Friday, 21 February 2025
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While other Kia SUVs are more likely to end up in the headlines, there are some lurking in the lineup that are also solid options for SUV shoppers to consider.

One such vehicle is the Kia Sorento, a three-row SUV that slots into the Kia SUV lineup just below the larger Kia Telluride and the smaller Kia Sportage, and comes in a variety of versions (two gas-only engines, a hybrid offering, and a plug-in hybrid).

Buyers seeking a high-quality three-row SUV, but whose budgets are too tight for a Telluride, are a key target of the Sorento.

I recently spent some time behind the wheel of a Kia Sorento X-Pro SX-Prestige model, and I’m back with a full report. (Note: I tested a 2024 model, but it carries over for 2025)

Additional Info

  • Vehicle Kia Sorento
  • Price as tested $49,400 (starts around $33K)
  • Best feature Powerful turbo engine, more affordable than Telluride
  • Rating 4 out of five stars   
  • Who will want this vehicle? Families seeking a versatile three-row SUV that's roomy and powerful  
Posted On Monday, 17 February 2025 02:51 Written by
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If you think you’ve been hearing about the Volkswagen ID.Buzz for a while, you would be correct.

First unveiled as a concept vehicle at the 2017 North American International Auto Show, it is finally available for sale in the U.S. after a long journey and first debuting in Europe.

First things first, what exactly is the ID.Buzz?

Is it a microbus? A minivan?

Whatever you want to call it, this nostalgia-inspired offering harkens back to VW’s 1960s microbus heritage (the kind you might have taken to Woodstock). Brought into the present, it is a wholly unique entry in the U.S. automotive landscape. There are just a few large fully electric SUVs that can be considered competition (Kia EV9, Hyundai Ioniq 9, Rivian R1S), and some minivans that are offered in hybrid versions that could be cross-shopped, but none of the alternatives are in the exact class of the ID.Buzz — it’s truly its own category in many ways. 

Doubters will be tempted to write off the ID.Buzz as a trendy offering, but there is plenty of capability and versatility offered by the vehicle that should silence them. It’s got plenty of power, lots of cargo space and room for 7 passengers, and a versatile design to accommodate various needs.

I recently got some time behind the wheel of this long-awaited VW revival, driving a 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz Pro S Plus, and I’m back with a full report for all who may be interested in taking one home.

Additional Info

  • Vehicle 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz microbus
  • Price as tested $66,040 
  • Best feature Extremely roomy, one-of-a-kind, blast-from-the-past vehicle reborn as an EV
  • Rating 4 out of five stars
  • Who will want this vehicle? Families seeking a large vehicle that’s an alternative to traditional SUVs and minivans; and fans of the nostalgic design 
Posted On Thursday, 02 January 2025 01:46 Written by
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The 2025 model year brings a new addition to the Mazda lineup … well, sort of new if we’re being honest.

The Mazda CX-70 is a five-passenger midsize SUV that is essentially the same as the CX-90 SUV, minus the third row of seats.

I recently tested a 2025 Mazda CX-70 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus model, and below are the top 5 things you need to know when deciding if the CX-70 is a vehicle that will meet your needs.

Posted On Tuesday, 31 December 2024 02:54 Written by
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When it comes to taking the plunge in the electrification of their vehicle offerings, some car brands jumped into it head-first, while other brands are being more cautious.

Mazda is one of the brands taking a more reserved approach, having no full EVs yet (and none expected until 2027), and really just starting to offer hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles in its lineup.

One of those initial offerings is the 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV, a plug-in version of the brand’s largest, three-row SUV — featuring standard all-wheel drive, and room for up to 8 passengers. This is the second year the plug-in option has been offered on the CX-90.

There are few true competitors to this vehicle — though Volvo offers a plug-in hybrid of its XC90 (which is more expensive) and Kia offers a plug-in version of the Sorento (which is less powerful). Many leading three-row SUVs, including the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade, have no plug-in hybrid offerings as of now.

I recently spent some time behind the wheel of a 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus model, and I’m back with a full report on how it looks and drives, and who might want to take one home.

Additional Info

  • Vehicle 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV
  • Price as tested $60,000 (starts around $51K)
  • Best feature Luxury-level design, fuel efficiency, sporty drive quality
  • Rating 4 out of five stars   
  • Who will want this vehicle? Drivers with shorter commutes who want a green SUV, but don’t want a full EV yet
Posted On Monday, 30 December 2024 01:33 Written by
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Boldly designed while simultaneously upscale, the Mazda CX-50 occupies a unique position in the realm of compact SUVs.

Introduced a couple years back as a curious addition to Mazda’s lineup, offering a more rugged design and adventurous nature than Mazda’s popular CX-5 offering, the CX-50 has proven itself to be a worthy contender in the busy compact SUV segment.

Between its sharp looks, upscale interior features, tremendous handling and overall driving experience, this relative newcomer has emerged as a leading contender to meet the needs of SUV buyers.

New for 2025 in the CX-50’s third year is the arrival of a hybrid powertrain offering, as well as upgrades to standard tech features on all trim levels. It does a balancing act between pushing boundaries and maintaining Mazda’s reputation as one of the more upscale non-luxury brands.

Read on for a full breakdown of the 2025 Mazda CX-50, where it shines, and where improvements can be made as Mazda takes on heavyweight competitors like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage.

Posted On Saturday, 28 December 2024 03:19 Written by
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