Jetta Stays the Course

Posted on by Derek Price
Cargazing
By Derek Price

Volkswagen knows better than to mess with success.

For 2025, the venerable Jetta receives thoughtful updates that enhance its value proposition without straying from the qualities that have made it VW’s best-selling car in North America.

Most noticeable among the changes is a revised front fascia featuring new LED headlights and an available illuminated light bar that stretches across the grille. The rear gets similar treatment, with a standard light bar connecting the taillights.

Inside, VW has upgraded the cabin with a new floating 8-inch touchscreen display and standard dual-zone climate control.

The Jetta continues with its 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. While adequate for daily driving, acceleration can feel leisurely compared to some competitors.

New LED lighting elements and subtle styling updates freshen the 2025 Jetta’s appearance while maintaining its conservative European design language.

The engine pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission that prioritizes fuel economy, delivering an impressive EPA-estimated 40 mpg on the highway in most trim levels.

Where the Jetta truly shines is in its blend of comfortable ride quality and composed handling. The suspension soaks up road imperfections while maintaining enough firmness to keep the car stable through corners. The steering provides decent feedback, though it’s tuned more for comfort than sportiness.

The cabin remains a strong point, offering generous space for both front and rear passengers along with high-quality materials that help justify its European heritage.

A floating 8-inch touchscreen display anchors the 2025 Jetta’s revised dashboard.

The new floating touchscreen looks modern but relies heavily on touch controls that can be distracting to use while driving. Trunk space is generous at 14.1 cubic feet, with standard 60/40 split-folding rear seats adding versatility.

Starting at $21,995 for the base S model, the Jetta represents strong value in the compact segment. Our loaded SEL test car ($30,680 including destination) came well-equipped with leather seating, ventilated front seats and VW’s comprehensive IQ.DRIVE suite of driver assistance features.

While the compact sedan segment continues to shrink as buyers migrate to crossovers, the refreshed Jetta makes a compelling case for sticking with a traditional sedan.

It excels at the fundamentals with impressive fuel economy, refined road manners and a spacious interior that doesn’t feel entry-level.

At A Glance

WHAT WAS TESTED?

2025 Volkswagen Jetta 1.5T SEL ($29,000). Options: Kings Red metallic paint ($455). Price as tested (including $1,225 destination charge): $30,680

BY THE NUMBERS

Wheelbase: 105.7 in.
Length: 186.5 in.
Width: 70.8 in.
Height: 57.7 in.
Engine: 1.5-liter turbocharged four cylinder (158 hp, 184 lbs. ft.)
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
MPG: 29 city, 40 highway

RATINGS

Style: 7
Performance: 8
Price: 9
Handling: 8
Ride: 6
Comfort: 6
Quality: 6
Overall: 7

WHY BUY IT?

The latest Jetta offers refined European driving dynamics and impressive fuel economy in an affordable, spacious package.

Posted in Volkswagen

GV80’s Case Against Europe

Posted on by Derek Price
Cargazing
By Derek Price

In an automotive world obsessed with brand cachet, Genesis continues its relentless march toward luxury legitimacy.

Behind the wheel of the refreshed 2025 GV80, it’s clear the upstart Korean brand isn’t just knocking on the door of the establishment. It’s kicking it down with style.

My test vehicle, a loaded 3.5T Prestige AWD model wearing a striking Storr Green matte finish ($1,500), turned heads everywhere it went.

The massive shield-shaped grille and dual-line LED lighting signature make a bold first impression, while crisp body lines and tasteful chrome accents whisper “old money” sophistication. It’s the rare vehicle that manages to look both avant-garde and timeless.

The cabin is a masterclass in understated luxury. A 27-inch panoramic display dominates the dashboard yet somehow doesn’t overwhelm it.

Premium materials — soft leather, real wood, microfiber headliner — cover every surface. The attention to detail is impressive. Even the starter button has a knurled metal finish that feels pricey.

The 2025 GV80’s bold shield grille and dual-line LED lighting create an unmistakable presence, while the optional Storr Green matte paint ($1,500) draws admiring glances.

The seats are supremely comfortable, especially in Prestige trim which adds power-adjustable bolsters and cushion extensions.

Genesis has nailed the technology integration. The widescreen display is crisp and responsive.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and the Bang & Olufsen audio system delivers concert-hall sound quality.

A comprehensive suite of driver aids comes standard, including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist and blind spot monitoring. The surround-view camera system makes parking this large SUV surprisingly easy.

Under the hood, a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 delivers 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission in my tester.

Despite its considerable size and 5,000-plus pound curb weight, the GV80 moves with surprising grace. The adaptive suspension manages to both isolate occupants from road imperfections and provide engaging handling when pushed. It’s not a sports car, but it handles winding roads with composure that would make BMW blush.

A sprawling 27-inch display anchors the GV80’s sophisticated cabin, which features premium materials and thoughtful details throughout.

The driving experience is defined by refinement. Road and wind noise are nearly absent at highway speeds thanks to acoustic glass and extensive sound deadening.

The transmission shifts imperceptibly, and the engine note is muted until you dig deep into the throttle. The electronically controlled suspension with road preview — which uses cameras to spot bumps ahead — delivers a magic carpet ride.

Storage space is generous, with 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row. The optional power-folding third row, while tight on space, adds flexibility for occasional extra passengers.

Second-row accommodations are properly luxurious, with available heating and ventilation, power adjustments and sunshades.

