2025 FORD F-150 HYBRID

FORD LOSES STATUS AS BEST-SELLING OVERALL VEHICLE BUT STILL NO. 1 TRUCK

For nearly half a century, the Ford F Series has held the title of the best-selling truck in the U.S. and for nearly the same period it also was simply the best selling vehicle period.

That reign ended last year when the data collection firm JATO Economics reported that a 5 percent dip in F-150 sales to 460,915 dropped the F-150 behind Toyota’s RAV4, which came in at 475,193 vehicles sold for 2024.

Ford, however, retained the No. 1 spot among truck buyers when it comes to brand loyalty with 65.1 percent of them repeat buyers for the Blue Oval brand, according to a survey conducted by J.D. Power.

That figure also leads all categories ahead of luxury automakers like Porsche (the highest ranked premium car at 57.5 percent), Lexus (highest ranked premium SUV at 60.2 percent), Toyota (highest ranked mass market car at 62.5 percent), and Honda (highest ranked mass market SUV at 64.2 percent).

The Ford F-150 moved into its 14th generation with the redesign of 2021 models with fully electric (BEV) and hybrid (HEV) added to the extensive fleet.

This review is based on the 2025 Ford F-150 Hybrid which has had no major changes since its introduction. It was trimmed out with features in the XLT series which include such niceties as 12-inch touchscreen for infotainment features, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, capless fuel filler, rear privacy glass, Fordpass Connect wi-fi, Bluetooth connectivity, and wireless Apple CarPlay and /Android Auto.

Safety features include blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assist, reverse brake assist, pre-collision assist with emergency braking assist, and a nice wide-view backup camera with guidelines.

The hybrid drivetrain features a 3.5-liter gasoline engine Ford bills as “Powerboost” paired with an electric motor. Together they put out 430 horsepower and 570 pound-feet of torque. The transmission is a hybrid electric 10-speed automatic.

The gas engine drinks fuel at the rate of 22 miles-per-gallon city, 24 highway, and 23 combined, which, admittedly are not typical hybrid numbers. But that is about 20 percent in fuel savings over other F-150s with V8s and all-wheel drive. Zeroto60times.com reports a zero-to-60 mph time of 5.0 seconds

Starting MSRP for my test 2025 Ford F-150 XLT was $51,815. Several extras ran that total fo $69,665 including the destination and delivery fee and $6,900 in discounts.

What I liked about the 2025 Ford F150 XLT Hybrid: The F-15 Hybride is a quiet cruiser on the highway and very comfortable overall. The cabin is roomy and comfortable. The infotainment system is extensive and easy to use. Running boards and grips on the A pillar help a lot for getting in and out (mostly in). Auto hold, which prevents creeping at full stops, is among safety features.

What I didn’t like about the 2025 Ford F150 XLT Hybrid: The bulk of the full-sized pickup will have you searching and searching for roomy parking spots in mall lots. The overall price is on the high side of the F-150 portfolio.

Would I buy the 2025 Ford F150 XLT Hybrid? Not a truck guy, but if you are and a Ford guy to boot, why not go for the hybrid and save a little money on fuel?

2025 BMW M3

WITH BMW, M IS FOR MAGIC WHEN IT COMES TO THE COMPANY’S PERFORMANCE SEDANS

BMW likes to hype its cars as the “ultimate driving machines,” which seems like they are kind of taking a poke at its Teutonic colleagues Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and even — or especially — Porsche.

All are finely engineered products and are recognized as among the finest luxury vehicles on the market today.

But BMW has a pretty strong case for its bold bragging when it comes to its M Series of sport coupes and sedans.

The 2025 BMW M3 sedan offers a sporty, powerful driving experience while still maintaining the road manners of a typical family sedan. Now it its seventh generation, you can take it to the track in the afternoon and the country club in the evening, though I would advise checking the mileage before turning it over to the valet. The temptation may just be too great for them.

It comes in two trims with turbocharged 6-cylinder engines tuned to different power numbers. The engine for the base 2025 BMW M3, which this review is based on, is rated at 473 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque and is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. It is rear-wheel drive.

