The automotive landscape in 2025 was defined by both familiar shifts and unexpected developments. From horsepower regressions to mobile EV power, the year highlighted how carmakers are adapting to new technologies while sometimes ignoring old lessons. This overview distills the key observations from the past 12 months, going beyond standard reviews to explore the subtle changes and hidden details reshaping the industry.
The Downward Spiral of Horsepower: Subaru Forester as an Anomaly
One striking trend: some manufacturers are reducing power output in new models. The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness, for example, delivers less acceleration than its 2003 predecessor (5.3 seconds to 60 mph vs. today’s slower times). This isn’t a one-off. The Forester has seen a consistent decline in horsepower over two decades, a rare occurrence in an industry that usually chases bigger numbers. Why? Subaru likely prioritizes fuel efficiency and broader market appeal over raw performance, but it raises the question: when will this trend reverse? The 2046 Forester might have just 130 hp, less than some 1991 models.
The Rise of EV Light Shows and Mobile Power
Electric vehicles continue to push boundaries beyond just range and charging times. GM’s GMC Sierra EV, for example, features elaborate light shows upon unlocking—a playful nod to the grille-less future of EVs. This isn’t just aesthetics; it’s a signal of how automakers are embracing the blank canvas EVs provide.
Equally underappreciated is the V2L (vehicle-to-load) capability. Some EVs can now function as portable power sources. However, as demonstrated with a Kia EV6 trying to run a heavy-duty construction saw, real-world limitations exist. The EV6’s V2L circuit tripped under the load, highlighting that while the concept is promising, it’s not yet a universal solution for power-hungry tools.
Nissan’s VC-Turbo Engine: Reliability Surprises
The Nissan VC-Turbo engine, with its variable compression ratio, has proven surprisingly reliable despite early concerns. While a recall addressed potential bearing failures in pre-2023 models, Nissan has produced nearly 780,000 of these engines, with minimal warranty claims post-recall. This suggests that the engine’s complexity doesn’t necessarily translate into chronic unreliability. The VC-Turbo’s longevity is notable in an era where even established automakers struggle with engine defects.
Tesla Supercharger Challenges: Compatibility and Speed Issues
Tesla’s Supercharger network is opening to non-Tesla EVs, but challenges remain. The Ford Lightning, for instance, suffers from a poorly positioned charge port, forcing drivers to awkwardly maneuver to plug in. More concerning, some EVs (like the Lucid Air Touring) experience dramatically reduced charging speeds at Tesla stations, raising questions about potential throttling or compatibility issues. This suggests that while universal charging is the goal, the transition isn’t seamless.
The Sim Racing Revolution: Driving Simulators Reach New Heights
High-end driving simulators are blurring the lines between virtual and real racing. The Simcraft Apex GT, with six degrees of freedom, provides an immersive experience that surpasses traditional simulators. This level of realism is attracting professional drivers seeking unlimited practice time, raising ethical questions about competitive advantage. The future of motorsports may include more virtual preparation than ever before.
The Dealer’s Dilemma: EVs and the End of Routine Maintenance
EVs threaten the traditional car dealership model. Volvo’s EX90, for example, requires service only every 557 days or 17,040 miles, significantly reducing revenue from oil changes, filter replacements, and other routine maintenance. Dealers understand this, which is why they resist the EV transition despite publicly supporting “consumer choice.” The future of dealerships may depend on adapting to new service models—ceramic coatings and glass etching, perhaps.
VinFast’s Uncertain Future: A Ghost in the Machine
VinFast, the Vietnamese automaker, continues to operate in North Carolina despite a shaky start. Executives stood up a scheduled meeting, leaving a reporter at an abandoned office, highlighting the company’s chaotic presence. While VinFast aggressively pushes leases, its long-term viability remains questionable.
The Hidden VIN: A Curious Detail
A final quirk: the 2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack has a hidden VIN stamped on the floorpan under the carpet. Dodge claims this is a homologation requirement for other countries, but it raises questions about transparency and why this detail isn’t more widely publicized.
Conclusion: 2025 was a year of contradictions: manufacturers reducing power while pushing technological boundaries, EVs promising convenience but facing compatibility issues, and dealerships bracing for a future with less routine maintenance. The automotive industry is in flux, and the trends of this year will likely shape the next decade of driving.
