2024 HYUNDAI SANTA CRUZ

LITTLE CHANCE FOR BUYER’S REMORSE

WITH NEW XRT TRIM OF SANTA CRUZ

As I wrote about 11 months ago in my first experience with the vehicle, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a good option for those hungering for a pickup truck but don’t want to deal with the size (and budget) that comes with a full-size model. 

A recent revisit simply confirms that notion. Like it the first time, you’ll like it the second. And third. And so-on.

Based on Hyundai’s popular Tucson, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz drives like a compact SUV while offering the hauling capacity of a compact truck.

As noted in my review of the Hyundai Santa Cruz last November, the South Korean automaker added the XRT model as a new trim in the 2024 Santa Cruz portfolio. It gives the Santa Cruz a little more in the way of off-roading capability with all-wheel drive as standard.

Hyundai actually dubs the 2024 Santa Cruz XRT as a “Sports Activity Vehicle” to separate it from the more common “Sports Utility Vehicle” nomenclature. 

In addition to standard AWD, engineers tweaked the front fascia to increase the vehicle’s approach angle and finished off by adding all-terrain tires, 18-inch wrench-inspired alloy wheels, and front tow hooks.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT has a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine under the hood that is rated at 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque so it has plenty of oomph when it comes to driving experience. That engine is mated to an 8-speed wet dual clutch automatic transmission with manual gear selection available via steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Fuel mileage is rated at 19 miles-per-gallon city, 27 highway, and 22 combined using regular octane fuel, giving the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT a total driving range of 389 miles, according to government figuring.

Designers didn’t forget about the interior. A new large touchscreen serves as the command center for infotainment features that include navigation and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Other standard features include keyless entry and push-button start, Smart (adaptive) cruise control, dual automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, heated front seats, wireless phone charger, LED headlights and tail lamps, power sunroof, LED bed lighting and Bluetooth connectivity.

Pricing falls at the high end of the Santa Cruz lineup with the Base front-wheel-drive SE trim starting at $29,895 including the destination and delivery fee, and the XRT coming in at a starting MSRP of $41,185.

That is just a shade under the $43,805 starting MSRP for the top-of-the-line AWD Santa Cruz Limited but covers so many standard features that options are not necessary.

What I liked about the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT: The size is perfect for those wanting to get out of an SUV yet have a vehicle with some hauling capacity. Its compact size makes it easy to handle, especially in an urban environment with cramped parking lots and narrow streets. Technology is plentiful. The bed cover easily slides forward when the latch is released and a convenient strap is handy to pull it back in place. The turbo engine on the XRT and Limited trims is worth stretching your budget for, not just for performance but for a higher towing capacity (5,000 pounds).

What I didn’t like about the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT: Overall, tech features are user friendly but I don’t understand why they eliminates convenient knob to control audio volume, dial surfing, and manual A/C adjusting. Finding the button to adjust the radio volume can detract from the driver’s attention. Voice guidance for navigation referred to little-used street names for Miami, where a street can have up to three or more names. Stick to common street numbers, Hyundai! Side steps for getting in and out  really aren’t necessary and actually get in the way especially when you are exiting.

Would I buy the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT? Yes. Unless you are doing big hauling jobs, the Santa Cruz has the capability most people are going to need when it comes to runs to Home Depot and Lowe’s.

2025 SUBARU FORESTER

 

REDESIGNED FORESTER MOVES INTO SIXTH GENERATION WITH LAUNCH OF 2025 MODEL

Birthed in the mid-1990s, the Subaru Forester advances to its sixth generation with the launching of the 2025 model.

Not the sexiest offering in the Japanese automaker’s lineup, the 2025 Subaru Forester gets the latest version of the company’s EyeSight Driver Assist system that includes such feaTures as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and emergency braking as well as a restyled cabin and exterior.

All trims come with a revised 2.5-liter, flat-4 (or Boxer) engine that puts out a mild 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, much the same as the previous underpowered Forester.

Mated to a continuously variable transmission, it makes up for a lackluster zero-to-60 mph time that approaches nine seconds with efficient fuel-mileage numbers of 26 miles-per-gallon city 33 highway, and 29 combined using regular gasoline.

The 2025 Subaru Forester currently is available in five trim levels Base, Premium, Sport, Limited and Touring.

