2024 INFINITI QX55

INFINITI QX55 COULD USE SOME SPRUCING UP AHEAD OF REFRESH

The 2024 Infiniti QX55 is only in its third year since its introduction as a 2022 model, but already it seems due for a mid-cycle refreshing that might reverse the luxury midsize SUV’s lagging sales.

An updated infotainment system and a junking of the continuously automatic transmission for a 10-speed or even 8-speed automatic transmission might draw buyers back to the sales levels it enjoyed its first couple of years.

Not that the QX55 was a big seller at its introduction. It has trailed both the smaller QX50 and the slightly larger QX60 in the Japanese company’s SUV fleet since its debut and numbers for this year continue to decline.

In 2022 the 5,106 QX55s sold were slightly less than half that for the QX50 and less than a third for the QX60. Numbers for 2023 were slightly higher the same for the QX55 (5,418)

But the pace halfway through this year has slowed. Infiniti reported only 759 QX55s sold for the second quarter of 2024, down 41 percent for the same time period of a year ago.

QX55 sales for the first half of the year were down 30.1 percent compared to 2023 with only 1,854 vehicles reported sold. The QX60 showed a decline of 9.8 percent but the QX50 showed an increase of 9.3 percent over 2023.

I’m no market analyst but those can’t be good numbers, and I’m not sure what to make of the prospects for next year with the company making no significant changes for the 2025 Infiniti QX55.

What this may do however is make the 2024 Infiniti QX55 more attractive to buyers who can appreciate its coupe-like profile and sophisticated interior.

The 2024 Infiniti QX55 is packed with many user-friendly tech features that include a wireless charging pad, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and navigation with traffic recognition, operable via Siri Eyes Free system.

Other standard features on the top-of-the-line 2024 Infiniti QX55 Sensory trim that this review is based on include a power moonroof, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a hands-free motion activated rear liftgate. power tilt-and-telescoping steering column, leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, paddle shifters that simulate manual stops for the CVT, tri-zone climate control, Semi-Aniline Leather seating, climate controlled front seats, and heated rear seats.

Black natural maple wood interior accents and enhanced interior ambient lighting give the cabin a refined appearance. Rear headroom is slightly compromised because of it sloping roofline, but legroom is 38.7 inches, about an inch less than the front.

The 2024 Infiniti QX55 rides on 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels and is all-wheel drive.

The same 2.0-liter variable compression turbocharged 4-cylinder engine found in the QX50 delivers 286 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque so the 2024 QX55 is no slug when it comes to performance.

Mileage numbers are 22 miles-per-gallon city, 28 highway, and 22 combined using premium fuel. The government estimates 400 miles of range between fill-up.

Safety features on the 2024 Infiniti QX55 Sensory include forward collision warning and forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear automatic braking, rear cross traffic alert, blind-spot warning and lane-departure warning and prevention.

ProPilot Assist that features adaptive cruise control, steering assist, and stop and hold is standard along with a surround-view camera, keyless entry and push-button start, and LED headlights, daytime running, fog and tail lights.

Pricing for the 2024 Infiniti QX55 starts at $50,150 for the base Luxe trim and jumps to $55,100 for the upgraded Essential. The 2024 Infiniti QX55 Sensory starts at $58,650. Those prices also hold for the 2025 Infiniti QX55.

My test 2024 Infiniti QX55 included extras like a cargo package, lighting package, accent package, and exclusive paint that ran the final total to $62,725 including the $1,195 destination and delivery charge. Hey. At least the carpeted floor mats were included. 

What I liked about the 2024 Infiniti QX55 Sensory: The exterior has a sleek profile. The interior is well done with lots of passenger room and a long list of standard features. The double-screen allows you to adjust one function without closing off the other systems, most notably the navigation map. Comfortable front-row seats are ventilated and heated, and outboard second-row seats are heated. Surround-view camera gives you a good look for parking in tight spaces.

What I didn’t like about the 2024 Infiniti QX55 Sensory: I prefer a knob to surf the radio dial instead of pressing a button. (At least you can adjust the audio volume with a knob.) I would prefer an 8- or 10-speed automatic transmission over the CVT. The screen for the navigation map needs to be bigger, though that would require tinkering with the center air vents. Cargo room behind the third row (26.9 cubic feet) is less than that found on the smaller QX50 (31.1).

Would I buy the 2024 Infiniti QX55 Sensory? Yes. The Essential trim probably is the sensible choice if you want to save a few bucks. It is nicely equipped if you can live without tri-zone climate control that is standard in the Sensory.

2024 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID

 

REFRESHED SONATA JUST MAY LURE YOU BACK TO THE MIDSIZE SEDAN SEGMENT

The hybrid version of Hyundai’s popular Sonata has come a long way since the 2011 model kicked off the seventh-generation of the South Korean company’s midsize sedan.

