The 2025 Detroit Auto Show brought back some familiar faces, with major automakers returning to the expo.
Automakers showed off an evolution in lighting design, with front and rear lighting extending across the full width of the vehicles.
The new electric 2025 Jeep Wagoneer S EV, for example, has a sleek light bar integrated seamlessly with downward-facing lights that reflect off the painted surfaces, creating a distinctive and visually striking effect.
The new Ram 2500 has four slim light units, which are the visible thing when you look at the truck.
Similarly, the 2025 Dodge Challenger, available with electric or petrol power, has full-width illuminated bars and lit Dodge-brand “Fratzog” logos front and rear. The segmented lines in the rear design add depth and character.
The Ford Expedition Platinum has an elongated illuminated front bar, while the redesigned Ford Maverick has new projector headlamps rather than the previous reflector units.
Similarly, the refreshed Ford Explorer gets a headlamp redesign that incorporates indirect reflectors. At the rear are multifunctional lighting elements and an upgraded centre applique lamp.
Chevrolet’s new Equinox and Trax continue the trend of moving the low and high beams lower and lower on the front end. The Suburban builds on the lightstyling introduced with the 2024 Traverse. The Silverado pickup has headlamp designs integrated with surrounding elements, such as the bumper.
The GMC Yukon faces the world with refined aesthetics and modern lighting elements.
Cadillac continues to feature headlamps with multiple-optic projectors arrayed vertically, and they’ve added grille illumination even on gasoline-powered models. Shown here are the Vistiq EV and Escalade IQ.
Toyota presented a refreshed Camry, while VW allowed visitors to joyride their VW Bus including a lit front logo and showed their updated Tiguan SUV with OLED-Look taillights.
Lincoln’s redesigned Navigator features striking full-width light lines front and rear, with a prominent lit Lincoln logo up front and de-emphasized headlamps.
Concept cars on display included the Chrysler Halcyon, Opel Wildcat, Cadillac Opulent Velocity, and Project GTP Hypercar—all with thought-provoking lighting ideas.
