As we head into 2025, the quarter mark of the 21st century proves to be an exciting one for the automotive industry as vehicles continue to become increasingly connected, less reliant on traditional energy sources, and showcase more advanced innovations. From self-driving and parking cars to a rideable briefcase designed to get people to their last-mile destination, here are a few next-generation developments to look out for on the road in the coming year.
GMC Hummer - CrabWalk
There are many videos on YouTube showing the GMC Hummer moving in a peculiar manner—diagonally. This is thanks to a unique four-wheel steer capability, allowing the rear wheels to turn at the same angle as the front, up to 10 degrees, and at a top speed of 32 km/h. The unique maneuver helps the so-called electric supertruck navigate tight off-road trails and parking spots and improves stability when towing a trailer. Plus, it just looks darn cool. Don’t want a Hummer? The novel mode is also offered on the Sierra EV Denali Edition 1 SUV.
Infiniti QX80 - Individual Audio
The days of private conversations broadcast to a whole load of passengers may soon be a thing of the past with the introduction of Individual Audio, found in the third-generation Infiniti QX80. A feature of the 24-speaker Klipsch Reference Premiere stereo (sensory trim level and above), the technology utilizes a kind of reverse active noise cancellation (similar to what’s used to electronically block out unwanted external sounds) that permits the driver to take calls inside an audio “bubble,” while the rest of the cabin continues to enjoy music or podcasts uninterrupted.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 - Remote Smart Park Assist 2
Modern cars are equipped with cameras and sensors for collision avoidance and other safety functionality. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 leverages these so a user holding the key fob can guide the electric crossover into or out of a parking spot using a few button presses. The system (available on certain grades) does everything—steer, accelerate, decelerate, shift, and even brake automatically if an object is detected in its path—and works for parallel, diagonal, and perpendicular parking.
Kia EV9 - Lighting Patterns
Back in the day, the only way to add customized lighting effects was via the aftermarket (think The Fast and the Furious). Now, vehicles like the Kia EV9 provide the experience right out of the box. The solid grille of the flagship EV appears to be just a standard painted panel, but there is actually an integrated LED matrix that shines through when the SUV is turned on. Currently, five distinct patterns are offered (on Land AWD Premium and GT Line Package models), with a sixth on the way when the sporty 2026 EV GT variant arrives later in the year.
Rivian - Pet Mode
Keeping pets unattended inside an automobile in extreme weather is obviously a big no-no. That is unless the automobile is a Rivian. Pet Mode keeps the cabin temperature between 20-23°C to keep furry friends comfortable. A digital note also appears on the display, assuring passersby everything is above board. The feature is available on the R1T and R1S when they are in the park and have more than 80 kilometers of range remaining, and owners are able to keep an eye on the status using the Rivian mobile app.
Honda - Motocompacto
While not a car, the Honda Motocompacto electric folding scooter and other micro-mobility options will become an essential piece of the transportation puzzle as cities try to solve rising congestion and environmental challenges. The Motocompacto has a pedal-less body measuring only 967.8 millimeters long, 889 millimeters tall, and 437 millimeters wide when folded into its briefcase form factor for easy storage and carry. Weighing 41.3 pounds, the little two-wheeler supports a rider up to 265 pounds, has a top speed of 24 km/h, and a range of 19 kilometers.
General Motors - Super Cruise
GM’s Level 2 autonomous driving assistance functionality has come a long way since debuting way back in 2017. Enabling true handsfree divided freeway operation by utilizing a combination of GPS, onboard cameras and sensors, and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) tech, the driver simply has to have a subscription to the required connected services and keep his or her eyes on the road ahead. Approximately 1.2 million-plus kilometers of North American highways are expected to be supported before the year ends.
Lucid Air Grand Touring - Extended Range
When the Nissan Leaf was released in Canada in 2010, the zero-emissions hatchback had a then-ground-breaking 120 kilometers of range on a single charge. Fast forward to 2025, and the California-based luxury EV brand Lucid sells a version of the Air sedan (Grand Touring) boasting a whopping maximum range of 824 kilometers, made possible due to some recent upgrades, including motor and battery cell chemistry enhancements and the addition of a heat pump to reduce draw on energy reserves. The price tag is steep, though: starting MSRP is $152,300.
