Affordable luxury are two words that cinch a quick description of the 2025 Mazda CX-70 Turbo S Premium Plus. It checks all the right boxes: Performance – 340 horsepower inline 6-cylinder engine with a mild hybrid boost; Style – nappa leather-trimmed seats; Comfort – 3-zone automatic climate control; Technology – 360-degree view monitor, radar cruise control, front & rear parking sensors.
There’s plenty more, too. Check out this Photo Gallery Slide Show to see what we mean.
It would be easy to jump to the conclusion that the all-new 2024 Honda Prologue and its platform mate, the 2024 Acura ZDX are essentially variations of the same mid size SUV. Both are all-electric vehicles co-developed with General Motors utilizing the automaker’s Ultium battery platform and BEV3 architecture, and they do share many features.
Take a step back, though. While the Prologue and the ZDX do tend to look somewhat similar – especially if you squint – there are enough differences to accept their individualities. That’s particularly true if you compare their top-end trims – the Prologue Elite and the ZDX Type S.
RPM News Weekly recently had the opportunity to test drive both models during a Honda sponsored road trip that took us to upstate New York to a hamlet appropriately named Accord (local pronunciation is apparently a bit different than the pronunciation of the well-known Honda vehicle). I drove there on a Monday in the Prologue Elite, some 250 miles or so. (More on that in a bit.)
Then, after a nights rest, I gathered with a group of journalists and fashionistas on Tuesday to bop around the mountain roads in variants of both the Prologue Elite and ZDX Type S, as well as a new 2025 Civic Hybrid. In between drives there was a unique Motocompacto motorbike from Honda to try out around the parking area, too.
On Wednesday after breakfast, I loaded myself and travel bag into a cosmic black ZDX Type S fitted with summer performance tires and headed home on an alternative route that included a lengthy stretch of rigorous driving along mountainous backroads west of the Hudson River.
One thing that became clearly evident to me after those three days is that either one of these vehicles makes long distance travel in an EV not only practical, but enjoyable, too. Just saying that seems totally corny to me at this stage of EV development. I’m certainly not the first one to take an EV on a long road trip, nor was this my first such adventure. It’s just that it still seems that the idea has to be constantly reinforced that a long trip in an EV actually can be accomplished. There is so much range anxiety still at large in the public mind.
Anyway, Honda/Acura have certainly made long road trips easier with these two models. The Prologue Elite AWD has an EPA estimated range of 273 miles, while the ZDX Type S is rated at 278 miles.
When I started out Monday afternoon on the above described road trip, the charge in the scarlett red metallic Prologue Elite that I would drive had been almost fully topped off, so the 238 mile route I had mapped out to Accord, NY would leave me with 35 miles (estimated) available at the end if I didn’t charge up somewhere on the way. My contact at Honda suggested charging up in Kingston, NY just before I got to Accord, so that the vehicle would be ready to go in the morning for test drives in the mountains.
I could have driven to Kingston, NY to charge up as planned, but I encountered rain in the Berkshires and thought it was prudent to charge up sooner since rain always eats up fuel more quickly no matter if it’s gasoline or electric. So, I diverted to Albany which added some miles (as well as time) to the trip, but kept me in my comfort zone for making the journey without unnecessary stress because of the weather.
The onboard Google Assistant technology, a first for Honda, made the whole process of redirecting to Albany and finding a charger very easy, and it even preconditioned the battery so that charging went a bit faster. In the end I arrived in Accord with 141 miles remaining on the charge.
The next day, once everyone began driving loops in the nearby countryside, I first took a turn as passenger in a grey Prologue Elite. My driver was a journalist from WAPA, (Washington, D.C. Area Press Association). Having the passenger perspective gave me a better chance to evaluate some of the onboard features and discover what I missed in the details while focused on driving the day before.
