I was impressed by the Ioniq 5 N's retro rally car looks, supercar performance, and advanced driving and infotainment tech.

I was disappointed with the high-performance Hyundai's limited EV range.

The base 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 starts at $42,500, while the Ioniq 5 N starts at $66,100.

Freight fees and floor mats pushed the as-tested price for my test car to $67,685.

Despite being labeled an SUV, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is a hot hatchback in the truest sense, evoking classic rally racers from the 80s and early 90s like the Lancia Delta Integrale.

The N's revised front fascia features aerodynamic elements like wings and active air flaps for improved cooling. Out back, the N is equipped with a large spoiler up top and a diffuser that protrudes from the bumper to optimize airflow.

Compared to the standard Ioniq 5, the N is about an inch lower, two inches wider at the bottom due to wider tires, and over three inches longer due to the rear diffuser.

Behind the rims are massive 15.75-inch front brakes and 14.2-inch units in the rear.

The Ioniq 5 N is built on Hyundai's Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which is also shared with Genesis GV60 and Kia EV9.

According to Hyundai, the Ioniq 5 N can charge from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes at a rate of over 250kw. With a 240V level-two charger, its batteries can charge from 10% to 100% in about 7 hours.

The SUV also has bi-directional charging capability, which means it can power small appliances outside the vehicle.

The EPA rates the Ioniq 5 N for just 221 miles of range. Due to cold weather, I struggled to get 205 miles out of a charge.

The Ioniq 5 N's biggest shortcoming is its lack of range. The regular Ioniq 5 with a similar battery pack is rated for up to 318 miles in rear-wheel drive guise and 290 miles with all-wheel drive.

(High-performance EVs tend to be rated for shorter ranges, due to the power required for faster acceleration or more power.)

Instead, you'll find a plastic lid that hides batteries and electronics from view.

By pushing the orange "NGB" button on the steering wheel, the Ioniq 5 N's total power output jumps from 601 to 641 horsepower in 10-second bursts.

The Ioniq 5 N is a dream to drive. It takes everything that's wonderful about high-performance EVs, instant torque, and mind-bending acceleration and stuffs it into a package with the visceral pleasures of an internal combustion rally car.

As a result, it all feels slightly surreal. The Ioniq 5 N is a dual-motor EV, but when the right performance settings are engaged, a tachometer appears, and the car revs like it has a turbocharged four-cylinder engine under the hood.

Launch the Ioniq 5 N, and the paddle shifter allows you to work your way through the gears by simulating an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.

It delivers a simulated ICE experience like no other vehicle on the market.

Hyundai claims the 4,900-lb SUV can go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.25 seconds and reach a top speed of 162 mph.

Despite the flashy exterior, you'll find a cabin that's anything but flashy. Instead, the focus here is to make the Ioniq 5 N easy to live with as a daily driver.

The ergonomics and quality are both excellent. There's loads of storage space and charging options. I also love the folding cup holder, which tuck out of the way for additional storage.

The heated and ventilated faux leather bucket seats proved exceptionally supportive in the corners. However, they are manually adjusted, which can be a bit of an annoyance when getting into and out of the vehicle.

Instead of a traditional gauge cluster, the Ioniq 5 N comes with a configurable digital instrument display.

The Ioniq 5's shifter is located on the right side of the steering column, where the ignition key once lived. It's weirdly placed but oddly intuitive to use.

The touchscreen runs the latest version of Hyundai's corporate infotainment system, which is easy to navigate and loaded with features.

The screen is also home to the Ioniq 5 N's many performance features menus as well as its surround view camera.

The Ioniq 5 N comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Rear seat occupants get their own dedicated USB sockets and AC vents mounted on the B-pillars by the doors.

Fold down the 60/40 split rear bench, and cargo capacity expands to 59.3 cubic feet.

The back of the Ioniq 5 N also has a small underfloor storage nook. That's where you'll find its charging cables and tire inflation kit.

Standard features include a surround-view monitor, blind spot view monitor, blind spot collision avoidance, navigation-based smart cruise control, lane-following assist, and lane-keeping assist.

Driving the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N feels like the steak scene from the Matrix. My brain tells me this Soultronic Orange Hyundai looks and sounds like a snarling turbocharged rally car from the 80s; Stomp on the gas, and it accelerates like a bat out of hell, too.

But I also know it's all fake. There's no boosted four-banger under the hood and the sound is coming from speakers

At the end of the day, though, I don't care. Ignorance is bliss because I enjoyed every second I had behind the wheel of the Ioniq 5 N.

My only gripe is that the battery runs out of juice before I am ready to go home.

The CX-50 might be the best-looking SUV in the segment. It features the latest derivative of Mazda's signature Kodo design language, marrying its traditional curves with a more rugged, squared-off athletic look.

The CX-50 Hybrid is powered by a 2.5-liter, 176-horsepower, naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine paired with a 118-horsepower electric motor up front, a 54-horsepower unit on the rear axle, and a 1.59-kWh battery pack.

The total output is 219 horsepower.

The engine and hybrid system are sourced from Toyota. It's the exact same powertrain found under the hood of the rival RAV4 Hybrid.

As with all Mazda SUVs, the CX-50 Hybrid comes standard with all-wheel drive. It is equipped with an e-AWD system that uses a rear-axle electric motor instead of a traditional physical linkage.

My test car's EPA fuel economy figures are 39 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 38 mpg combined.

That's 10mpg better in combined fuel economy than the most efficient ICE CX-50.

Compact hybrid SUVs are generally designed to be sensible, fuel-efficient transportation for the masses.

The CX-50 Hybrid is certainly that, but it also brings a good dose of Mazda zoom-zoom to the party. It's the most fun I've had driving a small hybrid SUV.

The steering felt well-weighted and offered a decent amount of feedback for a vehicle of its type. The Mazda's suspension is a bit stiffer than most of its rivals, which helps it approach corners with great composure, but it does compromise ride comfort a tad.

The hybrid powertrain delivers peppy performance, especially in Power mode, thanks to the ample torque from its electric motors.

As in other applications of the Toyota Hybrid system, intrusive engine noise can be problematic, especially under hard acceleration.

The CX-50's cabin is simply terrific. Material and build quality are top-notch, while its overall design exudes a truly premium feel.

The smartly located audio controls on the center console are easy to reach for both the driver and passengers.

My CX-50 Premium Plus test car featured beautiful red leather upholstered seats with black accent stitching.

The CX-50 comes standard with a crisp-looking 10.25-inch touchscreen.

The screen is only a touchscreen when Apple CarPlay or Android Auto are initiated. In all other instances, the system requires the use of the cumbersome rotary controller on the center console.

Fortunately, Carplay and Android Auto are standard on all trim levels.

The CX-50 Hybrid is equipped with a standard backup camera.

In front of the driver is an advanced cockpit with a stylish heated leather-wrapped steering wheel. The CX-50's instrument cluster features a pair of analog gauges flanking a configurable central 7-inch LCD display that's designed to mimic a circular gauge.

