16 must-see vehicles at the Detroit Auto Show


The Detroit Auto Show’s name, season, even the convention center’s name, have changed, but one thing remains the same: The show floor is an unrivaled place to see the fast, fun and exciting new vehicles, including some that won’t hit the road for months.

When you visit Huntington Place on Detroit’s riverfront, don’t miss:

Jeep Wagoneer S

The 2025 Jeep Wagoner S EV at the 2025 Detroit Auto Show at Huntington Place in Detroit on Friday, Jan.10, 2025. The all-electric EV is one of the must sees, according to Detroit Free Press auto critic and columnist Mark Phelan.

Jeep’s first all-electric SUV, the midsize Wagoneer S is about the size of a Grand Cherokee. Going on sale in the first half of 2025, the Wagoneer S offers all-wheel drive, 600 horsepower, 617 pound-feet of torque, 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds and up to 300 miles range on a charge. Despite its unmistakable Jeep looks, it’s the brand’s most aerodynamic vehicle ever with a 0.29 drag coefficient.

Dodge Charger Daytona

The 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona EV at the 2025 Detroit Auto Show at Huntington Place in Detroit on Friday, Jan.10, 2025. The EV sports car is one of the must sees, according to Detroit Free Press auto critic and columnist Mark Phelan.

Loud and proud, the Charger Daytona electric muscle car boasts up to 670 horsepower, 16-inch vented Brembo brake rotors, standard all-wheel drive and delightful goodies like a lighted “Fratzog” icon borrowed from muscle cars’ heyday, and an electronically generated “exhaust note”  modeled on the sound of a Hemi V8 in full cry. The Charger Daytona and Wagoneer S both use the STLA vehicle platform developed at Stellantis’ Auburn Hills tech center.

Chrysler Halcyon

The Chrysler Halcyon concept car at the 2025 Detroit Auto Show at Huntington Place in Detroit on Friday, Jan.10, 2025. The concept car is one of the must sees, according to Detroit Free Press auto critic and columnist Mark Phelan.

Making its Detroit debut, this dramatic concept car previewed ideas like intelligent climate control, predictive navigation, rear seats that retract into the trunk and advanced aerodynamics.

All 9 vehicle of the year finalists

See the acclaimed finalists for North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year in one place.

The winners ― Honda Civic hybrid, Ford Ranger and VW ID Buzz ― were announced at the show Friday. See them alongside runners-up Kia K4 and Toyota Camry (car), Ram 1500 and Toyota Tacoma (truck) and Chevrolet Equinox EV and Hyundai Santa Fe. (SUVs).

Did the jury get it right? You decide.

More:2025 Detroit Auto Show: What to know about featured events, tickets and parking

Toyota 4Runner

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner at the 2025 Detroit Auto Show at Huntington Place in Detroit on Friday, Jan.10, 2025. The SUV is one of the must sees, according to Detroit Free Press auto critic and columnist Mark Phelan.

The rugged 4Runner is an off-roading legend, and this all-new model introduces loads of new features for comfort, convenience and capability, including a hybrid model.

Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

The 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 at the 2025 Detroit Auto Show at Huntington Place in Detroit on Friday, Jan.10, 2025. The sports car is one of the must sees, according to Detroit Free Press auto critic and columnist Mark Phelan.

With a 1,064 twin-turbo 5.5L V8, the ZR1 promises a top speed of 233 mph, making it the fastest Corvette ever. Also the most expensive, with a base price of $174,995. Another $5,000 will get you  convertible. Chevy compares the ZR1 to exotics from McLaren, Ferrari and Lamborghini ― and backs up the claim with more power and a higher top speed.

Cadillac Vistiq

The 2026 Cadillac Vistiq EV at the 2025 Detroit Auto Show at Huntington Place in Detroit on Friday, Jan.10, 2025. It is one of the must sees, according to Detroit Free Press auto critic and columnist Mark Phelan.

Cadillac’s fast-growing line of electric luxury SUVs gets a big boost from the midsize Vistiq, which has three rows of seats, standard 23-speaker AKG audio, all-wheel drive and up to 300 miles range on a charge.

The striking Vistiq also offers rear steering to improve maneuverability and highway stability and road-noise cancellation. The dual-motor AWD system generates 615 hp and 650 pound-feet of torque. Prices start at $78,790.

Ford Mustang RTR

The Ford Mustang RTR at the 2025 Detroit Auto Show at Huntington Place in Detroit on Friday, Jan.10, 2025. The sports car is one of the must sees, according to Detroit Free Press auto critic and columnist Mark Phelan.

Developed in conjunction with two-time drift champion Vaughn Gittin Jr., the Mustang RTR promises to take the performance of Ford’s EcoBoost turbocharged engines to new levels. Features include a “no-lag” turbo and electronic drift brake. The car’s body wrap was inspired by naval camouflage.

The show runs through Jan. 20.

Contact Mark Phelan: 313-222-6731 or [email protected]. Follow him on X@mark_phelan. Read more onautosand sign up for ourautos newsletter.


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