A mid-cycle refreshing gives the 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid a more striking exterior and an interior that flirts with luxury status. 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.

Hyundai has tinkered with the various trims, junking the SE that once served as the base and also discontinuing the turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine. The SEL now serves as the base and is available with either a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gas engine or a hybrid drivetrain.

The N Line with a turbocharged 2.5L 4-banger is targeted at performance enthusiasts and rates at 290 hp and 311 lb.-ft. of torque while the top-of-the-line Limited trim, which this review is based on, comes with a gas-electric drivetrain pairing a 2.0L gas engine and electric motor for 192 combined horsepower and 151 lb.-ft. of torque.

Mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission, the 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited delivers eye-popping fuel numbers of 44 miles-per-gallon city, 51 highway, and 47 combined. According to the government, that gives the 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid a range of over 600 miles between fill-ups, though real-world operation is more like in the 500-mile bracket.

The tradeoff is a lackluster zero-to-60-mph clocking approaching 8-plus seconds, but when set in Sport mode instead of Normal or Eco, the 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid acts, or reacts, well enough in daily traffic.

As is customary with Limited trim models, the 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 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 2024 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.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited sits at the top of the Sonata’s price range with a starting MSRP of $38,315, including the $1,115 freight charge, but with all that standard equipment your only extras are likely to be carpeted floor mats ($220) and perhaps a carog netting for the trunk ($55).

The N Line starts at $36,065 while the SEL starts at just over $30,000 ($31,115) with AWD and under $29,000 with FWD.

What I liked about the 2024 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 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited: The second row could use a skosh more legroom than the 34.8 inches offered.

Would I buy the 2024 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 fu
ss of plugging it in. If you can’t stretch your budget for the Limited trim, the 2024 Hyundai Sonata SEL Hybrid is about $5,000 less.

2024 HYUNDAI KONA

HYUNDAI’S SECOND-SMALLEST SUV GROWS 

JUST A BIT AND THAT IS A GOOD THING

Introduced as a 2018 model, the Hyundai Kona has grown a bit as it enters its second generation.

At 171.3 inches long, the redesigned 2024 Hyundai Kona gains about 6 inches over the 2023 model and no longer is the smallest in the South Korean automaker’s SUV fleet.

The Kona — the name is taken from a district in the Big Island of Hawaii — now slots between the larger Tucson (182.7 inches) and the Venue (159.1), which assumed the title as Hyundai’s smallest subcompact SUV when introduced in 2020.

The benefits are clear. That extra length and a slightly longer wheelbase (104.7 inches to 102.4) give the 2024 Hyundai Kona more passenger and storage space than its predecessor while still retaining the ability to squeeze into tight parking spaces.

That’s what you call win-win.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona is available in four trim levels. The base SE and upgraded SEL have a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that is underpowered (147 horsepower, 132 pound-feet of torque) while the Limited, which this review is based on, and N Line models get a turbocharged 1.6L 4-cylinder engine with more respectable numbers (190/195, respectively.

Front-wheel drive is standard on all trims with all-wheel available as an option.

The 2.0L normally aspirated 4-banger is mated to a CVT (continuously variable transmission) and the turbo-4 thankfully is hooked up to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The government says the turbo-4 with AWD drinks fuel at the rate of 24 miles-per-gallon in the city, 29 highway, and 26 combined. The SE and SEL are rated only about 1-3 mpg more efficient.

Hyundai dressed up the exterior and in addition to more space added more tech features to the interior. Passenger volume went up to 101.2 cubic feet from the 2023’s 94.1 with an increase in rear legroom to 38.5 inches from 35.2. Front legroom is virtually the same, but cargo space went up to 25.5 cubic feet behind the backseat from 19.2.

Standard features in the 2024 Hyundai Kona Limited include 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights, a power sunroof, and a proximity key with push-button start.

Standard comfort and convenience features include automatic dual-zone climate control, power driver’s seat with lumbar support, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, hands-free rear liftgate, and H-Tex seating surfaces.

Bose Premium Audio is standard, and a new 12.3-inch touchscreen includes navigation, but getting wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto requires you to update the system. (Lower trims without navigation include wireless operation as standard for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.)

Standard safety systems include Smart (adaptable) Cruise Control, a surround-view camera, driver-attention warning, blind-spot warning, parking distance warning, a blind-spot view monitor (which projects an image in the instrument panel when the turn signal is activated), lane-keeping and lane-following assist, and forward collision avoidance warning.

Pricing for the 2024 Hyundai Kona starts at $23,475 for the base FWD SE trim  (including the $1,335 destination and delivery fee). FWD SEL models start at $23,285. N Line and Limited trims with FWD hover around the $30,000 mark.

All-wheel drive adds $1,500 to each trim.