My test car also came with an optional color head-up display.

Premium and Premium Plus trim CX-50 Hybrids can be had with this large power sliding panoramic glass moonroof.

With 37.8 inches of legroom, the CX-50 doesn't have the most spacious rear cabin. However, the leather rear bench seat offers ample room for two adults.

Rear seat passengers have dedicated AC vents and USB sockets.

The CX-50 is one of the rare hybrid SUVs in this segment with a spare tire. In many cases, the underfloor space traditionally occupied by the spare tire is repurposed for batteries or left empty to save costs or weight.

The spare tire shares the storage compartment with the subwoofer for the CX-50's stellar 12-speaker Bose audio system.

Open the power liftgate, and you'll find 29.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. Fold the down rear seats, and cargo capacity expands to 56.3 cubic feet

Even the entry-level CX-50 comes standard with important assistance tech, such as adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.

I was impressed by the eye-catching looks, luxurious, high-tech cabin, and smooth ride.

Unfortunately, I felt a little let down by the big SUV's new twin-turbo V6 engine, which just did not deliver the boost in performance I expected.

The base rear-wheel-drive QX80 Pure starts at $82,450, while the top-spec Autograph 4WD variant starts at $110,595.

My lower-mid-tier four-wheel-drive Luxe trim test car starts at $92,650. Freight fees, upgraded paint, and a $3,300 driver's assistance tech package pushed the as-tested price to $99,000.

The design of the new QX80 is bold enough to hold your attention but doesn't veer into the garish. It features the latest interpretation of Infiniti's Artistry in Motion design language, highlighted by a large double-arch front grille inspired by bamboo forests.

It can also tow an impressive 8,500 lbs.

The suspension can be lowered 1.2 inches to improve aerodynamics while driving and 2.8 inches to help make it easier to load cargo. In off-road mode, it can be raised 2.1 inches over its normal ride height to help clear obstacles.

Under the hood is a 3.5-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 that produces 450 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque.

My QX80 Luxe test car boasts EPA fuel economy ratings of 16 mpg city, 19 mpg highway, and 17 mpg combined. I observed fuel economy in the 16mpg range during my time with the QX80.

This is a vehicle that could really use a hybrid or PHEV option.

Like its US counterparts, the QX80 is built on a truck-based body-on-frame platform, so it isn't quite as refined on the road as a car-based crossover.

Its cabin is quiet. The ride is smooth and comfortable, while the steering is responsive, albeit a bit numb in feel.

The engine is velvety smooth and feels eager to deliver its 450 ponies. However, the nine-speed automatic transmission is geared for fuel economy, which held back some of the performance potential.

In fact, the transmission seems reluctant to unleash the engine's power. You have to really stamp down hard on the gas pedal to get the transmission to kick down a few gears and go higher in the rev range.

Some vehicles accelerate effortlessly, but the QX80 feels like it does so against the wishes of its transmission.

According to Motor Trend, the QX80 does 0-60 in a quick 6.8 seconds.

The new interior is a big step forward compared to the outgoing model. I was impressed by Infiniti's excellent mix of materials in the cabin and the quality of the fit and finish.

The dual 14.3-inch screen atop the front dash looked great. Unfortunately, the 9-inch touch control screen is a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, it's a tidy way to organize a maze of controls, but it's far less intuitive to use than physical buttons would be.

Apart from that, interior ergonomics are solid, there's plenty of storage, and the standard 14-speaker audio system sounded great.

The driver's seat in my test car did not have the optional massage function, although the passenger seat did.

The high-quality configurable gauge display is augmented by an optional head-up display.

The system in the QX80 is elegantly designed and a breeze to navigate. The 14.3-inch infotainment screen is also home to the QX80's around-view camera system that includes an invisible hood view for off-roading and parking in tight spaces.

My test car also came with an optional 64-color LED ambient lighting system.

The QX80's second-row seats are heated, power-operated, and come with a solid 39-inch legroom.

Second-row passengers also have access to their own climate controls and a handful of USB sockets.

The third row comfortably accommodates two adults, but things get tight if you try to squeeze three people back there.

With the third row folded, cargo space expands to 59 cubic feet. Fold down the second row, and you'll get a cavernous 101 cubic feet of room.

There's a small underfloor storage area behind the third row.

You can upgrade to ProPilot Assist 2.1, which allows drivers to take their hands off the steering in certain highway driving conditions.

The previous version was a good luxury SUV during its prime. Unfortunately, its prime was 10 years ago. I knew this new QX80 would be better, but this is really impressive.

The 2025 Infiniti QX80 is boldly styled with great tech, a smooth V6 engine, and a luxurious cabin.

I like it.

The CLE features an aerodynamic "shark nose" front end shared with the current Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The CLE's front fascia features a large, three-dimensional chrome grille with a galaxy of small three-pointed stars surrounding the large Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star logo in the center.

The smooth, seamless rear fascia features LED taillights and chrome faux exhaust tips.

Under the hood of the CLE450 is a mild hybrid 3.0-liter, turbocharged straight-six engine that produces 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.

The engine is supplemented by Mercedes' 48-volt mild-hybrid system, which uses an integrated starter generator to contribute an additional 23 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. The system is designed to mitigate the effects of turbo lag and quicken the response of its auto start/stop system.

My six-cylinder CLE450 test car boasts EPA fuel economy figures of 23 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined.

The CLE's fabric top can open or close in just 20 seconds. The acoustic soft top, which operates at speeds up to 37 mph, features extensive insulation and is designed to reduce wind and road noise.

The CLE comes with a wind-deflection system to keep the wind out of your hair. The Mercedes AIRCAP wind deflector system directs air high above the vehicle so that occupants can enjoy open-top driving without being blasted by wind at high speeds.

The system consists of a wind deflector that extends a few inches above the top of the windshield and a mesh deflector behind the rear seats.

The front seat headrests are equipped with the Mercedes-Benz "airscarf" system, which uses a constant stream of warm air to create a virtual scarf for the CLE's passengers.

Perfect for top-down driving on a cold day.

The CLE450 drives like a true grand tourer, smooth and effortlessly powerful. Unlike a pure sports car, it's athletic but performs without compromising comfort.

Thanks to the AIRCAP system, the cabin remains remarkably quiet and civil. Even with the top down, you can carry on a conversation at a normal volume at highway speeds.

The engine is smooth and delivers near-instantaneous acceleration through its slick-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission.

The mild hybrid system performed as expected, effectively filling in any holes in the engine's torque and smoothing the traditional harshness of an auto start/stop system.

According to Mercedes, the 375 horsepower CLE450 4Matic can run from 0 to 60 mph in an impressive 4.2 seconds.

The CLE Cabriolet's cabin is stylish, luxurious, and comfortable. Its interior is an elegant blend of modern design and callbacks to classic Mercedes-Benz of days gone by, like the giant 11.9-inch touchscreen sitting below the trio of vintage turbine-design air vents.

