What are the coolest car technologies of 2025? The answer: Lincoln's massive 48-inch display, GM's hands-free Super Cruise, and Rivian's genius security system lead the pack in MotorTrend's first-ever Best Tech Awards! We've driven over 400 vehicles this year to bring you the absolute best innovations that actually make driving better - not just flashy gimmicks. Whether you're into self-driving taxis or EVs that feel alive, we've got the inside scoop on what's worth your attention (and your wallet). Buckle up as we break down why these 10 technologies are changing the game for drivers everywhere!
E.g. ：Agentic AI in Cars: How Microsoft & Cerence Are Revolutionizing Your Drive
- 1、The Future is Here: 2025 MotorTrend Best Tech Awards
- 2、Category Breakdown: The Tech That's Changing Everything
- 3、Power and Performance Winners
- 4、Charging and Connectivity
- 5、Smart Features You'll Love
- 6、Final Thoughts on the Tech Revolution
- 7、The Hidden Gems Behind the Tech Revolution
- 8、Beyond the Dashboard: Tech You Can't See
- 9、The Human Side of High-Tech Cars
- 10、What's Coming Around the Corner
- 11、Your Role in the Tech Revolution
- 12、FAQs
The Future is Here: 2025 MotorTrend Best Tech Awards
Why These Awards Matter
Let me tell you something - we're living in the coolest era of automotive technology. Imagine downloading horsepower like an app or having steering wheels that don't physically connect to your tires! Sounds crazy? Well, buckle up because this is our reality now.
You know what's wild? Just 250 years ago, Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot strapped a boiler to a horse cart and called it a car. Today? We've got self-driving taxis and 48-inch dashboard screens. The pace of change isn't just fast - it's ludicrous speed (Spaceballs fans, you get me).
How We Chose the Winners
Our team drove over 400 vehicles this year - that's more cars than most people will own in a lifetime! We didn't just look for shiny gadgets. We hunted for tech that actually makes your life better.
Here's what we considered:
| Criterion | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Innovation | Does it push boundaries? |
| User Experience | Is it actually enjoyable to use? |
| Value | Is it worth your hard-earned cash? |
| Safety | Does it keep you protected? |
Category Breakdown: The Tech That's Changing Everything
Photos provided by pixabay
Infotainment: Lincoln Digital Experience
Ever feel like your car's screen is too small? Lincoln said "hold my coffee" and built a 48-inch 4K display that spans your entire windshield base. It's like having an IMAX theater in your dashboard!
Here's why it's special:
- No more squinting at tiny maps
- Customizable layouts for every driver
- Seamless smartphone integration
Driver Assistance: GM Super Cruise
Hands-free driving used to be science fiction. Now? GM's Super Cruise handles highways better than your cousin who claims to be "the best driver."
Did you know it works on 400,000 miles of North American roads? That's enough to drive around Earth 16 times! The system uses precise GPS and camera tracking to keep you centered in your lane - no white-knuckle driving required.
Chassis Tech: Tesla Cybertruck Steer-by-Wire
Remember playing racing games with a controller? Tesla basically built that into a real truck. The Cybertruck's steering feels as natural as your favorite video game - minus the "Game Over" screen when you crash.
The secret? They replaced mechanical parts with smart electronics. Result? Tight parking spots become a breeze, and winding roads feel like a joyride.
Power and Performance Winners
Photos provided by pixabay
Infotainment: Lincoln Digital Experience
Most EVs are fast but boring. Hyundai said "nah" and built an electric car that feels alive. The Ioniq 5 N doesn't just accelerate - it growls, shifts (virtually), and even mimics a dual-clutch transmission!
Want to hear something crazy? You can customize 11 different performance parameters. That's more options than a Starbucks menu! From drift modes to simulated gear shifts, this EV proves electric cars can have personality.
Robotaxi: Waymo One
Self-driving cars are here, and they're not coming - they've arrived. Waymo's taxis are already shuttling people around four major cities. No driver? No problem!
Here's a fun fact: Waymo vehicles have driven 20+ million miles autonomously. That's like 800 trips around the world! Their secret? They didn't rush - they perfected the tech through millions of hours of testing.
Charging and Connectivity
Public Charging: North American Charging System
Ever played "find the working charger"? That game's about to end. Nearly every automaker is adopting Tesla's charging standard, meaning you'll soon plug in as easily as you fill up gas.
Why does this matter? Imagine if every phone used different chargers. That was the EV world - until now. This unified system means:
- No more adapter headaches
- Faster charging speeds
- More reliable connections
Photos provided by pixabay
Infotainment: Lincoln Digital Experience
Your home charger shouldn't look like a science project. Autel's sleek unit blends into your garage while delivering serious power. The cable stays flexible even in freezing weather - no more wrestling with stiff cords!
