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.

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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.

2025 CHEVROLET EQUINOX

EQUINOX RATES AMONG BEST SELLERS

IN COMPETITIVE COMPACT SUV SEGMENT

Introduced in 2004 as a 2005 model, the Chevrolet Equinox has enjoyed a pretty good run for the “bow tie” people despite facing some stiff competition in the compact SUV segment.

Though the gap was wide between top sellers Toyota RAV 4 and Honda CR-V and the rest of the field, the Equinox was comfortably among the top 3 in the segment in U.S. sales for 2024 and holds the same spot halfway through this year.

According to figures from goodcarbadcar.net, the Equinox is Chevrolet’s No. 2 selling vehicle so far this year behind only the Silverado pickup.

No doubt at least partly responsible for that surge was the makeover The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox got to move into its fourth generation. The four trim levels in the previous generation have been cut to three with LS and RS returning and a new ACTIV trim that caters to mild off-roading capability added. The Premier and LT trims have been dropped. 

This review is based on the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox RS.

All trims get the same drivetrain and are available with front-wheel or all-wheel drive. A 1.5 turbocharged 4-engine produces 175 horsepower and torque of 184 pound-feet with FWD and 203 with AWD.

FWD models get a continuously variable transmission and AWD models such as my test vehicle get an 8-speed automatic. The difference in torque and the 8-speed transmission over the CVT helped give my test 2025 Chevrolet Equinox RS a slight boost in performance.

Fuel mileage figures are not outstanding but OK. FWD models are rated at 26 miles-per-gallon city, 28 highway, and 27 combined with AWD trims delivering 24/29/26 both using regular octane gasoline.

Inside the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox RS gets a new, larger 11.3-inch touchscreen that includes navigation, built-in Google, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wi-fi hot spot for connecting to the internet.

Dual-zone climate control, a hands-free liftgate, rain-sensing windshield wipers, roof rails and LED headlights and taillights also are standard.

Key safety features include enhanced automatic braking, front pedestrian and cyclist emergency braking, lane-assist with lane-departure warning, blind-spot warning, blind-zone steering assist, forward collision alert, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Starting MSRP for the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox AWD RS is $36,395 including the destination and delivery fee. My test model added the Safety and Technology Package (HD Surround Vision, rear pedestrian alert, rear camera mirror), Convenience Package II (8-way power front seat, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats), and a couple of stand-along options (red tintcoat, universal home remote) ran the final bottom line to $40,370 including destination and delivery.

The ACTIV trim is similarly priced. The base LT starts at just over $31,000.

What I liked about the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox RS AWD: The cabin is quiet and comfortable. Considered a compact SUV, it is still very roomy. Infotainment features are user-friendly but with a quick learning curve. Switching from all-wheel to 2-wheel drive is as simple as pushing a button. Auto hold and stop/start functions also are activated by pushing clearly marked buttons, though you have to reactivate the Auto Hold function after restarts. The HD surround view camera in the optional Safety and Technology package makes the $1,085 cost worth it. The exterior is sharp with its contrasting roofline and profile.

What I didn’t like about the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox RS AWD: The interior has a lot of hard surfaces. There’s an all-electric version of the Equinox, but a hybrid drivetrain would be nice to make the gas version more appealing.

Would I buy the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox RX AWD? Competitors, mostly from Japanese automakers, have a big advantage in interior refinement and are competitive in price as well so I would start my shopping with them.

2026 HYUNDAI IONIQ 9

HYUNDAI FILLS OUT ITS ELECTRIC SUV PORTFOLIO WITH INTRODUCTION OF IONIQ 9

For fans of Hyundai’s all-electric Ioniq 5 but want (or need) a bigger SUV than a compact, the wait is over. The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 electric SUV is now in showrooms.

It provides seating for up to seven passengers in three of its five trims and a range of over 300 miles between charges across the board.

It has a wealth of standard features and delivers a quiet ride in comfortable conditions. There is good room for rear storage (21.9 cubic feet) even with the third-row seats in place and a bit of more space (3.1 cubic feet) for smaller items up front in the “frunk.”

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 comes with either single-motor configuration with rear-wheel drive that goes for 335 miles between charges in the base S model or two different all-wheel-drive trims with dual motors that earn a range of over 300 miles.

The single-motor RWD S model is rated at 215 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. SE and SEL trims add another motor up front and up figures to 303 hp and 446 lb.-ft.

Topping the power chart are Performance Limited and Performance Calligraphy trims with 442 horsepower and 516 lb.-ft. of torque. Performance AWD drive models are capable of sub 5-second zero-to-60 mph times.