The 2025 BMW M3 Competition trim gets an upgrade to 523 hp and 479 lb.-ft., and is paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox. No manual is available. It also is available with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel system which features a RWD mode.

BMW reports zero-to-60 mph times as 4.1 seconds for the base M3 and 3.8 for the Competition trim.

Fuel mileage figures for my test 2025 BMW M3 were 16 miles-per-gallon city, 23 highway and 19 combined, which, according to the government, are the same numbers for models with the automatic transmission.

Inside, the 2025 BMW M3 features leather upholstery, heated sport front seats with the M logo, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, an Anthracite headliner, dual-zone automatic climate control, wireless charging, a 14.9 inch touchscreen, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto included in the $76,000 starting MSRP.

Fortunately, BMW has come a long way in simplifying operation of infotainment systems after the disastrous introduction of its iDrive system a couple of decades ago. You no longer need tech support to get to the radio, though manually adjusting the A/C blower is kind of funky.

Safety features include forward collision warning with automatic braking, lane departure and blind-spot warning, and front and rear parking sensors. The rearview camera also provides a wide view of cross traffic.

Optional features on my test 2025 BMW M3 included carbon fiber trim, multi-spoke silver wheels, and an M Driver’s Package (increases top speed) that ran the final total to $92,225 including the $1,175 destination charge.

The 2025 BMW M Competition with RWD starts at $81,375 including the freight charge. AWD tacks on another $5,100.

For my buck, I’d go with the 2025 BMW M3 base with the manual transmission.

What I liked about the 2025 BMW M3: It was fun driving a car with such power matched with a manual transmission. The interior is roomy and comfortable and offers good rear storage space. Tech features are generally user-friendly. 

What I didn’t like about the 2025 BMW M3: I’d like the steering wheel to rise automatically and the driver’s seat to slide back when the engine is turned off to make it easier to get out. Auto hold would be a nice feature to include as well. Road noise is on the excessive side. There is quite a jump with manual operation of the A/C. The blower goes from calm before the storm (very low) to storm level in just one setting.

Would I buy the 2025 BMW M3? Sure would. The M3 can serve as an everyday driver as well a capable on-track performer even if you never take it racing.

2025 FORD MACH-E

IT’S NOT REALLY A MUSTANG BUT MACH-E ENJOYING A GOOD RUN IN EV MARKET

Though Ford insisted on borrowing the Mustang nameplate for it, the Mach-E was the company’s first car from the blue oval specifically designed solely as an electric vehicle.

Four years later the Mustang Mach-E, rated among the top-5 sellers in the U.S. EV segment along with a couple of Tesla models and the Honda Prologue and Rivian R1S, according to data collected by Cox Automotive and reported on caredge.com.

It’s easy to figure out why. It’s a much more practical vehicle for families than the traditional Mustang Pony Car, offers a livable driving range, and is chock-full of all the technological features that today’s buyers demand.

Another advantaage: With Ford gaining access to the plethora of Tesla superchargers across the country, Mach-E owners are not likely to confront the hassle of finding an available charging outlet if they haven’t installed one at their home.

The 2025 Mach-E is pretty much the same Mach-E that debuted for the 2021 model year. The 2025 Mach-E comes in four trim levels (Select, Premium, GT and Mach-E Rally) offering various power and range possibilities and either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive.

Select and Premium models provide 250 miles of range with RWD and a standard range battery, 230 with AWD and a standard range battery, and up to an estimated 300 miles with AWD and an extended range battery.

Premium models have the same figures with AWD and also can be had with  an extended range battery that lasts for an estimated 320 miles in RWD configuration. 

The performance-oriented GT and Rally trims come only with AWD and an extended range battery and enjoy ranges of 280 (GT) and 264 (Rally) miles.

This review is based on the 2025 Mach-E GT.

GT and Rally Mach-Es boast 480 horsepower and 634 pound-feet of torque. Throwing in a Performance package on the Rally raises the torque output to 700 pound-feet.

That’s a considerable jump from the power numbers for the Select and Premium trims though even those trims post torque numbers of up to 500 lb.-ft. on AWD versions. 

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Every Mach-E comes with safety features like frontal collision warning and braking, evasive steering assistance, blind-spot warning, lane-centering, adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera providing a  top down view , and rear-parking sensors.

