2025 FORD MUSTANG CONVERTIBLE

MUSTANG SOLDIERS ON AS NUMBERS DWINDLE IN PONY CAR SEGMENT 

With a 2024  redesign  moving the Mustang into its seventh generation, Ford saw little reason for major changes to the 2025 Ford Mustang. If it wasn’t broke, why fix it?

As virtually the only survivor in a shrinking “Pony Car” segment, the 2025 Ford Mustang embodies the spirit of the original model that hit the ground running. Ford expected to sell 100,000 Mustangs in its first year back in  the spring of 1964

Instead, despite a late release in April, Ford topped that number with over 121,000 sold in the U.S.. With a full year on the market in 1965  sales reached nearly 560,000 and continued to soar with  over 607,500 old in the U.S.in 1966.

Even with the gas crunch of the 1970s and the addition of such competing Muscle Cars as the Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Challenger, and Pontiac Firebird, Mustang sales still hit 385,993 in 1i974

Recent numbers, perhaps reflecting buyers’ love affair with SUVs and the availability of performance versions of traditional sedans, are much more modest for the Mustang; Since hitting the 10 million mark in all-time US. sales in 2018, the U.S. annual sales high is 48,200 in 2019.

Sales were at the 44,000 mark for 2024, thrown off by supplier issues according to many sources, and got off slowly this year with a drop to under 10,000 for the first quarter. They rebounded in the second, however, to over 14,000  to bring the number to over 23,500 for the first half of 2025. 

One factor behind the Mustang’s continued success is the numerous configurations it comes in. The 2025 Ford Mustang is offered with 4- or 8-cylinder engines, a 6-speed manual or 10-speed automatic, transmission, and in coupe/fastback, or convertible form.  (We’re not including the Mach-E electric Mustang here, which is more SUV-like than Pony Car.)

Pricing runs the gamut from the low $30,000 for the 4-cylinder EcoBoost coupe to just under $50,000 for the base 8-cylinder GT, to $60,000 for the Dark Horse Fastback.

If a high price is not a porblem, the Ford Mustang GTD unveiled this year.offers super car performance (815 horsepower) with a price tag well over $325,000, according to reports.

The 2025 Ford Mustang Convertible that this review is based on carried a starting price of $43,045 before extras were added on that ran the total to $51,905

It came with the turbocharged 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine that not only delivered  peppy performance but also had the throaty, deep-bass engine exhaust tones the Mustang is famous for. Car & Drivcer clocked the turbocharged 4-cylinder EcoBoost at 4.5 seconds which was just a couple of 10ths off the time for the GT V8.

The EcoBoost has a big advantage in fuel economy, earningEPA ratings of 22 miles per gallon city, 33 highway, and 26 combined to the 16-24-19 for the for the 5.0-liter V8 in the GT.

The 2025 Ford Mustang Convertible could use a bit of in the way of cabin refinement but it is nicely equipped.  Front-seat occupants get nice room but you can’t say the same for anyone hoping to ride along in back. Legroom there is extremely tight even if those in front move their seats far forward.

Standard features on the 2025 Ford Mustang Convertible Premimum model include a 13.2-inch centerstack screen for operation of infotainment features that include navigation. FordPass Connect with 4G wi-fi gives you the ability to operate some functions like remote starting and stopping and remote locking and unlocking via your cell phone

You also get a leather-wrapped steering wheel with tilt-and-telescoping capability, 12.4-inch LCD instrument cluster, LED headlights and taillights as standard.

Bu the main thing the 2025 Ford Mustang Convertible offers is motoring fun. There is no price tag on that.

What I liked about the 2025 Ford Mustang Convertible: The EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine has surprising acceleration. The top is easily lowered and raised. Just unlock the overhead clamp and push a button. Infotainment features are user-friendly. There is even a knob to adjust radio volume. Fuel mileage is decent for what you get in performance. 

What I didn’t like about the 2025 Ford Mustang Convertible: The rear seat has little in  the way of legroom for adults. But it can serve for extra storage. The interior overall could use a little dressing up.

Would I buy the 2025 Ford Mustang Convertible: A strong yes vote here. If you budget can fit in the 8-cylinder GT model, that is the way to go, but you won’t be disappointed in the sound or performance of the Ecoboost engine.

HYUNDAI SONATA

N LINE TRIM GIVES SONATA MORE PUNCH 

BUT RUMORS ABOUND ITS END IS NEAR  

Though company officials have not confirmed it, the Hyundai Sonata may not see a ninth generation as it approaches the end of a three-plus decades run in the United States that began in 1989 or four years after it replaced the Hyundai Stellar.

