2025 SUV Redesign, Tech, Performance, and Interior Upgrades: Comprehensive Insights for US Consumers

The 2025 model year brings a significant SUV redesign. This article outlines changes in exterior styling, technology, powertrains, driving dynamics, and interior comfort in the United States market to help prospective buyers and enthusiasts make informed decisions.

A More Commanding and Refined Exterior Presence

The 2025 redesign introduces a fresher, more upscale appearance, redefining the SUV’s road presence. Key exterior upgrades include:

Large, Geometric Cascading Grille: An enlarged grille with a distinctive pattern provides a bold, premium look inspired by European design elements.
Slim LED Headlights and Vertical Daytime Running Lights: These modern lighting features sharpen the front fascia’s visual impact while enhancing visibility.
Sculpted Body Lines and Wheel Options: Enhanced body contours contribute to a refined aesthetic, paired with available wheel sizes up to 20 inches (and up to 21 inches on newer models), optimizing both style and stance.
Aerodynamic Efficiencies: A drag coefficient of around 0.31 has been achieved, notable for this segment, contributing to improved fuel efficiency and quieter driving.

Together, these refinements not only elevate the vehicle’s style but also emphasize a balance of rugged capability and sophistication tailored for US consumers.

Expanded Dimensions for Greater Space and Comfort

The latest SUV model is notably larger compared to its predecessor:

Overall Length and Wheelbase: The body extends by approximately 2.5 inches, with a wheelbase stretching nearly 2.7 inches, directly enhancing cabin space.
Rear Cabin and Entrance: A lengthened rear cabin improves third-row access, ensuring comfortable ingress and egress even for adult passengers.
Seating Capacity: The SUV accommodates up to eight passengers, with configurations offering optional captain’s chairs for easier access to the third row.
Cargo Volume: Approximately 18 cubic feet of cargo space remain available behind the third row, expanding significantly—up to around 86.4 cubic feet—when rear seats fold.

These dimension enhancements emphasize practicality and comfort, essential for families and those needing flexible passenger or cargo capabilities.

Cutting-Edge Technology for Connectivity and Convenience

The 2025 redesign integrates state-of-the-art technology aimed at streamlining driver interaction and entertainment:

Dual 12.3-inch Displays: A panoramic curved digital instrument cluster alongside a touchscreen infotainment system provides clear access to driving and media information.
Wireless Smartphone Integration: Support for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto enables seamless smartphone connectivity without cables.
Voice Recognition and Over-the-Air Updates: Enhanced natural language voice commands improve ease of operation, while over-the-air software updates keep systems current without dealership visits.
Keyless Access via Digital Key 2.0: Enables locking, unlocking, and starting the vehicle through compatible smartphones or smartwatches, offering convenience and security.
In-Car Wi-Fi Hotspot and Alexa Voice Assistant: Facilitates passenger connectivity and voice-activated controls throughout journeys.
Passenger Talk Feature: Amplifies the driver’s voice to rear passengers through the audio system, reducing the need to shout across the cabin.
Wireless Charging with Cooling Fans: Device charging pads equipped with fans prevent overheating during wireless charging sessions.
Bose Premium Audio System: Available 14-speaker surround sound delivers high-quality audio across all three rows.

These technology offerings contribute not only to driving ease but also to enhanced passenger experience and smart connectivity tailored to modern lifestyles.

Interior Comfort Enhancements and Luxury Features

Comfort and usability have been elevated through thoughtful interior design and new seating options:

Relaxation Seats: Newly introduced front and second-row seats offer increased recline with deployable upper leg supports to reduce fatigue on long trips.
Heated and Ventilated Seating: Available heating and ventilation on front and second rows provide comfort in varying climates.
Power-Adjustable and One-Touch Slide Seats: Second-row seats can tilt and slide with one-touch controls for simple access to the rear, while third-row seats offer power folding, sliding, reclining, and heating for adult-friendly comfort.
Premium Materials: Higher trims feature available Nappa leather upholstery and premium multi-tone interior colorways inspired by upscale home furnishings.
Practical Storage and Accessibility: The center console and armrest design improve ergonomic reach to controls. Hands-free smart liftgate technology senses the key fob for ease of loading and unloading cargo.