Four drive modes (Normal, Eco, Sport, and Individual) are available and steering wheel.paddles similar to those found on other vehicles with “shiftable” automatic transmissions are there for you to adjust the regenerative braking system on the Ioniq 9 from full coasting to one-pedal driving. 

This review is based on the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 9 AWD Performance Calligraphy Design edition.

Standard features include a proximity key and push-button start, 21-inch wheels, Hi-tex synthetic seating, a microfiber headliner, heated and ventilated front seats, second-row captain’s chairs (thus reducing seating capacity to six), power-folding third-row seats, heated power tilt-and telescoping steering wheel, a head-up display, sliding front center console, a 16-inch touchscreen with navigation for infotainment features, Bose Premium audio, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Safety features include a surround view camera, Smart (adaptable) cruise control, highway driving assist, forward collision and rear-cross traffic collision prevention assist, parking collision prevention assist, blind-spot view monitor (activated by turn signals), blind-spot warning, and parking distance warning.

The good news is that such a long list of standard features eliminate the need for option on the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 AWD Performance Calligraphy Design edition. The bad news is that my test vehicle had a starting price of $78.090 including the destination and delivery charge. 

The only extras were the Gravity Gold Matte finish exterior paint (which looks suspiciously like silver), carpeted floor mats, and a vehicle load adapter for hooking up a non-Tesla charging outlets.

That ran the total to $79,540. Two other trims, the Performance Limited and Performance Calligraphy, also start at over $70,000.

What I liked about the 2026 Ioniq 9: The interior is roomy, comfortable, and quiet. It is packed with a long list of infotainment features that are easy to operate. Range is excellent. You have to download the app and register but you can charge up at Tesla outlets, which there seem to be more of.  Among little touches: the driver’s seat slides back and the steering wheel rises to provide extra room to get out when you turn off the ignition. There is a handy little shelf below the center stack to handle items like sunglasses, keys, coins, etc. Second-row captain’s chairs in the higher trims make for easy access to the third row.

What I didn’t like about the 2026 Ioniq 9: The cheapest S model starts at just over $60,000 with the top Performance Calligraphy Design starting at a hefty $78,090 including the destination and delivery fee. Exterior styling could use a little work. A neighbor asked me about the “hearse” in my driveway.

Would I buy the 2026 Ioniq 9? The availability of Tesla outlets erases my No. 1 argument against EVs, which is the frustration of dealing with public charging outlets that often are crowded and many times are out of operation. But I still am reluctant to go all-electric at this time. I figure the Ioniq 9 will be showing up in a lot of suburban driveways, however, as it is ideal for growing families.

RANGE ROVER

FIFTH-GENERATION RANGE ROVER DELIVERS OFF-ROADING SKILLS IN PREMIUM PACKAGE

As the oldest member by far of the Land Rover fleet of luxury SUVs, the venerable Range Rover is showing no signs of aging well into its fifth generation.

Few vehicles can match its combination of off-roading prowess in such a luxurious surroundings and fewer still evoke the sense of history the Range Rover does when one feels is ensconced behind the wheel. This was, after all, often the SUV of choice of the late Queen Elizabeth. whose association with Land Rover vehicles dated back to the early years of her 70-year reign.

Fittingly, it was a fleet of Range Rovers that brought Royal Family members to Balmoral Castle for final farewells when she passed in 2022. (Thank you, roverparts.com.)

Land Rover introduced the Range Rover as a 2-door model in 1970 and it wasn’t until 11 years later that the 4-door model was unveiled. In the 2000s, the company began producing spinoff versions of its flagship SUV like today’s Range Rover Sport, Range Rover Evoque, and Range Rover Velar, and the Land Rover name itself has mostly fallen into disuse. (Though the green logo remains, “Land Rover” does not appear anywhere on the spec sheet for the Range Rover.)

After going over 14 years between the first Range Rover in 1970 and the beginning of the second generation in 1984, Land Rover has speeded up the aging process in recent years.

The current (or fifth) generation  came about with the production of the 2022 Range Rover. Updates since then have included a new plug-in hybrid model with just over 50 miles of electric driving range, a new SV trim with more features, and a revised touchscreen.

My test vehicle for this review was a 2024 Range Rover in SE trim and a long-wheel base providing room to accommodate three rows of passengers, but the only major change for 2025 model over 2024 is the availability of the SE trim for the PHEV.