Two important things came from that: 1) the faint whoop, whoop I had been hearing at below 24 mph on my drive the day before was not isolated to the vehicle I had been driving. It’s a sound the vehicle automatically generates to alert pedestrians of the oncoming EV since it makes very little noise while in motion; 2) the reason I couldn’t find a physical switch to control the exterior lights is because the control is on the center touchscreen display at the top.
Also, it turns out that Prologue’s 11.3-inch center display and basically the entire center console climate and accessories controls are virtually identical to that in the ZDX (minus some minor stylistic changes).
The ride, however, even though smooth and comfortable as I had learned the day before, was clearly not as luxurious as what I would find in the ZDX Type S. Not anything to complain about for sure, and definitely competitive with its peers in the segment at its price point, but as I soon discovered in the ZDX Type S, it’s a whole different world.
Not only is the drive quieter in the ZDX (unless you’ve turned on the artificial performance noise), the whole experience is managed better whether it’s the suspension, steering or braking. Here’s why according to Acura.
“ZDX Type S is the best-performing Acura SUV ever, with a dual-motor all-wheel drive system delivering nearly 500 horsepower, 6-piston Brembo front brakes, air suspension and adaptive dampers.” ~ Acura Media
Make that 499 horsepower and 544 lb.-ft. of torque to be exact. Even the entry-level ZDX A-Spec RWD trim kicks, offering up 358 horsepower and 324 lb.-ft. of torque.
Meanwhile, output in the Prologue Elite checks in at a respectable 288 horsepower with its dual motor AWD system. EX and Touring trims come standard with a FWD setup that provides 212 hp and 236 lb.-ft. of torque. Good but definitely not in ZDX territory.
A couple more things that pop out if you go side by side down their respective Monroney stickers. With the ZDX Type S, Acura introduces hands-free driver assistance technology to its lineup. Called AcuraWatch 360+, it comes standard on the ZDX Type S and includes 36 months of free service but will ultimately require an OnStar subscription. Also, the ZDX’s 18 speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system delivers a sound experience that the Prologue’s 12-speaker Bose system can’t match.
My drive back home in the ZDX Type S with performance tires only solidified my earlier observations. Driving along steep mountain roads for the first twenty miles or so offered an exciting range of handling challenges including switchbacks, blind turns, quick speed variations, a one lane bridge overpass and a few speed-tempting open stretches. The ZDX Type S proved to be a good friend throughout.
Having started out from Accord with a nearly full charge and taking a very non-direct route that wound through Poughkeepsie, down the Taconic Parkway, across Connecticut to Hartford then northeast to the Mass Turnpike, I managed to get to within 60 miles of home when I figured it was advisable to charge up. No fuss – Google Assistant found me a fast charger on the way, I just plugged in, charged up, and drove away twenty minutes later.
For some premium SUVs, it can be a bit of a high wire juggling fete balancing performance, personality and prestige, but not for the BMW X6 xDrive 40i. It assuredly has got its act together. On our week long test drive of the model, it never disappointed us in how well-mannered and sophisticated it would be even when pushed to be brutish.
Some might argue that that ability to remain calm and reserved under pressure is characteristic of the brand. We won’t dispute that other than to note that at times we hoped for a bit more flagrant use of muscle in its demeanor.
Nevertheless, BMW has fastidiously stayed true to form to a fault and that’s where it succeeds. It knows its customer. After all, getting all noisy and raucous while exerting ones power is so déclassé.
To be clear, the X6 xDrive40i does have plenty of power when needed with its 375 horsepower inline 6-cylinder engine paired with a 48V mild hybrid setup. Of course, you’ll pay a bit at the pump for this level of performance, but whose counting when you’ve spent $87,545 to bring home the likes of this test edition that’s loaded with options (see table below).
