HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID

HYUNDAI TAKES WIDE APPROACH

IN ELECTRIFYING ITS VEHICLE LINEUP 

While many automakers are going all-in on Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and filling their fleets with electric-only products, Hyundai is taking a somewhat different approach.

Yes, the South Korean automaker offers award-winning EVs, but it also offers buyers an option of virtually tip-toeing into the world of electric power with plug-in and standard gas-electric hybrid versions of their more traditional nameplates.

The approach seems to be working. The company reported reported record-breaking sales in each of the last two years with models such as the Sonata hybrid (HEV) playing a key role. The first two months of 2025 have continued the trend.

The hybrid version of the Sonata kicked off the midsize sedan’s seventh generation with the 2011 model and a mid-cycle refreshing gave the 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid a more striking exterior and an interior that flirts with luxury status.

For 2025, an SEL Sport trim replaces the SEL and a new SEL Sport HEV is added.

Driving the Hyundai Sonata is a 2.0-liter gas engine combined with an electric motor putting out 192 horsepower and 151 lb.-ft. of torque A 6-speed automatic transmission is standard.

Fuel efficiency numbers are an impressive 44 miles-per-gallon city, 51 highway, and 47 combined. According to the government, that gives the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid a range of over 600 miles between fill-ups, though real-world operation is more like in the 500-mile bracket.

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The cabin is packed with lots of tech features that operate off a new 12.3-inch center touchscreen and include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Updated front and rear bumpers, a new grille and larger air intakes, and a spoiler-shaped trunk lid with black trim are among features that give the exterior a sporty appearance that should help draw customers back to a segment that at one time seemed to be fading in popularity.

As is customary with Limited trim models, the Hyundai SonataHybrid Limited comes with a long line of standard features. In addition to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto mentioned earlier, comfort and convenience features include proximity key entry and push-button start, Smart Parking assist, a panoramic sunroof, leather-trimmed seats, memory seat settings for the driver, Bose Premium sound with 12 speakers, dual automatic climate control, a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, and Smart (adaptive) cruise control.  The large touchscreen provides a nice wide map for the included navigation system.

Standard safety features include blind-spot collision warning, forward collision avoidance assist, rear parking collision avoidance, a blind-spot monitor (activated by your turn signal), and a surround view monitor that provides a spectacular view of your entire vehicle and its surroundings.

The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid rides on 17-inch wheels and front-wheel drive is standard. If you want all-wheel propulsion, you’ll have to pick a model with the 2.5L gasoline engine.

Pricing for the 2025 Hyundai Sonata starts at $32,445 (including freight charges for the Sonata HEV with SEL trim and $48,895 for the top-of-the-line Limited trim. 

What I liked about the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited: The updated design gives the Sonata a sportier exterior than the previous generations. The interior is comfortable and packed with user-friendly tech features. The surround view camera provides a wide look at rear cross traffic to help with backing out of parking spot. Fuel economy is excellent. Though it’s not a threat in a drag race, performance is satisfying for every day use. The standard 6-speed automatic transmission instead of a CVT helps in that. Trunk space is a generous 16 cubic feet.

What I didn’t like about the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited: The second row could use a skosh more legroom than the 34.8 inches offered.

Would I buy the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited? Sure would. You get the benefits of a boost from the electric motor and a generous range between fill-ups without the fuss of plugging it in.

2025 SUBARU OUTBACK

 

THROW ANOTHER SHRIMP ON THE BARBIE!

SUBARU OUTBACK CONTINUES TO THRIVE

Known for its safety, reliability, and off-roading chops, the Subaru Outback has grown considerably since beginning life in 1994 as a station wagon variant of the second generation Legacy sedan.

By 2000 a redesigned Outback, no doubt thanks in part to an ad campaign featuring Paul Hogan of the Crocodile Dundee movie fame, assumed its own separate identity in offering buyers a “something different” in the burgeoning SUV market.

It has had a prominent place in the Subaru portfolio ever since. Last June Subaru announced the Outback had hit the 3-million mark in U.S. sales with a buyer in Jacksonville, Fla., doing the honors.

Subaru succinctly boasts that 97 percent of the Outbacks sold over the last 10 years are still on the road today, which maybe explains some of the traffic you run into, though “boasts” may not be the proper word here. As they say, it’s not bragging if you can do it.

