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.
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
2024 Subaru Solterra
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
2024 Subaru Solterra Charge Port
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.
A three-row SUV should be true to the core values of being a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle. Notably, it needs to have a spacious interior, flexible seating for more than five passengers, and be suitable for both daily driving and longer travel excursions. If you add luxurious accommodations and premium technology to the mix, as in the 2025 Infiniti QX80 Autograph that we tested in the middle of a New England winter, then you’ve created a vehicle that not only meets the criteria but also has set itself out to get a lot of attention.
We didn’t expect the QX80 to be a fuel economy leader with its 3.5L V6 Twin Turbo engine, and it wasn’t. But it will get you up and going quickly behind the 450 horsepower and 516 lb. ft. of torque that its powerplant produces. Besides, the more than one-hundred grand a buyer will invest in the Autograph edition of this meticulously crafted machine is not likely intended to impress the neighbors with one’s thriftiness. However, that kind of moolah is good for a queen’s dowry worth of niceties in the QX80.
As a sampler, let’s start with the heated, ventilated, and massaging first and second row seating with heated third row seats. Already, you can see this is no ordinary set of features. And we haven’t even gotten to the 24-speaker Klipsch® Reference Premiere audio system with individual audio control, or the tri-zone advanced climate control system with air purifier and biometric cooling.
Anyway, you could sacrifice and get into the base QX80 Pure edition for about $85.5K, but if you aim for the top, Infiniti has set the starting MSRP for the well-heeled QX80 Autograph that we drove at $110,595.
For a closer look at the features go to the Infiniti QX80 spec page. Meanwhile, enjoy these pics from our weeklong test drive of the QX80 Autograph.
Some Key Things To See & Do At This Historic Event
by Peter Ciani
For car guys, the first sign of spring isn’t the budding trees or the hummingbirds returning to the Northeast — no, for us, it’s the opening of the New York International Auto Show this weekend at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City. The timing of the NYIAS hits right. The weather is finally warming up and making traveling to and around New York City much more enjoyable. It also helps you appreciate the open-top Jeep Wranglers at the show’s Camp Jeep display.
For 2025, the New York Auto Show celebrates its 125th anniversary. The first New York Automobile Show — sponsored at the time by the Automobile Club of America — made its debut at the original Madison Square Garden in November of 1900. A crowd of 48,000 attendees turned up to check out the latest and greatest automobiles from 34 carmakers, showcasing some 160 vehicles in all.
As much as show organizers have worked to keep the spirit of the auto show alive over the years, these days, not as many manufacturers turn out. It would be great to see more automakers return to the event that helped promote them for so long. There were notable absences from brands like Cadillac and Mazda, and scaled-down displays from luxury names such as Audi and Mercedes. It was nice to see them represented, but the show is missing something without the grand displays and new model premieres we used to look forward to.
That said, several brands that were on hand didn’t disappoint. While Nissan, Ford, and Chevrolet didn’t debut any new models, they still put on impressive displays. The same goes for Kia, Hyundai, and, of course, Subaru.
Subaru’s forest theme brilliantly conveys the spirit of the brand, and as usual, they made space for their ‘Subaru Loves Pets’ adoption area. Every year, Subaru partners with local animal shelters, creating a safe space where show attendees can interact with dogs in need of adoption. It’s a great program, and if you follow RPM News Weekly, then you know that I adopted a dog at the 2023 NYIAS, and it worked out great for us.
While the dogs may steal your heart, Subaru stole the show when it came to debuts by introducing 3 new vehicles: the refreshed Subaru Solterra, a redesigned Subaru Outback, and the all-new Subaru Trailseeker.
Kia and Hyundai weren’t about to let Subaru have all the fun. Kia made a big splash with the all-new K4 hatchback, the EV9 Nightfall Edition, and the radical 2026 EV4 sedan. While most automakers are stepping away from sedans and scaling back their EV ambitions, Kia doubled down and said, Nah, we’re gonna do both… in one sporty package. It’s not an exaggeration to say that online reviews of the EV4’s styling are mixed, but you certainly can’t accuse Kia of copying anyone else, and Kia’s estimated 330 miles of range and $37,000 price tag are certain to give vehicles like the Tesla Model 3 some serious competition.
The big news on the Hyundai side is the redesign of the brand’s flagship SUV, the Palisade. The new 2026 Palisade fully embraces the rugged SUV trend, especially with the new XRT PRO model, and the bold vertical LED signature lighting up front also brings a splash of high-tech flair to the updated design.