As for prestige, there’s no line item in the list to describe such an intangible. It comes with the brand’s well-heeled cachet. Even so, the sum total of luxury and convenience features that come with a car like this is not an accident. On paper, they might look like the same stuff you’ll find in the top level trim of many other vehicles. Somehow though, they come together differently in the BMW X6 to create that presence of luxuriousness that you experience as soon as you get in the car, and then gets amplified as you gaze down the road and lean into the accelerator.
| 2024 X6 xDrive40i | Price |
|---|---|
| • Base MSRP | $73,900 |
| Exterior | |
| • Carbon Black Metallic | 650 |
| • 22″ M Dual-Spoke Bicolor 742M Wheels w/ performance tires | 1,900 |
| Interior | |
| • Cognac Sensafin | included |
| • Fineline Black Wood Trim | included |
| Options | |
| • Climate Comfort Package | 1,350 |
| • Driving Assistance Professional Package | 2,100 |
| • Executive Package | 3,450 |
| • M Sport Professional Package | 1,650 |
| • Parking Assistance Package | 800 |
| • Space-saver spare | included |
| • Multi-contour Seats | 750 |
| Additional Costs | |
| • Destination & Handling | 995 |
| TOTAL PRICE (MSRP) | $87,545 |
If it’s an Exotic Green 2024 Hyundai Elantra N Line you’re driving, put all worries aside about going unnoticed on making an entrance. It’s got great looks as well as plenty of power, and it won’t be cleaning out your wallet every time you fill up.
RPM News Weekly photographed the 2024 Hyundai Elantra N Line at several location in Fairhaven, MA. The above shot features the vehicle in front of historic Town Hall, a brick and stone High Victorian Gothic hall that was designed by Charles Brigham and built in 1892. The building’s granite trim elements were quarried in St. George, New Brunswick and Red Beach, Maine.
Incidentally, Samuel Clemens a.k.a. Mark Twain delivered the dedication speech at the opening of Fairhaven Town Hall on February 22, 1894. The famed writer was a close friend of Henry Huttleston Rogers, a native son of Fairhaven who amassed a fortune as a dominant figure at Standard Oil. Many of the town’s historic buildings were donated to the town by Rogers, each are architectural masterpieces.
Overall, fuel economy in the Elantra N Line fared better than the EPA ratings of 28 city / 35 highway / 31 combined. After driving the vehicle in late summer over 455 miles, including visits to Woodstock VT, Hill NH and our cruise through Fairhaven MA, the the digital cluster display indicated an average 36.3 miles per gallon. That’s especially satisfying considering the model’s 201 horsepower 1.6-liter turbo engine never left us feeling starved for performance, even when driving in SMART mode to conserve fuel.
Across the street from Fairhaven Town Hall is the Millicent Library, shown above behind the Elantra N Line. Built with funds provided by Rogers, the non-profit library provides free library services to residents of Fairhaven and the surrounding area as part of the SAILS library network.
In 1892, Rogers established the library corporation to manage and operate the library as an entity separate from the town. The land and building was deeded to the Town of Fairhaven by Rogers’ children to memorialize their sister Millicent who died at age 17 of heart disease. Partially obscured and undergoing exterior renovation in this photo, the building presents a unique fairytale castle appearance.
“Charles Brigham, foremost American architect of his day, from the Boston firm of Brigham & Spofford, was chosen to draw the plans. Norcross Brothers, the richest building firm in the country, was given orders to use the best of everything — no defaced or discolored materials to be tolerated; and there was to be particular emphasis on the artistic in every phase of planning. Arthur Robinson, expert painter and finisher of fine woods, had charge of all painting, rubbing and staining.
The basement segment of the walls was made of granite from Norcross Brothers’ Branbury quarries; the remainder of the building was constructed of Dedham granite, rock faced. Ornamentation was effected by beautifully fashioned terra cotta wreaths and garlands in a luminous golden hue, while the roofs were tiled in deep red; and gutters, conductors, finials and ridge rolls were of copper.