Ford’s hands-free driving BlueCruise system is available on a subscription basis, and wireless AppleCarPlay and Android Auto are included across the portfolio as well as navigation that is displayed on the large center touchscreen.

Standard convenience features to the 2025 Mach-E include a hands-free power rear liftgate, heated front seats, power adjustable front passenger seat, a 10-speaker audio system, sport-tuned suspension, Brembo front performance brakes, 20-inch wheels, and sport front seats.

Options offered include a glass roof, an GT Performance package that cuts zero-to-60 time to 3.3 seconds, and a special Bronze appearance package that adds bronze-painted 20-inch wheels.

Pricing for Select and Premium trim models starts at just under $40,000 but the 2025 Mach-E GT carries a base price of $54,459. 

What I liked about the 2025 Ford Mach-E GT: The GT trim is quick to 60 mph (3.8 seconds). The 15.5-inch touchscreen can be imposing but infotainment features are easy enough to get the hang  of. The interior is roomy with good space for both passengers (over 43 inches of legroom up front and just over 38 in the second row) and cargo (29.7 cubic feet with second-row seats in place).

What I didn’t like about the 2025 Ford Mach-E GT:  Slapping a Mustang logo on the front grille and steering wheel crossbar doesn’t make the Mach E a Mustang. To many Pony Car aficionados it borders on automotive sacrilege. There are a couple of gimmicks, the most obvious the buttons on the pillars that you press to open the doors. Pony car lovers will miss the exhaust notes that emanate from the traditional gas versions. Even the 6-cylinder Mustangs have a distinctive sound. 

Would I buy the 2025 Ford Mach-E GT? I’m still not in the market for an all-electric vehicle so probably not. But if you are, the Mach-3 deserves more than a casual look.

2025 MINI COOPER S

GOOD THINGS COME IN SMALL PACKAGES; MINI GOES TO THE MAX IN DRIVING FUN

If someone asked me what car I might choose based solely on its fun-to-drive quotient and its affordability, I would have to put have the Mini Cooper S Hardtop 4-Door right at the top of my list.

It’s a spunky little vehicle that offers a delightful driving experience that reduces the frustration of facing the daily grind in traffic.

The folks at Edmunds.com called it a “go-kart for adults” at the vehicle’s relaunch as a 2002 model, and that spirit remains over two decades later.

German-owned since 1994 when BMW took over the Rover Group that included the Mini brand, the Mini remains an iconic British brand. My test 2025 Mini Cooper S Hardtop, for example, was put together at the company’s Oxford plant while the engine and transmission was of German origin.

BMW refreshed the Mini Cooper S Hardtop 4-Door for 2025 with a turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine boosting horsepower to 201 ponies and torque to 221 pound-feet from the 161/184 in the base Cooper.

Fuel economy suffers only marginally from base models in the 2025 Mini Cooper S Hardtop 4-door with figures of 28 miles-per-gallon city, 39 highway, and 32 combined using premium grade fuel.

The computer in my test 2025 Mini Cooper S Hardtop 4-door re-affirmed those numbers in a week of mixed highway-and-street driving.

Mini (or BMW) reports a 6.5-second clocking for the sprint from zero-to-60 mph, about a second quicker than the base Mini Cooper 2-door.

A downside is that there is no option for a manual transmission. You have to make do with a 7-speed dual clutch automatic with paddle shifters.

Designers went easy on updates for the exterior of the 2025 Mini Cooper S, simplifying the grille and adding black exterior accents, leaving the overall profile very much traditional Mini. 

The distinctive bug-eye headlights remain (the outer rings serve as turn-lights) and the profile is very distinctive. You won’t be mistaking it for any similar sub-compacts from other manufacturers.

Inside the dashboard is dominated by two distinct features. Instead of the commonly used plastic, a carpet-like textile fabric covers the dashboard and other areas and the large circular touchscreen that controls infotainment features now “floats” in the center of the dash panel. Toggle switches at the bottom of the screen are used to start the engine and set drive and parking modes.