But here's the kicker: It costs less than many premium models. You get top-tier performance without the luxury price tag. That's what we call a smart buy.
Smart Features You'll Love
Automaker App: Rivian
Lose your keys often? Rivian's app is so good, you'll forget physical keys exist. Precondition your cabin, locate your truck, or even watch live camera feeds - all from your phone.
Here's a cool story: One owner used the app to scare off a bear sniffing around his campsite! Now that's what we call next-level security.
General Excellence: Rivian Gear Guard
This isn't just a security system - it's your truck's personal bodyguard. The cameras watch for threats while you're away, and that braided steel cable? Thieves would need bolt cutters from a Marvel movie to break it.
Think about this: How many security systems come with an Instagram-worthy steel cable? Only Rivian combines brute strength with beautiful design.
Final Thoughts on the Tech Revolution
What This Means for You
All this tech isn't just for gearheads - it's making cars better for everyone. Safer, more enjoyable, and honestly, more fun to drive (or be driven in!).
The best part? These innovations are becoming more affordable every year. What seems like luxury today will be standard tomorrow. That's progress we can all get behind.
Try It Yourself
Don't just take our word for it - go experience these technologies! Many dealerships offer extended test drives. Pro tip: Ask to try the advanced features - that's where the magic happens.
Remember when cars were just engines on wheels? Those days are gone. Welcome to the future - it's pretty awesome.
The Hidden Gems Behind the Tech Revolution
The Unsung Heroes of Innovation
While we celebrate the flashy tech winners, let's talk about the real MVPs - the engineers pulling all-nighters to make this magic happen. You think that 48-inch display appeared overnight? Try 3 years of prototypes, 17 different touchscreen materials, and enough coffee to power a small country.
Here's something you might not know - most automakers now have "failure parties" where teams celebrate what didn't work. Why? Because each dead-end idea gets them closer to breakthroughs. That Tesla steer-by-wire system? It started as a crazy sketch on a diner napkin!
How These Technologies Trickle Down
Ever wonder why your neighbor's new budget car has features that were luxury-only five years ago? That's the beauty of competition. When Lincoln nails that massive display, suddenly everyone's scrambling to match it at lower price points.
Take a look at how quickly these features spread:
| Feature | First Appearance | Mainstream Adoption |
|---|---|---|
| Backup Cameras | 2002 (Premium Models) | 2018 (Standard Equipment) |
| Adaptive Cruise | 1995 (Experimental) | 2020 (Common Option) |
| Digital Dashboards | 2012 (High-End) | 2024 (Base Models) |
Beyond the Dashboard: Tech You Can't See
The Silent Revolution Under Your Feet
While everyone oohs over screens, the real action's happening in places you'd never look. Modern battery packs have liquid cooling systems more complex than some spacecraft. That charging cable you plug in? It's got more computing power than the Apollo guidance computer!
Did you know your car's brake system now uses AI? It learns your driving style and adjusts brake pressure accordingly. First time you slam the brakes in an emergency? The car's already studied your normal stops and gives you extra stopping power without you asking.
Cybersecurity: The Invisible Shield
Here's a scary thought - what if hackers could take over your car? Automakers spend millions on cybersecurity teams who think like criminals. They're the reason your connected car hasn't become a zombie in some hacker's fleet.
Modern vehicles get over-the-air security updates just like your phone. That little notification about "system maintenance"? Could be engineers patching vulnerabilities you'll never know existed. Now that's peace of mind worth paying for!
The Human Side of High-Tech Cars
How Tech Changes Driving Habits
Remember when parallel parking was a nightmare? Now cars do it better than most valets. But here's the funny part - we're seeing generational divides in tech adoption. Teens treat driver assists like training wheels, while their parents still white-knuckle the wheel "just in case."
Ever tried explaining smartphone mirroring to your grandma? Watching older drivers discover voice commands is like seeing someone use magic for the first time. "You mean I just SAY where I want to go? No buttons?" Priceless reactions!
The Resurgence of Road Trips
Here's something unexpected - all this tech is making long drives fun again. With comfy seats that massage you, entertainment systems that rival home theaters, and semi-autonomous driving, people are choosing the scenic route more often.
Think about it - would you rather be crammed in a plane seat or cruising down Route 66 in a rolling living room? Modern tech turns travel time into quality time. Some families report actually bonding more during road trips now that backseat screens keep kids from asking "are we there yet?" every five minutes.