The interior design approach balances practical family-use needs with premium comfort, giving drivers and passengers a roomy and sophisticated cabin environment.

Powertrain Options and Performance Upgrades

The 2025 model offers multiple powertrain configurations to suit different preferences in power, efficiency, and towing needs:

Traditional V6 Engine: A refined 3.8-liter naturally aspirated V6 delivers approximately 287-291 horsepower and around 260-262 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an advanced 8-speed automatic transmission featuring a two-chamber torque converter, this setup provides smooth and responsive shifting.
New Turbocharged Hybrid Powertrain: For the first time, a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four hybrid pairs with electric motors producing up to an estimated 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft torque. This powertrain achieves an estimated highway fuel economy exceeding 30 miles per gallon, with an internal target driving range reaching approximately 619 miles per full tank and charge.
Towing Capacities: The V6 engine configuration supports towing capacities up to 5,000 pounds, while the hybrid powertrain can tow up to 4,000 pounds. Both are equipped for active family lifestyles or outdoor adventures.

These options blend traditional power with electrification advantages, giving consumers flexibility between performance and efficiency.

Advanced All-Wheel-Drive and Driving Modes for Enhanced Control

The redesigned SUV continues to offer a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system with multiple driving modes:

HTRAC AWD System: Electronically controlled torque distribution between front and rear axles improves traction, handling, and stability across various driving conditions.
Tow Mode: Optimizes gear holding and shift frequency for safer, more confident towing experiences.
Terrain Modes: New selections specifically for Mud, Sand, and Snow provide enhanced driver confidence when traversing challenging road or weather conditions.
Dynamic Driving Modes: Normal, Sport, and Smart settings allow drivers to tailor powertrain and handling responses to preferences or road situations.

This flexibility in drivetrain configuration supports versatile driving scenarios, increasing safety and control.

Comprehensive Safety Features and Innovations

Safety technology remains a critical focus with an extensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS):

Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning: Helps detect and mitigate collision risks at intersections, including vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and oncoming traffic.
Blind-Spot Collision Warning and Safe Exit Assist: Alerts drivers to vehicles in blind spots and warns occupants when it is unsafe to exit the vehicle.
Highway Driving Assist 2.0 and Lane Following Assist: Helps maintain safe highway speeds and lane positioning using navigation data and traffic monitoring.
Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance and Parking Collision Avoidance: Monitors cross-traffic and rear obstacles when reversing.
Remote Smart Parking Assist: Allows the vehicle to be parked or retrieved remotely using a key fob.
Built-in Dual-Camera Dash Cam: Records continuously during driving and while parked to capture incidents or potential threats.
Rear Occupant Alert with Smartphone Notifications: Alerts drivers to movement in rear seats after exiting the vehicle to prevent forgetting occupants.
360-Degree Camera and Full-Display Digital Rearview Mirror: Provides a comprehensive surround view and unobstructed rear vision.

The combination of passive and active safety systems builds comprehensive occupant protection and aids in accident prevention.

Conclusion

The 2025 model year SUV redesign in the United States introduces substantial advancements across design, technology, powertrain performance, comfort, and safety. Whether prioritizing technological convenience, interior luxury, efficient hybrid powertrains, or advanced safety features, this vehicle aims to satisfy diverse consumer preferences while offering enhanced functionality for modern family lifestyles. Understanding these detailed upgrades equips potential buyers and enthusiasts to navigate the evolving SUV market with greater confidence and knowledge.

Disclaimer: Prices and availability for the 2025/2026 SUV model vary by location and dealer. Features and specifications are subject to change without notice. Consumers should verify current details with local dealerships and conduct research before making purchase decisions.