Speculation has it that some significant changes to the Outback’s exterior may be coming in 2026 with a reported raised profile firming up the role of the the Outlook as an SUV. As it is now, the lower profile gives the 2025 Subaru Outback makes a case for the Outback as a station wagon.

As the last edition of the model’s sixth generation (which began in 2020), the 2025 Subaru Outback comes in nine trim levels including XT and Wilderness versions that add an upgraded turbocharged engine to replace the standard 182-horsepower naturally aspirated 4-banger.

This review is based on the 2025 Subaru Outback Touring XT. It provides a more robust ride with its 2.5-liter turbo-4 putting out 260 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque to all four wheels under Subaru’s Symmetrical Drive system via a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

Drinking regular-octane fuel the turbo is gets government fuel economy ratings of 22 miles-per-gallon city, 29 highway, and 25 combined compared to 26/28/32 for the non-turbo models.  

Sitting at the top of the lineup, the 2025 Subaru Outback Touring XT has a long list of standard features including Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist system advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and emergency steering. The system will help your steering, but not take it over.

Other safety standard features in the 2025 Subaru Outback Touring XT  include blind-spot warning and front-view camera with a 180-degree viewing angle.

Standard comfort and convenience features include dual-zone climate control, Smart phone connectivity, and an 11.6-inch touchscreen that includes navigation, a Harman-Kardon preium sound system, a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel,and Nappa leather upholstery.

The 12-way power driver’s seat includes 4-way lumbar adjustment. The passenger seat is 8-way power adjustable, and the outboard positions on the rear seat at heated.

All trims of the 2025 Subaru Outback are capable off-roaders, but the Wilderness has almost an extra inch of ground to 9.5 inches while still providing a low step-in height. At 8.7 inches, getting in and out is a snap.

In addition to the standard features, my test 2025 Subaru Outback Touring XT came with all-weather floor liners for $141 to run the final MSRP to $44,331 including the $1,395 charge for destination and delivery.

What I liked about the 2025 Subaru Outback Touring XT: The roomy and comfortable cabin is near luxury level. The turbocharged engine provides peppy power and throttle response. The touchscreen looks imposing but tech features are arranged in a logical manner for ease of operation. They include an automatic holds function that prevents creeping at intersections (though it must be activated between drives). Rear storage is good.

What I didn’t like about the 2025 Subaru Outback Touring XT:  The CVT would not be my No. 1 choice, but the extra kick from the turbocharged engine makes up for it. It has paddle shifters to mimic8-speed manual gear selection.

Would I buy the 2025 Subaru Outback Touring XT? A firm yes here. It you’re looking for a vehicle with some off-roading capability but don’t want an SUV, the Outback is a good option, The turbocharged engine in the XT trims (available with Onyx, Limited, and Touring trims plus the Wilderness) is worth stretching your budget for.

2024 JAGUAR F-TYPE

F-TYPE MAY BE ON THE WAY OUT, 

BUT IT IS NOT QUITE GONE YET

Jaguar announced some time ago that it was ending production of its internal combustion models last year in preparation for its switch to an all-electric fleet, which makes this evaluation of the 2024 Jaguar F-Type P450 R75 Convertible more of an automotive obituary than a standard review. Like most obituaries, there is a trace of melancholy about it.

Since its debut as a 2013 model, I have always had the F-Type at the top of my list of dream cars should I ever win a couple of million dollars in the lottery, which is hard enough to do even if you buy a ticket and virtually impossible if you don’t.

So be it.

I’ll continue to admire the 2024 Jaguar F-Type P450 R75 Convertible from afar and enjoy the occasional visits courtesy of my friendly media fleet manager.

A year ago I had the opportunity to get behind its wheel and wrote then that would be the “one last go around in what will be remembered as the spiritual successor to the legendary Jaguar E-Type sports car of the 1960s and early 1970s.”

Fortunately, I was wrong. It showed up in my driveway here early in 2025. Jaguar, you see, is continuing to sell the 2024 Jaguar F-Type as a “new” model along with other discontinued products like I-Pace, E-Pace, and XF along with its only 2025 model, the F-Pace. A cursory check of dealerships near me showed them listing several F-Types under their new models.

