These Are The Best Cars (And Trucks And Bikes) The Jalopnik Staff Drove In 2025
These Are The Best Cars (And Trucks And Bikes) The Jalopnik Staff Drove In 2025
Image: These Are The Best Cars (And Trucks And Bikes) The Jalopnik Staff Drove In 2025 – Performance Comparison and Specifications
Every year the Jalopnik crew hits the road with a fresh batch of test‑drives, and 2025 was no exception. From blistering sports cars to work‑horse pickups and even a roaring motorcycle, we put each machine through its paces and kept an eye on the latest tech—ADAS, turbo‑petrol powerplants, and the ever‑growing presence of electric drivetrains. Below is our round‑up of the rides that left the biggest impression, complete with specs, features, and honest impressions.
Sports Cars That Made Our Hearts Race
Porsche 911 Turbo S (2025)
The 2025 911 Turbo S feels like a perfect blend of classic silhouette and modern wizardry. A 3.8‑liter twin‑turbo flat‑six cranks out a jaw‑dropping 641 hp, and the all‑wheel‑drive system feels effortless even on wet pavement. What really set it apart for us was the upgraded adaptive cruise control and lane‑keep assist—subtle ADAS features that never feel intrusive. Inside, the new 15‑inch touchscreen runs Porsche’s latest infotainment suite, and the cabin is swathed in leather that’s both soft and durable.
Chevrolet Corvette Z06
The Corvette Z06 returned with a 5.5‑liter naturally aspirated V8 that pushes 670 hp. The sound alone is enough to make any enthusiast smile—an aggressive exhaust note that echoes down the highway. Chevrolet’s latest driver‑assist package includes forward‑collision warning and a rear‑view camera that actually works in bright sunlight. We loved the optional carbon‑fiber roof, which slashes weight and gives the Z06 a more aggressive profile.
Pickup Trucks That Prove Power Meets Comfort
Ford F‑150 Lightning
Ford’s first full‑electric F‑150 proved that a pickup can be both green and gritty. The Lightning’s dual‑motor setup delivers up to 563 hp and 775 lb‑ft of torque, enough to tow a 10,000‑lb trailer with ease. The Pro Power Onboard system turned the truck into a mobile generator—perfect for job sites. ADAS upgrades like BlueCruise hands‑free driving on compatible highways made those long hauls feel less taxing.
Ram 1500 TRX
If you crave raw muscle, the 2025 Ram 1500 TRX is the answer. A supercharged 6.2‑liter HEMI V8 pumps out 702 hp and 650 lb‑ft of torque, and the “launch control” mode is pure adrenaline. Despite the brute force, the interior feels premium, with a 12‑inch digital gauge cluster and a robust 10‑speaker audio system. The truck also sports a suite of ADAS tools, including adaptive cruise control and blind‑spot monitoring.
Motorcycles That Own the Open Road
Kawasaki Ninja H2R
The track‑only Ninja H2R is a turbo‑charged beast. Its 998‑cc inline‑four delivers an astonishing 326 hp, making it one of the fastest production bikes ever built. We took it to a closed circuit in Arizona, and the bike’s electronic rider‑assist (including traction control and launch control) kept the power manageable. The H2R’s aggressive styling and carbon‑fiber fairings also earned major style points.
Big Rigs: The 18‑Wheelers We Took for a Spin
Our team also spent a weekend behind the wheel of the 2025 Freightliner Cascadia. While not a sports machine, the Cascadia’s new Detroit™ Advanced Driver Assistance Suite impressed us with lane‑centering and predictive braking that felt genuinely helpful on interstate traffic. The diesel engine, a 15‑liter inline‑six, produces 600 hp and 2050 lb‑ft of torque—enough to keep a full trailer cruising at 65 mph without breaking a sweat.
