The automotive industry’s infatuation with adventure shows no signs of ebbing. In fact, the sector shows all the signs of continued enthusiasm, as seen at the 2025 New York Auto Show which just wrapped up its 125th season at Manhattan’s Javits Center.
Vehicles built for adventure were seen at nearly every exhibit, with some brands adding a new spin to the pursuit. Subaru rolled out a new all-electric Trailseeker model, a rally-ready SUV designed to deliver off-road performance similar to the uber-popular Subaru Outback. Not to leave Outback standing in the dust, the company also showed off an updated Outback with more off-road and camping capability and a rugged new look to the Wilderness edition.
Elevated Experiences Create Excitement
Getting away from the city, and from the masses, is a true luxury experience and one that was seen across the New York Auto Show. As guests entered the show one of the first displays to explore was that of Ineos, a vintage-inspired modern brand designed to conquer trails, creeks and hills. The brand showed off its novel approach to creating a modern version of a vintage Land Rover Defender replete with switch panels for off-road performance and accessories and a rough-and-ready chassis design. While the English brand, powered by a BMW engine and ZF transmission, is an import and subject to tariffs, brand representatives were quick to add that the company is limiting markups in order to serve its dedicated customers.
Another notable luxury off-road vehicle on display was the Genesis X Gran Equator, a concept seemingly inspired by Range Rover or the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, evoking the idea of off-grid driving and passenger pampering. While the X Gran Equator is just a concept, it delivers a message about what the company’s designers are envisioning for the future and what we might see from Genesis in the near future.
Adventure Experiences Matter More Than Ever
Auto show stalwarts Camp Jeep and Ford Bronco Off-Roadeo continued to inspire show attendees to stand in line for a roller-coaster-like off-road thrill, then tour the brand exhibits to see the models on display. Visitors to the Ford exhibit could not only see the Broncos on display, but also all the accessories and special trims like the colorful Bronco Freewheeling edition.
Jeep showed off the very first all electric Jeep Wagoneer S as well as popular Wrangler, Grand Cherokee and Wagoneer models, all proven off-roaders.
On the lower level of the convention center the show curated an Overlanding exhibit replete with modified Porsches, tricked-out campers and outfitted SUVs ideal for a week off the grid, climbing hills or traversing sand dunes. And just beyond was the EV test track where attendees could hop in for yet another thrill: A tight autocross course featuring the Dodge Charger Daytona, Cadillac Optiq, Mustang Mach- E and others, all showing off instant acceleration and precise braking around the course.
Racing Continues To Be The Industry’s R&D Lab
Another trend on display at the 2025 New York Auto Show was racing. Genesis kicked off the show by announcing the Genesis Magma Racing team and showcasing its first Hypercar. The brand also announced its ultimate goal: to compete at Le Mans and confirmed that consumers will be able to buy Magma trims of the brand’s popular luxury cars in the coming years.
Maserati also showed off a new supercar, the GT2 Stradale, a 631 hp, $312,000 scissor-doored sports car. The newest race-inspired car in the Maserati family is designed to thrill and will likely become a collector’s item; only 914 units will be built worldwide.
Elsewhere, Ford continued to show off the GTD, Chevrolet displayed the Blazer EV SS and Toyota showcased the GR Supra MkV, all in addition to the collection seen in the Super Car hall featuring the Porsche 911 GT3 RS, Lamborghini Revuelto, Lotus Eletre, Rimac Nevera and Bentley Continental GTC, among others.
The World’s Best Cars Made Their Debut, Showcasing Electric’s Evolution
The 2025 New York Auto Show got its start with the announcement of the World Car Awards, this year’s winners highlighting the continuing importance of electric cars. In fact, all six winners had electrified powertrains, though the World Performance Car, the Porsche 911 Carrera GTS is powered by a hybrid.
The World Car of the Year award went to the Kia EV3, a diminutive version of the Kia EV9; the World Luxury Car award was won by the Volvo EX90; the World Electric Vehicle award went to the Hyundai Inster; the World Urban Car award went to the BYD Seagull/Dolphin Mini and the World Car Design of the Year award went to the VW ID. Buzz.
The Future Of Design Is Modern, Technical And Inspired by How We Live
The Genesis X Gran Equator and the VW ID. Buzz both illustrate how automotive designers see our future in cars: Time well spent. The ID. Buzz, which has been on display for a few years but is just starting to show up in driveways and dealerships, offers a true luxury experience in terms of space and comforts. The Genesis Concept also showed attention to creature comforts such as glass roof panels, cashmere upholstery and lounge-like seating.
These trends are seen in other brands at the show, too. Lucid showed off the Gravity SUV with its furniture-inspired interior that maximizes space even though it’s not an overly large car. It was designed with a third row that stows in the rear floor and with an extra wide lift gate opening to accommodate as much gear as possible.
Hyundai revealed the redesigned Palisade in a global debut, highlighting the brand’s evolving design language that is technical and modern. The Palisade’s linear front and rear tail lights offer a subdued look, a mood that continues on the interior with furniture-inspired lines and materials. With the addition of a hybrid trim and—of course—an XRT off-road trim, the Palisade also fits nicely into the hot customer demands seen throughout the New York Auto Show.