RPM Drives – Page 2 – RPM News Weekly

2025 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL 2.5 S-AWC

We’ve been a little bit soft-hearted toward the Outlander ever since we first tested the PHEV edition all-new some seven years ago. Our latest escapade with the model had us behind the wheel of an SEL 2.5 S-AWC all-gasoline model that, though not a hybrid, still proved to be relatively efficient considering its three-row seating and all-wheel drive mechanicals.
As tested, the MSRP for the top-of-the-line SEL Platinum Edition including Mitsubishi Motors’ signature Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system is $43,145.

Here we have a few images of the 2025 Outlander for you to enjoy.

“Thanks to a mid-cycle refresh focused on elevated refinement and enhancement of the driver and passenger experience, the award-winning Outlander moves into 2025 with updates to drivability, interior and exterior styling, and an industry-leading in-car entertainment system developed by the audio experts at YAMAHA®.
Dynamic enhancements to the 2025 Outlander include a more precise retuned power steering system and recalibrated springs, shock absorbers, and stabilizer bars, providing better ride and handling, greater drivability, and enhanced confidence behind the wheel.
Inside, the new Outlander has been re-engineered specifically for the integration of YAMAHA® audio systems to bring the interior experience to new levels. In addition, the refresh includes a redesigned center console with a more functional area for wireless mobile phone charging, larger armrests, and more storage, as well as revised controls and cupholders. New, even more premium materials include an all-new semi-aniline leather interior in Brick Brown and a new light gray synthetic leather interior with suede-like inserts. And, for the first time, ventilated seats are available.
On the outside, the 2025 Outlander features new 18″ and 20″ alloy wheel designs; an updated front grille and bumper; revised, full-LED, smoked-finish taillights; and an elegant new tri-coat paint shade known as Moonstone Gray Metallic.
Every 2025 Outlander includes as standard: three rows of seating for up to seven passengers, full LED lighting inside and out, frameless auto-dimming mirror, 12.3″ navigation screen with HD Traffic Information, YAMAHA® audio with wireless Apple® CarPlay and Android Auto^{TM 2}, USB-C power ports, multi-zone automatic climate control, and a full suite of driver-alert and safety features.” ~ Mitsubishi Motors

Here is the product information for the model we tested:

2.5L DOHC 4-cylinder Direct Injection Engine
8-Speed Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC)
Shift by Wire
Paddle Shifters
Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android AutoTM
Front USB-C ports
12.3″ Smartphone-link Display Audio w/ Navigation – SiriusXM® 360L with 3-month All Access trial
Mitsubishi Connect with Safeguard 5-year trial and Remote services 12-month trial
LED Interior Lighting
Auto-dimming Rearview Mirror
Full LED Headlights and Taillights
Blind Spot Warning
Semi-Autonomous Driving
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Traffic Jam Assist
Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
Lane Departure Prevention (LDP)
Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR)
New 20-inch two-tone alloy wheels
Rear USB Ports
Updated 15W Smartphone Wireless Charger
Hands-free Power Liftgate
Electric Folding Mirrors
Front Parking Sensors
Leather Seating w/ New Quilting Pattern
Aluminum Sport Pedals
Heated Steering Wheel
Heated & Ventilated Front Seats
Power Panoramic Sunroof
HomeLink Garage Door Opener
12.3″ Digital Driver Display
Reverse Auto Tilt Mirrors
Silver Roof Rails
3-zone Auto Climate Control
Heated Rear Seats
New YAMAHA® ULTIMATE® 12-speaker premium audio
Head-Up Display
New Semi-Aniline Premium Leather (Brick Brown)
Two-Tone Roof
Digital Rearview Mirror w/ Rear Camera+HomeLink®

2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe 3.5T E-SC AWD

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:

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2025 Hyundai Tucson Limited AWD

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.

2025 Toyota bZ4X Limited AWD

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 specs on the bZ4X:

2025 Toyota bZ4X Limited AWD Product Info

2025 Subaru Forester Premium

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.

2024 Subaru Solterra: Adventure-Ready Capability Meets All-Electric Driving

The 2024 Subaru Solterra combines the brand’s well-known outdoor-ready capability with the efficiency of an all-electric powertrain. Aimed at drivers who want to reduce their carbon footprint without sacrificing versatility, the Solterra delivers standard all-wheel drive, off-road-ready features, and the practicality Subaru owners expect—all in a modern, battery-powered package.

Electric Powertrain & Performance

Dual electric motors produce 215 horsepower and 249 lb-ft of torque, providing balanced traction and confident acceleration on or off the pavement. With 8.3 inches of ground clearance and Subaru’s X‑MODE with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings, the Solterra handles rough terrain better than most EVs in its class.

Range & Charging

The 72.8 kWh battery pack delivers an EPA-estimated 222–227 miles of range, depending on trim and wheel size. Updates for 2024 improve charging performance, with DC fast charging now able to replenish the battery from 10% to 80% in as little as 35 minutes, significantly faster than before, especially in colder climates.

Trim Levels & Features

The Solterra is offered in three trims: Premium, Limited, and Touring.

Premium models include LED headlights, an 8‑inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and durable roof rails.
Limited adds a 12.3‑inch touchscreen, Harman Kardon premium audio, wireless phone charging, power-adjustable seats, rain-sensing wipers, a power liftgate, blind-spot monitoring, and a panoramic view monitor.
Touring offers ventilated front seats, a panoramic moonroof, LED footwell lighting, a digital rearview mirror, and unique exterior accents.

Interior & Comfort

The cabin’s high-mounted digital gauge cluster and large central touchscreen give the Solterra a clean, modern look. Generous glass area and a flat floor create an open feel for passengers, while the cargo space can easily accommodate luggage, gear, or even eight carry-on suitcases with the rear seats up.

Technology & Safety

Every Solterra comes equipped with Subaru’s updated EyeSight driver-assist suite, offering features like hands-free low-speed driving, automatic lane changes, and front cross-traffic alerts. A driver-monitoring system is also standard, and the Solterra continues Subaru’s strong safety record with top ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2024 Subaru Solterra is a capable and practical entry into the electric SUV market. Its combination of standard all-wheel drive, solid off-road performance, and versatile interior makes it an ideal choice for drivers who want an EV that’s just as comfortable tackling trails as it is commuting in the city.