Pricing starts at $31,090 including the destination and delivery charge and runs through $41,390 for the top-of-the-line Touring Model. This review is based on the Limited version which starts at $38,990, including an option package that adds safety and tech features in Subaru’s StarLink package, Harman Kardon Audio, and reverse automatic braking.

The 2024 Subaru Forester Limited is nice and roomy inside with comfortable seating for five that provides 43.3 inches of legroom in the front and just under 40 in the second row while still leaving 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space in the far back.

Other standard features include dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and push-button starter, automatic stop/start (accessible via a button on the touchscreen), a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, perforated leather-trimmed upholstery, power panoramic moonroof, one-touch folding rear second-row seat backs, a power hands-free rear liftgate, and StarLink’s connected services (subscription required).

Safety systems in addition to features in the EyeSight package include blind-spot warning, automatic emergency steering (works in conjunction with the EyeSight technology), automatic high-beam assist, and navigation.

Base MSRP is $35,995 before the charges for the options and delivery are added on.

What I liked about the 2025 Subaru Forester Limited: The cabin is roomy and comfortable. Tech features are plentiful and easy to get to. Pushing a button on the large touchscreen display activates an auto hold system that prevents “creeping” at intersections or stops in traffic (though you have to activate it every time you fire up the engine). Fuel mileage is competitive in the segment even with standard AWD. Cargo space is good.

What I didn’t like about the 2025 Subaru Forester Limited: A little more oomph from the 4-cylinder Boxer engine would be appreciated. Matched with a CVT, performance is on the bland side. It would be nice if the image for the backup camera were larger.The touchscreen can present a cluttered appearance depending on the mode selected.

Would I buy the 2025 Subaru Forester Limited? The Forester is not the most exciting vehicle in the segment, but still is a good option if you are in the market for a functional SUV. Its Subaru colleagues Outback and Crosstrek offer more in the way of eye appeal.

2024 BMW i5

 

BMW ADDS ELECTRIC DRIVETRAIN AS 5-SERIES MOVES INTO ITS EIGHTH GENERATION

With this year’s redesigned moving BMW’s 5-Series into its eighth generation, the German automaker also has taken the opportunity to include an all-electric version of its long-standing sedan.

The 2024 i5 is very much a copy of the gas-powered 4- and 6-cylinder 5-Series models with the most significant difference, of course, being the drivetrain and a slightly smaller truck that accommodates the battery for the electric motor. The front fascia even features the a non-functioning version of the iconic BMW kidney-shaped grille.

It is offered in two trim levels. The 2024 BMW i5 eDrive40, which this review is based on, offers less power than the M60 xDrive but provides greater range.

The eDrive40 is rated at 335 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque to the M60’s 593/586, respectively. The extra power cuts the zero-to-60 mph time down from 5.7 seconds for the eDrive40 to 3.7 for the M60, according to company clockers.

The difference in driving range makes up for that, however. The 2024 BMW i5 eDrive40 offers up to 295 miles between charges to 256 for the 2024 BMW i5 M60 xDrive.

Trust me. You’re not going to be disappointed in the way the 2024 BMW i5 eDrive40 gets you moving away from an intersection and through traffic. An option M Sport Package also adds a steering wheel-mounted paddle that when activated provides a brief boost in power for maximum acceleration.

Considering that the 2024 BMW i5 xDrive40 carries a starting MSRP of $67,795 (including destination and deliver fee) and the M60 xDrive starts at $85,095, you might think about much you really want to pay nearly $18,000 more and give up the extra range in exchange for an extra 2 seconds in zero-to-60 time.

As is usual (Expected? Demanded?) for a luxury class vehicle, the 2024 BMW i5 xDrive40 comes with a long list of niceties covered by the starting MSRP.

These include such features as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay,  wireless device charging,  a Harman Kardon Premium sound system, an 11.4-inch display with navigation (operated by touch, voice, or iDrive control on the center console), power glass moonroof, rain-sending windshield wipers, keyless entry with push-button start, power front Sport seats, adaptive cruise control, and a power trunk opener.

Safety systems include frontal collision warning, blind sport, and lane departure warning, parking assistant, acoustic pedestrian protection (with an EV you can sneak up on people), and BMW’s Active Driving Assistant suite of features.