Standard equipment in the 2025 Mini Cooper S Hardtop includes a heated steering wheel, dual zone climate control, a panoramic glass roof, 6-speaker audio, Bluetooth connectivity, parking assist system, and dynamic cruise control, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wireless device charging is offered in a Comfort Package Plus package.

The base MSRP for my test 2025 Mini Cooper S Hardtop was $35,600. An optional Iconic trim package (active driving assistant, Stop-and-Start funcion, Harmon Kardon premium sound, and an interior camera) are amomg options that ran the final bottom line to $39,795 including the $995 destination charge.

What I liked about the 2025 Mini Cooper S Hardtop: This is a fun car to drive and is roomier than you might expect considering the name and the exterior profile. It has over 41 inches of legroom in the front. Throttle response is good (at least when the stop/start function is deactivated) without detracting from fuel economy, which is very good.

What I didn’t like about the 2025 Mini Cooper S Hardtop: There is a bit of a learning curve to the infotainment features. The starter switch and gear selector are tiny toggles right next to each other and can be easily mixed up. No manual transmission is offered. Cargo space is limited at 8.9 cubic feet.

Would I buy the 2025 Mini Cooper S Hardtop? If I faced a lot of trips into crowded city streets I certainly would give it consideration as a commuter vehicle. But, though the interior is comfortable for two, it still is not a good choice for family transportation.

HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID

HYUNDAI TAKES WIDE APPROACH

IN ELECTRIFYING ITS VEHICLE LINEUP 

While many automakers are going all-in on Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and filling their fleets with electric-only products, Hyundai is taking a somewhat different approach.

Yes, the South Korean automaker offers award-winning EVs, but it also offers buyers an option of virtually tip-toeing into the world of electric power with plug-in and standard gas-electric hybrid versions of their more traditional nameplates.

The approach seems to be working. The company reported reported record-breaking sales in each of the last two years with models such as the Sonata hybrid (HEV) playing a key role. The first two months of 2025 have continued the trend.

The hybrid version of the Sonata kicked off the midsize sedan’s seventh generation with the 2011 model and a mid-cycle refreshing gave the 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid a more striking exterior and an interior that flirts with luxury status.

For 2025, an SEL Sport trim replaces the SEL and a new SEL Sport HEV is added.

Driving the Hyundai Sonata is a 2.0-liter gas engine combined with an electric motor putting out 192 horsepower and 151 lb.-ft. of torque A 6-speed automatic transmission is standard.

Fuel efficiency numbers are an impressive 44 miles-per-gallon city, 51 highway, and 47 combined. According to the government, that gives the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid a range of over 600 miles between fill-ups, though real-world operation is more like in the 500-mile bracket.

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The cabin is packed with lots of tech features that operate off a new 12.3-inch center touchscreen and include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Updated front and rear bumpers, a new grille and larger air intakes, and a spoiler-shaped trunk lid with black trim are among features that give the exterior a sporty appearance that should help draw customers back to a segment that at one time seemed to be fading in popularity.

As is customary with Limited trim models, the Hyundai SonataHybrid Limited comes with a long line of standard features. In addition to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto mentioned earlier, comfort and convenience features include proximity key entry and push-button start, Smart Parking assist, a panoramic sunroof, leather-trimmed seats, memory seat settings for the driver, Bose Premium sound with 12 speakers, dual automatic climate control, a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, and Smart (adaptive) cruise control.  The large touchscreen provides a nice wide map for the included navigation system.

Standard safety features include blind-spot collision warning, forward collision avoidance assist, rear parking collision avoidance, a blind-spot monitor (activated by your turn signal), and a surround view monitor that provides a spectacular view of your entire vehicle and its surroundings.

The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid rides on 17-inch wheels and front-wheel drive is standard. If you want all-wheel propulsion, you’ll have to pick a model with the 2.5L gasoline engine.

Pricing for the 2025 Hyundai Sonata starts at $32,445 (including freight charges for the Sonata HEV with SEL trim and $48,895 for the top-of-the-line Limited trim. 

What I liked about the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited: The updated design gives the Sonata a sportier exterior than the previous generations. The interior is comfortable and packed with user-friendly tech features. The surround view camera provides a wide look at rear cross traffic to help with backing out of parking spot. Fuel economy is excellent. Though it’s not a threat in a drag race, performance is satisfying for every day use. The standard 6-speed automatic transmission instead of a CVT helps in that. Trunk space is a generous 16 cubic feet.