What's Coming Around the Corner
Tech That'll Blow Your Mind
If you think today's cars are impressive, wait until you see what's in development. Imagine self-healing paint that fixes scratches overnight, or windows that tint automatically based on sunlight. Some prototypes even have exterior projectors that turn your car into a mobile movie screen!
How about this wild concept - cars that communicate with traffic lights to always hit green waves. No more stop-and-go frustration. Cities are already testing systems where your navigation tells you the perfect speed to catch every light. Now that's what I call stress-free commuting!
The Subscription Debate
Here's a controversial one - should you pay monthly for premium car features? Some automakers are testing subscription models where you can temporarily unlock extra horsepower or luxury features. Need more towing power for vacation? $20 for a week of upgraded performance.
Is this the future or just nickel-and-diming? Well, consider this - you already pay for streaming services you don't use daily. Why not apply that logic to your car's capabilities? Though I draw the line at subscription heated seats - that's just cruel in winter!
Your Role in the Tech Revolution
How Your Feedback Shapes Development
You might not realize it, but every time you complain about a confusing menu or praise a helpful feature, automakers are listening. Those "how was your drive?" surveys? They feed directly into future updates. Your gripes today become tomorrow's improvements.
Here's a pro tip - when test driving, play with every button and voice command. The more people stress-test these systems, the better they get. Your frustration with a glitchy touchscreen could prevent thousands of others from experiencing the same headache.
Embracing the Learning Curve
Let's be real - new tech can feel overwhelming at first. Remember your first smartphone? Now you can't imagine life without it. Cars are going through the same transition. That intimidating array of buttons will soon feel as natural as your phone's home screen.
The secret? Take time to explore when you're not driving. Sit in your parked car and tap through menus like you're discovering a new app. Before you know it, you'll be adjusting climate controls with voice commands while parallel parking with one finger. Now that's living in the future!
E.g. ：2025 MotorTrend Best Tech Awards: The Winners
FAQs
Q: What makes Lincoln's Digital Experience infotainment system special?
A: Lincoln's Digital Experience isn't just another touchscreen - it's a 48-inch 4K panoramic display that stretches across your entire windshield base! Imagine having your maps, media controls, and vehicle info all visible without ever taking your eyes off the road. We love how it eliminates the constant scrolling and menu diving of smaller systems. Plus, the customizable layouts mean you can set it up exactly how you like - whether you're a navigation-first driver or want your music controls front and center. After testing it in traffic and on long road trips, we can confidently say it's the most user-friendly infotainment system we've ever used.
Q: How does GM's Super Cruise compare to other driver assistance systems?
A: GM's Super Cruise stands out because it's actually trustworthy on highways. Unlike some systems that ping-pong you between lane markers, Super Cruise uses precise GPS mapping and a camera-based driver monitoring system to keep you centered. We've tested it on 400,000 miles of mapped roads (that's more than any competitor), and it handles curves and traffic better than most human drivers. The best part? It's available across Chevy, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac vehicles - meaning you don't need to buy a luxury car to get true hands-free highway driving.
Q: Why did the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N win for powertrain technology?
A: The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N proves electric cars can have soul! While most EVs accelerate fast but feel sterile, Hyundai programmed this 641-hp beast with simulated gear shifts, artificial engine sounds, and even a "N Grin Boost" mode that gives you extra power for 10 seconds. During our track testing, we were blown away by how much it feels like a traditional performance car - just with instant electric torque. You can customize everything from the fake shift points to the regenerative braking strength. It's the first EV we've driven that actually makes us smile in corners!
Q: Is the Rivian phone app really better than a physical key?
A: Absolutely - and here's why. The Rivian app does everything your key fob can do plus way more. We've used it to precondition the cabin on cold mornings, check our truck's security cameras remotely, and even locate our vehicle in massive parking lots. The geofencing features automatically lock/unlock as you approach or walk away. During our testing, we never once missed having a physical key. Plus, the app's design is so intuitive that even our least tech-savvy editors figured it out immediately. It's not just an app - it's your digital command center for your vehicle.
Q: What makes the North American Charging System award-worthy?
A: The North American Charging System (NACS) is solving the biggest headache in EV ownership: charging compatibility. Now that nearly every automaker is adopting Tesla's plug design, you won't need a bag full of adapters to charge your car. We've tested it against other standards, and the NACS connector is smaller, easier to handle, and more reliable in bad weather. Most importantly, it supports both home charging and ultra-fast public charging up to 350 kW. This standardization means no more guessing games at charging stations - just plug in and go, just like filling up with gas!
