2025 BUICK ENCLAVE

ENCLAVE MOVES INTO THIRD GENERATION WITH LAUNCH OF THE 2025 MODEL

The 2025 Buick Enclave opens the third generation of the company’s flagship SUV with a new, slightly more powerful and fuel efficient engine and a 30-inch touchscreen display that incorporates the instrument panel and infotainment functions into one wide display.

At 207.6 inches in length and 87.9 inches in width including mirrors, it is slightly longer and wider than its predecessor and offers more legroom (44.3 inches) up front than the 2024 Enclave (41.2 inches).

Cargo space behind the third row (22.9 cubic feet)  is slightly less than the outgoing Enclave (23.6 cubic feet), but the difference with either the third- or second-row seats folded is even less.

The choice of trims also has been modified. The Preferred now serves as the base model in replacing the Essence with the Avenir at the top of the portfolio. In between is a new Sport Touring trim that this review is based on.

All 2025 Buick Enclaves are now powered by a new 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine rated at 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. It replaces last year’s V6 (310/266, respectively) and delivers fuel mileage ratings of 19 miles-per-gallon city, 24 highway, and 21 combined when equipped with all-wheel drive such as my test vehicle.

An 8-speed automatic transmission replaces the 9-speed from the previous generation.

Towing capacity is listed as 5,000 pounds. 

Standard equipment in the 2025 Buick Enclave Sport Touring model includes 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat and 6-way power adjustable for the front passenger, tri-zone autoatic climate control, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel (though with not much range), heated steering wheel,  a Bose 12-speaker sound system, rear camera washer, 20-inch wheels, and keyless entry with push-button start.

Tech features include OnStar Services, a wi-fi hotspot, wireless charging, navigation, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability.

Safety features include forward collision alert, following distance indicator, rear park assist, reverse automatic braking, front pedestrian alert and cyclist braking, lane-keeping assist with lane-departure warning, blind-spot steering assist, and HD surround vision.

Upgrades to the exterior like a new grille and front and rear fascias to align with Buick’s PURE philosophy (purity in design, unexpected details, refined finishes and exceptional executions) give the 2025 Buick Enclave a bold new appearance.

Among options, the 2025 Buick Enclave is the first Buick to offer the company’s Super Cruise hands-free driving system on all levels. The company is expanding its road network to about 750,000 miles through 2025. The Super Cruise package also includes Driver Attention Assist5 and Enhanced Automatic Park Assist5.

The 2025 Buick Enclave starts at under $50,000 for the FWD Essence trim wwith AWD adding $2,000. The top-of-the-line Avenir trim starts at  just under $60,000.

The final bottom line on my test 2025 Buick Enclave Sport Touring model with AWD was $54,695 including the Super Cruise package, Cerokee red color, and $1,395 destination and delivery fee. That kind of puts the 2025 Buick Enclave on the fringe of luxury 3-row SUVs.

What I liked about the 2025 Buick Enclave Sport Touring: The interior is spacious with good room for second- and third-row occupants. The cargo area has good capacity even when the third-row seats are in place. Infotainment features are easy enough to operate. It comes with Auto Hold, which when activated prevents creeping at intersections. The overall ride is smooth. The new turbo-4 engine has more power than the V6 it replaces.

What I didn’t like about the 2025 Buick Enclave Sport Touring: The engine has an annoying tinny sound that penetrates the cabin under heavy acceleration. Some buttons on the touchscreen are slow to react when pressed.

Would I buy the 2024 Buick Sport Touring? Pricing is at the high end of the segment against many competitors that offer more in the way of interior plushness, so probably not.

2025 INFINITI X50

INFINITI TRIMS ITS MODEL OFFERINGS FOR SECOND GENERATION OF SMALLEST SUV

After beginning life as the EX35 nearly two decades ago, the smallest SUV in the Infiniti portfolio assumed its current QX nameplate when the luxury division of the Japanese automaker Nissan revised nomenclature for its Infiniti fleet.

