2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI Starts At $33,670, Golf R At $48,325

The refreshed 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI is powered by a 241 horsepower 2.0-liter TSI® turbocharged and direct-injection engine paired with either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG® transmission starts at $33,670 (including $1,225 destination charge) for the S trim. The Golf R (pictured above), with a 13-horsepower increase, now has 328 horsepower, comes with the 7-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission and starts at $48,325. The interior gets a new Carbon Gray décor and a freestanding 12.9-inch touchscreen. An optional Euro Style Package is available for both trims. Standard and available features are improved across all trim levels, including standard navigation, Dynamic Road Sign Display, wired- and wireless App-Connect on the base S trim. IQ.DRIVE® driver assistance technology remains standard across the line up.   

2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Starts At $46,200

The all-new 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport, powered by a 285 horsepower 24-valve DOHC 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, has a 2.55 inch longer wheelbase at 113.6 inches and a 1.3 inch wider track than the previous model. The Passport will have the second generation of the Honda torque vectoring i-VTM4™ all-wheel drive system with rear drive unit that can handle 40% more torque and provides 30% faster response and up to 70% of the engine's torque can be sent to the rear axle, and 100% of that torque can be distributed to either the left or right rear wheel. Every 2026 Passport can be customized with a choice of seven post-production option packages that include an Adventure Package, a Pet Package, and a new HPD Package. The new TrailWatch™ camera system, which is standard, uses front, rear, side and 360 degree cameras along with tire placement graphics to help drivers navigate obstacles outside their natural line of sight by slope or proximity, such as blind crests, deep ruts and the trail's edge. The 2026 Passport starts with the exceptionally well-equipped RTL trim, carrying a starting MSRP of $46,200 (including $1,450 Destination Charge).

Volvo EX30 Cross Country Coming Later This Year

The new Volvo EX30 Cross Country fully electric SUV comes with all-wheel drive and is higher off the ground compared with the standard EX30 with bigger wheels and the option of an 18-inch all-terrain accessory tire. The Volvo EX30 Cross Country can be charged from 10-80 percent in as little as 26 minutes and like every new Volvo car, the EX30 Cross Country has Google built-in. The new Volvo EX30 Cross Country will be available in the US later this year.

2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid Starts At $34,995 This Spring

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid is the first model in the Subaru lineup to be powered by a next-generation Subaru series-parallel hybrid powertrain that integrates a 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® engine and electric motors with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Lineartronic® Continuously Variable Transmission to deliver 194 total system horsepower with up to 581 miles of range on a single tank of fuel for an EPA-estimated rating of 35 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, 35 mpg combined. The 2025 Forester Hybrid will arrive at retailers nationwide in Spring 2025, starting at $34,995 MSRP.

2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness Coming This Fall

The new 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness, powered by a revised 180 horsepower 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® engine mated to a revised Lineartronic® Continuously Variable Transmission, features 9.3 inches of ground clearance (an inch higher than its predecessor) and EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, a tablet-style 11.6-inch Subaru Multimedia system with integrated center information display, and an available 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with navigation and Apple Maps integration. The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness will arrive at retailers nationwide in Fall 2025.

2025 Jeep® Wagoneer S Limited Starts At $66,995

The new 2025 Jeep® Wagoneer S Limited, joining the Launch Edition, produces 600 horsepower battery-electric vehicle with a range of more than 300 miles on a single charge and is paired with the Jeep brand-exclusive Selec-Terrain traction management system. The 2025 Jeep Wagoneer S is now available to order online and in Jeep dealerships throughout North America, with a starting U.S. MSRP of $66,995 (including $1,795 destination). The 2025 Wagoneer S qualifies for Inflation Reduction Act lease EV credits ($7,500 for retail and lease purchases).

2025 Lexus LX 700h Starts At $106,850 Soon

The 2025 Lexus LX 700h with two or three-rows, offered in Premium, F SPORT Handling, Luxury, Ultra Luxury, powered by a  twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed Direct Shift Automatic Transmission (same as the LX 600). The hybrid system produces 457 horsepower, 583 lb.-ft of torque, and an improved EPA-estimated combined fuel economy rating of 20 MPG. The starting MSRP of $106,850 (includes Delivery, Processing and Handling Fee). Ready for the adventure ahead, both the LX 600 and LX 700h can tow up to 8,000 pounds. The Overtrail grade is available on the LX 700h and can be equipped as a two or three-row configuration. The LX 600 is powered 409 horsepower 3.4-liter V6 twin-turbo gasoline engine. There's a standard 12.3-inch high-definition upper touchscreen with added LX-exclusive 7-inch lower touchscreen. The 7-inch lower touchscreen displays the climate control screen and MTS. It also features vehicle information including: differential lock status, mode selection when using Drive Mode Select, Downhill Assist Control, Crawl Control, and vehicle height control. The 2025 LX lineup is expected to arrive at dealerships in early 2025.

Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E PERFORMANCE 4-Door Coupe

The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E PERFORMANCE 4-Door Coupe, from Affalterbach, is powered by the Handcrafted 630 horsepower AMG 4.0L V8 biturbo engine combined with a 201 horsepower rear axle electric motor that generates a combined system output of 831 horsepower for acceleration from a standstill to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds to an electronically limited top speed of 197 mph. The drive power from the combustion engine and electric motor is transferred to the front wheels as required from the variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive by means of the driveshaft and axles of the front wheels. It also enables all-electric driving with all-wheel drive. The AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs, "Electric," "Comfort," "Battery Hold," "Sport," "Sport+," "RACE," "Slippery" and "Individual," are precisely tailored to the new drive technology. External charging takes place via the 3.7 kW on-board AC charger, at a charging station, wallbox or household socket. The battery is designed for fast power delivery rather than longest possible range.

2025 Volkswagen ID.4 82 kWh Models Start at $46,520

The 2025 Volkswagen ID.4 82 kWh models, produced at the Chattanooga factory, start at $46,520 (including $1,425 destination) for the rear-wheel-drive Pro and $50,420 for the AWD Pro. The rear-wheel-drive Pro S starts at $51,620 and the AWD Pro S carries a sticker price of $55,520. The Pro S Plus is only available with all-wheel drive at a starting MSRP of $58,720. Models with the 62 kWh battery will have later availability, and all models will receive additional content starting midyear. Details and pricing on both will come at a later date. Driver assistance features include standard IQ.DRIVE®; plus Park Distance Control; Park Assist (Parking Steering Assistant); Dynamic Road Sign Display; and Light Assist (High Beam Control for headlights).

2026 BMW iX Starts At $76,325 In The 2nd Quarter

The 2026 BMW iX is offered in new 402 horsepower iX xDrive45 with an estimated range of up to 312 miles and starting price of  $76,325 (including $1,175 destination and handling), the 536 horsepower iX xDrive60 with an expected range of up to 340 miles and starting price of $89,675, and the 650 horsepower performance-oriented iX M70 xDrive with an expected 302 miles of range and starting price of $112,675. Estimated ranges are according to preliminary BMW AG tests based on the EPA’s test procedure standards. The exterior has been revised including headlights, an updated grille with illumination on the iX xDrive45 and iX xDrive60. Illumination is standard on iX M70 xDrive. The new BMW iX is already equipped with Driving Assistant Plus as standard in addition to Forward Collision Mitigation, Active Blind Spot Detection and Lane Keeping Assistant and Speed Limit Assistant it also includes Distance Control and Steering Assistant, each of which can be used at speeds of up to 112 mph, as well as Active Speed Limit Assist. A tow hitch will be available as an option for the new BMW iX in the summer of 2025. For all model variants, the maximum permitted towing capacity is 3,500 lbs. Production of the 2026 BMW iX will begin in March of 2025 at BMW’s Plant Dingolfing. Deliveries are expected to commence in the second quarter of 2025.

2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid Coming This Fall

The new third-generation 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is equipped with the next-generation Subaru series-parallel hybrid system that integrates a 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® engine and electric motors with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Lineartronic® Continuously Variable Transmission delivering total system output of 194 horsepower. All trim levels of the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid are equipped with X-MODE® with Hill Descent Control, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance and the latest version of Subaru’s EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology which can identify cyclists and pedestrians at intersections sooner and, when necessary, alert the driver and apply braking to avoid collisions. Reverse Automatic Braking and Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert also come on the Crosstrek Hybrid. Pricing, specifications, and equipment for the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid will be announced closer to its on-sale date in Fall 2025.

Acura RSX EV Goes Into Production Later This Year

The all-new, all-electric Acura RSX, engineered on the new Honda-developed EV platform, is scheduled for production later this year at the Honda EV Hub in Ohio. Development testing in real-world conditions for the all-electric RSX begins this week.

