Smart Rides Incoming
Japanese automakers just dropped some serious heat for 2025. We're talking fresh designs, smarter hybrid systems, and SUVs that actually make sense for real people. Leading automobile brands surely brought their A-game this year.
Toyota Crown Estate
The Crown Estate addresses a common issue with most luxury SUVs: the need to choose between cargo space and premium comfort. Toyota engineered a world-first luggage space extension board mechanism that creates a completely flat two-meter loading space when the rear seats are folded.
Toyota Crown Estate (Cont.)
It comes with pull-out deck chairs and tables. Performance-wise, this hybrid system actually delivers more punch than Toyota's other Crown variants. The car produces approximately 50% more front motor output compared to the Crown Crossover, while the plug-in hybrid variant offers 89km of pure electric driving range.
Tokumeigakarinoaoshima, Wikimedia Commons
Nissan Murano
After years of playing it safe, Nissan finally gave the Murano a complete overhaul. The Murano has a new powertrain for the 2025 model year with Nissan's variable compression turbo technology. It also features enhanced overall drivability by swapping the CVT with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Mostly AMAZING! 2025 Nissan Murano Review by TheStraightPipes
Nissan Murano (Cont.)
This addresses the two biggest complaints about the previous generation: lackluster engine response and the dreaded CVT drone that plagued highway driving. It is slightly wider in body than the outgoing model. Behind the 2nd row seats, there is 32.9 cubic feet of space.
The New 2025 Nissan Murano Is Confusing by Doug DeMuro
Subaru Forester
Your next Forester will be the most capable yet, and that's saying something for a model that's dominated outdoor adventures for three decades. The 2025 Subaru Forester maintains its popular light off-road credentials with full-time all-wheel drive and 8.7 inches of ground clearance.
2025 Subaru Forester Review by AutoWeb
Subaru Forester (Cont.)
Unlike crossovers that fake the funk, this thing goes where others can't. The big news is efficiency without sacrifice—something hybrid buyers have been desperately seeking. Given Subaru's previous partnerships with Toyota, people expect the hybrid to be based on a Toyota powertrain.
2025 Subaru Forester - in depth Walkaround 4K by MXMCars
Acura ADX
If you've been priced out of the luxury compact SUV market, the ADX changes the game completely. This beast has a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system with 15 crystal-clear speakers compared to the BMW X1's 12 speakers. You're getting legitimate luxury features without the German car payment.
The 2025 Acura ADX Is Small, Affordable Luxury by Doug DeMuro
Acura ADX (Cont.)
The ADX shares its platform with Honda's HR-V, but swaps the meek 158-hp engine for the turbocharged four-cylinder from the Integra, producing 190 horsepower. Five unique drive modes give you control over the experience. It can go from 0–60 mph in about 8.7 seconds.
2025 Acura ADX Review by AutoWeb
Mazda CX-70
Mazda came up with the CX-70 for people who want three-row luxury without three-row complexity. The CX-70 trades the CX-90's third row for a more efficient cargo area, giving you massive storage space that's pretty usable for large items like furniture, sports equipment, or camping gear.
The 2025 Mazda CX-70 PHEV Is An Upscale Large Hybrid SUV With A Sporty Aura by Redline Reviews
Mazda CX-70 (Cont.)
The powertrain lineup offers real-world electric driving in a substantial SUV. The plug-in hybrid can travel about 25 fully electric miles, covering most daily errands without burning gas. At the same time, two variants showcase a 3.3-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a mild hybrid system.
Is The 2025 Mazda CX-70 Plug Hybrid Really Worth $59,000? by TFLnow
Lexus LX 700h
The LX 700h finally brings hybrid efficiency to serious off-road capability, ending the false choice between environmental responsibility and adventure readiness. This Hybrid piece delivers 583 pound-feet of torque and an impressive-for-the-class EPA-estimated 19/22 MPG city/highway.
Lexus LX 700h (Cont.)
Its torque figure crushes most pickup trucks. The Overtrail trim is now available exclusively on the hybrid-powered LX 700h. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 becomes standard across the entire LX lineup. The car’s seating capacity is typically 5 to 7 passengers, depending on configuration.
