2025 Volkswagen Taos
Volkswagen’s smallest SUV undergoes a facelift for MY 2025 showcasing a sportier grille (with available light bar) and bumper, fresh dashboard and updated powertrain.
The contrasting silver skidplate now comes up much higher on the larger central air intake, while the grille has been reduced to a sliver housing a trendy LED strip connecting the headlamps. At the back, the previously dual taillamps are amalgamated to a full-width unit across the liftgate and intersected by an illuminated VW emblem. Inside there’s a new eight-inch floating infotainment display, dual-zone climate control and either cloth, leatherette or full leather upholstery depending on the grade.
Thanks to some clever engineering of the existing 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder TSI engine, output is raised 16 horsepower, to 174, compared to before. On 4MOTION all-wheel drive examples, an eight-speed automatic transmission replaces the outgoing seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Estimated arrival is early next year.
2025 Infiniti QX80
The Infiniti QX80 gets majorly enhanced for the third generation with a premium inside-out redesign.
Unrecognizable from its predecessor, highlights of the evolved style language include intricate vertical grille slates inspired by bamboo forests, piano key-like daytime running lights and wavy details found on interior trim panels resembling a Japanese zen garden. Infiniti says the cabin of the vehicle mimics a private luxury jet featuring optional quilted leather massage seats for the first two rows and standard power recline for all three, a cooler box in the centre console, an up to 24-speaker Klipsch stereo, and much more.
All QX80s utilize a 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 motor sharing DNA with the Q50 Red Sport and Nissan GT-R cars, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The top-of-the-line Autograph debuts the latest ProPilot Assist 2.1 semi-autonomous driving technology allowing hands-off, eyes-on highway operation and guided lane changes.
Full review coming soon!
2025 Dodge Durango R/T 20th Anniversary
Dodge is celebrating 20 years of HEMI-powered Durangos via a special commemorative model.
The R/T 20th Anniversary sports a black HEMI hood graphic; Brass Monkey-coloured “345” fender badging; 20 by 10-inch forged Y-spoke wheels; Tow N Go package bundling performance-tuned steering and suspension, black six-piston Brembo brakes, active exhaust and increased 8,700-pound towing capacity; decorative carbon fibre; and other unique add-ons. Exterior paint choices are Diamond Black, White Knuckle, Destroyer Grey and Vapor Grey.
Also released in tandem is an SRT Hellcat Silver Bullet edition for the real speed junkies. This limited tarmac-melter is sprayed in Triple Nickel and outfitted with a satin and suede theme throughout.
2025 Acura RDX
Still in its third gen, the just-freshened Acura RDX is set to land at dealerships next month.
Following in the footsteps of bigger brother the MDX, the Diamond Pentagon grille has gone frameless and houses more intricate mesh. The base offering wears gloss-black exterior trim trim and 19-inch wheels, and the two A-SPECs have additional dark accenting and 20-inch alloys. The cabin’s new centre console affords extra storage space, the cupholders are larger and the screen boasts a wide mode when Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is running.
All RDXs are equipped with all-wheel drive and the returning 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission.
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT
As part of the mid-cycle refresh of the Ioniq 5, Hyundai is introducing an “adventure ready” XRT variant similar to the Santa Fe.
Available in dual motor format only, the compact crossover packs a 23-millimetre tuned suspension lift, signature black 18-inch wheels shod in 235/60/18 all-terrain rubber, etched digital camouflage protective cladding, uprated approach (19.8 degrees) and departure (30.0) angles, and a long list of other exclusive features.
All Ioniq 5s see changes to the front and rear bumper, steering wheel, dash and infotainment, as well as introducing NACS charging port support and increased battery capacities. The XRT is the first model in Canada to be built at the brand’s new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America factory in Georgia.