When Do 2025 Cars Come Out? Model Years Explained

Thinking of buying a new car? With it being so late through 2024, surely you’re better off hanging on for manufacturers to release their crop of 2025 models, no? Well, you might not have to wait at all. This is because 2025 models don’t necessarily launch in 2025 at all – this might be common knowledge for some, but for others, the difference between model and production years can be a little confusing.

Not to worry, though, as we are here to help. So, if you find yourself wondering when do new 2025 cars come out, this article has all the info you should need, in addition to a quick review of some hotly anticipated 2025 models that could be yours sooner than you’d think, including the latest performance cars and electric vehicles.

This article explores the difference between model years and production years. Not only does it highlight the differences between both, but it also covers how it affects you as a car owner, and why you should care. Lastly, we cover a selection of the hottest 2025 cars coming out in the months ahead.

Model Years Vs. Production Years: Not One And The Same

Sometimes even the simplest of things can appear to be somewhat over-complicated, and for the uninitiated, a car’s ‘year’ would seem to be one of those matters. After all, surely the year a car was produced would be the year it hails to? Potentially not. That would be true for a car’s production year, but not necessarily correct for a car’s model year.

Starting with production years, this is exactly as it sounds – the year in which a particular car was produced. So, if your car was manufactured, or produced, in 2023, then 2023 would be the production year. However, what can often be the case, especially if a car was produced towards the end of a year, is that it could easily be a model year of the following year. So, in the instance given, your 2023 production year car would be a 2024 model year, or MY2024.

Why are model years important? They indicate what upgrades and enhancements a particular year of car might have. Manufacturers often make adjustments to existing models year-on-year, which means they can improve products without having to launch them as a facelift, or complete redesign. The model year denotes the specification a certain car might have. For instance, if a manufacturer introduces new safety tech to one particular model, they may begin producing the model to this standard in the fall of a particular year, but it would likely wear the model year of the following year.

The 2025 Ford Explorer is a great real-world example – the front fascia has been reworked, there are quality upgrades inside, and it’s the first Ford to boast the brand’s fancy new software system, dubbed Ford Digital Experience. Production of the 2025MY Ford Explorer has already begun, which means some will have a 2024 production year.

Why Is It Important To Know My Car’s Model Year?

Knowing your car’s model year can be a very useful bit of information. Firstly, it’s great to read up on your model year so that you’re aware of all the features, gadgets and gizmos that your car has. Simply going from the production year isn’t a sure-fire way of knowing what hidden spec and capabilities your car might have. Here-in lies another reason, too. Occasionally, manufacturers can make adjustments that would affect towing or hauling capabilities – knowing your model year means you can be sure of understanding the safe limits for your vehicle.

Model years are also incredibly valuable when buying a used car, as the changes made from one model year to the next by a manufacturer can have lasting affects on a car’s reliability. For example, the Toyota Avalon, of which there have been five generations, has some models years which are deemed reliable and others which are deemed best avoided, yet both will hail from the same generation. Understanding the model year of a used car for sale will therefore help you make an informed decision, as you can then better research outstanding recalls and common problems.

When Do 2025 Cars Come Out?

As a general rule, manufacturers will start producing and making upcoming model years available for purchase in the fall of the previous year. This isn’t a hard and fast rule though, as more often than not, manufacturers stagger the release of their future model year releases, which means lineups can have a mix of current and upcoming model years for sale at any given time.

Take Toyota as an example; at the time of writing, seven of its 15 SUV models for sale are 2024 model year vehicles, which leaves the remaining eight to be 2025 models. Among those is the 2025 Toyota Crown Signia – a brand-new release which Toyota first made available during the latter half of this year. Despite being available to buy in 2024, it is still a 2025 model year. However, for those shopping around for a Corolla Cross or Grand Highlander, for example, the new model has not yet been released, which means they would have to settle for a 2024 model year.

This demonstrates how there is no single easy to follow rule for when new cars come out, although doing prior research through CarBuzz reviews and looking at manufacturers’ press releases can often yield some valuable information as to when new versions are expected to drop.

Do All Automakers Adhere To Specific Model Years?

Not all automakers sign from the same hymn sheet, though. Others prefer not to stipulate model years, although this is rarely the case for ‘everyday’ cars, and such behavior is usually reserved for higher-end stuff, such as supercars. Examples include Ferrari and Lamborghini, who do not list model years on their websites.

Another famous example is Tesla, which, of course, manufactures more affordable and attainable cars. Tesla ignores the model year system, and, just like Ferrari, does not show model years on their website. Instead, Tesla chooses to continuously update its models throughout the year, as opposed to keeping new tech at bay for a following model year release.

Notable Cars Released For The 2025 Model Year

The following are four 2025 model year examples which are all currently available for order or purchase in 2024. Rather than opting to show simply revised or mildly facelifted models, these are all brand-new or redesigned models.

Toyota Crown Signia SUV

For the first time ever, Toyota’s Crown is now available as an SUV. Just like all Crown models before it, the Crown Signia SUV will sport a premium finish both inside and out. This 2025 model joins Toyota’s comprehensive lineup of electrified hybrid models, and will effectively replace the aging Venza.

BMW M5 Touring

BMW’s new M5 has caused quite a controversial stir in the automotive world, and for many reasons. With a curb weight of around 5,500 lbs, the 2025 BMW M5 Touring has some serious heft, which is unnatural for this once nimble and playful sports sedan. However, that extra bulk is partially due to the fact BMW has electrified the M5 for the first time, offering it exclusively as a PHEV model for the 2025 model year. As a result, there is more than enough power to get the wheels turning with that expected M-powered turn of pace.

Volkswagen ID.Buzz

Finally, the return of Volkswagen’s universally loved and time-tested ‘bus’ is reaching American shores. Only this time, it’s to be motivated solely by electrification. The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz is as practical as it is playful, with vivid colors, an inviting interior space, and plenty of room inside, perfect for fulfilling those camper van fantasies.

Polestar 3

Polestar is a seriously slept-on EV brand, providing a practical and attainable alternative to the globally-dominant Tesla. It’s attractive and purposeful to look at, the interior looks to be packed full of impressive tech and luxurious materials, plus, with 489 horsepower on tap, it packs plenty of punch, too.

Sources: Ford, Toyota, Tesla