Beginning in 2014, “Q” has designated sedans, coupes, and convertibles with “QX” denoting Infiniti’s SUV fleet.

Thus the 2014 QX50 was a continuation of the original EX35. The 2019 Infiniti QX50 moved the vehicle into its second generation after a refresh that ended a year’s production hiatus.

The 2025 Infiniti QX50 remains a part of that  generation with all-wheel drive now standard and Sensory and Autograph trims dropped, putting the Sport at the top of the portfolio. The Sport trim, which this review is based on, replaced the Essential on 2023 models.

Other trims are Pure, which serves as the base model, and Luxe.

All trims come with a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It is rated at 268 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque and delivers fuel mileage ratings of 22 miles-per-gallon city, 28 highway, and 25 combined using recommended premium fuel.

Four drive modes are offered — Standard, Eco, Sport, and Personal. All-wheel drive also is standard.

Equipment upgrades on the Sport over the Pure and Luxe include 20-inch wheels over 19s, LED fog lights, semi-aniline leather seats over Leatherette (Pure) and standard leather (Luxe), 4-way power lumbar support for the driver’s seat, heated and ventilated seats over heated only (Luxe) for both the driver and front-seat passenger, black aluminum accents, enhanced interior lighting, Bose Premium sound (optional on the Pure), navigation, an around-view monitor with moving object detection, and traffic sign recognition.

All 2025 Infiniti QX50s include such standard features as LED headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights, a power liftgate (motional-activated on Sport and Pure), remote start, 8-way power adjustable front seat, 60-40 folding rear bench seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, automatic dual zone temperature control, Infiniti In/Touch services, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging pad, wi-fi hot  spot, and Bluetooth connectivity. 

Safety features included as standard on all QX50 models include the usual collection of airbags and seatbelts, adaptive cruise control, predictive forward collision warning, forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, lane-departure warning, rear automatic braking, rear cross-traffic assist, rear automatic braking, and ProPilot Assist.

The 2025 Infiniti QX50 Sport gets the upgraded surround-view monitor with moving object detection that replaces the standard rear-view camera on Pure and Luxe models. 

Pricing for the 2025 Infiniti QX50 start at $44,350 for the Pure, $47,650 for the Luxe, and $52,550 for the Sport, including the $1,350 destination and deliver fee.

What I liked about the 2025 Infiniti QX50S: The interior is roomy with comfortable seats and has a quiet ride. The dual screen layout provides easy access to more popular features (like the navigation map on the upper screen and radio and A/C on the lower) without having to change screens. Cargo space is good (31.1 cubic feet with second-row seats in place, 64.4 with the second-row folded). Pricing is very competitive in the segment.

What I didn’t like about the 2025 Infiniti QX50S: Yes, the interior is roomy but it doesn’t have the “wow factor” typical of a luxury class vehicle. The display for tech features has a dated look. Even some non-luxury competitors are going with a much larger touchscreen that provide a larger map for navigation and wider view for the backup camera. The CVT takes away from performance.

Would I buy the 2025 Infiniti QX50S? I’d give it a look before moving on to others in its class. A major refreshing could be coming in the next couple of years if you can wait with the infotainment display a likely target for upgrades. 

2024 HYUNDAI PALISADE

LOOKING FOR A LUXURY SUV WITH NON-LUXURY PRICES? CHECK OUT THE PALISADE

Hyundai is not usually a brand you think of when the subject of luxury vehicles comes up but the top trims of the 2024 Hyundai Palisade may just change your thinking a bit.

The interior of the 2024 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy is not only roomy but features styling touches that give the cabin the look and feel of a vehicle priced thousands of dollars higher.

Tech features are not only generous but are easy to operate off a 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation. No need to take a deep dive to select your drive mode. Simply spin a dial on the center console to select Comfort, Eco, Sport, or Smart mode.

