With the compact SUV being one of the most popular options for car buyers, it’s important for brands to keep their entries in this class relevant.

Hyundai has an impressive overall SUV lineup, and that includes the compact Tucson, which gets some refreshes for 2025 — including design updates as well as an improved tech setup.

It also comes in hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions, which can entice eco-friendly buyers, and remains an option for the budget-conscious buyer due to its pricing and strong warranties.

I recently spent some time behind the wheel of the 2025 Hyundai Tucson — which faces tough competition from the Toyota RAV4, Chevy Equinox, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Nissan Rogue, Mazda CX-50, Kia Sportage and more.

Read on for a full breakdown of how it holds up in the segment.

Volvo is taking the EV transition very seriously, helping to lead the transition to EVs in the luxury market.

They’re not alone of course — with everyone from Porsche to Audi to Genesis to BMW to Mercedes-Benz also diving head first into electrification. And that doesn’t even include the many EV options from non-luxury brands such as Tesla, Hyundai, Kia, Ford and more.

I recently spent some time in a 2024 Volvo C40, a compact and upscale SUV battling in this growing EV Thunderdome, and I’m back with a full report. 

The stylish C40 packs quite a punch into a small package, and will surprise a lot of people with what it can do. (Note: To align with new brand naming schemes, the Volvo C40 will be renamed as the Volvo EC40 for the 2025 model year and beyond)

In the luxury realm, automakers are taking a variety of approaches to the electrification movement.

One of the automakers that has most aggressively embraced the EV movement is Volvo, yet they also know that some people aren’t quite ready to make the full leap to an EV, and prefer alternatives.

I recently spent time with a 2025 Volvo S60 plug-in hybrid sedan, one of the offerings from the brand to people who want a taste of electrification but not the full commitment.

The S60 is a powerful and stylish vehicle, and unfortunately it will not be returning for the 2026 model year, making the 2025 S60 the final version available for interested buyers — ending a 25-year run.

Read on for a full breakdown of what you’ll be getting if you decide to pick up an S60 before it drives off into the sunset.

Mazda has a solid lineup of SUV offerings, and there is a new entry to that list for 2025.

The CX-70 joins the fold, falling between the CX-50 and CX-90, and it comes in both regular and PHEV (plug-in hybrid) versions.

Those familiar with the CX-90 will find the CX-70 very familiar, as what Mazda has essentially done here is remove the third row from the CX-90 and rebadge the vehicle as the CX-70. The other update from the CX-90 is that the CX-70 adds under-floor storage in the trunk.

There’s a very specific target audience here — people who like the upscale design and drive quality of the CX-90, but don’t feel they’ll ever have a need to seat people in the third row. For these folks, five roomy and comfortable seats are more than enough, and a capacity for eight passengers is not on their wish list. 

I recently tested a 2025 Mazda CX-70 PHEV Premium Plus model, and I’m back with a full report on how this midsize SUV compares in a category with plenty of strong options.

In the realm of luxury SUVs, Volvo has a variety of options to compete in this increasingly competitive category.

In the middle of their SUV lineup, stuck between the compact XC40 and three-row XC90 offering, is Volvo’s XC60 — a midsize SUV that will meet the needs of most SUV shoppers.

While it’s been seven years since the last full redesign of the XC60, the vehicle surprisingly still holds up well with the 2025 offering, which I recently had a chance to test. Offered in both regular and plug-in hybrid versions, the XC60 continues to offer attractive design, plenty of space inside, and excellent tech and safety features.

Read on for a full breakdown of how it compares in the luxury market vs. midsize SUV competitors such as the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC.

On Sunday, we just watched the best short track race ever with the Next Gen car (with the possible exception of the chaotic spring Bristol race). Goodyear’s new, softer tire compound did the job it was supposed to do, which is good news looking ahead to the 2025 short track races.

But we’re not talking about the race. And we’re not talking about the brilliant drive that Ryan Blaney put together to race to the win late and claim a spot in the Final Four at Phoenix by claiming the checkered flag at the beloved paper-clip track.

Instead, we’re talking about shenanigans. Shenanigans of the sort that make the sport look downright foolish. The only thing worse than team orders is manufacturers' orders, and that’s what reared its ugly head in the extreme on Sunday.

Luxury brands are among the leaders in the automotive industry when it comes to embracing EVs. Mercedes-Benz falls squarely in this group, with its EQ lineup of vehicles continuing to grow and lead the cutting edge of EV offerings for the well-to-do.

Mercedes-Benz’s extensive EQ lineup includes sedans as well as SUVs. To electrify its popular S-class model, Mercedes has created the EQS — which comes in both a sedan version and an SUV version. 

I recently spent some time with a 2024 EQS SUV model (specifically the 2024 EQS 450+). The SUV version of the EQS is basically an elevated version of the EQS sedan.

First introduced in 2023, the EQS SUV features a roomy cargo area, impressive range, strong tech and a sharp design. Read on for a full report on how it measures up in the growing field of luxury electric SUVs — as it battles EV offerings from luxury heavyweights including Porsche, Audi and BMW, as well as non-luxury EV mainstay Tesla.

Mercedes-Benz vehicles are plentiful and come in all shapes and sizes, including some uniquely designed smaller SUVs.

I recently spent some time driving one of those options, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB35 4Matic, a compact, beautiful and powerful luxury SUV.

First introduced in 2020, the GLB (the second smallest Benz SUV option) first gets your attention with its boxy design, then the AMG power and advanced technology take the GLB to the next level.

The 2024 AMG GLB35 takes on tough luxury competition including BMW X1, Audi Q3 and Volvo XC40. Read on to learn more about how the GLB holds up in this competitive segment.

LOOKS

Immediately of note is the GLB’s boxy but attractive look, which also helps with cargo space. The GLB gets a slight refresh for 2024 in the exterior design (front and rear lighting, bumper, etc.).

A large Benz logo highlights the front, along with a small AMG logo on the hood. Bold, rectangular designs are included on the grille and lighting up front.