The 2025 Lexus LX700h Overtrail is the full size luxury SUV of the Year by Raiti's Rides
Toyota RAV4
You know a vehicle is special when it becomes the world's best-selling compact SUV for good reason. The Toyota RAV4 has an iSeeCars Quality Score of 8.8 out of 10, reflecting the RAV4's reliability, value retention, and safety scores.
2025 Toyota RAV4 LE AWD by Alderman's Toyota
Toyota RAV4 (Cont.)
2025 updates keep the RAV4 competitive without fixing what isn't broken. The new Toyota RAV4 costs between $29,250 and $38,955, delivering up to 30 miles per gallon in mixed driving conditions. This provides the sweet spot of capability, efficiency, and affordability.
2025 Toyota RAV4 plug-in hybrid - in depth Walkaround 4K by MXMCars
Honda Civic Type R
Performance car enthusiasts have been waiting 25 years for Honda to perfect the Type R formula, and the latest FL5 generation might just be the answer. The new ride develops 329PS (242kW) with suspension and chassis revisions designed to introduce more grip.
2025 Honda Civic Type R 50th Anniversary: 329HP of Pure JDM Perfection! by AUTO TV
Honda Civic Type R (Cont.)
What sets the Type R apart is Honda's refusal to abandon the manual transmission when everyone else goes automatic. Unlike many 300PS-plus rivals, the Civic does it using front-wheel drive, a manual gearbox, and VTEC power, staying true to the analog driving experience.
2025 Honda Civic Type R Review: Still the Hot Hatch KING? | 315HP Track Car by AUTO TV
Mazda MX-5 Miata
This beast is powered by a Skyactiv-G 2.0-liter inline-4 engine producing 181 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 151 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. This engine is clubbed with a 6-speed manual transmission as standard, though a 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters is available.
Mazda MX-5 Miata (Cont.)
The current version maintains its footprint and weight with the original 1989 model. The MX-5 Miata RF model comes with a power-retractable hardtop, leather-trimmed seats, and modern infotainment with an 8.8-inch display. It can achieve a top speed close to 139 mph.
2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata (ND3) // Full Review by Gearbox Car Reviews
Toyota 4Runner
With the outgoing generation in production for approximately 15 model years, it was long past time for a new 4Runner, which is what Toyota has given us this year. This is a complete reimagining of what serious off-road capability looks like in 2025.
2025 Toyota 4Runner Review | IS IT WORTH IT? by AutoWeb
Toyota 4Runner (Cont.)
The new 4Runner maintains its body-on-frame construction and serious off-road credentials while finally addressing the interior and technology complaints that plagued the previous generation. Its interior is spacious and modern with a 14-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster.
2025 Toyota 4Runner FULL Tour: It's Finally Here! by Doug DeMuro
Subaru Crosstrek
Talking about the Crosstrek Premium, this beast now features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, larger and more powerful than the 2.0-liter mill it had for 2024. It has two engine options: A standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine cranking out 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque.
6 Reasons to Buy a 2025 Subaru Crosstrek! (What's New?) by Realistick
Subaru Crosstrek (Cont.)
Adventure capability remains the Crosstrek's calling card, and the numbers prove it's not just marketing. The 2025 Crosstrek displays standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, which matches or exceeds the off-road specifications of many larger SUVs.
Why Is the Subaru Crosstrek Outselling Every Other Subaru in 2025? by Alex Prestigiacomo
Mazda CX-50
Mazda designed the CX-50 for people who actually use their SUVs for adventures, not just for posting Instagram photos. The powertrain options tell the real story of versatility as the CX-50 gives EPA estimates of 25 city/31 highway/28 combined MPG for 2.5 S models.
2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Review and Off-Road Test by Driving Sports TV
Mazda CX-50 (Cont.)
This SUV comes with all-wheel drive standard with Mazda’s i-Activ AWD system and multiple drive modes, including Sport, Off-road, and Towing modes. It is equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission and a towing capacity of up to 2,000 pounds.