Smart — not to be confused with Smart (adaptive) Cruise Control —eliminates the need to make adjustments on the fly. When in Smart mode and pressing the accelerator pedal to make a pass, you get the extra power from Sport automatically. Revert to cruising through the neighborhood and you automatically fall back to Comfort or Eco mode. Snow/tow mode also is available on all-wheel-drive Palisades.

The Palisade was first shown at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show and was shipped to showrooms as a 2020 model. It is the South Korean automaker’s largest vehicle yet with three rows of seating that accommodate seven or eight passengers (depending on whether bench seats or captain’s chairs are used for the second row).

The Calligraphy trim was added in 2021, and a special Calligraphy Night Edition that features unique black wheels and black accents throughout the exterior is new for 2024

This review is based on the 2024 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy with AWD that carries a starting MSRP of $53,435 including the destination and delivery fee. The Calligraphy Night Edition ups that to $55,245. That’s a pretty hefty jump from the $38,045 for the entry level SE trim with front-wheel drive but the comprehensive list of standard features eliminates the need for optional packages unless you really want to trick out your vehicle.

The Palisade is also offered in SEL, XRT, and Limited trims with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive.

All Palisades come with a 3.8-liter V6 engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with manual gear selection capability. Fuel economy is so-so for the segment (19 miles-per-gallon city, 24 highway, and 21 combined) and power is adequate for everyday driving (291 ponies, 262 pound-feet of torque).resulting in sub-7 second) zero-to-60 mph times.

Standard goodies on the 2024 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy include 20-inch alloy wheels;  roof side rails, and LED headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights.

Comfort and convenience features Smart (adaptive) cruise control, a 12.-inch instrument cluster, a head-up display, dual automatic temperature control, digital rear-view mirror, keyless entry and push-button start, Nappa leather seating surfaces. a memory function for the driver’s seat, power third-row seats, second-row captain’s chairs, ventilated front and second-row seats,  heated seats in all three row, hands-free power liftgate, and USB ports for all three rows.

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a Harman-Kardon premium sound system, a wi-fi hotspot, Hyundai’s BlueLink communications, and wireless phone charger are among standard tech features.

A surround-view monitor heads the list of safety features. Other safety systems include lane-keeping and lane-following assist, blind-spot warning, forward collision avoidance assist, driver attention warning, blind-spot view monitor (activated by the turn signals), parking distance warning, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist.

The Hyundai Palisade gets a new trim level (SEL Premium) and minor updates to features on the 2025 model.

My test 2024 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy did get one extra item. Carpeted floor mats added $215 to run the final total to $53,650.

What I liked about the 2024 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy: The plush, attractive interior is simply gorgeous and further blurs the line between luxury and non-luxury vehicles. The Calligraphy offers a long list of standard equipment and you can work through infotainment features without requiring IT training. There are knobs to adjust audio volume as well as surf the radio dial! The 18 cubic feet of cargo area behind the third row handles most routine tasks. Fold the third row and capacity opens up to 45.8 cubic feet. Safety ratings are excellent with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety making the 2024 Palisade a Top Safety Pick.

What I didn’t like about the 2024 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy: It’s a bit on the thirsty side. The cabin overall is roomy, but young kids won’t take long to outgrow the far back third row.

Would I buy the 2024 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy? I have no need or desire for a three-row SUV but any family that wants to avoid settling for a minivan should take a long look at the Palisade. The higher trims challenge luxury class options.

2025 HYUNDAI TUCSON

MID-CYCLE REFRESHING UPDATES

HYUNDAI’S  TOP SELLING SUV

Hyundai is refreshing its best-selling vehicle for 2025, giving the Tucson SUV an updated interior with new controls for the infotainment system (knobs for adjusting the sound and surfing the radio dial — hallelujah!) and enhanced safety features that include a system that monitors the driver’s attention.

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson remains part of the model’s fourth generation and offers buyers a variety of trims and drivetrains that figure to keep the Tucson among the top 3 sellers in its class.

