Monday, September 2, 2024

Test Drive: 2024 Toyota Sienna XSE Hybrid Minivan

The 2024 Toyota Sienna, now in its fourth-generation and third year as an all-hybrid model delivers 245 total system horsepower from a 189 horsepower 2.5-liter Dynamic Force 4-cylinder16-valve Dual Overhead engine and a 134 kW (180 horsepower) electric motor.

Richard Saxton reviews the Toyota Sienna XSE 7 Passenger hybrid minivan on a 375 mile city/highway test drive around Vancouver and to the Whistler/Blackcomb ski resort.

Click to watch video. 

2025 Audi Q5 Coming In Early 2025

The all-new third generation 2025 Audi Q5 SUV U.S. specification models will be powered by a 268 horsepower 2.0L TFSI 4 cylinder engine with quattro® All-Wheel Drive mated to a 7-Speed S tronic Dual-Clutch Transmission, and the SQ5 by a 362 horsepower 3.0L TFSI 6 cylinder engine. In the future, models with plug-in hybrid technology will expand the model family. The Q5 and SQ5 will have up to eight available customizable light signatures. Three versions are available: basic, advanced exterior and S line exterior. The Audi MMI panoramic display has a curved design and OLED technology and houses the 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit and the 14.5-inch MMI touch display. The new Audi Q5 SUV and Audi SQ5 SUV will be launched in Germany and numerous other European countries in the first quarter 2025. Audi has been manufacturing the Q5 models in Mexico for eight years and full details will be available closer to the U.S. on-sale date in early 2025. 

Friday, August 30, 2024

2025 Hyundai Elantra Starts At $23,025

The 2025 Hyundai Elantra SE, powered by a 147 horsepower 2.0L 4-cylinder engine paired with an Intelligent Variable Transmission, starts at $23,025 (including $1,150 delivery charge) while the Hybrid Blue, with an EPA estimated up to 54 MPG combined, now starts at $26,250. The new SEL Sport trim is available with ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) for $24,150 or hybrid at $28,225. For 2025, Elantra has SEL Sport and SEL Convenience trims and the SEL Convenience package is now offered as a standalone model. Turbo engine options include 201 horsepower 1.6 Turbo GDI DOHC 16-valve CVVD Inline 4-cylinder engine and a 276 horsepower 2.0L turbocharged direct injected “Flat Power” 4-cylinder engine.

MINI Countryman SE ALL4 Starts At $46,195 Soon

 

The new, all-electric MINI Countryman SE ALL4 has two electric motors for a total output of 308 horsepower, partially automated Level 2 driving and an electric range of up to 212 miles. Owners can expect to charge the battery from 10 percent to 80 percent in just under 30 minutes. The MINI Countryman SE ALL4 arrives at MINI dealerships nationwide this September starting at $46,195 (including $995 destination and handling fee).

2025 Hyundai Sonata Starts At $27,800

The 2025 Hyundai Sonata, powered by a 191 horsepower 2.5L , 290 horsepower 2.5 T-GDI or an integrated 2.0L Hybrid engine mated to an 8-Speed Automatic w/ SHIFTRONIC®, starts at $27,800 (including $1,150 delivery charge) for the reintroduced entry level SE trim. New for 2025 is the reintroduction of entry-level SE trim, SEL Convenience package now a standalone trim and an added 2nd row console-mounted air vent for the Sonata N Line.   The Sonata SEL equipped with the 2.5L GDI engine starts at $28,900 while the the Sonata Hybrid starts at $32,150. The high-performance Sonata N Line with the Smartstream 2.5L Turbo GDI engine paired with a dual-clutch transmission starts at $36,400 including delivery.

2025 Ford Bronco® Sport Coming In Q1 2025

The 2025 Ford Bronco® Sport, the Bronco of small SUVs, is upgraded for 2025 with the Sasquatch™ off-road package now available for both 1.5-liter Bronco Sport Outer Banks and 2.0-liter Badlands models. All 2025 Bronco Sport models come standard with a 13.2-inch touchscreen with the SYNC(R) 4 system. The 2025 Bronco Sport Big Bend, Outer Banks, and Badlands will arrive in dealers in November. Bronco Sport Sasquatch will be available during Q1 2025. Pricing for all models will be shared nearer to their respective on-sale dates.

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 4MATIC Plug-in Hybrid At $61,050

The new 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 4MATIC plug-in hybrid SUV is powered by a 134 hp electric motor and 24.8 kWh battery combined with a 201 horsepower 2.0L Inline-4 Turbo engine for a combined system output of 313 horsepower delivering an EPA electric range of up to 54 miles. The standard 60-kW DC charging capacity enables a full battery charge to be achieved in as little as 30 minutes. The vehicle is now available at U.S. dealerships starting from $61,050 (including $1,150 destination and delivery charge).

