2025 KIA SORENTO PHEV

SORENTO PLUG-IN EASES FEARS OF ANXIETY RANGE FOR RELUCTANT EV BUYERS

A big selling point when it comes to plug-in electric hybrid vehicles that offer a gasoline engine as a backup to the primary electric motor power source is that they eliminate what holds many people back from buying a pure EV.

That would be range anxiety or the fear of running out of juice at the end of a long drive.

The modern plug-in vehicle, or PHEV, alleviates that concern because when it runs out of electric power, a gasoline engine simply takes over. You can then go as long as you have gas in your tank.

The downside is that a PHEV provides only a fraction of the range that a pure EV (or BEV for battery electric vehicle) is good for these days. Many newer EVs can go over 300 miles on a full charge while most PHEVs languish in the 30- to 40-mile range.

It would be nice if it were the other way around with the battery being good for over 300 miles and a smaller gas engine then kicking in for 30 more. Maybe that will come some day.

Kia added a plug-in version of its Sorento SUV for 2022 a year after introducing a standard gas-electric hybrid drivetrain to the lineup in the Sorento redesign for 2021.

The 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV gets refreshing that include updated exterior styling, a new instrument panel and 12.3-inch touchscreen display, and a new EX trim to serve as the base model. This review is based on the top of the portfolio 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV SX Prestige trim.

Both trims feature a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder gas engine paired with an electric motor and mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard and it offers an all-electric driving range of about 30 miles.

Combined horsepower and torque are 261 hp and 270 pound-feet and earn a combined MPGe rating of 74 and gas-only of 33 miles-per-gallon

While the exterior is sleeker and comes in several new colors, it is the stunning interior of the 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV SX Prestige that wowed me starting with its 2-tone color scheme and the white leather seats..

A new 12.3-inch curved touchscreen standard on the SX Prestige trim dominates the front and features a multitude of user-friendly functions. Believe me, if you have a 2-year lease that agreement will end before you can explore all the functions.

Standard features on the 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV SX Prestige include navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charger, dual-zone climate control, and Smart Key with push-button start. 

Driver aids include navigation-based Smart cruise control, parking distance warning, lane-keeping and lane-following assist, and forward and rear-cross traffic collision avoidance assist. and a selection of snow-mode, eco, normal, sport, and Smart drive modes, the latter adapting to your driving style.

Other features on my test 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV SX Prestige like a panoramic sun roof, LED interior lighting, surround view monitor and blind spot monitor, blind-spot collision assist, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, aluminum sport pedals, heated second-row seats, and a Bose premium sound system were included in the starting price of $53,090.

The only extra costs were $225 for carpeted floor mats and $1,375 for a freight charge, bringing the final MSRP to $54,690.

That puts the plug-in version at the solidly top of the of the Kia Sorento pricing chart.

What I liked about the 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV SX Prestige: The interior has a prestige look and appeal and is packed with an abundance of tech features that, with one possible exception (see below), are easy enough to operate. The combination of  the gas engine and electric motor offers good power and around 30 miles of all electric driving for shorter trips. The overall size is manageable and it still accommodates 3-row seating.

What I didn’t like the 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV SX Prestige: There are knobs to adjust audio levels and surf the radio dial, but they are kind of hidden. You have to get to the proper setting on the touchscreen to operate them. Third-row seats eat up rear cargo space and offer less than 30 inches of legroom. The plug-in version is the most expensive model in the Sorento portfolio.

Would I buy the 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV SX Prestige? If you are in the market for a 3-row SUV it definitely should be on your “look” list.

2024 FORD MUSTANG

 

FIGHTER PLANE OR A HORSE? MUSTANG DOES TRIBUTE TO BOTH

Though it sparked the birth of a segment that became known as the “pony car” and silhouettes of a running horse dominate its logo, the common story behind the birth of the Ford Mustang is that was named for the P-51 fighter plane that played a huge role in the Allies’ victory in World WarII.

An account of Ford Mustang history detailed on the website hotcars.com, however, also includes the idea that the inspiration for the name does indeed refer to a horse because of a suggestion by a Ford marketing manager who bred quarter horses.

Still another theory outlined is that Lee Iacocca, an executive with Ford in the 1960s and often referred to as the father of the Mustang for getting the project started, wanted to name the car after the SMU Mustangs football team.

Though the SMU logo features a horse that is shown running in the opposite direction of the Ford Mustang emblem, I have my doubts about the Iacocca theory. 

SMU was winless in in the 1960 college season and won only 8 games against 22 losses and a tie from 1961 to the 1963 season while the car was being developed. I can’t imagine a marketing director that would want that image for a new car.

The P-51 story is the more popular theory and several sources flat out credit it as the origin without even mentioning the other possibilities. I don’t recall, however, any TV ads linking the car and U.S. fighter, but early commercials certainly featured horses (check YouTube).