The 2024 Jaguar F-Type convertible is close to the most self-indulgent vehicle around. It seats only two (though very comfortably) in a premium cabin, has little room for luggage or grocery items in its minuscule trunk, and its supercharged V8 engine sings an intoxicating tune via its dual quad exhaust times.

Fortunately, Jaguar passed on the idea of replacing that engine with an electric motor as some manufacturers have. It would be sacrilege for the F-Type to run on  anything else other than a supercharged V8.

But if the 448 horsepower in my test 2024 Jaguar F-Type P450 R75 Convertible isn’t enough for you, there’s a P575 available that ups horsepower up to  575 ponies and torque to 516 pound-feet from the 428 in the P450.

All 2024 Jaguar F-Type’s are outfitted in R-Dynamic trim,, and Jaguar did not forget to fill the interior with premium materials and the usual assortment of infotainment features typical for the luxury class, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The soft top of the convertible lowers and raised in seconds with the tug of a button on the console and can be operated will driving at a slow speed.

Standard safety features include emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot assist, rear-traffic monitor, and emergency brake assist.

Starting MSRP for the 2024 Jaguar F-Type P450 R75 Convertible is $81,175 including the destination and delivery fee. My test F-Type came with optional features that included a leather upgrade, premium audio system, and heated and cooled seats that ran the final total to $91,178.

What I liked about the 2024 Jaguar F-Type P450 R75 Convertible: It has a distinctive look and sophisticated air about it. You won’t be confusing it with any other luxury European exports for sure. Performance is exhilarating with a sub-40 second zero-to-60 mph time. Seats are comfortable and supportive. Tech features are plentiful and not all that complicated. There are large knobs to adjust the temperature and blower on the climate control system and a smaller one for audio volume.

What I didn’t like about the 2024 Jaguar F-Type P450 R75 Convertible: It’s kind of a chore to get in and out with the top up, and trunk space is laughable. Securing the seat belt latch (at least on the driver’s side) isn’t easy. But the main thing I don’t like about the 2024 Jaguar F-Type Convertible is that production has ended.

Would I buy the 2024 Jaguar F-Type P450 R75 Convertible? Definitely.  I’ve just go to find the right lottery ticket. And I’d better hurry. 

2025 RANGE ROVER SPORT

IF YOU ARE GOING MOUNTAIN CLIMBING, YOU MAY AS WELL GO IN COMFORT AND STYLE

My first experience with a Land Rover model came a little over 20 years ago at a preview of its Discovery SUV at the automaker’s off-roading school in Vermont.

 

After wrapping some sandwiches in tin foil and placing them on the Discovery’s engine manifold to heat them up for lunch, we took off and headed for the nearby Green Mountains.

There we got off the highway and began a climb up a ski trail. At the mountain’s summit, we paused for our lunch, either the warmed up roast beef sandwich or another prepared offering, and then began the trek down the ski trail we had just traversed making good use of the Hill Descent Control.

For the record, no skiers were harmed in the making of this adventure. This was in the summer and there was no snow either.

I have had numerous opportunities for off-roading experiences since then but not in Vermont and not with the Discovery, which is nearing the end of its fifth generation. And no ski trails.

Of course, you don’t have to go mountain climbing to enjoy getting behind the wheel of an SUV from Land Rover such as the Range Rover Sport that this review covers, but it’s nice to know if you want to run up a mountain — and you can find one — you can.

The 2025 Range Rover Sport is — as the name might suggest — a somewhat sportier and smaller version of the Land Rover’s flagship Range Rover SUV, but is no less capable and luxurious. It’s a versatile vehicle with a wide range of powertrains with 6-cylinder and V8 power and even a pair of plug-in hybrid drivetrains among the options..

Each of the gas-engine models are also mild-hybrid. A small electric motor provides a boost to the engine but, unlike the plug-in hybrid, its purpose is only to assist the gas engine, not to drive the vehicle’s wheels.

The 2025 Range Rover Sport comes in basic three trim levels with the base SE model getting performance upgrades the company dubs “Dynamic,” essentially resulting in three other trims. There is also a supercharged SV version with 635-horsepower engine and a $180,000-plus price tag.