2025 Alfa Romeo Series Starts At $46,490

The all-new 2025 Alfa Romeo Intensa special series, available on the full lineup of 2025 Tonale, Stelvio and Giulia (above) models featuring distinctive two-tone design elements, will be powered by either a 1.3-liter 285-horsepower PHEV powertrain with 33 miles of all-electric range or the new 2.0-liter 268-horsepower turbocharged gas engine on the Tonale starting at $46,490 (including $1,995 destination) for the Tonale Intensa with 2.0-liter turbo engine and starting at $56,490 for the Tonale Intensa PHEV. The 2025 Alfa Romeo Giulia Intensa starts at $51,990 and Stelvio Intensa starts at $57,390, both powered by a 280-horsepower turbocharged engine and standard Q4 all-wheel drive with an eight-speed automatic transmission. 

2025 Corvette ZR1 Starts At $174,995 Later This Year

The 2025 Corvette ZR1, available in 1LZ and 3LZ trim levels, is powered by a 1,064 horsepower 5.5L twin-turbocharged LT7 DOHC flat-plane crank V8 engine and will have a starting MSRP of $174,995 (including $1,695 DFC) for the 1LZ coupe and $184,995 for the 1LZ hardtop convertible. The 3LZ coupe is available for a starting MSRP of $185,995 (including DFC) or $195,995 (including DFC) for the 3LZ convertible. Performance options include the ZR1 Carbon Fiber Aero Package with an MSRP of $8,495 which adds a high-downforce rear wing, front dive planes, a tall hood spoiler and underbody strakes to increase downforce, and the ZTK Performance Package with an MSRP of $1,500 which requires the Carbon Fiber Aero Package. Chevrolet will begin accepting orders for the 2025 Corvette ZR1 in mid-February with production to begin at Bowling Green Assembly in the 2nd quarter. 

2025 Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty Trucks Arrive This Quarter

The new 2025 Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty Trucks are powered by either the standard 405 horsepower 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8 engine or the new 430 horsepower 6.7-liter Cummins High-Output Turbo Diesel engine paired to the TorqueFlite HD eight-speed transmission  enabling 36,610 pounds of towing capability with a 3.42 rear axle ratio. (Max towing was previously available only with a 4.10 axle ratio.) The RamBox cargo management system includes versatile, weatherproof, lockable, illuminated and drainable storage bins built into the bed rails. Available with RamBox is a pickup bed divider and cargo rail system with four sliding, adjustable cleats. For 2025, Ram Heavy Duty pickups feature updated grilles with a unique design, depending on the selected trim level. New premium LED headlamps, including twin bi-functional projectors, are available, while LEDs are now standard. An on-board power inverter offers up to 2.4 kilowatts with two covered outlets located inside the bed of the Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty. The new 2025 Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty trucks feature an improved 12-inch or new 14.5-inch touchscreen display and the Uconnect 5 system offers more connected services. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster shows nearly two dozen different menus, including driver-assist technologies such as adaptive cruise control, active driving assist, Drowsy Driver Detection and Traffic Sign Information. New standard safety features include adaptive cruise control, Forward Collision Warning-Plus, ParkSense front/rear park assist (Big Horn). New Drowsy Driver Detection, Traffic Sign Recognition and Active Lane Management are available. The Ram 3500 Chassis Cab starts at $49,285 (including destination), Ram 4500 Chassis Cab at$55,660 and Ram 5500 Chassis Cab at $56,770. The new 2025 Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty trucks are scheduled to arrive in dealerships this quarter (Q1 2025).

SaxtonOnCars Celebrates 15 Years! It Started With Tesla

SaxtonOnCars started 15 years ago in 2009 shortly after I left my assignment with Edmunds.com creating daily new vehicle content for their predictive tool, Car Stock Exchange. My coverage of the auto industry really began as a sportscaster in the mid-70s commentating on stock car racing and demolition derbies on CKVU-TV in Vancouver, and reporting on all levels of auto racing. When I made the shift to financial newscasting at Financial News Network (FNN), I was tapped to host their weekly primetime program AutoTrends and be involved in live collector car auction broadcasts (years before Speed Channel launched). The drive continued at KWHY-22 "The Business Channel" in Los Angeles with my CarBiz segments interviewing automotive executives. My automotive mic was on cruise control at KFWB News980 and Bloomberg Radio where the Motor Press Guild (MPG) Batchelor Awards recognized my radio coverage of the auto industry. Then to Edmunds.com and now SaxtonOnCars with an accompanying YouTube Channel. The ride continues - thank you for your support. 

