The first feature of the Los Angeles (LA) Auto Show had more focus on the debut electric and hybrid powered vehicles. I mean, the future of the automotive world is ‘electric’, so they make the priority list. In this feature however, the combustion engine vehicles have the spotlight. Compared to the electric counterparts, these are the vehicles that would easily roll into Nigeria in the coming year 2025. Kicking off with Honda and its luxury division, Acura, which both debuted new vehicles in their ever growing line-up.
2025 Acura ADX
The 2025 Acura ADX is Acura’s new SUV and it is simply a downsized Acura MDX that shares most of its parts with the Honda HR-V. The similarities between the ADX and the HR-V are evident in their body shapes that are very alike, especially at the rear. Both SUVs’ also share many components in the interior space. The differences between both cars is seen more in the mechanical aspect. The ADX comes with a more powerful 1.5-liter turbo engine that makes 200 horsepower(hp). The interior is also fitted with higher quality materials, offering more comfort and luxury. The ADX is expected to arrive in early 2025.
2026 Honda Passport
The 2026 Honda Passport is built and marketed as a true offroader. The most striking feature of the Passport is its boxy outlook. The Passport seems to take a hint from the equally boxy nature of its competitor, the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. Mechanically, the Passport is related to the larger Honda Pilot, with which it shares its engine and all-wheel-drive system. The Passport comes in various trim levels including the RTL, TrailSport and TrailSport Elite. The TrailSports are extra rugged, thanks to the 31-inch General Grabber all-terrain tires, a thick steel skid plate and tow hooks.
The amber lighting for offroading at night is also an exclusive package for the TrailSports Passport. As for the interior design, the Passport is similar to that of the Honda Pilot. Although, it comes standard with Honda’s latest 12.3-inch touchscreen interface that features Google built-in. The 2026 Passport is expected to go on sale early next year.
2025 Volkswagen Tiguan
The 2025 Tiguan is the third-generation of the model. It is a much sportier-looking compact SUV, with a less boxy profile than the outgoing version. Previous Tiguans used to have third row sitting, but that is no more. The total number of seats in the new Tiguan has been reduced, having only two-row seating. In a bid to keep the Tiguan compact, it also loses a bit of cargo space. The 2025 Tiguan seems to have been regular with the gym, because it is 170 pounds lighter than its predecessor. It also comes with a powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine that produces 201 hp, up from 184 hp.
The Tiguan’s interior design is profoundly different, with beautiful wood work and a tasteful two-tone color scheme. The Tiguan’s MIB4 infotainment system features a refreshed menu structure in its 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The 2025 Tiguan should go on sale early next year, and a hybrid version is intended to follow.
After taking a look at previous years of the Los Angeles Auto Show, I must agree that this year was a bit underwhelming. Car critique, James Riswick stated that, ‘this year’s LA Auto Show was a barren husk of what it used to be’. He also added that luxury brands have all but abandoned the show, and the number of new car reveals have dwindled. In total, there were only 9 new car reveals with some being midlife refreshes, instead of from-scratch redesigns. Does this mean car culture is dying? To make a valid conclusion, we would have to wait and see what next year’s LA Auto show has in store for us.
