By Richard Truesdell
Based on the new vehicle previews we are seeing, OEM screens are getting bigger and wider, and less likely to find replacement in the aftermarket at this point. But some of the vehicles expected will provide ample room for aftermarket add-ons.
Here we review what the aftermarket can expect by way of access in some of the new vehicles reaching the market and on the horizon.
Ford
The big news, literally, at Ford will be all-new versions of their full-size SUVs; the Ford Expedition and the Lincoln Navigator. Between the two brands, the price spread will be from just under $60,000 for the base Expedition to over $100,000 for the top trim level on the Navigator. There will be some audio upgrade opportunities on the Expedition, especially high-end subwoofers to augment the factory-installed systems. Because of the cost of these vehicles, the customers you’ll see will be most interested in security/convenience systems to protect their investments.
Toyota
While we are still waiting for Toyota’s long-rumored compact Ford Maverick pickup competitor (I still believe it’s coming in the second half of 2025 as a 2026 model), there is something else to look forward to: a compact off-road-focused SUV.
Over a year ago, Toyota teased a small Compact Cruiser EV. I expect it could appear in late 2025 or early 2026. While the concept showed a battery-electric drive train, expect that when it appears in early 2026, it will be hybrid-powered and will start at under $40,000 for the base trim level which will offer the aftermarket the best opportunities.
While traditional sedans have fallen out of favor with buyers, Toyota’s recently redesigned ninth-generation 2024 Camry remains America’s best-selling sedan. It’s audio system, no matter what the trim level, can be upgraded with better amplification, speakers, and subwoofers. Don’t overlook the opportunity.
Hyundai/Kia/Genesis
This triumvirate of South Korean brands has been on a roll of late, especially Kia. The brand continues its march upward with the EV9, its halo vehicle. Introduced in 2024, the EV9 is a large, three-row SUV available in 6- and 7-passenger configurations. It is the first Kia product to feature the Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (CCNC) platform.
It has a fully integrated 12.3-inch instrument cluster, a 5-inch HVAC touchscreen, and a 12-inch infotainment control screen. The question that the industry faces is how quickly this platform will migrate down to Kia’s lower-priced models. Kia’s are popular among young new-vehicle purchasers who can qualify for financing. How many Kia models are you seeing at your dealerships?
Stellantis (Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram)
The big news here is the all-electric 2025 Dodge Charger arriving shortly. Expect the first Chargers you’ll see at dealerships to be equipped with high-end systems (by OEM standards). All upgrade opportunities will be downstream. But in a surprise move, due to overwhelming pushback from the Dodge faithful, the company is rushing into production a gas-powered (ICE) version, expected in the third quarter of 2025 as a 2026 model.
A version of the second-generation Alfa Romeo Guilia, which will share the Charger’s platform and electrical architecture, is expected for the 2026 model year. With Alfa Romeo now being a small niche player in the US market, it’s not likely you will see many in your stores.
The delayed, all-electric compact Jeep Recon is finally coming and is expected late in 2025 as an early-introduction 2026 model.
Volkswagen Group/Scout
The Volkswagen group, which owns the Scout brand, will produce EVs in pickup and truck versions. Prototypes were shown in October 2024 with first production models expected in 18-24 months from now, as 2027 models. Depending on pricing, which is unknown at this time, Scout may directly compete with Rivian, which will be introducing a mid-cycle refresh of its models.
The wild card here is will Scout use traditional franchised dealerships or a direct-to-consumer model like Tesla? Also, at this point, we have no firm details if Volkswagen will finally introduce a compact unibody compact truck sold in other markets to compete with Ford’s popular Maverick.
Acura/Honda
At the recent LA Auto Show, Acura showed its ADX, another compact crossover that will be comprehensively equipped so it’s not likely that you’ll see many in your stores in 2025. Its sister vehicle, the redesigned Honda Passport will offer a few more upgrade possibilities on the base trim level but like the ADX, you’ll be limited to processor, amplifier, speaker, and most likely subwoofer upgrades.
With the North American Auto Show in January, we will be able to preview additional new 2026 models, some of which will debut in dealer showrooms as early as this Spring, especially from GM.
Rich Truesdell
Rich is an industry veteran and longtime automotive photojournalist He has served as an installer, a 12 volt retail store owner, and a car audio and automotive journalist.
Truesdell founded Kartunes Mobile Electronics in New Jersey in 1976 with a retail storefront from 1980 to 1992. He’s contributed to publications including Motor Trend and has been a full-time automotive journalist since 2000 to more than 30 magazines around the world. He is also the co-author of three books with collaborator Mark Fletcher; Hurst Equipped (2012), 1970 Maximum Muscle (2021), and Hemi Under Glass (2021). Truesdell even appeared on Jay Leno’s Garage!
Truesdell welcomes questions from readers and he hopes to connect with colleagues from his many years in the car audio industry at [email protected]