Some minor gripes: Fuel economy with the V6 is underwhelming at 16 mpg city/22 highway, and Genesis offers no hybrid option. The available third row is best suited for small children or emergency use only. And while the 10-year powertrain warranty provides peace of mind,

Hyundai’s recent engine reliability issues may give some buyers pause.

Yet it’s hard to dwell on these shortcomings when you consider the value proposition. My fully loaded tester stickered at $82,150 — tens of thousands less than comparable European offerings.

The GV80 makes a compelling argument that true luxury is about how a vehicle looks and feels rather than the badge on its hood. Between its striking design, refined driving experience and impressive feature content, Genesis has created a legitimate alternative to the established players.

At A Glance

INFO BOX

What was tested? 2025 Genesis GV80 3.5T Prestige AWD ($79,300). Options: Premium matte paint ($1,500). Price as tested (including $1,350 destination charge): $82,150
Wheelbase: 116.3 in.
Length: 194.5 in.
Width: 77.8 in.
Height: 67.5 in.
Engine: 3.5-liter twin turbo V6 (375 hp, 391 ft. lbs.)
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel economy: 16 city, 22 highway

RATINGS

Style: 9
Performance: 9
Price: 8
Handling: 9
Ride: 10
Comfort: 10
Quality: 8
Overall: 9

WHY BUY IT?

With striking design, refined driving dynamics and impressive value, the GV80 proves Genesis can compete with luxury’s biggest names. It’s a confident choice for buyers who care more about substance than status.

Posted in Genesis

Doubling Down on Hybrids

Posted on by Derek Price
Cargazing
By Derek Price

After a week behind the wheel of the redesigned 2025 Toyota Camry XSE, it’s clear that rumors of the sedan’s demise have been greatly exaggerated.

The ninth-generation model arrives with a decisive strategic shift — it’s now hybrid-only — and proves that Toyota isn’t giving up on the segment it has dominated for more than two decades.

Our test car, a top-trim XSE model loaded with $6,221 in options, showcases the Camry’s upmarket aspirations. The as-tested price of $41,916 includes the Premium Plus package ($4,075), which adds features including a panoramic sunroof, head-up display and hands-free driving capability.

The new hybrid powertrain, standard across all trim levels, combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with Toyota’s latest electric motor system.

Total output in our front-wheel-drive tester is 225 horsepower, while AWD models get a boost to 232 hp. While that’s less than the outgoing V6, the instant torque from the electric motors provides satisfying acceleration for daily driving.

Efficiency is impressive, with our sportier XSE trim rated at 48 mpg city, 47 highway. Lower trims do even better, with the LE achieving up to 51 mpg combined.

The 2025 Camry XSE features aggressive styling elements including a black sport mesh grille, 19-inch smoke gray wheels and an available two-tone paint scheme with black roof.

The Camry’s greatest strength is its composed, refined road manners. The suspension soaks up road imperfections while maintaining good body control, though the steering could use more feedback.

Wind and road noise are notably subdued thanks to additional sound insulation and acoustic glass. One minor gripe: the engine can sound coarse during hard acceleration.

Inside, our tester’s bold red leather upholstery makes a strong first impression. The redesigned cockpit features improved materials and a cleaner, more modern layout dominated by a 12.3-inch touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android

Auto are standard, as is a wireless charging pad.

Front seats offer good support and visibility, while rear passengers enjoy generous legroom. The trunk provides 15.1 cubic feet of cargo space, about average for the segment.

Safety features are comprehensive, with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 standard across the lineup. This includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist and automatic emergency braking. However, some advanced features like the hands-free driving system are restricted to expensive option packages.

Bold red leather upholstery and a 12.3-inch touchscreen highlight the Camry XSE’s premium cabin, which features upgraded materials and improved ergonomics.

Exterior styling takes an aggressive turn in XSE trim, with a sport mesh grille, 19-inch wheels and available two-tone paint treatment — a $500 option on our tester. The look is modern without being overwrought, though lower trims present a more conservative appearance.

The 2025 Camry starts at $28,400 for the base LE trim, representing strong value considering the standard hybrid powertrain. Our loaded XSE proves that Toyota can also play in the near-luxury space, though value-minded shoppers might want to skip some option packages.

With this comprehensive redesign, Toyota demonstrates its commitment to the sedan segment while acknowledging market demands for efficiency and technology.

The result is a thoroughly modern take on the midsize sedan that should keep the Camry relevant for years to come.

At A Glance

WHAT WAS TESTED?

2025 Toyota Camry XSE ($34,600). Options: 50 state emissions ($425), Premium Plus package ($4,075), two-tone roof ($500), front accent lighting ($399), door sill enhancement ($199), trunk LED bulb ($25), cargo net ($49), wheel locks ($90), carpet and trunks mats ($309), mudguards ($150). Price as tested (including $1,095 destination charge): $41,916

BY THE NUMBERS

Wheelbase: 111.2 in.
Length: 193.5 in.
Width: 72.4 in.
Height: 56.9 in.
Power: 2.5-liter four cylinder engine plus electric motors (225 combined hp)
Transmission: Continuously variable
MPG: 48 city, 47 highway

RATINGS

Style: 8
Performance: 7
Price: 7
Handling: 8
Ride: 7
Comfort: 7
Quality: 10
Overall: 9

WHY BUY IT?

The 2025 Camry builds on its reputation for reliability with improved efficiency, enhanced technology and premium amenities.

 

Posted in Toyota

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