Five New Cars for August: Where the Auto Industry Is Headed

From muscle cars returning to gasoline power to an ambitious self-driving prototype, August 2025 revealed five very different automotive newcomers. Dodge, Tensor, Jeep, Volvo, and Volkswagen each unveiled models that hint at shifting trends in performance and technology.

Dodge Charger

Price: From $55,000

We’ve covered the new Charger before, when Dodge launched electric coupe and sedan versions—selling only 4,000 units in six months. In August 2025, the automaker began production of gasoline-powered Chargers.

Both coupe and sedan models feature all-wheel drive, a 3.0-liter inline-six twin-turbo engine, and an eight-speed automatic transmission with a wet multi-plate clutch. Output is 420 hp in the R/T Sixpack and 550 hp in the Scat Pack Sixpack. A single button disconnects the front axle for pure rear-wheel-drive fun.

Tensor Robocar

Price: Not yet announced

The Robocar from startup Tensor is the first autonomous vehicle designed for personal use. Scheduled for sales in 2026, the production-ready version debuted this August.

This large liftback measures 217.5 inches long, 79.9 inches wide, and 78.3 inches tall, riding on a 124-inch wheelbase—significantly bigger than a BMW X7. It will feature fully steerable chassis, air suspension, and a 112-kWh battery pack.

More than 100 sensors power its Level 4 autonomous driving system, including 5 LiDAR units, 37 cameras, 11 radars, 22 microphones, and even 8 water-level sensors—coordinated by a powerful AI platform.

Jeep Cherokee

Price: From $37,000

Production of the fifth-generation Cherokee ended in 2025, but Jeep revealed its successor in August.

The new midsize crossover is larger in every dimension: 188 inches long, 74.7 inches wide, and 67.5 inches tall, with a 113-inch wheelbase. Its hybrid drivetrain pairs a 1.6-liter gasoline engine (177 hp) with two electric motors for a combined 210 hp. A CVT handles power delivery, and all-wheel drive is standard.

Volvo XC70

Price: From $42,000

Once a rugged wagon derivative of the V70, the XC70 nameplate returns as a hybrid crossover—this time for the Chinese market.

The XC70 is 189.6 inches long, 74.4 inches wide, and 65 inches tall, with a 114-inch wheelbase. Frameless doors set it apart in the crossover segment.

This plug-in hybrid pairs a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine (163 hp) with electric motors via a three-speed planetary transmission. Front-drive versions produce 381 hp, while AWD models add a rear motor for 593 hp. Electric range is 72 miles (FWD, 21.2-kWh battery) or 112 miles (AWD, 39.6-kWh battery). Total range on gas and full charge exceeds 746 miles.

Volkswagen T-Roc

Price: From $36,000

Volkswagen’s first-generation T-Roc was produced from 2017 to 2025. The all-new second generation rides on the MQB Evo platform.

The compact crossover is 172.1 inches long, 71.9 inches wide, and 61.5 inches tall, with a 103.6-inch wheelbase. For now, only front-wheel-drive mild hybrids are available, using 1.5-liter gasoline engines rated at 116 or 150 hp with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. All-wheel-drive versions, full hybrids, and a high-performance T-Roc R will follow. Driver-assist features include automated parking.