So the mystery remains. What isn’t questioned, however, is the enormous impact the Ford Mustang has had in automotive history.

Now in its seventh generation since its launch in the spring of 1964 as a 1965 model (often dubbed 1964 1/2), the Ford Mustang was an instant hit. The company hoped for 100,000 in sales for the first year and  22,000 were sold the first day it hit showrooms. Nearly 560,000 were sold in 1965, its first full year on the market.

The Mustang has been featured in several movies, including the James Bond classic Goldfinger in its first year.

As mentioned earlier, it also spawned a whole slew of smaller, sporty, rear-wheel-drive coupes and convertibles that formed what became known as the “pony car” segment.

Some of its competitors have disappeared from the scene entirely with the folding of companies like Plymouth, Pontiac, and American Motors, but the Ford Mustang still reigns.

To save you from going the math, the 2024 Mustang celebrates its 60th anniversary as it approaches 10-million in sales all-time.

The 2024 Ford Mustang is offered in coupe and convertible form and in five trim levels: Ecoboost, Ecoboost Premium, GT, GT Premium, and Dark Horse.

The turbo-charged 2.3-liter engine in the Ecoboosts models are rated at 315 hp and 355 lb.ft. but have a significant advantage in efficiency with EPA ratings of 22 miles-per-gallon city, 33 highway and 26 combined compared to 15/24/18 for the naturally aspirated V8.

Ecoboost models come only with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The V8 can be mated with either an automatic or a 6-speed manual. This review is based on the 2024 Ford Mustang GT Premium convertible with the automatic. With either engine you get a choice of six drive modes — normal, sport, slippery, track, drag strip, and custom. 

Designers significantly updated the interior for the 2024 Ford Mustang convertible, giving it a more upscale appearance and more comfortable setting. (Well, except for the two backseat riders.)

Two curved displays dominate the dash. You can customize the 12.4-inch instrument display to your liking, and infotainment features in Ford’s Sync 4 system are easily accessed on the 12.3-inch touchscreen.

Standard features on the 2024 Ford Mustang GT Premium convertible include LED headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, dual zone automatic climate control, leather-trimmed seats, heated and cooled front seats, Smart charging ports, a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, keyless entry and push-button start, rear parking sensors, a wireless charging pad and the Ford Co-Pilot system (blind-spot warning, lane-keeping alert, collision warning and more). An illuminated Mustang logo greets you when you approach the car at night while in possession of the key.

The fully lined cloth top is lowered and raised via a button above the interior mirror, but you still have to close a latch to secure it.

The base 2024 Ford Mustang Ecoboost convertible starts at just over $39,000, and the 2024 Ford Mustange GT Premium convertible starts at $52,880.

Pricing was not available for my test 2024 Ford Mustang GT Premium, which add optional extras like a GT Performance Package. Come on, Ford. Please put it on the Monroney spec sheet. I promise not to try to sell it. Keep it yes, sell it no.

What I liked about the 2024 Ford Mustang GT Premium convertible: Performance is a real kick. Tech features are plentiful and easy to operate. The fully lined cloth top folds conveniently into a specific rear space without intruding on an already snug trunk (10.3 cubic feet). The sound from the dual exhausts is mesmerizing.

What I didn’t like about the 2024 Ford Mustang GT Premium convertible: The backseat is pretty useless as far as accommodating passengers (unless they have no legs). 

Would I buy the 2024 Ford Mustang GT Premium convertible? In a heartbeat. Yes, 4-cylinder Mustangs offer the same classic looks  and are good performers in their own right, but to experience the full scope of what the Mustang is all about you have to go with the V8 version, which means GT or Dark Horse.

2025 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500HD

THERE IS BIG AND THEN THERE IS REALLY BIG, WHEN IT COMES TO PICKUP TRUCKS

Last fall I got to experience the refreshed full-size SUV QX80 from Infiniti and in my review remarked on its overwhelming size.

“Big,” I noted, didn’t seem adequate to describe the bigget SUV in the Infiniti fleet. “Hugh” and “humongous”  even came up short, if you will pardon the pun.

More recently, however, I got to experience what “big” in a vehicle really is after spending a week in the 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD.

At nearly 21 feet long and almost 82 inches wide even with the huge side mirrors folded, the 2025 Chevy Silverado 2500HD takes up about half an acre of parking space. The massive hood seems to be in one zip code the rear cargo bed in another.

It sits so high, and with no running board, it was like climbing up a mountain to get into my test 2025 Chevy Silverado 2500HD. Getting out was like jumping into a swimming empty of water.

This is a truck is made to be a workhorse. Comparing it to the QX80 (or any SUV) is like matching a Clydesdale against a thoroughbred race horse.