2025 Nissan Sentra Starts At $22,730 Now

The 2025 Nissan Sentra, in S, SV and SR trims, is powered by a 149 horsepower 2.0-liter inline-four engine paired to an Xtronic CVT with Idle Stop Start to help save fuel when the vehicle is stopped. Nissan Safety Shield® 360, a suite of six advanced driver-assist systems including Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Automatic Braking is standard. A 7-inch touchscreen is included on Sentra S, with SV and SR grades upgrading to an 8-inch display. The 2025 Nissan Sentra is on sale now starting at $22,730 (including $1,140 destination and handling).

2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Starts At $29,895 Soon

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz, powered by a 191 horsepower 2.5L GDI + MPI DOHC 16-valve Inline 4-cylinder engine mated to an 8-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC® transmission starts at $29,895 (including $1,395 destination) while the XRT trim with all-terrain tires, front tow hooks and improved off-road and towing ability starts at $41,395 and the top-of-the-line Limited starts at $43,895. The other engine option is a 281 horsepower 2.5L Turbo GDI + MPI DOHC 16-valve Inline 4-cylinder engine. The 2025 Santa Cruz, designed in California and built in Alabama, arrives at Hyundai dealerships this Summer.

Volkswagen ID. Buzz Starts At $61,545

The Volkswagen ID. Buzz, the electric reincarnation of the Microbus, at 100% charge will give rear-wheel-drive models 234 miles of EPA-estimated range and 4Motion all-wheel-drive models 231 miles of EPA-estimated range. Copper, Moonlight, and Dune (seen above) are the available interior colors for the North American market. Buzz models will start with the rear-wheel-drive Pro S at $61,545 (including $1,550 destination charge) with a second-row bench seat to accommodate up to seven passengers. The rear-wheel-drive Pro S Plus with standard bench seating and available captain’s chair package with seating for six, starts at $65,045 and will have a  head-up display and a 14 speaker 700-watt harman/kardonTM sound system. The launch-only 1st Edition rear-wheel-drive starts at $67,045 and 4Motion AWD at $71,545 MSRP and they come with the Dune interior and five two-tone exteriors when they arrive later this year.

2025 Dodge Durango R/T 20th Anniversary Editions

The 2025 Dodge Durango R/T, powered by a 360 horsepower 5.7L HEMI V-8 engine, comes as a 20th Anniversary Plus option for $68,565 (including $1,595 destination charge) or 20th Anniversary Premium option starting at $72,065. The 2025 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat is powered by a 710 horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI Hellcat V-8 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that includes steering-wheel-mounted paddles and Auto, Sport, Track, Snow, Tow, Eco and Valet drive modes. The 2025 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat Silver Bullet, the first special-edition model of a Durango SRT Hellcat, will be available at a starting at $114,920. The 2025 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat Silver Bullet and Dodge Durango R/T 20th Anniversary models are available now for ordering at dealerships.

Monday, August 19, 2024

2025 GMC Yukon Coming At Year End

The 2025 GMC Yukon is powered by a 355 horsepower 5.3L V8 engine or an available 420 horsepower 6.2L V8 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission or a 305 horsepower 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine option. There's a 16.8-inch-diagonal Premium GMC Infotainment Center with a vertical interface, which allows users to customize the integration of maps, audio inputs, vehicle diagnostics and more into a diagonal screen display. There's also an available 8-inch-diagonal rear climate control touchscreen. The 2025 Yukon introduces the first-ever AT4 Ultimate trim to celebrate the fifth anniversary of GMC’s AT4 sub-brand and a towing capability of up to 8,400 lbs. Standard advanced safety features include Front Pedestrian and Bicyclist Braking, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, Side Bicyclist Alert and Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking. The 2025 GMC Yukon will be produced at Arlington Assembly in Texas and is expected to be available by the end of 2024.

2025 Nissan Rogue Starts At $30,620 Soon

The 2025 Nissan Rogue, powered by a 201 horsepower standard 1.5-liter Variable Compression Turbo (VC-Turbo) engine paired with an Xtronic CVT and starts at $30,620 (including $1,390 destination and handling charges). All Rogue grades include standard Nissan Safety Shield® 360Opens in a new tab.12, which includes Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist and Rear Automatic Braking. On the available Technology Package, the system also adds two additional camera angles: Front Wide View, which provides a 176-degree view, ideal for "seeing around" pillars in garages or parked cars on the street and Invisible Hood View. Newly available on Rogue SL and Platinum grades, ProPILOT Assist 2.1 allows attentive drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel in single-lane freeway operation, thanks to radar, sonar, cameras and high-definition mapping data. The 2025 Nissan Rogue will reach Nissan dealerships later this Summer. 