My test 2024 Hyundai Kona Limited with AWD carried an MSRP of $34,485. With carpeted floor mats the only extra, the final bottom line was $34, 695. That’s a bit of a jump over the 2023 Kona Limited that started at $31,785 including freight charges, but the 2024 model takes a significant step up.

 

What I liked about the 2024 Hyundai Kona Limited: Though still classified as a small SUV, it has grown a bit with this latest makeover and has the feel of a midsize both in handling and cabin space. Storage capacity with all seats in place is a generous 25.5 cubic feet and second-row passengers get 38.5 inches of legroom. Fuel economy won’t wow you but it is decent. I’m not a big fan of the Neotreric Yellow exterior (think yellow with a hint of green) on my test 2024 Hyundai Kona but it sure was easy to pick out in a large parking lot.

What I didn’t like about the 2024 Hyundai Kona Limited: This is not a deal breaker for me since I rarely take advantage of Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, but some owners have reported difficulty hooking up their devices to those systems wirelessly. You may have to download a special update to do so if your Kona has navigation. Getting picky here, but some touchscreen displays (like the various radio settings) lose the clock. Otherwise, the infotainment features are user-friendly enough. Towing is not recommended. 

Would I buy the 2024 Hyundai Kona Limited? Yes. It definitely should be on your “look list” if you want a small crossover SUV that doesn’t skimp on passenger or cargo space plus looks great sitting in your driveway. An all-electric version also is available if you are so inclined, but the Kona Hybrid (HEV) is sold only overseas.

2024 FIAT 500e

FIAT BRINGS BACK ALL-ELECTRIC 

VERSION OF 500 MINI WAGON FOR 2024

Ending a 5-year absence, Fiat is reintroducing the electrified version of its iconic 500 mini-wagon to the U.S. market with the 2024 Fiat 500e.

With its alluring Italian styling and ability to adapt to tight spaces both on the go and when parking, the 2024 Fiat 500e would seem to be an appealing option for those in the market for a small electric runabout and don’t do a lot of hauling.

But there is one issue at least I believe that may impinge on sales.

When it was last available in the U.S., the 2019 Fiat 500e’s battery provided only about 84 miles of driving range, which at the time matched up well with its competitors.

Fiat has improved that with the 2024 500e, but only to the extent that the distance between charges is just 149 miles, which is sadly lacking at a time when competitors are putting out models with ranges well over 200 and even over 300 miles and with a considerable boost in horsepower.

The 2024 Fiat 500e is rated at only 117 horsepower 162 pound-feet of torque. Fortunately, there isn’t a ton of mass to get it moving (less than 3,000 pounds) but the zero-to-60 time of 8.5 seconds still lags behind typical electric vehicles. Will, except maybe for golf carts.

The restricted range also kind of limits the role of the 2024 Fiat 500e to that of a second car in the family for daily commutes to your job or running errands (though rear storage is only 7.0 cubic feet). Forget long vacation trips.

Springing for your own private 240-volt charging source ($750 to $1,750) is a must because wait times at public outlets can be excruciatingly long, though charging times aren’t overly long once a spot becomes available.

I hooked up to a 150kW outlet when my test 2024 Fiat 500e was at 36 percent (49 miles) and it took only about 20 minutes for it to reach 70 percent (109 miles) before it shut off for some reason. Fiat claims an 85kW system can add 31 miles in just 5 minutes.

Hooking up to a 110-volt outlet at your home via the provided charging cord remains an option if you want to charge your vehicle overnight.

The 2024 Fiat 500e is available in three forms with the Red edition serving as the base. Currently, the other two versions are theme-based, Inspired by Music and Inspired by Beauty.

Beauty served as the trim for my test 2024 Fiat 500e and what it lacks in power (all models have the same powertrain) it makes up for in standard features.

They include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, keyless entry and push-button start, a rear parking assist system, Stellantis’ UConnect5 infotainment system with navigation and a 10.25-inch touchscreen, rain-sensitive windshield wipers, and a 6-speaker audio system.

Safety features include lane-departure and blind-spot warning with cross-traffic detection, 7 airbags, traffic sign information, driver drowsiness detection, and electronic stability control.

The 2024 Fiat 500e is front-wheel drive, rides on 17-inch wheels, and can be driven in one-pedal mode, though that takes some getting used to.  (The slowing can be abrupt.) LED headlights and taillights also are standard.

Three drive modes are available. Normal is, well, normal. Range sets up one-pedal operation and Sherpa limits top
speed to 50 mph (goose it and power resets from 57 kW to 87 kW for Normal operation and a top speed of 94 mph).

The base or Red version carries a starting MSRP of $34,095. Music and Beauty both start at $37,595 including the $1,595 destination and delivery fee.