Hybrid (HEV) and plugin (PHEV) models joined the portfolio as part of that redesign of 2022. Our attention today, however, is focused on the gas-powered fleet that was launched for the 2005 model year.

All gas-powered Tucsons get a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine rated at a modest 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, but it isn’t going to embarrass you getting off when the light turns green. Fuel economy is rated at 24 miles-per-gallon city, 30 highway, and 24 overll.

Both hybrid models offer more in the way of fuel economy power, of course, especially the N Line hybrid reviewed here last April.

The Limited trim sits at the top of the 2025 portfolio for all Tucsons. The SE trim serves as the entry level model and the SEL, SEL Convenience, and XRT trims fill out the lineup for gas-powered Tucsons.

They come with either front-wheel or Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic automatic Shiftronic transmission with manual gear selection capability. HEVs and PHEVs get a 6-speed automatic Shiftronic transmission and feature standard HTRAC AWD.

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson Limited this review is based on comes with a long list of standard equipment that left carpeted floor mats as the only desired option.

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson falls in the compact SUV but that doesn’t mean “cramped.” The stylish cabin offers over 41 inches of legroom for both front and backseat riders while leaving 38.7 cubic feet of storage space behind the second row. Fold those second-row seats and the cargo area expands to a capacity of 74.8 cubic feet.

Inside that cabin are comfort and convenience features like push-button start, leather seats with a memory feature for the driver, dual climate control with rear vents, leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation for infotainment features, Bose Premium sound system, wireless device charger, Hyundai’s BlueLink system, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Standard features on the stylish exterior include 19-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, roof rails, a power liftgate, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and LED headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights.

A surround view monitor and Smart (adaptable) cruise control top the list of standard driver aids for the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Limited.

Other standard safety features include a blind-spot monitor and collision alert, lane-keeping and following assist, forward collision avoidance, driver attention warning, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, reverse parking collision assist, parking distance warning (front, rear, and side) and forward attention warning.

Starting MSRP for the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Limited with AWD is $41,190 including freight charges, a slight increase from the $39.655 for the 2024 Tucson Limited AWD.

As noted, my test 2025 Hyundai Tucson Limited AWD had only the floor mats as an extra, making the final bottom line $41,400. 

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson Limited with FWD starts at $39,690 including the freight charge.

Other FWD Tucson trims start at $29,750 (SE), $31,610 (SEL), $34,060 (SEL Convenience), and $34,055 (XRT). AWD adds $1500 to each price.

What I liked about the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Limited: Exterior styling is very appealing. With so many standard features there is little need for options. The interior is roomy. The infotainment system is user-friendly enough (see a couple glitches below), including knobs for adjusting sound volume and surfing the radio dial. The cargo area is spacious

What I didn’t like about the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Limited:  It could stand a little more pop in the way of performance. Hybrid and plug-in models have a definite advantage in power. Two small  complaints: response when switching to AM radio band is delayed while it “searches” for stations and the clock is eliminated in one of the audio screens.

Would I buy the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Limited? Definitely would recommend a look. The Tucson has come a long way since its launch almost 20 years ago. US News & World Report rates it No. 2 in its analysis of reviews of 19 compact SUVs.

2025 CHEVROLET BLAZER EV

BLAZER NAMEPLATE ONCE AGAIN LIVES,

THIS TIME AS AN EV IN CHEVROLET STABLE

Chevrolet’s use of the Blazer nameplate dates back to the late 1960s and the vehicle itself has gone through many incarnations since debuting as a pickup truck for the 1969 model year before eventually morphing into the familiar SUV we know today.

It even went through a production hiatus that lasted 14 years until the company resurrected it for 2019 as a mid-size, 2-row Crossover SUV with a base 4-cylinder engine and optional V6. Pricing ranged from just under $30,000 to over $43,000.

For the 2024 model year Chevy made the Blazer available as an all-electric SUV. The drivetrain wasn’t the only thing that distinguished it from gas-powered versions. Styling differences both inside and out separates the Blazer EV from the gas-powered models.