Material and build quality are excellent. The warmth and organic feel of the black Nappa leather upholstery and anthracite wood trim offset the cold industrial feel of the CLE's metallic accents.

In front of the driver is a stylish three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel and a 12.3-inch digital instrument display.

The display is highly configurable, with layouts ranging from a traditional dual analog gauge look to a full-page navigation map.

My test car was also equipped with a handy color head-up display.

The CLE's 11.9-inch touchscreen is equipped with the third-generation Mercedes-Benz User Experience, or MBUX, infotainment system. The system is pretty well sorted at this point. It's responsive and easy to navigate, and the graphics look terrific. The system's overeager voice assistance is also far less intrusive than in past iterations.

The screen is home to the CLE's 360-degree camera system, drive mode menu, and web browser.

The CLE comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

A touch-sensitive button immediately below the screen allows the occupants to change the screen's tilt from 15 degrees to up to 40 degrees to combat glare.

My test car came with 20-inch AMG multispoke wheels. The upgraded wheels were an $850 option. Otherwise, the CLE450 Cabriolet comes with 19-inch wheels.

Standard features on the CLE include adaptive high beam assist, active brake assist, Parktronic with active parking assist, blind spot assist, and Presafe.

You'll need to opt for the $1,950 Driver Assistance Package to get goodies like adaptive cruise control, automatic lane change assist, and active lane keeping assist.

The CLE's seats remain surprisingly cool to the touch, even when exposed to the sun. That's because the leather used in the drop top is treated with a special coating that helps it reflect sunlight and remain up to 53 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than untreated leather, Mercedes says.

My CLE test car came equipped with a Burmester sound system, which boasts 17 speakers and 710 watts of output. It delivers a clear and powerful sound even with the top down at highway speeds.

With a starting price of $20,400, the Chevrolet Trax is GM's cheapest product offering in the US. Fortunately for consumers, the Trax is affordable transportation done right.

I was impressed by the subcompact crossover's attractive design, roomy cabin, and strong feature content, which includes standard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration and the Chevy Safety Assist suite of assistance tech.

Even fully loaded with optional extras and with fees included, my Trax test car in 2RS trim fell firmly under $30,000 with an as-tested price of $27,085.

The Toyota Camry has been the best-selling passenger car in America for the past 22 years. This year, Toyota introduced the updated ninth-generation Camry, which features fresh looks, upgraded tech, and a new hybrid-only drivetrain.

The updates worked.

The new Camry isn't revolutionary but builds upon the excellence of past iterations, reminding us why Toyota's midsize sedan remains a sales powerhouse in a market dominated by SUVs.

The first-generation Palisade has been an absolute triumph for Hyundai. Introduced in 2019, the Palisade has been a sales and critical success.

I was genuinely impressed by the Palisade's premium look and feel, especially in the high-end Calligraphy trim. The Korean family hauler also offers one of the segment's most comprehensive suites of tech and safety features.

Not bad for Hyundai's first attempt at a midsize, three-row family SUV.

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has long been the standard bearer for midsize luxury sedans. This year, Mercedes launched the sixth-generation E-Class sedan, known internally as the W214.

I was impressed by my 2024 Mercedes-Benz E450 4Matic test car's smooth, mild-hybrid powertrain, refined cabin, and immersive tech experience. Overall, the new E-Class artfully blends elements of traditional luxury with the latest in advanced safety and infotainment technology.

The CX-50 Hybrid is Mazda's newest entry in the compact SUV market. I had the chance to spend a few days with a 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid in Premium Plus trim. The CX-50's Toyota-sourced hybrid drive system delivered peppy performance with good efficiency. I also enjoyed the CX-50's athletic looks and its smartly designed cabin.

Despite the popularity of three-row midsize family SUVs, there are surprisingly few options in the EV space. One of the first offerings in the segment from a mainstream brand is the all-new Kia EV9.

The EV9 is terrific. It's got plenty of range, loads of infotainment and assistance tech, futuristic styling, and a roomy, adaptable passenger cabin.

The BMW 5-Series is one of the world's great sports sedans. With the launch of the new eighth-generation 5-Series this year, BMW also introduced an EV version called the i5.

Despite weighing a hefty 5,200 pounds, my 2024 BMW i5 M60 xDrive test car was a blast to drive. According to BMW, it can sprint from a standstill to 60 mph in a scant 3.7 seconds. I'm also a fan of its luxurious cabin and understated but attractive styling.

The Porsche 911 is an automotive icon in the truest sense of the word, representative of what a sports car should be. It's meticulously honed to be perfectly docile for your daily commute and ruthlessly effective on the racetrack.

I spent some time behind the wheel of a 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera T Cabriolet with a striking Lugano Blue paint job. I was blown away by 911's crisp-shifting, six-speed manual transmission, beautifully tuned handling, and melodic twin-turbocharged boxer engine.

BMW's styling has drawn the ire of many brand loyalists in recent years, especially regarding the growth in the size of its signature kidney grilles. Fortunately, BMW exercised restraint with the 5-Series, resulting in a subtle design that exudes a certain understated elegance.

The boxy, squared-off lines leave no doubt that this is a BMW 5-Series.

The BMW i5 is not built on a dedicated EV platform like many of its rivals but one shared with its ICE siblings. Fortunately, the BMW CLAR modular platform that underpins the i5 was designed to accommodate ICE, hybrid, and battery-electric models.

As a result, the i5 retains the long-sloping hood of its internal combustion brethren and the space where a silky smooth BMW straight six once occupied.

Under the hood, a large plastic panel covers the electronics and an electric motor for the front axle.

My BMW i5 M60 xDrive came with a 257-horsepower electronic motor mounted at the front axle and a larger 335-horsepower electric motor at the back. Together, they produce a stout 593 total system horsepower and up to 605 lb-ft of torque.

Beneath the i5's floor, you'll find a large lithium-ion battery pack with 84.3 kWh of usable energy.

According to BMW, a DC fast charger can charge the car from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes.

The EPA rated my high-performance test car for 240 miles of range, but I was able to extract about 250 miles during my time with it.

Those looking for more range will need to opt for the less powerful i5 eDrive40, which can go up to 295 miles on a single charge.

The BMW 5-Series is known for its poise in the corners and power down the straight.

And the i5 delivered on that promise and is flat-out fast. Its acceleration was swift, brutal, and utterly glorious.

I've driven more than a few supercars in my time, but the immediacy of the Bimmer's acceleration off the line caught me by surprise a couple of times. I loved it.

According to BMW, the i5 M60 xDrive can sprint from 0 to 60 in just 3.7 seconds, but Motor Trend was able to do it in 3.4 seconds. I'm leaning toward the quicker time.

BMW says the i5 can reach a top speed of 143 mph.

On the winding mountain roads of North Georgia, the all-wheel-drive i5 was a pleasure to drive. With perfect 50/50 front-rear weight distribution, the i5 felt balanced and precise around the corners. It does a good job of hiding its hefty 5,200-pound curb weight.