The 2026 Hyundai Sonata already is in many showrooms, but such publications as Motor Trend, citing sources in South Korea, reported several years ago that production likely will cease after the 2028 model.

The rising popularity of SUVs and decline in sedan sales no doubt is one factor. Available data shows that in 2010 cars, including sedans, accounted for 38-40 percent of the automotive market compared to 29 -30 percent for truck-based SUVs and car-based crossovers.

By 2024,SUVs owned nearly 60 percent of U.S. sales while smaller s vehicles like sedans had fallen below 20 percent.

For the Sonata specifically, Hyundai reported that though overall company sales jumped 12 percent this August to a record 88,523 vehicles the Sonata fell 19 percent compared to August 2024. Sales for the third-quarter were off 21 percent for the same period from a year ago

There is a touch of irony here in that somewhat grim picture and that is that the argument could be made that the 2025 Hyundai Sonata is the best Sonata yet. US News & World Report ranked it behind only the Honda Accord in its analysis of reviews for midsize cars. (With an all-hybrid lineup, Toyota’s Camry led the way for HEVs in the rankings.).

The 2025 Hyundai Sonata has a sleek fastback profile and is roomy and comfortable inside with lots of easy to use tech features. It comes in five trims including the hybrid model with the SE serving as the base. The SE, SEL, and SEL Convenience trims come with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine rated at 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque.

The 2025 Hyundai Sonata N-Line, which this review is based on, ups those numbers to 290 horsepower and 311 lb.-ft with its 2.5-liter turbocharged-4-cylinder. (The Sonata Hybrid, reviewed here last March, is rated at a  combined a192 horsepower for its gas engine-electric motor combo.)

The engine in the 2025 Hyundai Sonata N-Line is mated to an 8-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. It scoots from zero-to-60 mph in 5.2 seconds according to zeroto60times.com, and drinks regular gas at the rate of 23 miles-per-gallon city, 32 highway, and 27 combined, which is only a couple of miles off that for the non-turbo models.

Sitting at the top of the portfolio, the 2025 Hyundai Sonata N-Line offers a lot in the way of standard features. Inside the roomy cabin are unique premium cloth seats with microfiber inserts, 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat with 2-way lumbar support, heated front seats, a 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation, Bose premium sound, Bluetooth compatibility, a wi-fi hotspot and wireless charging, voice recognition, leather-wrapped “N” steering wheel, steering-wheel paddle shifters, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and dual automatic climate control.

The 2025 Hyundai Sonata rides on standard 19-inch wheels and features Smart (adaptive) cruise control with automatic stop/start, auto hold (to prevent creeping), and Hyundai’s Blue-Link services. LED headlights, taillights, and daytime driving lights.

Safety systems include blind-spot warning, lane following and lane keepin
g assist. rear cross-traffic assist, and highway drive assist.

Starting MSRP is $36,400 including destination and delivery. My test 2025 Hyundai Sonata N Line came with only two extra charges — $1,000 for the silver matte extrrior paint and $210 for carpeted floor mats to run the final total to $37,610.

What I liked about the 2025 Hyundai N Line: The turbo-4 in the N Line trim gives the Sonata a little extra boost while still offering good fuel economy. The comfortable interior is roomy and packed with lots of standard features that eliminate the need for costly options. The infotainment system is very user-friendly and even features knobs to adjust audio sound and surf the radio dial. Switches on the center console change drive mode (Comfort, Sport, and Smart) and also activate Auto Hold to prevent creeping at stops.

What I didn’t like about the 2025 Hyundai Sonata N Line: No manual transmission is offered, and the N Line comes with front-wheel drive  only. No all-wheel drivei is available.

Would I buy the 2025 Hyundail Sonata N Line? Sure would. It’s the most expensive of the non-hybrids in the trim lineup but still is under the price of the similarly equipped Sonata Limited HEV.  

2025 LUCID AIR

LUCID SEDAN EASES FEARS OF RANGE ANXIETY AMONG ELECTRIC VEHICLES

If the fear of running out of juice with no charging outlet nearby — a concern commonly known as range anxiety — has been holding you back from considering an electric vehicle your next automotive purchase, a California-based automaker may have an answer cure for you.

Lucid Group offers both a sedan and SUV that provides between 400 and just over 500 miles between charges, depending on the trim.

But bring your wallet. Starting price for the least expensive sedan, the Lucid Air Pure trim, is just over $70,000, while the base SUV, the Gravity Touring trim, flirts with the $80,000 mark.

The top trim in the sedan line, the Lucid Air Sapphire, approaches Super Luxury territory with a starting price of $249,000. 

