Best 8 Coolest Cars at the NY International Auto Show 2025

The NY International Auto Show (NYIAS) is celebrating its 125th year this year, and many manufacturers are still showcasing new models, including a few US and international premieres, in spite of worries about tariffs. Here are a few of the most interesting cars on display at the NY Auto Show 2025, without further ado. The show, which will take place at the Javits Center from April 18 to April 27, is open to the public if you live nearby and would like to view some of these for yourself. Adult tickets cost $22, while children aged 3 to 12 only pay $8.

The Subaru Trailseeker of 2026

Subaru is the first company on the docket today, showcasing the Trailseeker, their second-ever electric car. Since this vehicle will once again be based on the e-TNGA platform, which is also shared with Toyota’s bZ4x, I will agree that this may not be the most thrilling announcement. The Trailseeker’s revised appearance, wider body, and enhanced off-road capabilities make it feel more appropriate for an outdoor lifestyle, even though its range isn’t the most astounding (around 260 miles).

The Kia EV4 of 2026

Kia’s success with EVs can be attributed to its current models, such as the EV6 and EV9. With the US launch of the EV4, which combines many of the headline features of its earlier battery-powered models with an even more reasonable anticipated starting price of between $35,000 and $40,000, the business hopes to maintain that momentum at the 2025 NYIAS. Additionally, it features Kia’s improved i-PEDAL 3.0 regenerative braking technology, which can now even reverse.

Nightfall version of the Kia EV9

Speaking of the EV9, Kia released a new Nightfall version of their flagship electric SUV, even though there aren’t many improvements planned for 2025. The car has blacked-out details all over, such as dark trim, badging, and wheels. Even the interior of the car maintains that color scheme with its unique all-black upholstery. And we think this is a very good way to update the EV9’s appearance, especially because it’s still one of the most reasonably priced three-row electric cars.

Concept of Genesis X Gran Equator

The Genesis X Gran Equator concept, billed as a luxury overlander, is undoubtedly one of the most eye-catching cars at the 2025 NY International Auto Show. Along with matching tail lights at the back, it has an incredibly long bonnet and LED light strips that wrap around to the side of the car. Its interior features elegant diamond-stitched upholstery, but it also has special places for reusable water bottles, suggesting that it may be used as a camping vehicle. The absence of a noticeable grille up front suggests that the X Gran Equator will likely be an electric vehicle, even if Genesis has not disclosed what kind of powertrain it will have when it goes into full production.

Lucid Gravity

Although the Gravity was officially unveiled late last year, it has primarily been accessible for purchase by the company’s friends and family until now, making it a relatively uncommon sight at trade shows and on the roads. However, at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), it was showcased in all its impressive three-row electric design. The Gravity stands out as the fastest charging electric vehicle outside of China, capable of drawing up to 400 kW, and it offers an impressive range of up to 450 miles. Additionally, with the ability to add 200 miles of range in under 11 minutes, it challenges the notion that electric vehicles are unsuitable for long-distance travel. In a unique touch, Lucid has even designed a special cushion for the front trunk that transforms it into a cozy love seat, making me nostalgic for the days when drive-in movie theaters were more common.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N TA Spec

The “TA” in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N TA spec refers to “time attack.” Last year, this model made headlines by setting a record at Pike’s Peak for the electric modified SUV/crossover category, clocking in at 9 minutes and 32 seconds. Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of this vehicle is that, despite noticeable modifications to its exterior—such as the prominent rear wing—Hyundai emphasizes that the TA was designed to highlight the capabilities of the standard Ioniq 5 N’s electric powertrain. Rather than using custom motors, this car retains the same fundamental configuration as the regular model, boasting 601 horsepower, with a modest increase of just 37 horsepower.

Maserati GT2 Stradale

While our team at Engadget has a strong preference for electric vehicles, we can’t overlook the presence of at least one gasoline-powered car at the New York Auto Show. Unveiled in February, the Maserati GT2 Stradale is essentially a street-legal variant of the GT2 race car, which is derived from the stunning MC20 supercar. True to its lineage, it boasts remarkable specifications, achieving a thrilling 0-60 mph in just 2.8 seconds, even with rear-wheel drive. The car also incorporates a carbon monocoque structure, similar to its track-oriented counterpart, and for those interested, it can be equipped with semi-slick racing tires. If you’ve ever fantasized about driving a race car on public roads, this could be the perfect option for you. However, Maserati has yet to reveal the official price for the GT2 Stradale. As the saying goes, if you have to inquire about the cost, it’s likely out of your budget.

Chrysler 6 prototype in 1924

Lastly, the Chrysler 6 prototype, which debuted at the 1924 NY International Auto Show, rounds off this list. Despite its age, the car was cutting edge at the time, with a six-cylinder engine that generated an incredible 68 horsepower and the first four-wheel hydraulic brakes in the industry. Later that year, the Chrysler 6 was finally released, and it cost $1,565. That works out to a sticker price of about $29,000 after accounting for inflation, which doesn’t seem all that horrible.