The 2025 Range Rover Sport Autobiography models also bears a V8 that offers 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque and will get you moving from zero-to-60 mph in under five seconds, according to Land Rover.

That engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with a 2-speed transfer case for your adventures on the trail. Comfort, Dynamic, and Eco modes lets you choose your driving experience.

Fuel efficiency ratings — if you can call them that — are 16 miles-per-gallon city, 23 highway, and 19 combined on premium fuel. According to the government, that means you will spend $7,250 more over a 5-year period than you would over the average new vehicle.

Inside the 2025 Range Rover Sport Autobiography you’ll find lots of infotainment and tech features that operate only off the large touchscreen that dominates the center stack. There are no buttons or knobs to make it easy to adjust the radio and climate controls.

If you can hunt down those systems behind the various interfaces, you’ll find a Meridian Premium Sound System, navigation, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto among the features. 

Standard safety features include blind-spot warning, a surround view monitor, adaptive cruise control, emergency braking, park assist, rear traffic monitor, and lane-keeping assist.

The starting price for the 2025 Range Rover Sport Autobiography is $125,025 including the destination and delivery charge. My test model added just a few options that ran the final total to $130,110.

What I liked about the 2025 Range Rover Sport: The interior is classy, roomy, and comfortable. Lots of choices are offered when it comes to the . The 4.4-liter twin turbo V8 packs plenty of punch to move its nearly three tons of body weight. The two-tone exterior gives it a distinctive profile. Cargo capacity with the second-row seats in place is generous (31.9 cubic feet).

What I didn’t like about the 2025 Range Rover Sport: Land Rover has eliminated buttons completely and getting to the proper setting on the large touchscreen to operate infotainment features can be a chore.  Pricing is on the high side in the segment, especially for the Autobiography trim.

Would I buy the 2025 Range Rover Sport? The Autobiography trim that served as my test vehicle carries a hefty price tag. Three of the four lower trims fill most wants when it comes to performance and luxury features while keeping pricing in the high five figures.

2025 KIA NIRO HEV

NIRO’S GOT YOU COVERED WHEN IT COMES TO ALL ASPECTS OF ELECTRICAL POWER

Debuting as a 2017 model, the Kia Niro compact crossover SUV and has had only minor changes since the 2023 model moved it into its second generation with a complete redesign inside and out and an updated infotainment system.

The 2025 Kia Niro offers you a choice of three drivetrains — standard hybrid (HEV), plug-in (PHEV) and fully electric (EV) in five different trim levels. This review is based on the standard gas-electric hybrid in THE top-of-the-line SX Touring trim.

The entry level trim is designated LX followed up the pricing ladder to EX, EX Touring, and SX.

The HEV drivetrain sports a 1.6-liter 4 cylinder engine that is mated to a 6-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. Combined with the electric motor it puts out a meager 139 horsepower but a healthier 195 pound-feet of torque to get you moving.

The government says the 2025 Kia Niro HEV will deliver combined fuel mileage of 49 miles-per-gallon, but several other sources report the Niro coming up short of that lofty figure.

As the top-of-the-line trim, the 2025 Kia Niro SX Touring comes with a nice package of standard convenience features that include wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto but unfortunately some are behind interfaces that hide control buttons. One set operates the radio, another climate control functions.

The 10.25-inch touchscreen for infotainment features includes navigation, and a Harman Kardon premium sound system is included in the SX Touring trim. It also gets vegan leather seats, which means no cows lost their lives to coddle your tush.

Safety features on all trims of the Kia Nro HEV include forward collision avoidance assist, rear cross traffic collision avoidance, blind-spot warning, lane-keep assist with lane-departure warning, parking distance warning, and adaptable cruise control, 

Pricing for the 2025 Kia Niro HEV starts at $28,985 for the base LX. The 2025 Kia Niro SX Touring tops the chart at $36,785 including the destination and delivery charge.

The only extras on my test 2025 Kia Niro HEV were $395 for floor mats and a cargo cover. That kep it under the $40,000 mark, making the Kia Niro a competitive bargain among hybrid SUVs.

All-electric versions of the 2025 Kia Niro that at $40,995 for the base model dubbed Wind and $45,995 for the Wave trim. The 2025 Nia Niro PHEV start at $35,885 for the base EX and $42,185 for the top-of-the-line SX Touring.