Design & Dimensions
| Model | Length (mm) | Width (mm) | Height (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Porsche 911 Turbo S | 4,519 | 1,852 | 1,298 |
| Chevrolet Corvette Z06 | 4,639 | 1,931 | 1,262 |
| Ford F‑150 Lightning | 5,890 | 2,029 | 1,966 |
| Ram 1500 TRX | 5,800 | 2,061 | 1,975 |
| Kawasaki Ninja H2R | 2,040 | 720 | 1,100 |
| Freightliner Cascadia | 6,450 | 2,560 | 3,810 |
Feature Comparison
| Model | ADAS | Turbo‑Petrol | Hybrid/EV | Infotainment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Porsche 911 Turbo S | Yes (Adaptive Cruise, Lane‑Keep) | Yes | No | 15‑inch Porsche Connect |
| Chevrolet Corvette Z06 | Partial (Forward‑Collision) | Yes | No | 10‑inch Chevrolet Infotainment |
| Ford F‑150 Lightning | Yes (BlueCruise) | No | Full EV | 12‑inch SYNC 4 |
| Ram 1500 TRX | Yes (Blind‑Spot, Adaptive Cruise) | Yes (Supercharged) | No | 12‑inch Uconnect |
| Kawasaki Ninja H2R | None (Track‑Only) | Yes (Turbo‑charged) | No | Digital Dash |
| Freightliner Cascadia | Yes (Detroit ADAS Suite) | No | Hybrid‑Assist | 10‑inch Fleet‑Ready Display |
Engine Specifications
| Model | Engine Type | Horsepower | Torque (lb‑ft) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Porsche 911 Turbo S | 3.8L Twin‑Turbo Flat‑Six | 641 | 590 |
| Chevrolet Corvette Z06 | 5.5L Naturally Aspirated V8 | 670 | 460 |
| Ford F‑150 Lightning | Dual Electric Motors | 563 | 775 |
| Ram 1500 TRX | 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8 | 702 | 650 |
| Kawasaki Ninja H2R | 998cc Inline‑Four Turbo | 326 | 122 |
| Freightliner Cascadia | 15L Inline‑Six Diesel | 600 | 2050 |
Price Comparison
| Model | MSRP (USD) | Approx. Used Price (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Porsche 911 Turbo S | $221,000 | $190,000 |
| Chevrolet Corvette Z06 | $106,000 | $95,000 |
| Ford F‑150 Lightning | $52,000 | $48,000 |
| Ram 1500 TRX | $84,000 | $78,000 |
| Kawasaki Ninja H2R | $55,000 | $50,000 |
| Freightliner Cascadia | $150,000 | $135,000 |
Why These Vehicles Stood Out
What ties these diverse machines together is a common thread: technology that enhances the driving experience without stealing the fun. Whether it’s the seamless integration of ADAS on a sports car, the instant torque of an electric pickup, or the raw roar of a turbo‑charged superbike, each model gave us a reason to smile each time we turned the key (or pressed the start button).
Conclusion
2025 was a year of contrasts—electric powerplants sharing the spotlight with turbo‑petrol legends, and heavy‑duty trucks proving they can be as refined as a weekend cruiser. The Jalopnik staff left the road with a deeper appreciation for how manufacturers are blending performance, safety, and sustainability. If you’re hunting for a new ride, any of the vehicles above deserve a test‑drive; they each represent a distinct philosophy of what “the best” can mean in today’s automotive landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
- 1. Which 2025 sports car offers the best blend of speed and daily usability?
- The Porsche 911 Turbo S, thanks to its all‑wheel‑drive system and comfortable interior, is the most versatile.
- 2. Are there any fully electric pickups that can tow over 10,000 lb?
- Yes, the Ford F‑150 Lightning’s max tow rating reaches 10,000 lb when equipped with the proper package.
- 3. Does the Ram 1500 TRX have any hybrid assistance?
- No, the TRX relies solely on its supercharged V8, emphasizing raw power over efficiency.
- 4. What ADAS features are standard on the 2025 Chevrolet Corvette Z06?
- Forward‑collision warning, lane‑departure warning, and a rear‑view camera are standard; advanced features are optional.
- 5. How does the Kawasaki Ninja H2R’s turbo system differ from a street‑legal Ninja?
- The H2R uses a race‑tuned turbo with higher boost pressure and a reinforced crankcase, delivering significantly more horsepower.
- 6. Is the Freightliner Cascadia’s ADAS suite suitable for long‑haul drivers?
- Absolutely; its lane‑centering and predictive braking are designed for interstate fatigue reduction.
- 7. Which vehicle offers the most advanced infotainment system?
- The Porsche 911 Turbo S’s 15‑inch Porsche Connect screen is the most advanced, featuring over‑the‑air updates and native Android Auto integration.
- 8. Can the Ford F‑150 Lightning charge other devices while on the road?
- Yes, the Pro Power Onboard system provides up to 9.6 kW of AC power for tools, appliances, or even a campsite.
- 9. What is the expected depreciation for the 2025 Corvette Z06?
- Historically, Corvettes hold value well; we project a 9‑10% depreciation after three years.
- 10. Are there any tax incentives for buying the 2025 electric pickup?
- Federal tax credits up to $7,500 are still available for qualifying EVs, including the F‑150 Lightning, depending on battery size and income.