The Grand Touring trim also is in six figures ($112,400), but this review is based on my experience of a a week in the 2025 Lucid Air Touring model that starts at $78,900 (not including the $,1,500 delivery fee).

The Lucid Gravity SUV is new this year, but the Lucid Air sedan was introduced for the 2022 model year. The initial offering received mixed reviews, earning praise for its design and performance and criticism for software issues and build quality. Driving range, of course, also earned plaudits.

The company took those negatives head on and more recent models have  raised the bar for the luxury EV segment. The 2025 Lucid Air even earns the No. 1 spot in the analysis of 13 luxury EVs by US News & World Report over competitors like Tesla, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche.

My view, however, is a little less enthusiastic. 

Oh, I appreciate the roomy, premium interior and the exhilarating driving experience, and there are plenty of infotainment features to make techies happy.

But in an apparent desire to be for “futuristic” in its appeal, designers have confined operation of basically every function, tech or otherwise, to a 14-inch display touchscreen on the center console. Want to adjust the tilt-and-telescoping steering or side mirrors? Go to the touchscreen and make your way through a screenful of icons.

Yes, the longer you have the vehicle likely are to become familiar with all the proper places to touch, but there were times in my week with the car that sunlight reflection made seeing exactly where to tap difficult.

What usually would be called “normal or comfort, sport, or eco, or sport-plus” when it comes to driving modes in most vehicles the Lucid Air is marked “smooth (optional range), swift (balancing power and efficiency), and sprint (maximum power).”

Fortunately, those buttons are plainly marked on the main screen but early on in the week I had to call for help to find out how to turn the radio on. (The proper button was behind a link to my cell phone.)

Getting back to what to like about the vehicle, the Lucid Air is a kick to drive, The dual electric motors on the Touring trim produce 620 horsepower and 885 pound-feet of torque that result in a zero-to-60 mph sprint of 3.4 seconds.

All-wheel drive is standard and estimated driving range with standard 19-inch wheel is 406 miles. You can adjust regenerative braking from coasting to max for one-pedal driving.

The touring trim of the 2025 Lucid Air comes with standard features like a power open/close trunk in the rear and a spacious frunk in front,  LED lights, 12-way power heated front seats with massage functions, Bluetooth technology, wireless phone charging, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Standard safety features include adaptive cruise control, a -view camera, blind spot warning, lane-departure protection, park distance warning, automatic emergency braking, distracted driving alert, and front and rear cross-traffic assist.

In addition to the $80,400 starting MSRP, my test 2025 Lucid Air Touring model also included extras like Lucid’s DreamDrive Pro (hands-free driving), a 21-speaker Surreal Sound audio system, a glass canopy roof, 20-inch wheels and other items that ran the final bottom line to $102,600.

What I liked about the 2025 Lucid Air Sedan: Acceleration is brisk and smooth. The interior is spacious and comfortable. Excellent range alleviates fears of running out of juice, though EPA estimates may be as generous as some major league umpires’ strike zones. The spacious cargo capacity is divided between the frunk (10.0 cubic feet) and rear trunk (22.1).

What I didn’t like about the 2025 Lucid Air Sedan: Having pretty much every function operating off the big touchscreen sounds practical but there is a fairly steep learning curve and with so many operations it can be distractive to try to use it while driving. I would prefer pushing a button to start or turn off the vehicle (the car is ready to go when the driver settles in behind the wheel). Even smaller riders may bump their head getting in or out because of the low roof line. Rain-sensing windshield wipers operated sporadically on our test vehicle.

Would I buy the 2025 Lucid Air Sedan? No way. Designers simply have taken their desire to incorporate so many functions in the touchscreen too far. It detracts from what is a well designed, high-performing luxury sedan.  

2026 GMC TERRAIN

GMC BRINGS BACK DENALI TRIM 

FOR THIRD-GENERATION TERRAIN SUV

After offering only one trim level for 2025, GMC reunited both the upgraded AT4 and Denali models with the base Elevation to the 2026 Terrain lineup.

Both add new content that take aim at specific buyer pools. The AT4 is targeted at those seeking a bit more in off-roading capability from their vehicle while the Denali leans toward those seeking more in the way of creature comforts in a more premium environment.

Neither trim level was offered on the 2025 GMC Terrrain, which perhaps accounts for its dip in sales for the first two quarters of this year despite a redesign that moved it into its third generation.

This review is based on the Denali trim of the 2026 GMC Terrain.

Like the Chevrolet Equinox it shares a platform and other features with, the 2026 GMC Terrain Denali comes with a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine in all trims and is rated at 175 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque.

It’s not a dragster, but is satisfactory for real-life driving around town and on expressways.

That engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission in the Denali. All-wheel drive also is standard on the Denali, but requires activating via a small button to the left of the steering wheel. Fuel-mileage numbers are a so-so 24 miles-per-gallon city, 26 highway, and 25 combined which the government estimates will cost you an extra $1,500 in fuel costs over a 5-year period.

Classed as a compact SUV, the 2026 GMC Terrain seats only five in two rows but seems larger. Cargo space also is generous with nearly30 cubic feet behind the second-row. Fold the back row and the area expands to just just 64 cubic feet.

As expected with the top trim, the 2026 GMC Terrain Denali comes with a long list of creature comforts. They include dual-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front bucket seats featuring perforated leather surfaces, an 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat, heated outboard second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel.

Most standard tech functions operate off a 15-inch tablet touchscreen that dominates the dash, but a row of buttons at  the bottom of that screen offer a simpler way of manual operation for climate control like the blower and defrost functions. 

Wireless charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also are included as is keyless entry and push-button start. A power liftgate, rain sensitive windshield wipers, and LED head and taillights are standard.

Among standard safety features are enhanced emergency braking, front pedestrian and cyclist braking, rear pedestrian alert, enhanced lane-keepog assist and lane-departure warning, blind-spot alert, adaptive cruise control, and HD surround view monitor. 

All that is covered in a starting MSRP of $42,495 (including the $1,395 destination charge). My test 2026 GMC Terrain Denali features options like a panoramic sunroof, special aluminum wheels, a distinctive roof, and a floor liner package that ran the final total to $45,310.

The base Elevation starts at $30.395 for front-wheel drive models and $33,295 for those with all-wheel drive. Starting MSRP for the new AT4 trim starts at $39,995.

What I liked about the 2026 GMC Terrain Denali: The exterior has a classy look. The interior has a premium feel about it with lots of tech features. Cargo space is competitive with other compact SUVs.

What I didn’t like about the 2026 GMC Terrain Denali:  The large touchscreen can be overwhelming in dominating the front dash, but at least the learning curve isn’t steep. Fuel economy ranks in the lower environs of the segment. There also was a significant clunk as it traversed speed bumps in my neighborhood, even at a low speed.

Would I buy the 2026 GMC Terrain Denali? No. The compact SUV field is very competitive and though the Terrain has a lot going for it, it’s not enough to stand out among the segment leaders. Going for the Equinox will save you up front.

2025 HYUNDAI ELANTRA HYBRID

HYUNDAI ADDS NEW TRIM TO ELANTRA, PACKS LIMITED WITH TECH FEATURES 

After getting new front and rear ends and adding new safety and technological features in a mid-cycle refreshing for 2024, the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid is largely unchanged for 2025.

The exception to that would be the addition of a new SELSport trim and what was the SEL now becoming the SEL Convenience model. This review, however, is based on the top-of-the-portfolio Limited trim for the 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid.

A 1.6-liter inline 4-cylinder engine working with an electric motor gives the 2025 Hyundai Elantra hybrid a torque level of 195 pound-feet which matches what the Elantra N Line gets from its 1.6-liter turbo-4.

Both the hybrid and the N Line are much torquier than the standard Elantra and its 2.0L engine (132 pound-feet). Neither matches the top-performing Elantra N and the power (289 lb.-ft.) it gets from its turbo-4.

But the Hybrid has the bonus of delivering fuel consumption at the rate of 50 miles-per-gallon. That dwarfs the much thirstier performance models that rank in the 20-mpg range and also take premium fuel.

Another bonus with the 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid: Hyundai has bucked the trend of outfitting hybrid drivetrains with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Limited gets a 6-speed dual clutch automatic transmission with manual gear selection via steering wheel mounted paddles. It comes with Normal (or), Sport, and Smart drive modes.

The South Korean automaker didn’t skimp when it comes to standard features on the 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Limited. 

Tech functions work off a 10.25-inch touchscreen that is just the right size. It doesn’t overwhelm the front with an oversize monitor but is big enough that systems like the navigation map and radio can be seen at a quick glance.

Audio sound is adjusted by a convenient knob, and knobs also work to adjust climate control temperatures. Clearly marked buttons raise or lower A/C blower speed.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included among tech services along with Hyundai Blue Link. Bose Premium audio. and wireless charging. 

The 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Limited rides on 17-inc h alloy wheels and features LED headlights and taillights.A power sunroof also is included.

Standard safety features include blind-spot collision warning, forward collision prevention assist, highway drive assist, lane- keeping and lane-following assist, and Smart (adaptable) cruise control with Stop-and-go technology.

The 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Limited carries a starting MSRP of $30,600 including the destination fee of $1,150. My test

2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Limited came with only one extra. Carpeted floor mats added $250 for a final bottom line of 430,810.