My test 2024 BMW i5 eDrive40 came with several optional packages and stand-alone features. The big ones were $3,000 for the M Sport Package (21-inch wheels, M sport suspension, M steering, and special cosmetic touches to the interior), $2,850 for a Premium Package (heated steerging wheel, interior camera, Parking Assistant Plus), and $1,350 for the Luxury Seating Package (heated seats front and rear).

Stand-along options included the blue metallic exterior paint and a Bowers and Wilkins Surround Sound system that ran the final ltotal to $78,995.

What I liked about the 2024 BMW i5 eDrive40: The cabin is luxurious, roomy, and comfortable. Torque is instant and plentiful. Basic infotainment features like the radio and A/C are easy to get to.  Cargo space (17.5 cubic feet) is good and close to that for the gas-powered 5-Series (18.4). An auto/hold system that prevents creeping at intersections is activated by pushing a button on the console.

What I didn’t like about the 2024 BMW 4 i5 eDrdive40: Ther is no AM radio band. German engineers, despite their reputation for brilliance, still haven’t figured out a way to keep the electric powertrain from interfering with the AM band, which often is a source for news alerts and sports broadcasts, so they just eliminate it. Some tech features are fussy to get to. Maximum driving range (270 to 295 miles depending on tire size) is less than other models in its class, including the BMW i4 (318 miles).

Would I buy the 2024 BMW i5 eDrive40? Probably not. You need to splurge to install a higher level power outlet at home. The wait times at public charging outlets can be agonizingly frustrating. Infrastructure to support this automotive electric revolution is severely lacking.

2024 RANGE ROVER EVOQUE

 

EVOQUE HAS THE TRADITIONAL LAND ROVER DNA BUT MORE AT HOME IN URBAN CLIMES

The 2024 Range Rover Evoque is the “little brother” in the Land Rover fleet and shares its siblings’ off-roading capabilities, but its smaller size, numerous features, and sporty styling make it more appropriate for urban environments.

Perhaps a clue to what makes the Evoque a bit different is that at one point in the Evoque’s early years former singer-turned-fashion-designer Victoria Beckham (Posh Spice) — working with renowned Land Rover designer Gerry McGovern — was commissioned to lend her touch to a Special Edition Range Rover Evoque.

Not that the Evoque is all about style over substance. Not at all since the 2024 Range Rover Evoque still comes with all-wheel drive and the company’s All-Terrain Response 2T and All-Terrain Progress Control systems for off-pavement ventures that fall short of the Rubicon Trail.

It’s just that its appeal is likely to find favor with those whose most challenging off-roading experience may be when their wheels touch a gravel driveway.

The 2024 Range Rover Evoque remains part of the vehicle’s second generation introduced in 2020, but a significant refreshing cut the number of trims down to two from the five that filled out the Evoque’s 2023 lineup.

The S is the base trim with Dynamic SE, which this review is based on, serving as an alternate. A 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that pumps out 246 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque powers both trims and is linked to a 9-speed automatic transmission.

Fuel efficiency is listed as 20 miles-per-gallon city, 27 highway, and 22 combined using premium fuel.

The two trims are very similarly equipped and option packages such as Technology, Comfort, Dynamic Handling, and Cold Climate packs are available on both trims.

Standard features include LED headlights, a panoramic glass roof, heated front seats and steering wheel, a new 11.4-inch touchscreen, 12-speaker audio system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and keyless entry with push-button start.

Safety systems include Lane-keeping and Blind Spot Assist and a nifty surround-view camera system that injects a picture of your entire vehicle onto the screen.

In addition to cutting down on the trim levels, the refreshing for the 2024 Range Rover Evoque includes a redesigned center console. Leather upholstery is standard, but you may find the rear legroom room (33.8 inches) is on the tight side.

Considering that the main difference between the two models are cosmetic options on the Dynamic S trim that give it a somewhat sportier appearance, the base S trim may offer the best deal. Its starting MSRP is $51,075 (including destination and delivery charge).

My test 2024 Range Rover Evoque started at $56,075 and optionall extras like Dynamic Handling, Cold, and Tech packages plus the special blue shade exterior and 20-inch wheels (replacing the standard 19s) ran the final total to $62,930.

