Keeping a pulse on the automotive industry is a full-time job. There are always so many new and exciting developments to discover, from the slow but steady progress we’re making toward self-driving cars to the body styling and lines of automobiles of the future. Post-pandemic and poised to shift into another gear, the rise and fall of popular car trends deserves a TV series all its own.
If life has kept you busy in the first few weeks of 2025, the guide below helps you catch up with what’s hot—and what’s not—in the automotive industry. A few of these eight trending topics may not look much different from last year, but they’re indicative of the progress the market is making in spite of the challenges it’s had to overcome. And nothing smells sweeter than the fragrance of success—unless, of course, you consider Drift’s signature car freshener scents.
1. Electronic Gremlins Abound
Technicians often use the term “electrical gremlins” to describe the unexplainable glitches that occur at some unknown point in a car’s electrical system. These gremlins could be the reason your car’s dome light randomly illuminates, or your heated seat doesn’t seem to want to stay on. Electronic gremlins work similar magic, confounding car owners who just want their vehicles to operate as expected.
To be fair, plenty of automotive manufacturers have stepped up their game regarding the vast amounts of technology that go into the newest cars. This has led to a slew of software recalls and Over-The-Air (OTA) updates to curb those teething issues. In reality, cars have joined many other devices—such as smart glasses, wearable activity trackers, and smart refrigerators—as part of the Internet of Things (IoT).
2. Voice Assistants in Your Car
One of the technological advancements that could be giving automakers grief is the drive to integrate voice assistants into new cars. With so many buttons and menus to scroll through—all integrated into various touchscreens, of course—figuring out how to complete simple tasks takes the driver’s attention away from the road. Manufacturers look to address this unsafe behavior by integrating voice assistants that adjust the controls for you.
3. One Step Closer to Self-Driving Cars
Electric vehicles (EVs) might have taken the automotive world by storm, but self-driving cars are still under development. The unwavering dedication to produce a self-driving car has driven the market to Level 2 vehicle automation. At this stage, the vehicle gains more responsibility in steering, accelerating, and braking for the driver.
The road to self-driving vehicles remains long and largely uncharted. However, the increasingly popular advanced driver assistance systems (ADASs) that come standard on many higher trims and luxury vehicles could represent the bridge between the now and the future of cars that drive for us. The same technology that keeps your vehicle in its lane could help it drive you to work and back at some point.
4. Supply Chain Snafus Persist
Global supply chains have yet to recover fully from the after-effects of the pandemic. Companies have attempted to source parts locally in the past to address issues post-pandemic, but with greater demand, the gap between supplier and end-user widens. Only time will tell if the market can truly recuperate.
5. Electric Vehicles Compete With Hybrids
Despite the push to revolutionize the automotive industry, EVs are slowly being eclipsed by hybrids. The potent powertrain combination of electric and gas makes hybrids more practical, albeit still somewhat elevated in price compared to standard gas-powered vehicles. However, industry experts disagree on whether EVs will continue to grow in popularity or wane during 2025.
6. Developments in Smart Glass Technology
EVs have shown us that windshields can be more than just a sheet of glass; instead, they can become part of the vehicle’s frame, offering uninterrupted views of the world outside. Smart glass technology has positioned itself to capitalize on these developments with advanced heads-up displays (HUDs) that incorporate floating icons. In addition, electrochromic glass—which changes tint based on an electric charge—can turn from opaque to transparent and weighs much less than traditional glass.
7. Increased Popularity of Rideshare Services
In many ways the evolution of the modern taxi, rideshare services have taken many bustling city centers by storm. Residents can’t get enough of the convenience of leaving driving up to someone else as they go about their business. Many drivers continue to find rideshare services more affordable than purchasing and maintaining a vehicle, and that’s unlikely to change in 2025.
8. The Slow Decline of New Car Prices
New car prices could fall near the end of 2025, but we won’t see anything significant until 2026 or even later, depending on how things go with the economy. However, manufacturers may opt to increase incentives instead before beginning to lower prices.
A Sneak Peek at Some of the Latest Models
As is to be expected, many of the new vehicles in 2025 exhibit electric powertrains, including the Cadillac Escalade IQ and Vistiq. The Dodge Charger Daytona, yet another muscle car to get the electrified treatment—does the Mach-E technically count?—can also be purchased with an internal combustion engine. Below are notable new vehicles to look out for in showrooms near you:
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Honda o SUV and o Saloon
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Lucid Gravity
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Honda Prelude
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DeLorean Alpha5
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Tesla Roadster
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Lexus LF-R
The Porsche 718 Cayman is slated for release in 2026, and it’s not just another electric Porsche. German engineers have adjusted the battery layout to better distribute weight while maintaining the characteristic Porsche stance. If you’re concerned about range, just know it’ll loop the track plenty of times—enough to make you wish switching out EV batteries was as easy as a pair of AAs.
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