The all-new 2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe has quickly earned raves for its creative blending of utility and sportiness with distinctive design and luxurious accommodations. Even if luxury isn’t what gets you excited, the 3.5-liter gasoline twin-turbo 48V electric supercharger (e-S/C) engine at the heart of this beauty certainly will.
With its rated capability to deliver 409 horsepower and its sleek 4-door coupe styling, the GV80 Coupe reaffirms the automaker’s commitment to delivering cars with not only exceptional performance but emotional appeal as well.
José Muñoz, president and CEO of Genesis Motor North America ~ “The addition of the sporty Coupe to the GV80 family brings a new expression of athleticism and invigorating performance to the Genesis lineup. Both the new SUV and Coupe models bring refined performance and bold design to the portfolio, each with their own distinct character for customers to choose.”
Here is the product information for the model we tested:
Last week, we featured the all-new Hyundai Tucson, so it’s only fitting that this week we highlight its smaller sibling in the Hyundai SUV lineup, the Hyundai Kona. The 2025 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD is not just another compact SUV—Like the midsize Tucson, it’s a bold style statement wrapped in smart value.
From the moment you see it, the Kona Limited grabs attention. Its stacked, split‑headlight design gives it a fierce, modern stare, while the wide lower grille and sculpted front fascia add an aggressive flair.
Available in vibrant colors like Sapphire Blue, Ultimate Red (like our test car), and Acid Yellow, it radiates personality wherever it goes. Black-accented wheels and unique trim details further enhance the Limited AWD’s confident stance.
Under the skin, the Kona Limited offers more than good looks. Our test car featured a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers a spirited 190 horsepower, and came paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and optional Active On-Demand all-wheel drive—ideal for adventurous commutes or weekend trips without sacrificing agility. The 1.6-liter is also included on the Kona N Line trim, while SE and SEL models get a 147-horsepower 2-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with an intelligent variable transmission. All trims include standard front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive.
Inside, the Kona Limited is all about modern convenience. A 12.3-inch touchscreen navigation system seamlessly supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while a leather-trimmed steering wheel and H-Tex Leatherette-trimmed heated front seats add touches of comfort and sophistication. Our Limited test car also included a 12.3-inch Digital Instrument Cluster display. Cargo Capacity tops out at 63.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
With Hyundai’s industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, you’re backed by long-term confidence, boosting the Kona’s appeal beyond its price tag. Speaking of pricing, the car we drove topped out at $35,475 with destination charges.
The Electric Option: Kona EV
For eco-conscious buyers, Hyundai also offers the 2025 Kona in a fully electric version. The Kona EV boasts an EPA-estimated range of up to 261 miles (depending on tire/battery size), fast charging capability, and the same bold styling in an electrified package. It’s a compelling alternative for those looking to make a splash with zero-emission driving—and it shares the same fresh design language as its gas-powered sibling.
The 2025 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD strikes a rare balance of bold aesthetics, smart capability, and standout value. Whether you choose the turbocharged AWD for spirited driving or the Kona EV for all-electric excitement, you’re getting a head-turner that doesn’t compromise on substance. For those who want style, tech, versatility—and a great warranty—the Kona Limited AWD (and its electric counterpart) is a compelling choice in today’s compact SUV gallery.
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson offers a more commanding front and rear appearance, updated lighting signatures, new alloy wheel designs and a significantly redesigned interior. New and enhanced driver comfort, convenience and safety technologies have also been added.
“The refreshed 2025 Tucson SUV expands the appeal of our full-spectrum eco-powertrain approach, offering internal combustion, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid models in a popular compact SUV design. With all-wheel drive offered on gas and hybrid models, customers can enjoy all-road, all-weather capability coupled with outstanding efficiency and an attractive variety of trims, including outdoor-focused XRT and sporty N Line models.” ~ José Muñoz, president and global COO, Hyundai Motor Company and president and CEO of Hyundai Motor North America.
The 2025 Tucson can be equipped with a high-efficiency Smartstream™ 2.5-liter, direct-injected and multi-port-injected gasoline engine or available 1.6-liter, direct-injected, turbocharged hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The model we at RPM News Weekly tested came with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine providing a rated 187 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 178 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. It’s mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The 2025 Tucson’s interior reveals the most significant updates, incorporating a redesigned panoramic curved display that integrates an available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an enlarged 12.3-inch infotainment display. The redesigned center stack has added supplementary knobs and switchgear for frequently used driver controls including audio volume and tuning, along with select HVAC controls. The center console, steering wheel and door panel accents have also been redesigned for enhanced usability and appeal.
On premium models with shift-by-wire function, the transmission is now controlled by a column-mounted gear selector, liberating more usable space in the center console area. For front-seat passengers, a new dashboard tray located above the glovebox adds even more storage space.
The integrated memory system on the Limited we drove includes both power driver’s seat and outside mirror settings. Also, front passengers now have access to USB-C data and charging ports with improved 27-watt charging capability. Rear passengers also receive standard USB-C charging ports.
For 2025, Wireless Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® integration are now standard on all Tucson models. The Limited featured the new 12-inch color Head-Up Display (HUD) with premium graphics which displays turn-by-turn directions via CarPlay® and Android Auto™ utilizing the onboard navigation system.
At this time of year, you’re probably not thinking snow, but last February when we drove the 2025 Toyota bZ4X for a week, there was plenty of it around. No problem, though. The sporty compact all-wheel drive Limited version of this BEV did just fine. And, we’re sure it will do the same next winter, which of course is on the way as usual, though we would not want to let that thought get in the way of anyone’s summertime fun.
Meanwhile, have a look at some of the shots we took of the bZ4X out and about after a winter storm. By the way, come next winter, Toyota is dropping the 4X part of the name. For the 2026 model year the model will be known as simply the bZ.
One more thing, customers who purchase or lease a new 2025 Toyota bZ4X receive one year of complimentary charging at EVgo public charging stations nationwide. That’s a really good deal!
Here’s a quick look at the 2025 Subaru Forester Premium. There’s been a few upgrades to the model this year that bring the driving experience in this handsome SUV closer to some of its upmarket competitors, and certainly make the ride more comfortable, quieter and enjoyable. With a new, look inside and out, we expect the all-wheel drive Forester will find a lot of success among buyers seeking contemporary styling in a compact utility vehicle.
Beyond the cosmetic improvements, which certainly go a long way to raising its appeal, the Forester also delivers more on the dynamic side with a 10% increase in chassis stiffness. Plus, it keeps pace with the speed of automotive technological advancements by bringing wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to the model, as well as foot-activated, hands-free power liftgate operation. In addition, the latest version of Subaru’s award-winning Eyesight Driver Assist Technology comes standard across the Forester lineup.
What’s it all going to cost? Well, the Premium trim that we tested checked in with destination and delivery at $34,590 including optional automatic emergency braking, blind spot detection with lane change assist and rear cross traffic alert, and a power tailgate with height memory and the foot activation feature mentioned above.
Check out these slides of Forester Premium that we drove.