The SE trim serves as the base model. The Range Rover also is available in Autograph and SV trim. Each is offered with a variety of mild-hybrid engines such as the P400 (turbocharged inline-6, 395 horsepower, 404 pound-feet of torque), P530 (twin-turbo V8, 523 hp, 525 lb.-ft.), P615 (twin-turbo V8, 606 hp 553 lb.-ft), and P550e (inline-6 with an electric motor, 542 hp, 590 lb.-ft).

The engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard as well.

My test Range Rover SE LWB 7-seater featured the P400 turbo-6 engine that delivered a very satisfying performance with a zero-to-60 mph clocking in the sub-6.0 range, according to zeroto60times.com.

It is a bit thirsty when it comes to fuel efficiency with EPA ratings of 18 miles-per-gallon city, 24 highway, and 20 combined of premium grade fuel. According to the government you’ll spend $6,240 more in gas over five years than the average new vehicle.

Frankly, that’s probably not going to matter much considering your automotive budget has to be in six figures to just to get in the base level /Range Rover.

Lots of rich leather and soft surfaces permeate the interior. Standard features in my test 2024 Range Rover SE included a panoramic sunroof with power sun blind, rain-sensing windshield wipers, 4-zone climate control, keyless entry and push-button start, Meridian sound system, wireless device charging, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

 

Starting MSRP for the 2025 Range Rover SE with the P400 engine is $109,375. My test 2024 model was listed at starting at $113,400 with a handful of options running the final total to $118,610 including the $1,625 destination and delivery fee.

What I liked about the Range Rover SE: Even the turbocharged 6-cylinder engine packs a pretty good punch. It’s great cruising expressways. The cabin is exquisite. Lots of choices allow for customizing the vehicle to your tastes. A long rear floor liner is available if you are more interested in hauling cargo instead of passengers and have folded the somewhat cramp third-row seats.

What I didn’t like about the Range Rover SE: Here I always thought the Germans were the only ones guilty of overcomplicating operation of infotainment features, but the Brits do a good job of that with the Range Rover. The clean appearance of the dash comes at the cost of convenient buttons to operate at least a few basic functions. Making it worse, some touchscreen commands aren’t all that easy to get to and don’t always respond to touches, which makes them frustrating and perhaps even dangerous to operate when driving. It’s not an overly tall vehicle but it still could use grab handles to ease way in and out, especially for shorter passengers.

Would I buy the Range Rover SE? Operation of infotainment functions is not a complete deal killer but it’s pretty close. They are just that frustrating. But it has a lot going for that in the full-size SUV segment and road manners are impeccable.

 

2025 HYUNDAI IONIQ 6

IONIQ 6  SERVES AS A SEDAN OPTION 
TO HYUNDAI’S ALL-ELECTRIC IONIQ 5 SUV 

Introduced for 2023 as a companion to the company’s all-electric Ioniq 5 compact SUV, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 gives buyers the option of an all-electric sedan with distinctive looks and impressive driving range that some critics see as a serious alternative to the Model 3 from the all-mighty Tesla.

With a price tag starting at under $40,000 for the base SE trim with a standard range battery and two other models (SE and SEL) in the mid $40,000, range, the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6 also has an appeal for the budget-minded.

Higher trims stretch pricing into the upper $40K range and two top the $50,000 mark. This review is based on the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Limited with all-wheel drive and a long-range battery that extends driving range to the 270-mile mark. It carries a starting MSRP of $54,500, which is still competitive in the segment.

The break in that price is that there is little need to add options to fill out its potential.

Standard features on the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Limited include comfort and convenience features like a proximity key and push-button start, a surround view monitor, remote parking assist, blind-spot view monitor (activated by turn signals), heated and ventilated front seats, a head-up display, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual climate control, wireless device charging, rain-sensing windshield wipers, Bose premium audio, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen featuring navigation and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Standard safety systems in addition to the surround-view camera include forward collision avoidance, driver attention alert, lane-keeping and lane-following assist, blind-spot alert, and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance.

Dual electric motors put out 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque in AWD models and slightly less (225/258) for those with RWD.

My test 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6 came with AWD, which made for a lively driving experience with a zero-to-60 mph clocking at just a tick over 4 seconds. You can enhance performance by adjusting to Sport mode or set it in Eco for more a more efficient drive.

You select drive mode via a push of a button below the steering wheel. Paddle shifters operate the regenerative system that provides a “one-pedal” driving system that can slow the car down and eventually stop it when you lift your foot off the accelerator. 