In addition to the LTZ trim already mentioned, the 2025 Chevy Silverado 2500HD is offered in six trim levels with the Work Truck (or WT for short) serving as the base. The LTZ serves as the basis for this review. Other variants are Custom, LT, ZR2 and High Country.

Adding to the multitude of variations, the 2025 Chevy Silverado 2500HD is offered with a regular cab, extended cab, or crew cab and either a standard or long bed, though not every combination is available with every trim level.

The standard engine is a 6.6-liter V8 running on gasoline, but an optional 6.6-liter turbo V8 really boosts power and working capacity. The Duramax diesel in my test 4WD 2025 Chevy Silverado 2500HD LTZ was rated at 470 horsepower and a whopping 975 pound-feet of torque for a towing capability of over 18,000 pounds when equipped with a gooseneck hitch or 16,000 with a ball hitch.

 

Either engine is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and the 2025 Chevy Silverado 2500HH is available in either 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive.

Standard equipment on my test 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD LTZ included Chevy’s Premium 3 infotainment features with a 13.5-inch touchscreen display and built-in Google capability, navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keyless open and push-button start, remote start, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, 10-way power seats, LED fog and daytime running lights, power lock and release tail gate, and step-ups to ease access to the bed (but not the cabin).

An optional safety package added front and rear parking assist, rear cross traffic alert, bed view camera, trailer side blind side alert, and rear cross-traffic alert for $1,245.

The base MSRP of $62500 puts the 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD LTZ at the high end of the myriad of trims available.

Options on my test 2025 Chevy Silverado 2500HD LTZ included $9,490 for the Duramax diesel engine, $2,565 for the addition of off-roading add-ons in the Trail Boss package, $1,680 for the LTZ Convenience package that added ventilated front seats and Bose premium sound, and $1,050 for the LTZ Convenience II package that added a rear power window and heating capability for the outboard rear seats.

All that ran the final total to $82,390 including the $1,995 destination and delivery fee, which is a pretty big jump from base trim 2025 Chevy Silverado 2500HD

What I didn’t like about the 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD LTZ: The size is overwhelming, making for an arduous search for parking spaces in crowded mall lots. With no running board getting in is a chore and exiting puts you at the risk of breaking an ankle. Many desirable features come as options, running up the price.

Would I buy the 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD LTZ? Nope. There is a limited market here to begin with, and it doesn’t include me. Someone who wants a large vehicle for hauling or to go off-roading and has a big budget should take a look, however It’s not a good choice for every day transportation.

2025 BUICK ENCLAVE

ENCLAVE MOVES INTO THIRD GENERATION WITH LAUNCH OF THE 2025 MODEL

The 2025 Buick Enclave opens the third generation of the company’s flagship SUV with a new, slightly more powerful and fuel efficient engine and a 30-inch touchscreen display that incorporates the instrument panel and infotainment functions into one wide display.

At 207.6 inches in length and 87.9 inches in width including mirrors, it is slightly longer and wider than its predecessor and offers more legroom (44.3 inches) up front than the 2024 Enclave (41.2 inches).

Cargo space behind the third row (22.9 cubic feet)  is slightly less than the outgoing Enclave (23.6 cubic feet), but the difference with either the third- or second-row seats folded is even less.

The choice of trims also has been modified. The Preferred now serves as the base model in replacing the Essence with the Avenir at the top of the portfolio. In between is a new Sport Touring trim that this review is based on.

All 2025 Buick Enclaves are now powered by a new 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine rated at 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. It replaces last year’s V6 (310/266, respectively) and delivers fuel mileage ratings of 19 miles-per-gallon city, 24 highway, and 21 combined when equipped with all-wheel drive such as my test vehicle.

An 8-speed automatic transmission replaces the 9-speed from the previous generation.

Towing capacity is listed as 5,000 pounds. 

Standard equipment in the 2025 Buick Enclave Sport Touring model includes 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat and 6-way power adjustable for the front passenger, tri-zone autoatic climate control, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel (though with not much range), heated steering wheel,  a Bose 12-speaker sound system, rear camera washer, 20-inch wheels, and keyless entry with push-button start.

Tech features include OnStar Services, a wi-fi hotspot, wireless charging, navigation, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability.

Safety features include forward collision alert, following distance indicator, rear park assist, reverse automatic braking, front pedestrian alert and cyclist braking, lane-keeping assist with lane-departure warning, blind-spot steering assist, and HD surround vision.

Upgrades to the exterior like a new grille and front and rear fascias to align with Buick’s PURE philosophy (purity in design, unexpected details, refined finishes and exceptional executions) give the 2025 Buick Enclave a bold new appearance.

Among options, the 2025 Buick Enclave is the first Buick to offer the company’s Super Cruise hands-free driving system on all levels. The company is expanding its road network to about 750,000 miles through 2025. The Super Cruise package also includes Driver Attention Assist5 and Enhanced Automatic Park Assist5.