My first article was on the Tesla Model S in November 2009 (above) after seeing Elon's Roadsters being driven at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show for the first time (below). And, that amazing story has reached historical proportions as we all know.

2025 Subaru Solterra Starts At $39,915

The 2025 Subaru Solterra all-electric SUV, available in Premium, Limited, Touring, and new Touring Onyx Edition trim levels, delivers up to 227 miles of range and now has a lower starting price for 2025. The 2025 Subaru Solterra will start at $39,915 (including $1,420 destination and delivery). All Solterras are equipped with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and Subaru StarDrive® Technology and have 8.3 inches of ground clearance 

2025 Nissan Ariya Starts At $41,160

The 2025 Nissan Ariya starts at $41,160 (including $1,390 destination & handling fee) for the 214 horsepower Engage FWD 66 kWh battery trim level that has a range of 216 miles and is on sale with wireless device charging now standard across all Ariya grades. Nissan EV owners will need a Nissan-provided North American Charging Standard (NACS) adapter kit to access 17,800 Tesla Supercharger stations, now available for $235. The kit can be ordered through a Nissan dealer and is available online at NissanUSA.com. Starting in 2025, Nissan will begin fitting EVs for the U.S. and Canadian markets with a NACS port. Evolve+ has 238 horsepower and a 289 mile range while the Evolve+ e-4ORCE and Platinum+ e-4ORCE trims have up to 389 horsepower delivering a range up to 272 miles.

2025 Nissan Murano Starts At $41,860

The all-new 2025 Nissan Murano, powered by a 241 horsepower 2.0-liter VC-Turbo (Variable Compression Turbo) powertrain paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission featuring paddle shifters, starts at $41,860 (including $1,390 destination and handling). Murano offers available Google built-in7, with up-to-date Google Maps and over 100 available apps in the 12.3-inch touchscreen. The system is paired with a Bose® 10-speaker audio system.

Honda Prelude Nameplate Returns Late Next Year

The all-new hybrid-electric Honda Prelude sports coupe will be introduced to the U.S. market late next year, returning the nameplate to the brand in its 6th generation. This year Honda began selling the Honda Prologue, the brand’s first all-electric SUV. And late next year, Honda will begin production of the first EVs based on the new Honda-developed EV platform at the Honda EV Hub in Ohio.

2025 Toyota bZ4X BEV Starts At $38,465 In Early 2025

The battery-electric 2025 Toyota bZ4X with an EPA-estimated range rating of 252 miles on the XLE FWD model will cost up-to $6,000 less and adds a new Nightshade edition with standard All Wheel Drive. For 2025, the MSRP starts at $38,465 (including $1,395 DPH fee) on the XLE FWD grade, $40,545 on the XLE AWD grade and the Limited grades starts at $43,195 (FWD), a price reduction of $5,380. The XLE AWD equipped models range is 228 miles and the Limited grade has an EPA-estimated range rating of up to 236 miles on the FWD model; the Limited and Nightshade AWD models have an EPA-estimated range of up to 222 miles. The bZ4X is 3.7 inches longer than the RAV4, at 184.6 inches, with a 6.3-inch longer wheelbase at 112.2 inches. The 2025 bZ4X is expected to start arriving at Toyota dealerships nationwide in early 2025.

2025 Toyota 4Runner Starts At $42,220 In January

The 6th generation 2025 Toyota 4Runner, available in SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Sport Premium, TRD Off–Road, TRD Off–Road Premium, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter trim levels, is powered by a 278 horsepower i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbo with an EPA-estimated 26 MPG highway on the SR5, TRD Sport, and TRD Sport Premium grades, and available on TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium and Limited. There's an available i-FORCE MAX hybrid that produces up to 326 horsepower. 4Runner is available in 2-Wheel, part-time 4-Wheel and Full-time 4-Wheel Drive. All i-FORCE MAX grades come standard with 4-Wheel Drive and the Limited and Platinum grades have Full-time 4-Wheel Drive with an electronic locking center differential offering a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 lbs. The 2025 Toyota 4Runner will hit dealerships in January of 2025 with a starting MSRP of $42,220 (including $1,450 for Delivery Processing and Handling fee).