If the 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6’s performance doesn’t excite you, reports are that Hyundai will offer an N Sport version of the Ioniq 6 for 2026. USA Today reports that it will actually arrive in showrooms next month. It is expected to boost performance figures 601 horsepower (with a temporary boost to 641), matching that of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N already in showrooms.

Our test 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6 checked in at $55,330 that included $470 for the ultimate red paint. $330 for the carpeted floor mats, and $1,150 for destination and delivery. Next year’s N version likely will be in the neighborhood of the $66,200 starting price for the Ioniq 5 N.

What I liked about the 2025 Ioniq 6 Limited: Coupe-like exterior styling is eye-catching. Infotainment features are plentiful and user-friendly. Range is excellent. Acceleration is great. No need really to drive in Sport mode.

What I didn’t like about the 2025 Ioniq 6 Limited: The slanted roofline makes rear headroom tight, especially for taller riders. Rear cargo space (11.5 cubic feet) is barely adequate, and the frunk (front stowage) is virtually useless with room for only a couple of ham and cheese sandwiches. Limited trim with all-wheel drive is on the expensive side making it less attractive as a bargain.

Would I buy the 2025 Ioniq 6 Limited? I’m still personally shying away from the EV market, though the Ioniq 6 is tempting. It definitely deserves a long, deep look if you’re OK with setting up a fast-charger at home and avoiding public outlets.

FORD F-150 LIGHTNING

ALL-ELECTRIC LIGHTNING HAS ALL THE VIRTUES OF FORD’S BEST-SELLING F-150

The biggest difference between the all-electric Ford Lightning pickup and the gas-powered version of the company’s best-selling F-150 is that the drivetrain is pretty much the only difference in the two.

That results in differences in performance, of course, but the Ford Lightning is a true truck that delivers a smooth and quiet ride and fuel economy that the standard F-150 can’t come close to matching.

Though it may lag in chores like long-distance towing, the Lightning is up to handling routine truck-like tasks and makes good use of the space vacated by replacement of the V8 engine up front with a large stowage space dubbed a frunk.

Introduced as a 2022 model, the Ford F-150 Lightning has undergone little change since then. Though our test vehicle was a 2024 model, the 2025 version gets only minor updates, though one is a Tesla-style adapter that considerably expands public charging opportunities.

The Ford F-150 Lightning is offered in four trims for 2025 with the XLT serving as the base. Our test version was the top-of-the-line Platinum trim. In between are Flash and Lariat editions.

Standard features on the Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum include such niceties as heated and ventilated front seats, second-row heated seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, sliding rear window, woodgrain and chrome interior accents, a hotspot telematic modem, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, and dual-zone climate control.

Safety features include a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, pre-collision assist, lane-keeping system, blind-spot warning, evasive steering assist, and forward collision prevention assist with emergency braking.

What sets the Lightning apart from your ordinary F-150 is the power from the dual electric motors. With the standard range battery,  horsepower is 452 hp. Horsepower is the 580 hp with the extended range battery. The 775 pound-feet of torque is the same with either battery.

All-wheel drive is standard, and zero-to-60 mph time is a lightning quick 4.0 seconds.

Towing capacity is a generous 10,000 pounds for Flash and Lariat trims, 7,700 for XLT models, and 8,500 for the Platinum. Range is seriously impacted, however, depending on the size of the load. While the extended range battery can deliver up to 300 miles between charges, trailering a large load can cut that in half according to various sources.

Another downer for the Ford F-150 Lightning is the price. The base XLT trim starts at $63,345, which is close to the starting price for the upgraded Lariat trim in the gas-engine F-150.

The F-150 Flash trim starts at $69,995 and the Lariat at $76,995. Thet Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum starts at $84,995. Add options like BlueCruise hands-free driving, a mobil power cord, bedliner, and the Rapid Red exterior and my test Ford F-150 Platinum checked in at $90,760 including a hefty $2,995 destination and delivery charge.

What I liked about the Ford Lightning Platinum: The roomy Supercrew cabin has the ambience of a high grade SUV.  Grab handles on the A pillar and a running board make getting in and out a snap.The ride is comfortable, especially on expressways. Front storage capacity (frunk) is spacious.

What I didn’t like about the Ford Lightning Platinum: The size is a bit overwhelming, making for challenging situations on crowded urban streets and mall parking lots. Sometimes touches to the large touchscreen are slow to react, which can create a hazardous situation if you are driving and by yourself. Towing a particular large load seriously impacts range. 

Would I buy the Ford Lightning Platinum? I’m not in the market for a truck of any type but the Lightning does have some advantages over the popular gas-powered F-150. I’d stay away if you do a lot of towing over long distances. If you don’t, have at it.