The 2025 Buick Enclave starts at under $50,000 for the FWD Essence trim wwith AWD adding $2,000. The top-of-the-line Avenir trim starts at  just under $60,000.

The final bottom line on my test 2025 Buick Enclave Sport Touring model with AWD was $54,695 including the Super Cruise package, Cerokee red color, and $1,395 destination and delivery fee. That kind of puts the 2025 Buick Enclave on the fringe of luxury 3-row SUVs.

What I liked about the 2025 Buick Enclave Sport Touring: The interior is spacious with good room for second- and third-row occupants. The cargo area has good capacity even when the third-row seats are in place. Infotainment features are easy enough to operate. It comes with Auto Hold, which when activated prevents creeping at intersections. The overall ride is smooth. The new turbo-4 engine has more power than the V6 it replaces.

What I didn’t like about the 2025 Buick Enclave Sport Touring: The engine has an annoying tinny sound that penetrates the cabin under heavy acceleration. Some buttons on the touchscreen are slow to react when pressed.

Would I buy the 2024 Buick Sport Touring? Pricing is at the high end of the segment against many competitors that offer more in the way of interior plushness, so probably not.

2025 INFINITI X50

INFINITI TRIMS ITS MODEL OFFERINGS FOR SECOND GENERATION OF SMALLEST SUV

After beginning life as the EX35 nearly two decades ago, the smallest SUV in the Infiniti portfolio assumed its current QX nameplate when the luxury division of the Japanese automaker Nissan revised nomenclature for its Infiniti fleet.

Beginning in 2014, “Q” has designated sedans, coupes, and convertibles with “QX” denoting Infiniti’s SUV fleet.

Thus the 2014 QX50 was a continuation of the original EX35. The 2019 Infiniti QX50 moved the vehicle into its second generation after a refresh that ended a year’s production hiatus.

The 2025 Infiniti QX50 remains a part of that  generation with all-wheel drive now standard and Sensory and Autograph trims dropped, putting the Sport at the top of the portfolio. The Sport trim, which this review is based on, replaced the Essential on 2023 models.

Other trims are Pure, which serves as the base model, and Luxe.

All trims come with a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It is rated at 268 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque and delivers fuel mileage ratings of 22 miles-per-gallon city, 28 highway, and 25 combined using recommended premium fuel.

Four drive modes are offered — Standard, Eco, Sport, and Personal. All-wheel drive also is standard.

Equipment upgrades on the Sport over the Pure and Luxe include 20-inch wheels over 19s, LED fog lights, semi-aniline leather seats over Leatherette (Pure) and standard leather (Luxe), 4-way power lumbar support for the driver’s seat, heated and ventilated seats over heated only (Luxe) for both the driver and front-seat passenger, black aluminum accents, enhanced interior lighting, Bose Premium sound (optional on the Pure), navigation, an around-view monitor with moving object detection, and traffic sign recognition.

All 2025 Infiniti QX50s include such standard features as LED headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights, a power liftgate (motional-activated on Sport and Pure), remote start, 8-way power adjustable front seat, 60-40 folding rear bench seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, automatic dual zone temperature control, Infiniti In/Touch services, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging pad, wi-fi hot  spot, and Bluetooth connectivity. 

Safety features included as standard on all QX50 models include the usual collection of airbags and seatbelts, adaptive cruise control, predictive forward collision warning, forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, lane-departure warning, rear automatic braking, rear cross-traffic assist, rear automatic braking, and ProPilot Assist.

The 2025 Infiniti QX50 Sport gets the upgraded surround-view monitor with moving object detection that replaces the standard rear-view camera on Pure and Luxe models. 

Pricing for the 2025 Infiniti QX50 start at $44,350 for the Pure, $47,650 for the Luxe, and $52,550 for the Sport, including the $1,350 destination and deliver fee.

What I liked about the 2025 Infiniti QX50S: The interior is roomy with comfortable seats and has a quiet ride. The dual screen layout provides easy access to more popular features (like the navigation map on the upper screen and radio and A/C on the lower) without having to change screens. Cargo space is good (31.1 cubic feet with second-row seats in place, 64.4 with the second-row folded). Pricing is very competitive in the segment.

What I didn’t like about the 2025 Infiniti QX50S: Yes, the interior is roomy but it doesn’t have the “wow factor” typical of a luxury class vehicle. The display for tech features has a dated look. Even some non-luxury competitors are going with a much larger touchscreen that provide a larger map for navigation and wider view for the backup camera. The CVT takes away from performance.

Would I buy the 2025 Infiniti QX50S? I’d give it a look before moving on to others in its class. A major refreshing could be coming in the next couple of years if you can wait with the infotainment display a likely target for upgrades.