The i5's cabin is unmistakably modern, with massive infotainment screens and lashes of carbon fiber, but everything is sensibly packaged in a way that won't offend any automotive traditionalists.

BMW did a great job offering drivers a multitude of ways to engage with the vehicle, from voice activation to touchscreens to capacitive touch buttons.

I found the interactive LED light strips on the center stack and doors, which double as touch-sensitive climate controls and seat controls, to be a neat touch.

Despite a few cheap-feeling plastic power window switches, the i5's overall material and build quality were excellent. I was particularly impressed by the beautiful glass shift toggle and rotary infotainment controller on the center console.

In front of the driver are a leather-wrapped, flat-bottom BMW M-Sport steering wheel and a new 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. The configurable instrument display offers a multitude of layouts and embedded systems that range from navigation to parking assistance.

Also in front of the driver is an optional head-up display.

The i5's burgundy-red seats, which are upholstered in perforated Veganza imitation leather, were wonderfully supportive and comfortable.

The focal point of the i5's front dash is a massive 14.9-inch screen running the latest version of BMW's much-improved iDrive infotainment system.

The system can be operated by voice command, touchscreen, or a nifty glass rotary controller on the center console.

The screen is also home to the i5's drive mode menu and its surround-view camera system.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard.

The i5 comes standard with a traditional power glass moonroof, but buyers can upgrade to a massive panoramic Sky Lounge Roof as part of the Executive Package.

The i5's rear cabin provides more than enough room for two adults to travel in comfort and style. The burgundy-red faux leather seats are soft and comfortable. There are retractable sunshades, dedicated AC vents, USB-C sockets, and seatback mounting points for tablets.

The i5 can be started remotely by pressing the BMW logo on the key fob three times in quick succession.

The i5 comes loaded with standard safety and driver's assistance tech, including active driving assist, active blind spot detection, and lane departure warning. However, adaptive cruise control requires the $2,000 Driving Assistance Pro package.

The i5 comes standard with 19-inch alloys, but my test car had these snazzy $1,800 optional 21-inch bi-color wheels.

I was impressed by the new Equinox's handsome styling, good tech content, and well-designed passenger cabin.

I was disappointed by the Equinox's lackluster powertrain and limited cargo capacity.

The base front-wheel-drive Equinox LT starts at $28,600, while the range-topping all-wheel-drive Activ and RS trims start at $35,000.

Fees and nearly $4,000 worth of optional luxury and technology features pushed the Mexico-made SUV's as-tested price to $40,370.

Like other recent additions to the Chevy's SUV lineup, the Equinox's exterior design was heavily inspired by the brand's pickup trucks.

The most striking element of Equinox's new look is its front facia, which is dominated by a large, wide grille flanked on both sides by LED headlights with thin horizontal running lights up top.

At 183.2 inches long, the Equinox is roughly the same length as the Nissan Rogue but about 1.5 inches shorter than the Honda CR-V and three inches shorter than the Mazda CX-50.

The Chevrolet Equinox's only engine option is a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that carries over from the previous generation.

The motor, which produces 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque, is mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission on all-wheel-drive equipped models. Front-wheel-drive Equinox's get a continuously variable transmission.

The EPA rated my Equinox RS AWD test car at 24 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined. Front-wheel drive variants get one extra MPG in combined driving.

These figures fall short of the all-wheel-drive Honda CR-V and Nissan Rogue's fuel economy ratings of 28 mpg and 31 mpg, respectively.

How was the Equinox to drive?

Let's start with the good part. It rode exceptionally well, successfully cushioning rough roads without feeling floaty. It also handled corners with relative ease.

But all of that good work was undone by the truly lackluster performance of its drive train.

Even with fairly smooth shifts from GM's Hydra-Matic eight-speed automatic, stepping on the gas pedal usually results in some intrusive engine noise but not much else. You can feel the little four-cylinder's 175 ponies trying their hardest to drag along the 3,600-lb SUV, but the Equinox is just woefully underpowered.

This was particularly evident when merging onto the highway or tackling mountain roads in the foothills of the Appalachians.

According to Motor Trend, the 2025 Equinox can make the run from 0 to 60 mph in a leisurely 9.2 seconds. This was the slowest of the nearly three dozen vehicles I tested this year.

Chevrolet did a good job with the Equinox's interior. Cabin ergonomics are excellent, with intuitively placed controls, a good balance between physical and digital controls, and oodles of useful storage.

There's also a good mix of different materials and textures, with red accents to add a pop of color to the cabin.

The red turbine-design air vents that felt out of place in the Blazer EV add an interesting visual element.

The Google-based infotainment system is highly responsive, smartly designed, and a piece of cake to navigate. Built-in Google Maps gives Chevy one of the best integrated navigation systems around.

The Equinox also comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

My test car also came with the optional 360-degree surround-vision camera.

Also in front of the driver is a configurable 11-inch digital instrument display that comes standard on all trims. The display looks great and can be tailored to show traditional gauges, active driver's assistance features, and Google Maps.

It was a $1,495 optional extra.

The black seats, upholstered in an imitation leather called Evotex, feature attractive red accents and RS-branded headrests.

With 39.9 inches of legroom, the Equinox's rear cabin is larger than the Mazda CX-50 and Toyota RAV4's but trails the Nissan Rogue and Honda CR-V.

The rear seat passenger in my test car had heated outboard seats, dedicated AC vents, and USB sockets.

The Equinox's cargo compartment is half a cubic foot larger than the Mazda CX-50 but roughly five cubic feet smaller than the Honda CR-V and a whopping 9 cubic feet smaller than the Hyundai Tucson.

When the rear seat is folded flat, cargo capacity expands to 63.5 cubic feet. Under the rear cargo floor, there's also a small storage area and a spare tire.

Additional features like traffic sign recognition and rear pedestrian alert are available as optional extras.

Chevrolet came so close to excellence with the 2025 Equinox. They nailed the styling, the interior, and the tech. But alas, the engine. No modern compact SUV can make do with just 175 horsepower. Even the similarly sized 1999 Chevy Blazer from a quarter century ago had 190 ponies. I recognize the importance of fuel economy standards in the decision-making process, but Equinox cries out for more power.

Fix the engine and you truly unleash the potential of the Equinox.

The Envista's front-end design is bold and elegant. The Envista's front fascia draws heavily from Buick's recent Wildcat EV concept car and features thin "wing"-shaped LED running lights flanking the brand's newly redesigned Tri-Shield logo.

Its raked rear roofline blends seamlessly into the vehicle's overall design. Unlike many contemporaries, the Envista doesn't look like an SUV with part of its roof lopped off.

The base Buick Envista in Preferred trim starts at $22,400, while the range-topping Avenir trim starts at $28,600.

My mid-tier Envista Sport Touring starts at $24,100. Freight fees, premium options, and upgraded Moonstone Gray Metallic paint elevated the Korean-made crossover's as-tested price past the $29,000 mark.