Other Elantra trims run from $22,125 for the base Elantra SE to around $33,000 for the Elantra N.

What I liked about the 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Limited: Exterior styling is very appealing; The interior features a long list of user-friendly tech functions. Among them is an alert that lets you know when an intersection with a red light camera is coming up. The Auto Hold function (engaged via a push of a button) prevents creeping at intersections. A 6-speed automatic transmission replaces the CVT found in non-hybrid lower-trim Elantras.

What I didn’t like about the 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Limited: No manual transmission is offered on the Elantra Hybird. There is a dial for adjusting audio sound level but not for surfing the radio dial.

Would I buy the 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Limited? Definitely. The Elantra now offers an N version for those looking for performance and the fuel-sipping hybrid is a solid option for those looking for economy. 

2025 JEEP WRANGLER 4xe

WHAT DO EASTER EGGS AND JEEP HAVE

IN COMMON? YOU MIGHT BE SURPRISED

Jeep has come up with a unique way to tout its off-road prowess and, perhaps more importantly, pay homage to its its military heritage by marking each of their vehicles with special graphics.

But you have to hunt for them. They appear in various locations on models throughout the Jeep portfolio and include silhouettes of a World War II era Willys— the model that started it all — or more playful designs such as a T-Rex chasing a Willys Jeep or a lizard or flip-flops.

They’re called “Easter eggs” because they often are hidden or at least hard to spot much the same way colorful eggs are put out for children to find on Easter morning. Jeep started the tradition with the 2011 Grand Cherokee

Like the experiences I often had at public egg hunts growing up, Jeep’s “Easter Eggs” also can be overlooked even in plain sight, much like the ones that marked the 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe that showed up recently in my driveway.

.

All were small silhouettes (no more than an inch or so) of the WW2 U.S. Army Willys. Thanks to the keen eyesight of friends, I found the first in the right corner of the windshield. Others were on center caps in the 17-inch wheel rims. 

Frankly, there could have been more, though none turned up in further searching.

The Jeep Wrangler 4xe was the first electrified model in the Jeep lineup, landing in showrooms as a 2021 model. It features a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine paired with an electric motor to produce a combined 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque.

Working together, they earn a rating from the government of 49 miles-per-gallon combined city and highway. Working alone, the electric motor has a range of only 21 miles and the EPA figures drop to 20 miles-per-gallon when using the turbo only, though the computer readout showed closer to 16 mpg for my test vehicle.

An 8-speed gearbox serves for normal operations through civilized environs and a 2-speed transfer case can be engaged for off-roading ventures.

The Jeep Wrangler 4xe is offered in five trims. This review is based on the 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe in Willys trim and includes a special ’41 package that celebrates the original Willys MB. The package includes a special olive green exterior color, Army inspired decals, a special tan interior, and front and rear steel bumpers.

The Sport S trim serves as the base model followed by the Willys, Sahara, High Altitude, and Rubicon.

Standard exterior features on the Willys trim include LED headlamps and fog lights, mud terrain off-road tires, a Sunrider soft top, and 2 front and 1 rear tow hook.

Inside, you’ll find a center console with front and rear cupholders, LED lighting throughout, keyless entry with push-button start, premium cloth seats, manually adjusted front seats with 2-way lumbar support for the driver, and a tilt-and-telescoping steering column.

Features like dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, blind-spot monitoring, and rear parking assist, came in packages on my test 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler Willys 4e starts at $59,930 but the extras, including the ’41 features, ran the total on my test vehicle to $73,095 including the $1,895 destination and delivery fee.

The base Sport S trim for 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe starts at $
50,695. The top-of-the-line Rubicon trim starts at $70,345.

What I liked about the 2025 Jeep Wrangler Willys ’41 4xe: Though I could not take advantage of it, the Wrangler has virtually unlimited off-road capability. Tech features are easy enough to operate. It has good pickup and gets away from intersections in impressive fashion. Only Rubicon trims are quicker.

What I didn’t like about the 2025 Jeep Wrangler Willys ’41 4xe: The cabin is noisy on the highway and the ride can get bumpy on city streets. It’s a bit thirsty when you get out of the 21 mile electric driving range. MSRP also is the highest among the Wrangler family.

Would I buy the 2025 Jeep Wrangler Willys ’41 4xe? You have to be a serious off-roader to take advantage of all the Wrangler has to offer, but even if you don’t, it’s kind of a fun vehicle to drive. It’s certainly easy to spot in mall parking lots for sure. I’m not sure the plugin version is worth the extra cost though expecially when you’re not getting anything from the electric motor.