What I didn’t like about the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited: The second row could use a skosh more legroom than the 34.8 inches offered.

Would I buy the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited? Sure would. You get the benefits of a boost from the electric motor and a generous range between fill-ups without the fuss of plugging it in.

2025 SUBARU OUTBACK

 

THROW ANOTHER SHRIMP ON THE BARBIE!

SUBARU OUTBACK CONTINUES TO THRIVE

Known for its safety, reliability, and off-roading chops, the Subaru Outback has grown considerably since beginning life in 1994 as a station wagon variant of the second generation Legacy sedan.

By 2000 a redesigned Outback, no doubt thanks in part to an ad campaign featuring Paul Hogan of the Crocodile Dundee movie fame, assumed its own separate identity in offering buyers a “something different” in the burgeoning SUV market.

It has had a prominent place in the Subaru portfolio ever since. Last June Subaru announced the Outback had hit the 3-million mark in U.S. sales with a buyer in Jacksonville, Fla., doing the honors.

Subaru succinctly boasts that 97 percent of the Outbacks sold over the last 10 years are still on the road today, which maybe explains some of the traffic you run into, though “boasts” may not be the proper word here. As they say, it’s not bragging if you can do it.

Speculation has it that some significant changes to the Outback’s exterior may be coming in 2026 with a reported raised profile firming up the role of the the Outlook as an SUV. As it is now, the lower profile gives the 2025 Subaru Outback makes a case for the Outback as a station wagon.

As the last edition of the model’s sixth generation (which began in 2020), the 2025 Subaru Outback comes in nine trim levels including XT and Wilderness versions that add an upgraded turbocharged engine to replace the standard 182-horsepower naturally aspirated 4-banger.

This review is based on the 2025 Subaru Outback Touring XT. It provides a more robust ride with its 2.5-liter turbo-4 putting out 260 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque to all four wheels under Subaru’s Symmetrical Drive system via a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

Drinking regular-octane fuel the turbo is gets government fuel economy ratings of 22 miles-per-gallon city, 29 highway, and 25 combined compared to 26/28/32 for the non-turbo models.  

Sitting at the top of the lineup, the 2025 Subaru Outback Touring XT has a long list of standard features including Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist system advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and emergency steering. The system will help your steering, but not take it over.

Other safety standard features in the 2025 Subaru Outback Touring XT  include blind-spot warning and front-view camera with a 180-degree viewing angle.

Standard comfort and convenience features include dual-zone climate control, Smart phone connectivity, and an 11.6-inch touchscreen that includes navigation, a Harman-Kardon preium sound system, a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel,and Nappa leather upholstery.

The 12-way power driver’s seat includes 4-way lumbar adjustment. The passenger seat is 8-way power adjustable, and the outboard positions on the rear seat at heated.

All trims of the 2025 Subaru Outback are capable off-roaders, but the Wilderness has almost an extra inch of ground to 9.5 inches while still providing a low step-in height. At 8.7 inches, getting in and out is a snap.

In addition to the standard features, my test 2025 Subaru Outback Touring XT came with all-weather floor liners for $141 to run the final MSRP to $44,331 including the $1,395 charge for destination and delivery.

What I liked about the 2025 Subaru Outback Touring XT: The roomy and comfortable cabin is near luxury level. The turbocharged engine provides peppy power and throttle response. The touchscreen looks imposing but tech features are arranged in a logical manner for ease of operation. They include an automatic holds function that prevents creeping at intersections (though it must be activated between drives). Rear storage is good.

What I didn’t like about the 2025 Subaru Outback Touring XT:  The CVT would not be my No. 1 choice, but the extra kick from the turbocharged engine makes up for it. It has paddle shifters to mimic8-speed manual gear selection.

Would I buy the 2025 Subaru Outback Touring XT? A firm yes here. It you’re looking for a vehicle with some off-roading capability but don’t want an SUV, the Outback is a good option, The turbocharged engine in the XT trims (available with Onyx, Limited, and Touring trims plus the Wilderness) is worth stretching your budget for.