All Envistas are powered by a 1.2-liter, turbocharged, direct-injected three-cylinder engine that produces 137 horsepower and 162 lb.-ft. of torque.

The turbo three, shared with the Chevrolet Trax, is mated to a shiftable six-speed automatic transmission and drives only the front wheels. The little engine isn't the most powerful motor around and can feel overmatched when Envista is loaded with passengers and cargo.

However, it does deliver solid fuel economy. My Envista ST test car boasted EPA fuel economy figures of 28 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined. I was able to easily achieve 30 mpg in mixed driving during my time with the Buick.

The Envista's cabin is well designed with solid material quality. The Envista's cabin is a masterclass in delivering an upscale experience on a budget. Buick clearly saved where it could, with hard plastics dominating the lower portions of the interior and going with a single-zone climate control system instead of a multi-zone unit.

But they didn't cheap out for the high contact areas. The armrests and the steering are covered in soft-touch faux leather. There are different patterns and designs to break up the visual monotony of a black plastic cabin.

As a result, their penny-pinching didn't really detract from the user experience.

The Envista comes standard with an eight-inch digital information display instead of a traditional gauge cluster, a rarity for vehicles at this price point.

The heated black leatherette front seats feature Santorini Blue accents and "ST" branding on the headrests.

All Envistas come with an 11-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

In front of the driver is a stylish flat-bottom steering wheel. As with other recent GM products, there are handy audio controls on the back of the steering wheel.

The Envista's engine can be started remotely by pressing the "curved arrow" on the Buick key fob.

Remote Start was part of a $1,195 convenience package that also included heated power seats, keyless entry, and a heated steering wheel.

The Envista's rear cabin offers great room for a vehicle of its size. With 38.7 inches of legroom, the Envista offers 2.5 inches more than the rival Mazda CX-30 and six inches more than the Toyota Corolla Cross.

Even with the raked roofline, headroom is more than adequate for most adults.

The Envista comes with a special Teen Mode that, when activated, can limit the vehicle's top speed, emit warnings when exceeding a pre-set speed, limit the audio volume on built-in and paired devices, and prevent the vehicle from shifting out of Park for 20 seconds when the seat belts have not been buckled.

Open the power rear lift gate, and you'll find a solid 20.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. The Envista's 60/40 split rear bench seats fold down to expand cargo capacity to 42 cubic feet.

Spare tires are becoming increasingly rare these days, especially in lower-priced vehicles where the manufacturer is trying to keep the price point under control. So I'm glad Buick/GM has decided to keep them instead of giving us a can of fix-a-flat.

The Envista ST comes standard with the Buick Driver Confidence Package, which includes IntelliBeam headlamps, a following distance indicator, forward collision alert, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and front pedestrian braking.

To add adaptive cruise control, lane change alert with side blind zone alert, and rear cross-traffic alert, you'll have to spend $595 on the Advanced Safety Package.

2024 sales (through Q3): 189,156

The Rogue is Nissan's top seller and, given the popularity of the compact-SUV segment, the brand's most important product. Business Insider recently reviewed the Rogue and was impressed by its punchy three-cylinder engine.

2024 sales (through Q3): 123,732

For decades, the Sentra has been one of the most popular subcompact economy cars in the US. We recently reviewed a 2024 Sentra and found it to be an attractively styled little sedan at an affordable price.

2024 sales (through Q3): 86,679

The midsize Altima is Nissan's answer to the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Hyundai Sonata. Despite its relatively strong sales, Nissan reportedly plans to end production of the Altima after 2026.

2024 sales (through Q3): 58,896

The Pathfinder has been a staple of Nissan's SUV lineup since its launch in 1986. The fifth-generation Pathfinder SUV launched in 2022.

2024 sales (through Q3): 54,257

The Frontier is one of the most popular midsize pickups on sale today. The third generation launched in 2022.

2024 sales (through Q3): 298,164

The CR-V has been Honda's best-selling model in the US since 2017. We recently reviewed a 2025 CR-V Hybrid and found it to be one of the best small SUVs on the market.

2024 sales (through Q3): 188,422

The compact Civic is one of the models that helped Honda establish itself as an automaker more than 40 years ago.

2024 sales (through Q3): 124,689

Until the rise of SUVs over the past decade, the Accord held the mantle as Honda's top seller. In fact, the Accord was the last vehicle to dethrone the mighty Toyota Camry as America's best-selling car more than two decades ago.

2024 sales (through Q3): 114,805

The subcompact HR-V is Honda's smallest and most affordable SUV, competing directly against the Nissan Kicks and Toyota Corolla Cross.

2024 sales (through Q3): 103,115

The Honda Pilot is one of the most popular family SUVs on sale today. We recently reviewed a 2025 Pilot Elite and came away impressed by its smooth V6 engine, smartly designed cabin, and superb quality.

I was impressed by the QX60's sleek design, quiet ride, and well-designed cabin.

Unfortunately, the QX60 is let down by its unrefined turbocharged, four-cylinder engine, dated infotainment system, and cramped third-row.

The base, front-wheel-drive Infiniti QX60 Pure starts at $50,200, while the top-spec AWD Autobiography trim starts at $66,150.

My lower-mid-tier, all-wheel-drive Luxe trim test car starts at $58,800. Freight fees, upgraded Harbor Gray paint, and the $1,900 Black Edition package pushed the as-test price to $62,745.

Its subtle, sculpted curves, angular LED headlights, and large origami-inspired mesh grille give the Infiniti enough styling pizazz not to be boring.

The QX60's 6.7 inches of ground clearance is low for an SUV of the genre.

However, its 6,000 lbs towing capacity is higher than the segment norm of around 5,000 lbs.

The 2025 QX60 is powered by Nissan's KR20DDET 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine. The turbocharged inline-four produces 268 horsepower and 286 lb-ft of torque and is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.

The four-cylinder is less powerful but produces more torque than the outgoing V6, which puts out 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of twisting power.

The "VC" part of the VC-Turbo moniker refers to Nissan's unique variable compression technology that can vary the compression ratio within the engine from 8:1 under hard acceleration up to 14:1 for more efficient operation while cruising along.

The EPA rates my all-wheel-drive Luxe Black Edition test car at 22 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined fuel economy, a two mpg improvement over the V6.

The Infiniti has the potential to be a really pleasant-to-drive luxury SUV. It rides smoothly and has a quiet cabin.

Unfortunately, the entire experience is let down by its four-cylinder engine. The new VC-Turbo motor has plenty of power, but instead of delivering that power predictably and linearly, it vacillates wildly between no power and massive surges of acceleration. It's an acceptable trait for a Saab Turbo from the 1980s, but not in a modern luxury SUV.

According to Motor Trend, the VC-Turbo QX60 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 7.9 seconds, a full second slower than the outgoing V6-powered variant.

Noise from the VC-Turbo engine can also be loud and intrusive, which is tolerable if the engine makes a nice sound. Unfortunately, that's not the case here, as the four-banger sounds cheap and tinny—again, not an acceptable trait in a luxury SUV.