As you would expect, the electric Blazer also carries a heftier price tag than its traditional sibling, though it reportedly qualifies for the $7,000 tax break from the government. (At least for now.)

The 2025 Chevy Blazer EV currently comes in two trims. The LT serves  as the base model. The RS currently sits at the top of the portfolio. A performance oriented SS model is due to arrive early next year.

Even in just two trims, the Blazer offers several different choices starting with 2-wheel drive or all-wheel propulsion. The LT gets front-wheel drive with AWD has an option. The RS trim comes with either RWD or AWD.

Driving ranges vary considerably between 2WD and AWD models. AWD versions are good for only an estimated 283 miles, RWDs 335 miles, and FWDs 355. All figures are slightly better than the numbers for the debut 2024 Blazer EV.

When it comes to power, the FWD LT is rated at a meager 220 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque. The RWD  RS model is rated at 365/325, respectively. With AWD the numbers are 300/355. respectively.

If you really want maximum get-up and go, the 2025 Chevy Blazer SS due to go on sale in the first quarter of 2025 is projected at 595 horsepower and 633 pound-feet of torque, making it the quickest Blazer EV the company has produced.

This review is based on the 2025 Chevy Blazer EV RS with AWD.

Standard features covered by the starting $54,259 include a 17.7-inch touchscreen display with navigation and built-in Google, 8 years of basic OnStar services, 21-inch machined aluminum wheels, a wireless phone charger, heated and ventilated front seats, 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat with 2-way lumbar support, remote vehicle start, multi-color ambient lighting, heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, LED headlamps and taillights, a hands-free power liftgate, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

You might notice the absence of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto among those features.

According to reports, GM is dropping both those features from its fleet of EVs in favor of its own systems. The Blazer happens to be the first vehicle so affected.

But there are aftermarket upgrades to restore the features of the two add-ons. (If you really are into Apple CarPlay or Android Auto you no doubt have the ability to find those upgrades). 

Standard safety features include enhanced emergency braking, forward collision alert, following distance indicator, auto high beam, front pedestrian and bicyclist braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot assist, lane-keeping assist, side bicyclist alert, and HD surround vision.

My test vehicle included as options Chevy’s Super Cruise hands-free driving system, enhanced automatic parking assist, a dual-panel panoramic sunroof, and a convenience driver’s package that added a head-up display, rear heated seats, and a rear camera mirror.

That brought the total to $60,735 including the $1,395 destination charge.

What I liked about the 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV RS: It really is an attractive vehicle both inside and out. The interior is roomy. The ride is comfortable and, it really goes without saying, quiet. Its size allows for easily negotiating tight parking lots and narrow streets. Tech features are user-friendly. Auto hold  (activated by a button) prevents creeping at intersections and stops. The surround-view camera is a great parking aid. Fold the second-row seats and cargo space expands from 25.5 cubic feet to 59.1.

What I didn’t like about the 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV RS: Options that add appealing features can take the final MSRP up to the $60,000 level (like my RS trim test 2024 Chevy Blazer). It lacks the zip of the usual EV. Techies won’t like the lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. AWD models approach but don’t quite get to the 300-mile range level. The touchscreen collects fingerprints like an overzealous FBI lab tech.

Would I buy the 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV RS? Still a no, but perhaps not as firm as it once was. It isn’t a very practical choice if it is your only family vehicle (no single EV is really), but it works well for daily commutes and running errands. Keep your gas-powered SUV handy or be prepared to rent one for long vacation trips.

2025 INFINITI QX80

AFTER LONG WAIT INFINITI FINALLY

GIVES ITS LARGEST SUV A MAKEOVER

After beginning life as a 2004 model QX56 before emerging 10 years later as the QX80 to follow the company’s revamping of its model nomenclature, the 2025 Infiniti QX80 gets a long-delayed redesign that should boost its image in the large luxury SUV class.

