Asian manufacturers dominate 2025's New York motor show despite lingering tariff troubles

Published: 17 April 2025

► CAR visits the New York International Auto Show
► 125 years of the North American show in 2025
► Genesis, Kia and Subaru dominate the unveils

The 125th anniversary of the New York International Auto Show takes place under a cloud of uncertainty owing to global tariffs that have had major implications throughout the auto industry. Some manufacturers have suspended exports to the US while the situation resolves itself, while others are braving the 25% tariff.

Down at the Jacob Javits Convention Center, however, the show must go on and several manufacturers have brought new metal to New York City in a show of defiance. CAR magazine is on the ground at this year’s event and we’ve rounded up all the most important car unveils.

Keep reading for the full run-down of new car previews.


New York International Auto Show: A-Z of key new cars revealed

Genesis

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Genesis arrives in New York with two new unveils that couldn’t be any more different.

X Gran Equator

Genesis X Gran Equator 2025 unveiled at the New York International Auto Show

Named after the Arabian horse breed, the X Gran Equator is a striking off-road electric concept vehicle designed to preview a possible luxury SUV that would take on the Land Rover Defender.

Any production version would likely not be due until the end of the decade, but the proportions of the X Gran Equator mark a notable shift away from Genesis’ current design language. With a long bonnet and narrow glasshouse, the general look harks back to American station wagons and would differ considerably to boxier SUV rivals.

Genesis Magma Racing

Genesis Magma Racing GMR-001 unveiled at the New York International Auto Show

Proving the diversity of its automotive portofolio, Genesis has unveiled its World Endurance Championship hypercar entry for 2026 and beyond. The GMR-001 will use a V8 hybrid powertrain and make its 24hrs of Le Mans debut next year.

The team will be led by ex-Renault F1 team principal Cyril Abiteboul and feature decorated German racing driving André Lotterer as well as 2 x IMSA champion Pipo Derani. All being well, a second car will run a parallel IMSA campaign in the 2027 season.

Hyundai

Palisade Hybrid

Hyundai Palisade Hybrid unveiled at the New York International Auto Show

Hyundai is having a comparatively quiet show – unlike sister companies Genesis and Kia – but still made time for an unveil of the updated Palisade SUV. Now available with a hybrid powertrain for the first time, the Palisade Hybrid SUV uses a 2.5-litre four-cylinder with two electric motors. There’s currently no plans to launch the vehicle in the UK.

Kia

EV3

Kia EV3 crowned World Car of the Year 2025 at the New York International Auto Show

The EV3 wasn’t unveiled at the show, but on the Wednesday morning it was confirmed as the World Car of the Year 2025. Check out our review of it, here.

K4 Hatchback

Kia K4 hatchback unveiled at the New York International Auto Show

Freshly unveiled in hatchback form (it’s already in the wild as a saloon) the K4 has been strongly tipped to replace the Ceed in the UK. And, with no more Ford Focus on sale, it’s got a clear run at the VW Golf in the medium sized hatchback market. Powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine, it comes with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and a cabin design similar to Kia’s EV range.

EV4

Kia EV4 unveiled for the American market at the New York International Auto Show

The EV4 made its US debut at the New York show. Using the same 400v architecture as the EV3, it will use a 201bhp front-mounted motor and deliver a range of up to 391 miles in saloon form. Expect a UK launch in the second half of 2025.

Subaru

Trailseeker

Subaru Trailseeker unveiled at the New York International Auto Show

Subaru has been one of the big stories at the New York show with key new model unveils. The first of which is the Trailseeker EV – the brand’s first dedicated electric vehicle. Dual motors mean four-wheel drive and 375bhp in a package similarly sized to the combustion-engined Outback. UK deliveries are set to begin next year.

Solterra

Subaru Solterra unveiled at the New York International Auto Show

The Solterra electric SUV has received a dramatic update with refreshed styling, more range and better performance. Range is expected to be in excess of 300 miles thanks to the new, larger 74.4kWh battery while a four-wheel drive powertrain helps deliver 0-62mph in less than 5 seconds. UK prices for this new version are yet to be announced.

Toyota

GR Supra MkV Final Edition and GR86 Yuzu Special Edition

Toyota GR86 Yuzu Special Edition unveiled at the New York International Auto Show

Toyota has unveiled two special edition versions of its most popular sports cars for the US market. The Supra MkV Final Edition gets bigger brakes, revised suspension, modified aero and several visual tweaks including matte black wheels. Meanwhile, the GR86 Yuzu Special Edition gets upgraded Brembo brakes, SACHS dampers and an exclusive Yuzu Yellow exterior colour.

By James Dennison

Head of automotive video for CAR magazine, its sister website Parkers.co.uk and Motorcyle News.

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