What I liked about the 2024 Fiat 500e: It was a relief to know that when I entered a parking lot I wasn’t going to have trouble finding a space big enough to fit in. Despite the mini power numbers, the 500e is kind of fun to drive. Tech features are numerous. The Italian styling does make it stand out.

What I didn’t like about the 2024 Fiat 500e: Touchscreen commands sometimes are slow to respond to touches. The rear seat is about the smallest I have ever encountered. Rear storage space also is limited (7.0 cubic feet). Driving range is poor considering what other EVs are offering these days.

Would I buy the 2024 Fiat 500e? No. It’s too small to begin with and I want more driving range from a EV.

2024 HYUNDAI ELANTRA HYBRID

DON’T PASS BY ELANTRA HYBRID 

WHEN SHOPPING FOR SMALL SEDAN

When it comes to automotive awards, there is no shortage of organizations, websites, magazines, and other publications singling out vehicles for special recognition.

The Detroit auto show hands out awards for International Car, Truck, and Utility Vehicle of the Year. Texas auto writers recognize the Texas Truck and SUV of the Year. And, of course, with the latest big thing in the automotive world, Green Car Journal selects a Green Car, Green SUV, and a Green Family Car of the Year.

That’s a rather small sampling of all that is out there, and manufacturers no doubt love them all.

I would like to submit a somewhat offbeat offering of my own: “Underrated Car of the Year.” My nomination is the hybrid version of the current generation Hyundai Elantra. With all the attention garnered by Toyota and Honda, it can kind of get lost in its segment.

A gas-electric hybrid drivetrain was included when the South Korean automaker redesigned the Elantra for 2021, and it remains among the six trims to choose from.

The hybrid is one of four drivetrains offered. A pokey 2.0-liter 4-cylinder serves as the standard engine (147 horsepower, 132 pound-feet of torque) for SE, SEL, and Limited models and with a couple of turbocharged  4-cylinder engines boosting power in the N Line (201 hp, 195 lb.-ft.) and N (276 hp, 289 lb.-ft.) performance models.

We are dealing today with the 2024 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid that pairs a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder gas engine with an electric motor to deliver the most fuel-efficient Elantra. The 2024 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid comes in two trims itself, a base Blue model that the government says sips fuel at the rate of 51 miles-per-gallon city, 58 highway, and 54 combined and a tricked-out Limited model that produces fuel numbers of 49/52/50 mpg.

The 2024 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid is rated at only 139 horsepower, which is less than gas-engine only SE, SEL, and Limited trims. But torque — the power that gets you moving — matches the performance-oriented N Line at 195 lb.-ft.

Thankfully, Hyundai has ignored the trend of manufacturers who linkup their hybrid drive trains with a CVT (continuously variable transmission). With the 2024 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid power is transmitted to the front wheels via a 6-speed dual clutch automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

As an HEV, the 2024 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid does not provide much in the way of all-electric drive like a plug-in (PHEV), but is designed to give more of a power boost to the gas engine, which by itself provides only 109 pound-feet of torque. The smaller battery in the HEV does not require connecting to an outlet via a cord but is charged by he gas engine and regenerative braking.

The 2024 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Limited is packed with a full array of tech features. There are buttons to select functions like the radio and other systems, and adjustments work off a 10.25-inch touchscreen that includes navigation. Android Auto and Apple Bluetooth, a wireless charging pad, Hyundai’s Blue Link connective services (subscription required), a premium sound system, and Bluetooth hands-free communication system.

Dual automatic climate control, an electronic parking brake, Highway Driving Assist (which includes adaptive cruise control), power driver’s seat with lumbar support, a proximity key with push-button start, also are included.

The 2024 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Limited rides on 17-inch wheels, has automatic LED headlights, and comes with a power sunroof. Safety systems include blind spot warning, lane-keeping and following assist, and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance.

The 2024 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Limited carries a starting MSRP of $30,600, including the $1,150 destination and delivery fee. That makes it the second-most expensive Elantra behind the N trim, hut with all that standard equipment, you’ll not have to add much in the way of optional equipment.

As an option, my test 2024 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Limited added only carpeted floor mats, making the final total $30,810.

What I liked about the 2023 Hyundai Elantra  Hybrid Limited: The interior is roomy and the long list of standard tech features are very user-friendly with handy buttons providing easy access to get to desired modes (map, navigation, radio, media, etc.) It’s a relief that the hybrid drivetrain comes with a 6-speed dual clutch automatic transmission instead of a CVT. The auto hold function eliminates “creeping” at intersections. In addition to room for passengers, the trunk size (14.2 cubic feet) is generous for a compact.

What I didn’t like about the 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Limited: I like its exterior, but the styling may not be for everyone.

Would I buy the 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Limited? Yes!. It definitely should be on your list if you are looking for a smart, economical compact sedan and want to get away from the usual suspects.