Within the building, there were sheathing, doors and door casings of heavy oak, beautifully grained. Masterly carving of some of this magnificent wood was spectacular. Much of the inside wall area was finished in fine brick stencilled to a rich and intricate pattern. There were Perth Amboy fireplaces throughout, and opposite Millicent’s window, the roof flared to a domed loftiness providing height for later adjustment of book galleries as need might demand.
The reading room to the right of the main entrance also swept to a dramatic dome broken by a semi-circular curve of lofty window apertures providing excellent natural lighting. Stained glass gleamed in panels over doorways, and a spectacular oriel window in the librarian’s room shimmered in muted color.” ~ from The Millicent Library website https://www.millicentlibrary.org/library-history
Aiming to boost business in the center of town, Rogers paid for the construction of the Masonic Building on Main Street, featured behind the Elantra N Line in the above photo. The ground floor offers rental space for business while the third floor features the ornate meeting place of the George H. Taber Lodge, A.F. & A.M., named for Fairhaven and Massachusetts’ oldest living freemason at the time. Originally named Concordia Lodge, the group was given the building under the condition that the lodge be renamed to honor Rogers’ uncle George, who was related by marriage.
The Exotic Green exterior of the Elantra N Line is certainly an attention-getter. But there’s plenty more to this 5-passenger sedan than its eye-catching paint job. Some of our favorite features include the 7-speed dual clutch transmission with paddles shifters, blind-spot collision warning, 10.25-inch multimedia display which incorporates a Bose Premium Audio System and Apple Carplay (Android Auto, too), N Line sport seats, and alloy pedals. Then there’s the suspension system that made every bit of the drive a delight, and the enormous trunk space that never left us wondering where we were going to fit all our travel bags and shopping finds.
Our final stop in Fairhaven was outside the glorious high school building shown above alongside the Elantra N Line. Dubbed “The Castle On the Hill”, Fairhaven High School represents the pinnacle of architectural achievements contributed to the town by Henry Huttleston Rogers. The equivalent of some of Europe’s most elaborate palaces, the main building was built in 1905. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.
There are several other magnificent buildings in Fairhaven that Rogers donated to the community including the Unitarian Church. Few locations in the United States have benefited as well as Fairhaven from the singular philanthropy of one person.
For us, the 2024 Hyundai Elantra N Line proved itself to be a very worthy touring vehicle and daily driver. Throughout our weeklong adventures, we benefited from its comfort, sportiness and efficiency. With an MSRP of just $29,825, it’s more than a bargain.
by Rich Taber
One doesn’t need a photo finish to recognize that Ford has a winner on its hands with the colorful 2024 Bronco Sport Free Wheeling Edition. Does it cross the line, though, with its retro styling?
Apparently, yes it does! And, in a good way, too. Everywhere I went with this charming SUV during my weeklong testing, strangers either nodded approval, gave thumbs-up or called out “Nice car!” affirmations.
Talk about ego boosts. All the attention couldn’t help but slant my unbiased intentions and create good free-wheelin’ vibrations about the five passenger SUV. I think it’s the nostalgia that this edition of the Bronco Sport carries with it. As RPM’s Peter Ciani reported some months ago, “…the Free Wheeling evokes the earthy and colorful, yet restrained, color palette of the 1970s.”
You can read the full original review here on RPM News Weekly – just click the button below.
Meanwhile, we’ve gathered up a new gallery of photos for the vehicle. Have a look. We hope you enjoy the second take of this delightful Bronco Sport edition.
by Peter Ciani
When the average Jane or Joe hunts for a new midsize pickup, chances are they’ll aim for the middle of the lineup at their local dealership. More than likely, that will be a Ford dealership, and that’s when the 2024 Ford Ranger XLT will come into their sights.
Not nearly as exotic as the Raptor perched at the top of the Ford Ranger food chain , the XLT tracks middle ground among the non-extreme performance models in the Ranger lineup, accompanied by the base XL and the decked out Lariat.