What I liked about the Kia Niro HEV SX Touring: The choice of powertrains lets you tiptoe into the world of electrified driving. Its size lets you squeeze into crowded (and often tightly marked) mall parking lots but still offers good room for passengers. The 6-speed dual clutch automatic transmission is a big plus over the continuously variable transmission (CVT) found in most hybrid and fully electric vehicles. If pushed, it can scoot away from an intersection rather quickly. Auto hold is easily activated to prevent creeping at intersections.

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What I didn’t like about the Kia Niro HEV SX Touring: Radio and climate functions work off convenient knobs but you must first find the correct interface by punching a very small button on the bottom menu of the console center stack, which can be a distraction for the driver. Though it claims SUV status, all-wheel drive is not available.

Would I buy the Kia Niro HEV SX Touring? It’s a good choice for someone who wants a bigger rear storage area than a compact sedan offers. I like the standard hybrid (HEV) setup, but the Niro lets you dive a little deeper into the electrification pool with plug-in and all-electric options.

2024 HYUNDAI SANTA FE

NOW IN ITS FIFTH GENERATION, SANTA FE JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER WITH AGE

After starting life as kind of a chubby little crossover with bulbous fenders and out-of-the-box design, the Hyundai Santa Fe has matured since its launch as a 2001 model and now features more traditional SUV styling.

The boxier profile of the fifth generation that kicked off with the redesigned 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe boosted passenger interior volume by just over 20 cubic feet to 152.0 cubic feet, making room for standard third-row seating and a 7-passenger capacity.

The two-tone interior has a premium feel with standard Nappa leather seats standard for the top-of-the-portfolio Calligraphy trim that served as our test vehicle. A suite of tech features that includes navigation operates off a 12.3-inch touchscreen with buttons to aid in such functions as audio and climate control. 

Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard across all trim levels starting with the base SE and continuing up the line with SEL, XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy.

The Santa Fe is available with a gas-electric hybrid drivetrain, but we’re dealing with the traditional ICE Santa Fe here. It is rated at 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, enough to get its 2-plus tons moving from zero to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, according to zeroto60times.com.

Fuel efficiency for FWD models are rated at 20 miles-per-gallon city, 28 highway, and 24 combined with AWD knocking highway rating down a notch to  27 mpg and the combined to 23 mpg, but keeping city rating at 20 mpg.

Those performance numbers are not going to match those of midsize luxury SUVs with their highly tuned engines, but the lush cabin of the Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy is right up there with luxury brands that cost thousands more.

Comfort and convenience features in the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy trim include keyless entry and push-button start, dual automatic climate control with second- and third-row air vents, Nappa Leather seats, a head-up display, suede headliner, heated front and second-row seats and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, charging ports for all three rows, Bose premium audio, Hyundai Bluelink connective services, adjustable interior ambient lighting, and a dual charging pad for two wireless phones.

Other standard features include LED headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights, dual-pane sunroof, roof side rails, and a power liftgate with a wide opening.

Safety features include remote parting assist, highway driving assist, forward collision-avoidance assist, tear cross-traffic assist, parking collision-avoidance assist and park distance warning, lane following and lane keeping assist, a surround view monitor. A blind-spot monitor is activated by your turn signals.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy, which gets no significant changes from the 2024 model, is actually a bit less. SE and SEL FWD models start in the mid-$30,000 range with AWD adding $1,800 across the board.

What I liked about the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy: The interior is roomy and has feel and looks of a
luxury class SUV with lots of easy to use tech features. You can even select ambient lighting from several different colors. Functions like Auto Hold and Stop/Go systems are activated by the punch of clearly marked buttons on the console. The ride itself is comfortable, and the 4-cylinder engine provides adequate power so you’re not left lagging at intersections. 

What I didn’t like about the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy: When not folded, the third-row seats leave little room for cargo space. The listed 14.6 cubic feet is mostly vertical. Adult passengers will find those third-row seats are pretty snug. Front seat-belt latches are difficult to reach, especially the driver’s side

Would I buy the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy? The Santa Fe has grown too large for my own personal preferences ,but it is a solid choice for anyone in the market for 3-row SUV.