2025 Lincoln Navigator Goes On Sale Next Spring

The all-new 2025 Lincoln Navigator is powered by a 440 horsepower 3.5 liter V6 engine with standard four-wheel drive with a towing capacity of 8,700 pounds. New driver-assist features include Turn Signal View and Intersection Assist. Navigator owners get four years of Blue Cruise for hands-free mode that includes Lane Change Assist and I-Lane Repositioning. The Lincoln Digital Experience is run through a 48-inch panoramic display. The all-new 2025 Lincoln Navigator goes on sale next Spring.  

Acura Performance EV Concept

The Acura Performance EV Concept will be the first model engineered on an all-new Honda-developed EV Platform, and the first model produced at the new Honda EV Hub in Ohio. 

2025 BMW M5 Touring Starts At $122,675 In Q4

The new 2025 BMW M5 Touring will arrive in the US market with the M Hybrid powertrain for a maximum output of 717 horsepower integrated into the 8-speed M Steptronic transmission. The high output electric motor enables fully electric driving up to 87 mph and the 14.8 kWh HV battery delivers an estimated maximum electric range of up to 25 miles on a full charge. The global market launch of the M5 Touring will commence in the fourth quarter of 2024 with a starting price of $122,675 (including $1,175 destination and handling).

2025 Subaru Ascent Starts At $40,215

The 2025 Subaru Ascent 3-row SUV, powered by a standard 260 horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine paired with a high-torque Lineartronic® CVT (continuously variable transmission) featuring an 8-speed manual mode function and steering wheel paddle shifters to give the driver added control. All trim levels come standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and X-MODE® with Hill Descent Control for exceptional all-weather and trail-driving capability and up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity. The 2025 Ascent adds Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, as well as Reverse Automatic Braking along with Bronze Edition and Onyx Edition Touring trim levels. The SUBARU STARLINK 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus system is standard across the model line. The 11.6-inch center information display offers a high-definition touchscreen for multimedia, climate control, X-MODE, and vehicle configuration settings. The multimedia system also includes wireless Apple CarPlay®, wireless Android™ Auto, AM/FM/HD Radio, Bluetooth hands-free phone, text, and audio streaming connectivity, rear vision camera, and SiriusXM® and SiriusXM Travel Link® (4-month free Platinum subscription). Ascent starting price is $40,215 (including $1,420 destination & delivery).

2025 Genesis G80 Starts At $58,350

The newly redesigned 2025 Genesis G80 executive sedan is available with a 300 horsepower gasoline 2.5-liter turbo engine or a 375 horsepower gasoline 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, both mated to an 8-speed Automatic Transmission. The 2025 G80 2.5T AWD has a starting MSRP of $58,350 (including $1,250 freight charge) with standard equipment that includes a 27-inch OLED integrated instrument cluster and infotainment display, 18-inch alloy wheels, front 4-piston monobloc brake calipers, power front seats with 4-way power lumbar adjustment, heated front and rear seats, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, a 12-speaker audio system, four USB Type-C ports, Wi-Fi® hotspot, and Genesis' advanced driver assistance features. The 2025 G80 2.5T Advanced AWD has a starting MSRP of $63,150, the 2025 G80 3.5T Sport Advanced AWD starts at $70,850 and the 2025 G80 3.5T Sport Prestige AWD at $78,250.

2025 Jeep® Compass Starts At $29,090 This Fall

The 2025 Jeep® Compass, in Sport, Latitude, Limited and Trailhawk trims, is powered by a 200 horsepower 2.0-liter, turbocharged engine starts at $29,090 (including $1,595 destination). Next-generation technologies offered on Compass include an available 10.25-inch frameless full-color thin-film transistor digital cluster, 10.1-inch digital infotainment touchscreen, Uconnect 5 with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and an available wireless charging pad. Vehicles arrive at U.S. Jeep dealerships this Fall.

Polestar 3 Luxury SUV EV Starts At $73,400

The Polestar 3 Luxury SUV EV, launched in late 2022, has started production in South Carolina, for customers in the US and Europe, adding to existing production in Chengdu, China. Polestar 3 is powered by either a 489 horsepower all-wheel drive long range Dual motor (two 180 kW permanent magnetic motors) with a range up to 315 miles which starts at $73,400 or a 517 horsepower long range Dual motor with Performance pack delivering a range up to 279 miles starting at $79,400. The battery is a 400 V lithium-ion battery with a 111 kWh capacity and 17 modules. Towing capacity is up to 3,500 lbs. Polestar plans to have a line-up of five performance EVs by 2026.