Your next car might be worth delaying for. Five 2025 vehicles – spanning retro-inspired gas engines, trailblazing EVs, and hybrid revivals – promise to shake up the automotive landscape. Edmunds analysts spotlight these models delivering nostalgic appeal, bold engineering, and solutions to common buyer pain points.
The 2026 Dodge Charger Sixpack ditches EV hype with a turbocharged 3.0L Hurricane engine. Generating 420 horsepower (550 hp in high-output trim), this sedan outmuscles its V8 predecessor while offering four-door practicality. Dodge proves gas engines aren’t relics yet.
The Recon isn’t just electric – it’s a Jeep first,notes Edmunds’ Christian Wardlaw.
Jeep’s 2026 Recon EV targets adventure purists with:
- Removable doors/windows
- Electronic locking axles
- Embedded trail maps
Meanwhile, Honda resurrects the Prelude nameplate as a sporty hybrid featuring S+ Shift mode – a nod to driving enthusiasts wary of eco-focused compromises. Though specs remain under wraps, its CR-V-derived powertrain suggests 40+ MPG efficiency without sacrificing agility.
Ram rewrites the pickup rulebook with the Ramcharger. This full-size truck combines a 690-mile total range (gas generator + battery) with 14,000-pound towing – silencing range anxiety fears. Charge at home or fuel anywhere; Ram covers both bases.
Lastly, Rivian’s $45K R2 SUV democratizes adventure EVs. With 300+ miles of range, 9.8-inch ground clearance, and signature rugged styling, it undercuts luxury rivals while challenging the Recon’s off-road crown.
