift, Raptor-esque running boards, and tuned suspension.
The large SUV comes at a starting cost of $81,030, but we’re over the moon to see if it stands up to the hype when it’s here later this year.
The Luxury of the 2025 Lincoln Navigator Had us Hungry for More
When we became acquainted with the Lincoln Navigator late last year, we were pleasantly surprised by the tech-oriented dashboard, the luxurious yet uncomplicated interior, and the kid-friendly rear seating space (seriously – kids get a taste of what it’s like to fly first-class), and delightful design all around.
Our first impressions led us to be less-than-shocked by the massage functionality, but we were curious about the fragrance features. That’s right – there’s a “Digital Scent” compartment as part of a “rejuvenate mode” that would be ideal while waiting for kids to get out of school.
It will also come with a year of Blue Cruise, a handy hands-free cruise control feature we definitely appreciate.
With a starting price of $99,995, it’s not a three-row SUV we’d call “affordable,” but you’d be getting your money’s worth.
We can’t wait to see what it’s all about when it hits dealerships later this year.
Concluding the List is the Upcoming Ford Maverick AWD Hybrid
Ford describes the Maverick as the “little truck people didn’t know they needed,” and for the most part, that’s true. The Ranger’s little brother may be small, but we appreciated the impressive towing and payload capacity, mileage figures, and ease of use.
We also like the starting price of just under $40,000. There are plenty of trims to choose from, but for 2025, Ford is adding an all-wheel drive hybrid for buyers who are anxious to experience over 40 miles to the gallon. A Tremor package will be new for this year, too.
The Maverick AWD will pack a 2.5-liter hybrid engine under the hood that’s rated to tow up to 4,000 pounds with the 4K Towing Package, and 2,000 from the factory. All-wheel drive adds 200 pounds to the payload capacity, making it an eco-friendly brute that’s eager to get the job done.
When it’s available for us to test drive this year, we’ll be sure to put it through its paces.
As you can see, the list of cars we’re excited to drive are as diverse as the women who will get to drive and review them – and while we’re stoked to get behind the wheel of a new car, what excites us the most is getting to give you the resources to decide on which one of these new cars will be best for you.