The QX60's cabin looks modern and attractive, with good ergonomics and material quality. I found the wide variety of strategically placed charging sockets and storage nooks to be particularly handy on road trips.

The eight-way power black leather seats are also heated and cooled.

Also, in front of the driver is a configurable 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster.

Although Infiniti's Nissan-sourced infotainment system was fairly intuitive to use, it looks dated compared to those found in its rivals. I was annoyed by the screen's split layout, which only allows you to fully use two-thirds of the screen real estate.

My test car came with wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a 360-degree camera system.

The feature is standard on all QX60s, which is impressive at this price point.

Second-row passengers have heated outboard seats, dedicated climate controls, and access to a pair of USB sockets.

It's one of the tightest third-rows in the midsize three-row SUV segment and should be reserved for children or very short trips.

Cargo capacity expands to 41.6 cubic feet with the third row folded into the floor and 75.4 cubic feet with the second row also folded.

All figures are significantly less than the rival Acura and Lexus.

All but the base Pure trim comes standard with adaptive cruise control, ProPilot Assist, lane departure prevention, and traffic sign recognition.

There's so much to like about the 2025 Infiniti QX60. It's a handsomely styled premium SUV with a well-executed cabin and solid tech content.

Unfortunately, that's all been overshadowed by its lackluster, unrefined powertrain.

The lure of the VC-Turbo engine's beefier low-end torque and better fuel economy is understandable.

That's such a shame.

The base front-wheel-drive Pilot Sport starts at $39,900, while the entry-level, front-wheel-drive Palisade SE starts at $36,650.

My well-equipped, Alabama-built Pilot Elite AWD test car started at $52,780 with an as-tested price of $54,630, while my loaded Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy AWD starts at $52,100. With fees, the Ulsan, South Korea-built SUV's as-tested price is $53,650.

The Pilot's blunted, truck-like front end looks great, but the Palisade's parametric jewel-style front grille takes the cake for me. It's a front facia that's both futuristic and elegant.

The Honda Pilot is one of the largest SUVs in its class. At 200 inches, my test car is about three and a half inches longer than the Hyundai Palisade.

It's also taller and wider than the Palisade.

While many of their contemporaries have turned to small, turbocharged four-cylinder engines for motivation, the Pilot and Palisade are both powered by smooth, naturally aspirated V6s.

The Palisade's 3.8-liter V6 produces 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The Pilot is powered by a 3.5 liter, 285 horsepower V6 with 262 lb-ft of torque paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

To help save fuel, both engines are equipped with the universally loathed automatic stop-start system, while the Honda engine can also shut down three of its six cylinders when high power output isn't needed.

The EPA rates both vehicles for 19 mpg city and 21 mpg combined driving. However, the Pilot gets 25 mpg of fuel economy on the highway, one more than the Palisade.

The Pilot and Palisade are both naturally front-wheel-drive crossover SUVs with all-wheel-drive available as an optional extra.

Honda's i-VTM4 and Hyundai's HTRAC systems both operate in front-wheel drive when cruising, sending power to the back only when it detects traction loss.

What sets Honda's system apart is that it can target how much power each of the rear wheels receives, such as distributing more power to the outside rear wheel in a corner to reduce understeer and improve controllability.

Neither vehicle is particularly sporty to drive. The Pilot and Palisade lack the instant low-end torque of a turbocharged powerplant or an electric motor. The duo is also saddled with transmissions tuned for efficiency over outright performance.

Even though both models returned identical 0 to 60 mph runs of 6.9 seconds in Motor Trend's testing, the Palisade inched ahead of the Pilot in this department as it provided a more refined and pleasant driving experience.

The Palisade's drivetrain delivered power effortlessly, while it felt like the Pilot's engine and transmission combo had to strain a bit to get the vehicle going.

While both the Pilot and Palisade feature spacious, smartly designed cabins with high-quality materials and excellent ergonomics, they were executed in very different ways.

The Palisade's cabin is stylish and refined. It stands out for its quiet, isolating ride, design features like the airplane seat-style wing-out headrests, and creature comforts like the massaging ergo-motion driver seat.

The Pilot shines for its practicality and thoughtful touches, which help it excel at hauling people and their stuff. One such touch is the ingenious removable middle seat module, which can quickly transform the second-row captain's chairs into bench seats to accommodate extra passengers.

The Pilot and Palisade have two of the roomiest passenger cabins in the segment.

The Palisade offers about an inch and a half more second-row legroom compared to the Pilot, but it trails the Pilot by an inch in third-row legroom.

The Pilot's standard seven-inch and optional nine-inch displays are verging on unacceptably small for a vehicle in this segment. Especially when compared to the Palisade's standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen.

Both systems are well-sorted, easy to use, and backed up by physical switches to help make use on the go a bit easier. However, I found the Hyundai system to be a bit more intuitive to use.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility come standard on both vehicles.

Both vehicles also come with an intercom system that allows the driver and rear cabin passengers to communicate through the SUVs' speakers.

The Honda Pilot is ahead of the Palisade in overall cargo space, with up to 112.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row versus 86.4 cubic feet for the Palisade.

The Honda Pilot and Hyundai Palisade represent excellence in the genre but through very different means.

The Palisade's level of luxury and refinement is truly noteworthy. I wouldn't feel cheated if Hyundai slapped and Genesis badge on it and jacked up the price by $10,000.

On the other hand, the Pilot's quality and thoughtful execution are the mark of a brand with a quarter century of experience building minivans that can withstand years of grueling school runs and the destructiveness of a bored, curious child.

Given their vastly different personalities, the vehicle I'd choose depends purely on my family's changing needs.

With younger children, I'd choose the Pilot's roomy, easy-to-use, and durable cabin. But as they and I grow older, count me in on the Palisade's refined, isolating ride and heated massaging seats.

The new Camry's styling is evolutionary rather than revolutionary, continuing Toyota's decision toward more angular and aggressive lines in recent iterations of the sedan.

The Camry's overall look, led by its distinctive hammerhead front end, is a far cry from the anonymous design that plagued earlier generations of the model.

All Camrys now come standard with the Japanese automaker's tried and tested hybrid system under the hood. The power unit consists of a 184 horsepower, 2.5-liter, naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine mated to a 134 horsepower electric traction motor and a lithium-ion battery pack.

The total system output is 225 horsepower sent to the front wheels through an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission.

All-wheel-drive models like my test car have a 40-horsepower electric motor mounted to the rear axle, which boosts total output to 232 horsepower.

My all-wheel-drive Camry XSE test car boasted EPA fuel economy figures of 44 mpg city, 43 mpg highway, and 44 mpg combined.

I managed to get within a couple of mpg of the EPA's combined fuel economy estimates, which is pretty impressive for a 3,700-lbs sedan that was driven quite aggressively.

If you value fuel economy above all else, consider the base front-wheel-drive Camry LE, which is rated for a Prius-esque 51mpg in combined driving.