The largest vehicle in the Japanese automaker’s SUV fleet has sat virtually idly by for well over a decade as smaller models like the QX50 and QX60 got makeovers that boosted their market appeal.

Critics noticed the delay, ripping the Infiniti QX80 as becoming outdated and not up to competing with its rivals. That changes now.

The redesigned 2025 Infiniti QX80 delivers a luxurious, spacious cabin with new tech features and power-folding third-row seats that open up with the push of a button to more than double a tight cargo area of 22 cubic feet with those seats in place to a more generous 59 cubic feet.

Folding both the second and third-row seats exposes a cavernous cargo area of 101 cubic feet.

Under the expansive hood a twin-turbocharged V6 replaces last year’s V8. It bumps horsepower up to 450 from 400 and torque to 516 pound-feet from the 413 of the 2024 model. 

A new 9-speed automatic transmission replaces the former 7-speed tranny.  Pure and Luxe trims come with either rear-wheel or Infiniti’s all-mode 4-wheel drive and Sensory and Autograph get 4WD as standard.

Fuel economy in the V6 is rated at 16 miles-per-gallon city, 20 highway, and 18 combined with RWD and 15/19/17 with 4WD, which is a slight improvement over the V8’s numbers ((14/20/16 RWD and 13/19/15 4WD).

The 2025 Infiniti QX80 comes in four trim levels starting with the base Pure ($84,445 including destination and delivery) followed by the Luxe ($91.545). The Sensory starts at $101.945 and the Autograph, which this review is based on, starts at $111,995.

Standard exterior features on the 2025 Infiniti QX80 Autograph include LED headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a two-tone roof, running boards (a definite necessity), panoramic moonroof,, motion activated liftgate, and 22-inch cast-aluminum wheels.

Inside, the 2025 Infiniti QX80 Autograph features premium leather seats for all three rows and both front seats are 10-way power adjustable with 4-way lumbar support. The Autograph, along with Luxe and Sensory models, also have a massage function for the first two rows.

Seats in all three rows are heated while the first two rows are ventilated as well. You get 43.9 inches of legroom up front and 39.2 for the second row, but only 32.9 for the third. 

Other niceties in the 2025 Infiniti QX80 Autograph include tri-zone climate control with backseat controls, a head-up display for the driver, keyless entry with push-button start, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 14-speaker Klipsch premium audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a wireless device charger.

Safety features include Infiniti’s Pro-Pilot 2.1 Assist (limited hands-free driving), forward collision warning and emergency braking, rear automatic braking, blind-spot warning and intervention, lane departure warning, and a surround-view camera.

My test 2025 Infiniti QX8- Autograph came with options like enhanced interior lighting. a premium cargo package, special paint, and an umbrella holder (yes, an umbrella holder) that ran the final bottom line to $114,815 including the $1,195 destination charge.

What I liked about the 2025 Infiniti QX80 Autograph: The interior is very plush, quiet, and comfortable. The dual screen infotainment system is a simple operation with the lower screen devoted to climate controls and the upper for functions like navigation, audio, and settings. Running boards greatly help with getting in and out. An auto hold system (activated/deactivated via a button) prevents creeping at intersections. Towing capacity is a generous 8,500 pounds.

What I didn’t like about the 2025 Infiniti QX80 Autograph: The overall size (211.2 inches long, 92.5 wide with mirrors open, and 121-inch wheelbase) makes maneuvering through mall parking lots challenging, not to mention driving on some tight city streets. Even with the V6 replacing the V8 it remains a somewhat thirsty beast, and premium fuel is recommended. Cargo space behind the third row provides room only for a small grocery run or a couple of suitcases. 

 

Would I buy the 2025 Infiniti QX 80 Autograph? The size turns me off — big doesn’t even begin to describe it; try huge or humongous — but if you have the need for a large, luxury 3-row SUV the QX80 definitely rates a good look. It is a big step up from the previous generation.