Meanwhile, the introduction of a Palisade Hybrid model is sure to attract show-goers. The hybrid is expected to deliver up to 329 horsepower and an estimated driving range of 619 miles on a full tank of gas. Not bad for a spacious 3-row SUV. Of course, anyone who’s ever traveled with kids knows you’ll never get that far without stopping, but it’s nice to know you could.
INEOS Arrives On The Scene
If you’re like me, you’re probably thinking what the heck is INEOS? I follow the automotive industry pretty closely, but I’ll admit I hadn’t heard of INEOS Automotive until quite recently, when advertisements started popping up on YouTube. So, I was pleasantly surprised to see the new brand at NYIAS. You’ll find their booth outside the main show in the Crystal Palace, not far from where we here at RPM News Weekly saw the Lucid Air debut for the first time back in… 2017. Good Guwd, it’s been eight years already?
If you’re not familiar with INEOS Automotive, here’s a quick rundown: INEOS is a chemical company founded by billionaire chemical engineer and entrepreneur Jim Ratcliffe. He launched INEOS Automotive in 2017 in the aftermath of Land Rover discontinuing the original Defender. The company’s primary model is the Grenadier, which is named after the London pub where Ratcliffe first pitched the idea of starting an automotive brand.
The concept behind the Grenadier was simple: build a true, utilitarian 4×4 that delivers a more analog driving experience. And it looks like they’ve nailed it.
The Grenadier is offered in two body styles: the Station Wagon (yes, they actually call it that) and the 4-door Quartermaster pickup truck.
INEOS has two display areas at the show. At the time I visited, only the Station Wagon was featured in their main booth, which felt like a missed opportunity, because the pickup is genuinely cool. However, you can check it out if you head down to their second display on Level 1.
Lucid Gravity
I can’t mention Lucid without bringing up the Lucid Gravity. While its official debut didn’t take place at NYIAS, it was still a magnet for attention. This was my first time seeing the Gravity in person, and I can confidently say it didn’t disappoint.
The interior is spacious and comfortable, with thoughtful features and impressive tech throughout. On the outside, it’s sleek and looks more like a chopped hot-rod minivan than a rugged off-road explorer. If you’re not into the rugged design trend seen on vehicles like the new Palisade, the Gravity might be right up your alley.
Go for a ride!
As I mentioned, it’s kind of sad to see manufacturers scaling back their footprints at the major auto shows, but one silver lining is having the extra room inside the respective venues to actually show off cars in action. EV cars in particular.
Even though automakers are slowing down their EV investments, thanks in part to the uncertainty surrounding the current “drill baby drill” administration, there were still plenty of tire-squealing, stomach-churning launches to experience at the EV test track. Getting people behind the wheel is one of the best ways to drive EV adoption, and the lineup at the EV Test Track didn’t disappoint. GM made a strong showing with the Chevrolet Blazer EV, Equinox EV, along with Cadillac’s full EV SUV lineup, while Ford brought out the F-150 Lightning and the Mustang Mach-E.
Thanks to GM and Ford, we’ve had a fair amount of seat time in several of their EVs, and we can confidently say they’re worth a look. But there were a few models at the show that we hadn’t yet had the chance to ride in, let alone drive. Standouts include the VW ID. Buzz, the Wagoneer S, and the Dodge Charger Daytona.
Everyone knows the Charger Daytona is a bit controversial. An EV aimed at the muscle car crowd was always going to be a bold move. But after taking a ride, I’ve warmed up to it. If you’re heading out to the show, be sure to take a blast, and let us know what you think.
Camp Jeep
Okay, so an EV muscle car isn’t your thing. How about conquering a 45-degree incline in a 470-horsepower, HEMI-powered 392 Wrangler?
Camp Jeep is a staple of the NYIAS. It’s the first thing you see when you walk up to the Javits Center, and as expected, the site of Jeeps off-roading in the heart of the city always draws a crowd from passersby.
If you’re a Jeep owner or thinking about becoming one, Camp Jeep is a great place to experience what these vehicles are truly capable of. The course puts Jeeps through their paces with tests for ground clearance, traction, stability, articulation, breakover, and off-camber angles. Plus, staring straight up at skyscrapers while climbing a 28-foot “mountain” is a bit of a mind-bending experience.
Ford Bronco Off Roadeo Adventure
Not to be outdone, Ford also has their own Bronco playground, aka demo course. While not as large in scale as Camp Jeep, the Bronco course has its own unique obstacles, including a teeter-totter and a rock crawl obstacle, which highlights how good the Bronco is on rugged terrain.
The 2025 New York International Auto Show runs from April 18th to the 27th at the Javits Convention Center. Check out the NYIAS website for more details.
