On the Rise: 2025 Trends in the Automotive Aftermarket Industry

January 15, 2025

Automobile enthusiasts enjoy nothing more than chasing a new trend in aftermarket updates for their vehicles. Whether fans love them or not, everyone has an opinion on the latest trends, which are widely shared in online forums, meetups and aftermarket shops each year. As leaders of the premier Automotive Styling Center in the U.S., our Tint World® team sees these trends evolve in real time and are pleased to identify the top trends to watch in 2025. Let’s get the conversation going.

Top Automotive Aftermarket Trends for 2025

Vehicle-specific audio systems with more plug-and-play capability. Audio system upgrades are consistently a popular addition to vehicles with better options always becoming available, and this will continue in 2025. But currently the trend is around vehicle-specific audio systems with plug-and-play capability. Aftermarket audio system designers acknowledged long ago that one size does not fit all with consumers, who prefer designs to fit their specific vehicle. Now those systems are also easy to install with the growing selection of plug-and-play options.

As these capabilities become more advanced, there is increased demand for all types of vehicles from sports cars to pickup trucks to ATVs. The plug-and-play capabilities allow easier installation without the need to splice wires or otherwise modify existing electronics, while the vehicle-specific design ensures a sound optimized for the unique acoustics of the vehicle’s interior shape and materials. These car audio options and more are available at your local Tint World® location.

Color-changing PPF offers protection with style. Another trend to watch in 2025 is the advance in paint protection film (PPF) products with more color options available along with other improvements. PPF has always offered better protection for vehicles against chips, scratches and even minor collisions, but the choices were limited to clear, satin or black finishes. In recent years, its durability has improved to last up to 15 years in some cases. However, only recently have manufacturers begun to offer color choices beyond the basics.

Color-changing PPF differs from traditional vinyl wrap in the quality of its material. Thermoplastic polyurethane is utilized in color-changing PPF, providing exceptional flexibility, enhanced durability and long-lasting color intensity compared to traditional vinyl wraps, which are more prone to wear and less effective at protecting against chips and scratches compared to traditional vinyl wraps. Watch for expanded color offerings in 2025, plus finishes to give your vehicle extra vibrancy. Tint World® locations can show you the options and get your car ready for 2025!

Interior ambient lighting for a touch of luxury. A final 2025 trend to watch is the addition of automotive interior LED lighting to match factory upgrades found in luxury vehicles. The global market for automotive interior ambient lighting is projected to grow by about 20% in 2025 and more than double by 2033, making this a definite trend to watch. Now drivers are demanding lighting for not only aesthetic value but also for improved safety.

Luxury car manufacturers seized control of this trend with factory-installed lighting enhancements that give drivers control over color, brightness, locational use and more. The aftermarket lighting choices are catching up as enthusiasts demand better choices for their vehicles. With new systems offering all of these luxury features, plus remote smartphone app controls, the trend isn’t likely to slow going into the new year.

Your local Tint World is gearing up for these trends and more to serve you in 2025. Make an appointment today to explore these automotive upgrades for your vehicle.