Despite the athletic styling and firmer performance-tuned suspension of the XSE trim, the Camry is far from sporty.

The Camry's ride is quiet and compliant.

Thanks to its electric motors, the 232-horsepower hybrid system delivers smooth and spirited acceleration off the line.

Even under hard acceleration, the hybrid system remains up to the task with more than enough juice for on-ramps and highway passing.

The four-cylinder does emit a mild drone in protest when you gun the throttle, but it's not intrusive enough to detract from the driving experience.

According to Motor Trend, the hybrid 2025 Camry with all-wheel drive can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a respectable 6.8 seconds.

The Camry interior is traditional Toyota. It's well-designed, with impeccable ergonomics and plenty of storage and charging options. A good mix of physical and touch controls makes on-the-fly use a piece of cake.

Material and build quality are both excellent, with plenty of soft-touch materials strategically placed in high-contact areas.

In front of the driver is a heated leather steering wheel with paddle shifters and a configurable 12.3-digital gauge cluster that's only available on the XLE and XSE trims. My test car also came with the optional 10-inch color head-up display.

The Camry comes with an 8-inch touchscreen, but my test car had the optional 12.3-inch unit. The Camry's infotainment system is well-organized and fairly intuitive to use.

All trim levels come with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

XLE and XSE trim Camrys can be optioned with a large panoramic glass roof that floods the cabin with sunlight.

The Camry comes standard with a backup camera. However, XLE and XSE trims can be optioned with Toyota's Panoramic View Monitor camera system.

The Camry offers drivers the choice of Eco, Normal, and Sport modes. Normal is the standard drive mode, while Sport mode offers peppier acceleration. Eco mode maximizes fuel economy by heightening the regenerative braking system to harness additional energy while dulling the throttle response to prevent aggressive acceleration.

There's also an EV mode that allows the Camry to operate for brief periods using only its electric motors at speeds up to 25 miles per hour.

XLE and XSE trim Camrys can be optioned with a nine-speaker JBL premium audio system that sounds great. The Camry comes standard with a six-speaker system.

The Camry XSE's leather-trimmed, eight-way power-adjustable front seats were comfortable and supportive, and they were also heated and ventilated.

The Camry's rear seats boast a stout 38 inches of legroom and 37.6 inches of headroom. Rear seat passengers also have the benefit of dedicated air vents and USB charging sockets.

Behind the rear seats is a decently sized 15.1 cubic foot trunk that can be expanded by folding down the rear seats. A spare tire is under the cargo floor.

The Camry comes standard with the latest Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite of driver assistance tech, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, and proactive driving assist.

Features like lane change assist and rear cross-traffic braking are available only as part of pricey convenience packages, even on the highest trim.

The Audi Q6 e-tron is the 11th battery electric model to join the brand's lineup and marks the debut of Audi's all-new EV platform.

With a 100-kWh battery pack, the Q6 e-tron is rated by the Environmental Protection Agency for 321 miles of range. The Q6 e-tron with Quattro all-wheel drive has 456 horsepower and can do 0 to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds. There's also a higher-performance SQ6 e-tron.

The Q6 e-tron starts at $63,800.

The Cadillac Vistiq, starting at $77,400, is a three-row midsize luxury electric SUV positioned between the smaller Lyriq and the flagship Escalade IQ.

Cadillac says the Vistiq will have a range of about 300 miles with a 102-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. With dual electric motors generating 615 horsepower, it can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds.

Production at GM's Spring Hill, Tennessee, plant is expected to start in early 2025.

The Texas-based startup EV maker Canoo unveiled its electric pickup in 2021, but there hasn't been much news about the innovative cab-forward truck since. So it's unclear when it will go into production. What we do know is intriguing, including 600 horsepower, 200-plus miles of range, and an ultraconfigurable truck bed.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 is an all-electric midsize three-row family SUV set to go on sale in the first half of 2025. Built on the Electric Global Modular Platform platform, which also underpins the Kia EV9, the Ioniq 9 features a 110.3-kWh battery pack and an estimated range of 385 miles.

The Kia EV4 is a concept for a stylish compact EV sedan that debuted at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show. Kia has not confirmed that the EV4 will enter production. But Car and Driver believes it could arrive as early as 2026 with up to 300 miles of range and a starting price of about $39,000.

The Lotus Emeya is a high-performance four-door GT with as much as 905 horsepower. According to Lotus, the Chinese-built EV can do 0 to 62 mph in 2.78 seconds and has a top speed of 159 mph.

The Gravity is the second model to emerge from the American EV startup Lucid. It's a three-row luxury SUV with up to 828 horsepower and an estimated 440 miles of range. The Gravity Grand Touring is on sale now, starting at $94,900.

The iconic Mercedes-Benz Geländewagen can finally be had as an EV. Offered alongside its internal-combustion siblings, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology comes with a 122-kWh battery pack, 239 miles of range, 579 horsepower, and a starting price of $161,500.

The Polestar 5 is a luxury high-performance EV sedan that is scheduled to launch in 2025. The Polestar 5, set to compete against the likes of the Porsche Panamera and Mercedes-Benz EQS, will be built on the brand's first dedicated EV platform, featuring an 800-volt battery and electric motors that can produce up to 884 horsepower. While developed by Polestar's research-and-development teams in the UK and Sweden, the 5 will be built in the brand's new factory in Chongqing, China, alongside the coming Polestar 6 EV sports car.

The Ram 1500 REV is Stellantis' answer to the Ford F150 Lightning and Chevrolet Silverado EV. Its 168-kWh battery pack helps it reach an estimated 350 miles of driving range. According to Ram, the 654-horsepower pickup can do 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds and tow up to 14,000 pounds.

The R3X is the high-performance variant of the Rivian's coming R3 midsize electric SUV and has distinct hatchback styling. According to Rivian, the R3X should be able to achieve over 300 miles of range and do 0 to 60 mph in less than 3 seconds. The R3 and R3X are expected to arrive after Rivian commences customer deliveries of the R2 in the first half of 2026.

Volkswagen Group's Scout Motors recently unveiled its Scout Terra pickup and Scout Traveler SUV. The body-on-frame off-roaders, with a starting price between $50,000 and $60,000, are inspired by the International Scout utility vehicles of the 1960s and '70s. The Terra and Traveler are set to enter production in 2027 in South Carolina.

The long-awaited second-generation Tesla Roadster was announced in 2017 and remains in development purgatory. The Roadster was supposed to go on sale in 2020 but has been continuously delayed. When it does arrive, Tesla says it should go from 0 to 60 mph in 1.9 seconds, reach 250 mph, and have a range of 620 miles.

The VW bus is back. Volkswagen relaunched its counterculture-era icon as the all-electric 2025 ID Buzz. The new bus, which starts at $60,000, comes with a 91-kWh lithium-ion battery pack and is available in all-wheel drive. The ID Buzz has an estimated 234 miles of range.

