Our Predictions: Five Key Consumer Connected Vehicle Trends for 2025

Modern vehicles have evolved from hardware-centric machines into dynamic, software-defined platforms. This transformation creates exciting opportunities for automotive OEMs to reimagine product development, customer engagement, and even entirely new business models.

The progression of connected vehicles-from basic telematics powered by phones to sophisticated remote commands-offers a roadmap for the future. In this article, we explore five key trends we think will make an impact on connected and software-defined vehicles in 2025. 

1. Smarter ICE Vehicles Take Center Stage

For years, the industry buzz revolved around CASE-Connected, Autonomous, Shared, and Electric-as OEMs poured billions into EV innovation. While EVs have dominated the spotlight, traditional Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles have lagged in connectivity.

Shifting geopolitical and economic dynamics are prompting OEMs to refocus on their best-selling ICE models, equipping them with features like OTA updates, remote diagnostics, and advanced data insights. This renewed investment ensures ICE vehicles remain competitive while meeting consumer expectations for smart, connected experiences.

2. Conversing with AI Becomes the Norm

AI has long driven advancements in autonomous systems and vision perception, but its potential to revolutionize the in-car experience remains untapped until now. Automakers like Audi, VW, and Stellantis are integrating conversational AI, such as ChatGPT, into their vehicles, signaling a new era of driver-technology interaction.

By 2025, AI-powered voice assistants will go beyond basic commands, enhancing navigation, entertainment, and self-service maintenance. These systems will seamlessly integrate with vehicle operations, creating intuitive and personalized user experiences.

3. Vehicles That Truly Know You

Personalization has been limited to basic features like seat memory or music syncing. But hyper-personalization is poised to redefine the driving experience. Imagine your car syncing with your profile to create tailored journey-adjusting seats, climate, lighting, playlists, and drive modes based on your preferences or location.

AI-powered systems will make vehicles more intuitive, while subscription models will unlock on-demand features such as enhanced ADAS, performance boosts, and entertainment upgrades. OEMs can capitalize on this trend by creating modular software platforms that dynamically adapt to users and offer tiered plans for premium experiences.

4. Satellite Connectivity Redefines the Connected Car

Seamless connectivity is critical for OTA updates and real-time insights, but cellular networks often leave vehicles disconnected in coverage gaps. Satellite connectivity will close this gap, providing a persistent link or fallback when vehicles move beyond cellular range.

This innovation ensures that OTA updates, diagnostics, and data insights reach even the most remote areas. For OEMs, satellite connectivity opens the door to global, reliable, and truly accessible connected services.

5. Real-Time Predictive Maintenance Becomes Standard

Connectivity will transform vehicle maintenance from reactive to proactive. Platforms like Toyota’s Connected Service or GM OnStar already monitor components such as batteries, oil and tires, to inform and alert owners of issues after they happen. Expect the next genesis of this approach to leverage AI-driven diagnostics to predict failures then recommend and initiate a fix with over-the-air remedies or by automating a service appointment or mobile visit.

By 2025, OEMs will partner with more AI and connected solution providers to refine services and maintenance with predictive algorithms. Integrated service ecosystems will enable instant action on diagnostic data, reducing downtime and boosting vehicle efficiency.

Closing Thoughts: The Road to 2025

We’ve covered five key trends shaping the future of connected vehicles, but the possibilities extend even further. Advancements in autonomous driving, immersive in-car experiences, and real-time traffic management will reshape how vehicles integrate into broader digital ecosystems.

To succeed in this evolving landscape, OEMs must prioritize:

• Software Ecosystems: Shift to software-first innovation for faster updates, scalability, and recurring revenue
• Subscription Models: Monetize post-purchase upgrades with flexible plans for navigation, ADAS, and entertainment
• Cybersecurity: Implement hardened architectures, encryption, and continuous vulnerability testing to protect connected systems

Sibros: Your Partner in Innovation

Sibros’ suite of SDV technologies empowers OEMs to:

• Streamline operations with advanced diagnostics and remote commands
• Deliver hyper-personalized, subscription-based experiences
• Future-proof business models for a software-defined era

The road to 2025 isn’t just about adopting new technologies-it’s about creating ecosystems that empower customers, drive innovation, and deliver lasting value. With Sibros and our trusted partners, OEMs are well-positioned to lead this transformation and redefine the future of software-defined mobility.