The Los Angeles Auto Show 2025 provided some incredible new vehicles, but also some telling stories that are a warning to American automakers.
This year’s LA Auto Show brought back brands that skipped last year, unveiled Hyundai’s chunky Crater electric off-roader and a 2,000-horsepower Corvette hypercar concept, and displayed a 1977 VW Bus that survived the Palisades wildfire.
The real story? Hybrids are everywhere while EVs cool off, off-road rigs and campers took over half the floor, and nobody’s showing price stickers anymore because new cars average over $50,000.
Hybrids, a Volkswagen wildfire survivor, and the American affordable car crisis
Hybrids are the real future
The Los Angeles Auto Show 2025 was filled with hybrid vehicles from various brands. The increase in hybrid vehicle popularity is coupled with some brands turning into pure hybrids for entire lineups. In 2025, you can’t buy a new Toyota Camry without a hybrid powertrain, which creates a bit of a boxed-in scenario for consumers looking for one of America’s most popular sedans. As one of the biggest auto show trends of 2025, many booths featured various hybrid models that offered different applications of the fuel-saving, power-adding technology. Hybrid models no longer must hide in the shadows and be associated with older Toyota Prius models; they are out front, popular, and could be the lasting image of the automotive world while EVs are on the downturn.
An old bus is a true survivor
A 1977 Volkswagen Bus made the news as a vehicle that survived the devastating Palisades wildfires. The bus, nicknamed “Azul,” was parked on a hill in the Pacific Palisades during the wildfires. The owner fully expected it to be burned up with all of the other devastation that took place, but the bus survived almost fully intact. One side of the vehicle was badly burned, with a rear window blown out, along with the turn signals and rubber seals melted. The interior and brakes were full of ash, but the bus survived, and Volkswagen restored it at the historic vehicle facility in Oxnard. This VW bus stands as a symbol of hope and healing for Los Angeles and the Pacific Palisades community.
America ditched sedans way too soon
American brands killed their affordable entry-level models and now wonder why young buyers aren’t showing up. Asian shows like Tokyo prove auto shows can thrive; LA just needs American manufacturers to remember people actually need cars they can afford. Did American automakers turn away from sedans too soon? If you look at Asian lineups, you see familiar names that continue to thrive and sell well, despite falling behind as a vehicle class to SUVs. Should GM, Ford, and Stellantis bring back the sedans that we’re familiar with? Should those sedans come with hybrid powertrains to compete with Asian competitors in this market?
The Kia Telluride redesign was a hit at the Los Angeles Auto Show 2025
The next-generation Kia Telluride will appear for the 2027 model year, and it comes with an impressive new package of features, including a new turbocharged powertrain that is less powerful than the outgoing model. The big news is the addition of a hybrid model that produces 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque, offering more power than the outgoing model.
The Hyundai Crater concept could be the future of the off-road vehicle market
Off-roaders were present across the floor of the Los Angeles Auto Show 2025, but one of the most attention-grabbing models is the Hyundai Crater Concept. It has an aggressive build that stands high off the ground, riding on a set of 33-inch all-terrain tires, giving the Crater an extremely impressive ground clearance. The interior is dramatic with square surfaces and rugged materials that make this concept vehicle look like it’s ready to take on the roughest terrain.
The Afeela 1 appeared at the Los Angeles Auto Show 2025
The joint venture between Afeela, Sony, and Honda might finally pay off. The Afeela 1 is ready to arrive for 2026, making it a new entry into the electric vehicle world. The Afeela 1 is a software-centric EV that is loaded with screens, sensors, and AI technology to offer a unique driving experience. It could be the next step in the race toward autonomous driving, but it will have to prove itself once on the market.
A Corvette CX electric hypercar made its appearance
The Los Angeles Auto Show 2025 wouldn’t be complete without at least one American automaker showing off a new high-performance car. The new Corvette CX is the final design of the electric Corvette concept models. It comes with more than 2,000 horsepower from four electric motors and is meant to defy the odds and aerodynamics.
The Los Angeles Auto Show 2025 was a hit. Maybe not in quite the same way as in years past, but it had some great stories and interesting new vehicles that keep the excitement of auto shows alive.
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