What I liked about the 2024 Range Rover Evoque Dynamic SE: This may be the smoothest riding SUV I have ever been in. With its quiet cabin, it kind of glides along. Engine response is good. Getting in and out of the a Evoque is a snap. The simplistic interior design exudes class.

What I didn’t like about the 2024 Range Rover Evoque Dynamic SE: I thought only the Germans could complicate operating of infotainment systems but the Brits have matched them. Land Rover claims two touches are all that is needed to operate the features, but many basic functions are hidden behind a myriad of touchscreen interfaces, and it’s good luck figuring out where they might be. Overall, it can be very distracting to make adjustments. There are no knobs to help even to adjust A/C blower speed or audio volume.

Would I buy the 2024 Range RoRaver Evoque Dynamic SE? Yes. It’s. a big pricier than its competitors but still worth a look. There’s just a certain feel behind the
wheel of a Land Rover model that is special, like you are driving a piece of history.

2024 BUICK ENVISTA

 

ENVISTA PACKS PUNCH WITH AFFORDABLE PRICE AND PREMIUM QUALITY FEATURES  

Debuting in the U.S. last year, the 2024 Buick Invista serves as an entry level option for the company’s family of crossover SUV that all share the letter “e” in their model names (Envision, Encore GX, Enclave).

Actually introduced a year earlier in China, the 2024 Buick Envista is designed to attract mostly younger or first-time buyers into the Buick fold with the combination of an affordable starting price and upgraded premium-like features.

Its sleek coupe-like profile gives the 2024 Buick Envista a sporty appearance, and the interior is filled with the kind of tech features the modern-day buyer has come to expect in its automotive choices.

The 2024 Buick Envista is offered in three trim levels starting with the base Preferred and continuing with the Sport Touring up to the top of the line Avenir. The 2024 Buick Envista Avenir (reviewed here last December) flirts with the $30,000 mark but the other two comes in well under that with the base Preferred coming in at under $25,000 even including the freight charge.

The 2024 Buick Envista Sport Touring that serves as the basis for this review has a starting MSRP of $25,195 with the $1,095 freight charge included.

That price covers convenience features like Bluetooth and audio systems that operate off an 11-inch touchscreen, single-zone automatic climate control, wireless phone hookup, and keyless start.

Other standard interior features on the 2024 Buick Invista Sport Touring include express power down (but not up) windows, an air filtration system, and a wrapped, flat-bottom steering wheel.

Standard exterior items include LED headlamps and taillights, LED daytime running lights, and heated outside mirrors.

Standard safety systems include forward collision alert, lane-keeping assist with lane-departure warning, front pedestrian braking, and automatic emergency braking.

My test 2024 Buick Envista Sport Touring included several extras that still kept the final bottom line under $30,000 while enhancing the overall experience. 

Fuel mileage is outstanding but power from the 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine is only an unimpressive 137 ponies and torque at 162 pound-feet. This is about fuel mileage (28 mpg city, 32 highway, 30 combined), not drag racing.

These included a Convenience Package (heated steering wheel, heated front seats, 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat with 2-way power adjustable lumbar support), and remote start), an Experience Buick package (power moonroof with manual sunshade and 19-inch black painted aluminum wheels), an Advanced Safety package (adaptive cruise control, blind-spot alert, and rear cross traffic alert), and a Convenience II package (power rear liftgate, wireless charging, and intermittent front wipers) to run the final bottom line to $27,975 including the $1,095 destination charge.

What I liked about the 2024 Buick Invista Sport Touring: It’s a good size especially for those who desire a little more storage area than the typical sedan offers but doesn’t like the inconvenience of maneuvering  bigger SUVs through crowded parking lots. Interior space is good with nearly 39 inches of legroom in the second row.   Overall styling exceeds its price point. Tech features are generally user-friendly. Pricing is very affordable.

What I didn’t like about the 2024 Buick Invista Sport Touring: If you want all-wheel drive, you’re out of luck. It isn’t offered. The rear window also lacks a wiper, a common feature on SUVs. There is a knob to adjust radio sound levels but not to surf the dial.

Would I buy the 2024 Buick Invista Sport Touring? There’s some pretty stiff competition in the subcompact segment but few of them are domestic offerings, if that is a factor in your car shopping.