2024 Ford Ranger XLT (all photos by Peter Ciani except where noted otherwise)
The entry-level XL ($32,720 MSRP) is the value play or workhorse in the Ranger lineup, but these days entry-level doesn’t necessarily mean bare-bones. Sure, the XL plays the part, coming standard with basic black vinyl flooring, but you also get a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder turbo engine, 10-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and LED exterior lighting including automatic LED headlights with LED daytime running lights.
As expected, on the other end of the spectrum, the Lariat trim offers a few more interior niceties, including heated, leather-trimmed power front seats, a 12-inch center-stack touchscreen display, and a Bang & Olufsen Sound System.
Getting back to this week’s ride, the new 2024 Ford Ranger XLT is the “just right” trim in the Ranger lineup. I say that because the XLT gets more tech than the XL, but it also lets you add many features that you’ll find on the Lariat – in a sort of à la carte ordering. You may not care for leather seats, but if you tow you might want to add the available 2.7-liter V6 and the Advanced Towing Technology Package, which includes Ford’s innovative Pro Trailer Assist.
Some of the additional tech you get for its starting MSRP of $35,660 includes SiriusXM satellite radio, a wireless phone charger, LED bed lighting, 120V/400W in-cab and in-bed power outlets, and remote start.
More importantly, the XLT also features Ford Co-Pilot360 technology, which comprises BLIS Blind Spot Monitoring with Cross Traffic Alert and Trailer Coverage, Lane-Keeping Assist, and Reverse Sensing. That’s a good amount of tech for the $3,000 cost over the XL.
2024 Ford Ranger XLT With Sandstone Interior | Photo: Ford
All trims provide seating for five passengers. XL and XLT trims offer Premium Cloth seats only. The XL gets an Ebony (black) interior, while the XLT gives you a choice of Ebony or Sandstone (tan). Our test vehicle came with the Sandstone, which works well with the Azure Grey Metallic exterior color. The Lariat trim offers the same interior color choices, but the seats are covered in leather as opposed to cloth.
2024 Ford Ranger XLT
Outside, the XLT gets a standard Sport Appearance Package with gray-painted aluminum Sport Wheels and gray front and rear bumper trim. Our tester also included the FX4 Off-Road Package with an electronic-locking differential, underbody skid plates, off-road-tuned shocks, and the Chrome Appearance Package.
I’m a fan of the Chrome Package. It gives the Ranger a more elegant look, especially when paired with the Azure Grey Metallic Tri-Coat paint of our test truck. On the XLT, the package adds a chrome grille surround and center bar, a chrome rear bumper, chrome tow hooks (4×4 models), and 18-inch chrome-like wheels as Ford describes them. Chrome running boards are also included when paired with the FX4 Package.
2024 Ford Ranger XLT With Chrome & FX4 Packages | Photo: Ford
Standard power for the Ranger comes from a 270-horsepower, 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline 4-cylinder engine paired with a 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. The optional twin-turbo 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 makes 315 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque, and is available on the XLT and Lariat trims. The 2.3-liter engine can be ordered with rear-wheel drive or optional 4×4 drive. The V6 is only available with 4×4 drive.
Ford Ranger Towing | Photo: Ford Media
The Ranger can tow up to 7,500 pounds; maximum available payload capacity tops out at 1,805 pounds.
Handling was a priority in designing this sixth-generation Ranger. The fully boxed steel frame has been stretched to allow for more bed space, and the rear shocks and mounts have been moved outboard. Both of these improvements work to enhance ride quality and ride control. Overall, the 2024 Ford Ranger offers a stable, comfortable on-road ride for a truck with an off-road-tuned suspension, which is a good thing considering that many buyers likely won’t take it off-road often.
For some buyers, covering the middle-ground in the lineup may appear to be a somewhat ho-hum job, but for those Janes and Joes with an eagle eye, the 2024 Ford Ranger XLT pickup actually makes a superb choice especially if they want plenty of tech and more space and capability than the compact Ford Maverick, yet don’t need a full-size F-150.