I was really impressed by the Taycan GTS's powerful all-electric drivetrain, beautifully tuned driving dynamics, new tech, and sleek styling.

During my brief time with the Taycan, there wasn't much that I didn't like about it. However, the optional extras get very pricey very fast.

The base Porsche Taycan sedan starts at $99,400, while the Turbo GT, which is the range-topping model, starts at an eye-watering $230,000. The GTS-trim is situated in the middle of the seven-model lineup with a starting price of $147,900.

My test car came loaded with more than $61,000 in performance, luxury, aesthetic, and tech upgrades that pushed the as-tested price to $211,000.

The updates include redesigned front-end styling, new matrix headlights, improved battery performance, and new cabin tech.

There's also a new push-to-pass feature that provides a 94-horsepower burst of extra power on demand for up to 10 seconds at a time.

It costs $2,920 to upgrade from the GTS's standard 20-inch wheels and another $1,300 to have them painted black.

To keep its 105 kWh pack juiced up, the Taycan has not one but two different charging sockets. There's a J1772 AC charging socket on the driver's side and a CCS combo socket for DC fast charging on the passenger side.

As part of the updates, Porsche made significant improvements to its battery pack. Key among them are increased energy density and optimized thermal management, which improve charging times.

According to Porsche, the Taycan can charge from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes at a rate of up to an impressive 320 kW.

The official EPA range for the 2025 Taycan GTS is not yet available, but it should be considerably better than the previous generation's 246 miles. EPA range estimates for other Taycan trim levels vary from about 250 miles to 295 miles.

The Taycan GTS's dual electric motors offer 596 horsepower at all times. However, with launch control activated, drivers can access up to 690 horsepower, a 100-horsepower bump over the previous model.

The front axle motor has a single-speed transmission, while the motor on the rear axle has a two-speed transmission.

According to Porsche, the Taycan GTS with launch control activated can reach 60 mph from a standstill in 3.1 seconds and has a top speed of 155 mph.

The Porsche Taycan GTS is an incredible machine to experience on the twisting mountain roads of the Appalachian mountains. The Taycan, with its all-wheel-drive, adaptive air suspension, torque vectoring, and high-performance ceramic composite brakes, was unperturbed by any corner we could throw at it.

The Taycan remained poised and collected through the corner before launching down the next straight away with effortless aggression from its 596 electric Teutonic ponies.

Such performance is especially impressive when you consider that this is an EV that weighs more than most three-row family SUVs, at 5,000 lbs.

The Taycan's cabin feels more like the cockpit of a sports car than a luxury EV sedan. It's snug but never feels cramped. All of the controls are within arm's reach and easy to use on the fly.

In front of the driver is a large digital instrument display that is designed to look like Porsche's signature five-gauge cluster. In front of the passenger is a new infotainment touchscreen which the driver is prohibited from viewing.

My favorite touch is the stopwatch atop the front dash to track your lap time. It's a not-so-subtle reminder of Porsche's brand ethos.

There's also a small three-cubic-foot frunk up front under the hood.

Porsches are not cheap cars. They are not cars for the everyman. But if you are among the fortunate few every year who are able to take ownership of one, you're in for a treat.

The Taycan may not sing the distinctive song of its boxer-powered siblings, but it is still a Porsche through and through. From the precision of its steering to the vicious stopping power of its massive carbon brakes, the Taycan is a true performance machine.

With 690 horsepower and a price tag under $150,000, the Taycan GTS might be the perfect trim for you.

I was impressed by the CLE450's powerful turbocharged, mild-hybrid inline six-cylinder engine, luxurious cabin, excellent tech content, and attractive styling.

There wasn't a lot wrong with the CLE, but my biggest gripe with it, and most current-generation Mercedes-Benz products, is their cumbersome capacitive touch controls. More on that later.

My CLE450 4Matic Coupe test car started at $65,650. Freight fees and a long list of tech, luxury, and styling options added nearly $13,000 to the price tag.

The CLE's front end features a large three-dimensional effect chrome grille that creates the impression of a galaxy of small stars surrounding a large central Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star logo.

The rear end of the CLE is dominated by its steeply raked roofline, prominent LED taillights, and large chrome faux exhaust tips.

At 191 inches, the midsize CLE is an inch shorter than the E-Class and six inches shorter than the C-Class Coupe.

The CLE450 is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six-cylinder engine that produces 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.

Its helped by Mercedes' 48-volt mild-hybrid system, which uses an integrated starter generator to contribute an additional 23 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. It's designed to mitigate the effects of turbo lag and quicken the response of its auto start/stop system.

My test car boasted EPA fuel economy figures of 23 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined.

The CLE450 delivers on its promise as a world-class grand tourer. The car is well-balanced with responsive steering. The suspension is set up more for comfort than outright cornering ability. But it remains a calm and collected customer in the twisty bits.

The turbocharged straight-six is smooth, dialing up near-instantaneous acceleration through its slick-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive system.

The mild hybrid system performed as expected, effectively filling in any holes in the engine's torque and smoothing the traditional harshness of an auto start/stop system.

According to Mercedes, the 375 horsepower CLE450 can run from 0 to 60 mph in an impressive 4.2 seconds.

The CLE's cabin borrows heavily from the current C-Class. Its interior is an elegant blend of modern design and callbacks to classic Mercedes-Benz of days gone by, like the giant 11.9-inch touchscreen sitting below the trio of vintage turbine-design air vents.

Material and build quality are excellent. However, I was not a fan of the shiny piano black lacquer Mercedes chose for the center console, which is highly susceptible to unsightly smudges and scratches.

My biggest complaint with the CLE's interior is the lack of physical controls. While the touchscreen and capacitive touch-sensitive buttons are modern and sleek, they feel imprecise and are clumsy to use, especially while driving.

The CLE has the third-generation Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system. The system is pretty well sorted at this point. It's responsive and easy to navigate, and the graphics look terrific. The system's overeager voice assistance is also far less intrusive than in past iterations.

The screen is also home to the surround-view camera system along with a host of additional capabilities like YouTube video streaming and games.

The car comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Instead of a traditional gauge cluster, the CLE has a 12.3-inch digital display. The display is highly configurable, with layouts ranging from a traditional dual analog gauge look to a full-page navigation map.

My test car was also equipped with a handy color head-up display.

The seats are ventilated with built-in massage functionality.

The seats work for short trips, but the limited heat and legroom may make adults uncomfortable on longer drives.

The rear seats can fold down for additional cargo room.

Standard features on the CLE include adaptive high beam assist, active brake assist, Parktronic with active parking assist, blind spot assist, and Presafe.

You'll need to pay extra to get goodies like adaptive cruise control, automatic lane change assist, and active lane-keeping assist.

My time with the CLE450 has been a blast. The miles simply breeze on by. It dispenses a sense of joy and contentment that only happens when you are at the command of a high-performance machine while swaddled in modern, high-tech luxury.

And that's the definition of a truly excellent GT car.