2024 KIA EV9

ELECTRIC MODELS SPURRING SALES 
FOR SOUTH KOREAN AUTOMAKER KIA

Kia has set a goal of filling its electric vehicle portfolio with 11 new models by 2026, and early indications are the move toward Benjamin Franklin’s discovery of “electrical fire” is paying off.

The South Korean automaker credited its new electrified vehicles as spurring record-setting sales for the company in August. EVs, or more precise BEVs, showed an increase of 27 percent over the same period as last year.

Throw in a jump of 43 percent for its plug-in (PHEV) models and the result is a gain of 9 percent in overall sales for Kia’s SUVs, which  accounted for 75 percent of the 75,217 Kias sold in the month. Electrified models alone accounted for 18 percent of Kia’s total sales.

The addition of the 2024 Kia EV9 to the company’s fleet has enhanced those sales numbers. The three-row all-electric SUV wasn’t available until late fall of 2023 but has topped 1,000 units in sales every month since last November.

Sales of the Kia EV9 topped the 2,000 mark for the first time last May and then in August it set its all-time high (so far) with 2,388 EV9s sold.

My first exposure to the EV9 came last February, and I recently had a second stint in the 2024 Kia EV9. My initial experience was in the 2024 Kia EV9 GT-Line, which sits at the top of the lineup.

My most recent ride was in the Land version of the 2024 Kia EV9, which is slightly less expensive than the GT-Line while still providing a long list of standard features.

The Land sits between the GT-Line and the Wind model in the lineup. The Light and Light Long Range trims serve as the entry level versions and are rear-wheel drive.

The Light offers the stingiest range of 230 miles unless you opt for the Long Range version, which Kia says is good for 304 miles. Horsepower in the 2024 Kia EV9 Light is only 215 ponies but drops to 201 in the Light Long Range.

The top three Kia EV9 models feature dual electric motors rated at 379 horsepower and up torque to 443 pound-feet (Wind and Land) and 516 lb.-ft. (GT-Line). All-wheel drive is standard among each of the upper three trims and are capable of zero-to-60 mph times of 5.7 (Wind and Land) and 5.0 seconds (GT-Line).

When it comes to standard features, the 2024 Kia EV9 Wind and Land models are very similar with the main differences being the Wind gets bench seats for the second row while the Land gets Captain’s chairs that reduce seating from seven to six riders.

Other significant features found on the 2024 Kia EV9 Land trim and not the Wind include 20-inch wheels (optional on the Wind), auto dimming outside mirrors, power tilt-and-telescoping steering column, drawer-type second-row center console, rear-window curtains, ambient (mood) interior lighting, 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat with 4-way lumbar and 2-way power leg support, heated and ventilated second-row seats, premium 14-speaker sound system, a surround-view monitor that provides a spectacular image of your vehicle and its surroundings, and 2-position memory function for driver’s seat, steering wheel, and exterior mirrors. (For a closer look at the 2024 Kia EV9 GT-Line check my February review.)

You can get into the Kia EV9 family for under $60,,000 (EV9 Light ($56,395) and EV9 Light Long $56,395) but the price jump for the upper trims is significant. Starting MSRP for the 2024 Kia EV9 Wind is $65,495 and for the GT-Line it’s $75,395. (All prices include destination and delivery charges) 

My test 2024 Kia EV9 Land started at $71,395 but extras like a towing package ($1,500) and the silver matte exterior paint ($905) ran the final total to $74,230 including freight charges.

What I liked about the 2024 Kia EV9 AWD: The spacious cabin seats six comfortably and the third row doesn’t infringe that much on cargo space (20. cubic feet). My backseat riders raved about the second-row legroom. Charging times are relatively quick, and the 280-mile range for  is a plus. Tech features are plentiful and generally user-friendly except for the lack of knobs to tune the radio and a slow response to some touches.

What I didn’t like about the 2024 Kia EV9 AWD: The placement of the gear shift lever (which includes the starter button) is just weird. If the steering wheel is cranked in a certain direction, fat as it is the lever is actually hidden.The Land trim is slightly less than the top-of-the-line GT Line I reviewed in late February but still is one of the more expensive electric SUVs on the market.

Would buy the 2024 Kia EV9 AWD? No. I’m still waiting for the charging infrastructure to catch up to electric vehicles. Most of the just over an hour wait I had at the charging outlets was spent waiting for one to come free with three vehicles ahead of me and one outlet not working.