2025 FORD EXPLORER

VENERABLE FORD EXPLORER STILL 

GOING STRONG AFTER ALL THESE YEARS

The Ford Explorer certainly is not the oldest SUV around — origins of the segment actually date back to the 1930s — but there is no question that the Explorer ignited the segment’s popularity in leading what may be considered the “SUV Revolution” of the 1990s.

Its impact on the market was such that by 2020, or 29 years after it replaced the Bronco II in the the company’s lineup as a 1991 model, it claimed the title of the best-selling SUV off all-time

Though a couple of imports from Japan have nudged their way past it in sales this year, the Explorer remains the best seller among Ford’s Family of SUVs that include the Escape, Edge, and Expedition.

The 2025 Ford Explorer is part of the model’s sixth generation and has grown over the years. The original Explorer was the company’s first four-door SUV, but at 174.4 inches was considerably shorter than the 2025 Ford Explorer that checks about two feet longer at 198.8 inches.

With elimination of the 2024’s XLT, Timberline, King Ranch, and Limited lines, the 2025 Ford Explorer is offered in four versions. Active, ST-Line, and Platinum models get a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder Ecoboost (Ford’s way of saying turbocharged) engine while the ST comes with a 3.0L Ecoboost V6. The V6 is available for the 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum trim, which this review is based on.  

The 4-cylinder engine generates 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque and the V6 400/415, respectively, when drinking premium fuel, but regular octane gasoline is acceptable for either engine.

Rear-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel is available on all trims. 

A 10-speed automatic is the only transmission offered. The government cites mileage figures of 18 miles-per-gallon city, 25 highway, and 21 combined with RWD models using regular fuel, and AWD shaves the figures only slightly to 18/25/20.

Ford cites maximum towing capability at 5,000 pounds with either engine.

Our test 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum came with such niceties as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, a 14-speaker B&O sound system, heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, Ford’s Co-Pilot360 Assist (adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assist and cross-traffic alert), and a power tilt-and-telescoping column.

Other standard features include a capless fuel filler, LED headlamps, fog lamps, and taillamps, and a power moonroof.

Options included Ford’s Blue Cruise hands-free driving system, a luxury leather package (premium badges on front seats, premium leather seats with piping and quilting, and quilting and stitching on door panels), and an ultimate package (all the features in the ultimate leather package plus 21-inch wheels shod with all-season tires replacing standard 20-inchers).

Exact pricing was not included on the spec sheet as my test vehicles is labeled not for sale. Starting MSRP for the 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum is $53,745. That’s a about $2,000 less than the $55,755 for the 2025 Ford Explorer ST, but a jump from the $41,350 for the base Active trim and $46,110 for the ST-Line.

What I liked about the 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum: The interior is roomy and nicely done. Lots of standard features on the Platinum trim eliminate the need to add many options. The infotainment system is user-friendly. It’s a small thing (very small) but I really like the little shelf Ford has installed just under the front air vents and in front of the gear shifter. It’s a handy place to put sunglasses, loose change, and other small objects when you’re driving and still keep them in easy reach. Cargo space expands from 16.3 cubic feet to 46 cubic feet when the third-row seats are folded.

What I didn’t like about the 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum: Fuel economy for the V6 Ecoboost engine, which has a tendency to drone at times, isn’t the best in the segment, but is not too far out of line from its competitors. The third row is basically for children. I would like a knob to surf the radio dial (at least there is one to adjust volume) and two to adjust the blower and temperature on the A/C.

 

Would I buy the 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum? I have no need for a 3-row SUV or even a vehicle of this size, but it should be on your list if that is what you are looking for. 

2024 SUBARU SOLTERRA

 

INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM, BELOW AVERAGE RANGE WORK AGAINST SUBARU’S FIRST EV 

If the results of the annual survey conducted by the research and data firm J.D. Power are on the mark, this may be a good time to buy a new car just based on the quality of what is available.

After two years of decline, the latest J.D. Power Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study showed a slight increase in overall buyer satisfaction in the 2024 survey.

“Traditional manufacturers have listened to the Voice of the Customer,” Frank Hanley, senior director of auto benchmarking at J.D. Power, is quoted in a news release from the company.

One area of concern continues, however. One of the lowest scoring areas among the 10 attributes that figure into the overall scoring zeroed in on infotainment systems.

Anybody who jumps from car to car on a weekly basis (such as an auto reviewer) can vouch for that. Infotainment systems may offer a variety of systems nobody dreamed about until probably the 1990s but operation of those systems has become more and more complex.

“Owners struggle to perform simple audio-related tasks,” Hanley said.

The subject of this review, the 2024 Subaru Solterra, serves an example.

A full range of tech features that include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and navigation are among standard  convenience features, and the high-resolution 12.4-inch touchscreen provides a nice-sized operating platform.

By why oh why didn’t they take advantage of that size to display bigger images and lettering for the audio system so the driver could see at a quick glance what station was tuned to and what artist was playing?

And why couldn’t they provide better contrast for the nav map so you could tell at a glance what side streets were coming up? Main thoroughfares are distinctive enough but the rest of the screen kind of whites out in  the daytime setting. (Yes, I adjusted the brightness and contrast, but it didn’t help.)

All that said, those infotainment quirks aren’t the big thing working against Subaru’s initial venture into the electric car segment. Working against what is a comfortable, functional EV with a well-equipped comfortable cabin is a driving range that comes up short by today’s standards.

Limited and Touring models are good for an 222 miles between charges while the base Premium model provides an additional 5 miles, according to the company. With some competitors offering ranges of over 300 miles, the 2024 Subaru Solterra is at a distinct disadvantage.

Outstanding charging times help, but not that much. Subaru claims you can get the 2024 Subaru Solterra from 10 percent to 80 percent battery capacity in 35 minutes on a fast charger but then range is reduced to less than 200 miles.

On the plus side, the Solterra — the name comes from Latin words for “Sun” and “Earth” — stands out in safety features. 

Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist technologies standard in the Solterra include emergency steering assist, intersection collision avoidance support, pre-collision brake assist, lane departure prevention, and adaptive Cruise control with lane tracing assist.

 

Other standard safety features include blind spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear camera detection with pedestrian warning. The standard parking support brake feature can apply the vehicle’s brakes if an obstacle is detected while reversing, and new safe exit assist notifies occupants of approaching vehicles before they exit the vehicle. 

The 2024 Subaru Solterra allows for  hands-free driving at up to 25 mph. With all-wheel drive and 8.3 inches of ground clearance, it’s also good for milder off-roading treks.

Pricing for the 2024 Subaru Solterra starts at $47.340 for the Premium trim and $49,840 for the Limited including destination and delivery.

The Touring model that this review is based on starts at $51995. A few options — $890 for the red and black paint, $187 for all-weather floor liners, and $141 for a cargo tray — and the $1,345 destination and delivery charge ran the final total for my test 2024 Subaru Solterra Touring to $54,558.

What I liked about the 2024 Subaru Solterra Touring: The interior is roomy for passengers and their stuff when traveling (not likely far though with the limited range). It earns top safety ratings with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) making it a Top Safety Pick. The 360-degree panoramic view monitor provides an overhead view to help in maneuvering in tight spaces.

What I didn’t like about the 2024 Subaru Solterra Touring: In what is a first for me in nearly 25 years of doing reviews, there is no glove box! The bin in the console has a hidden compartment for extra storage. Driving range is comes up short.

Would I buy the 2024 Subaru Solterra Touring? It would need at least 50 more miles of driving range for me to consider it, which is a shame because it has some attractive attributes.

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.