Practical Family Hauler

Posted on by Derek Price
Cargazing
By Derek Price

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander presents itself as a compelling value proposition in the crowded three-row crossover segment.

This mid-cycle refresh focuses on subtle but meaningful improvements to what was already a competent family vehicle, enhancing refinement without disrupting the Outlander’s practical nature.

Mitsubishi has concentrated on improving the driving experience through retuned steering and suspension components. The more precise power steering system and recalibrated springs, shock absorbers and stabilizer bars deliver better ride quality and more confident handling.

Though these changes won’t transform the Outlander into a sporty SUV, they do make everyday driving more pleasant.

The most noticeable interior improvement comes from the new Yamaha audio system. Our SEL tester featured the Ultimate 12-speaker premium audio setup that delivers impressive sound quality. Mitsubishi has re-engineered the cabin specifically for these audio systems, adding sound insulation that reduces road noise by 0.5dB and overall sound isolation by nearly 6dB compared to the 2024 model.

These acoustic enhancements contribute to the Outlander’s comfortable highway manners, where it cruises quietly and efficiently. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission, prioritizes economy over excitement with its modest 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque.

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander features updated styling with a redesigned front grille, smoked-finish LED taillights and striking 20-inch two-tone alloy wheels.

While acceleration feels merely adequate for merging and passing, the payoff comes at the pump with an impressive 30 mpg highway rating, which is excellent for a vehicle offering three rows of seating.

The dash is dominated by a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The navigation system includes HD Traffic Information, and the Outlander now offers USB-C power ports to keep modern devices charged.

The center console has been redesigned with larger armrests, more storage space and an updated wireless phone charging area.

Material quality impresses for this price point, particularly in our SEL test vehicle with its quilted leather seating surfaces. The Premium Package added semi-aniline leather in Brick Brown, a two-tone roof and a digital rearview mirror.

Ventilated front seats, new for 2025, provided welcome cooling during warm-weather testing.

The Outlander’s third row remains best suited for children or occasional adult use, but the second row offers good space with 38.3 inches of legroom.

With new semi-aniline leather seating, a Yamaha Ultimate 12-speaker audio system and an improved center console, the Outlander’s cabin balances practical utility with surprising refinement.

At $45,930 as tested, our fully loaded Outlander SEL with the Premium Package, black roof and various accessory packages represents the upper end of the model range.

More value-conscious shoppers might consider the SE with S-AWC all-wheel drive at $34,195, which retains many key features while saving over $10,000.

The Outlander’s starting price of $29,645 for the front-wheel-drive ES model undercuts many competitors.

The 2025 Outlander doesn’t try to be the most exciting or luxurious option in its segment. Instead, it focuses on practical family transportation with a touch of refinement, solid fuel economy and an impressive warranty.

While it may lack the engaging driving dynamics or cutting-edge powertrains of some competitors, it delivers exactly what many families need at a price point that represents genuine value.

At A Glance

WHAT WAS TESTED?

2025 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL 2.5 S-AWC ($38,795). Options: Black roof ($795), premium package ($3,050), tonneau cover ($210), welcome package ($185), launch package ($1,400). Price as tested (including $1,495 destination charge): $45,930

BY THE NUMBERS

Wheelbase: 106.5 in.
Length: 185.8 in.
Width: 74.7 in.
Height: 68.8 in.
Engine: 2.5-liter inline four cylinder (181 hp, 181 lbs. ft.)
Transmission: Continuously variable
Fuel Economy: 24 city, 30 highway

RATINGS

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

WHY BUY IT?

The Outlander delivers remarkable practicality and value with three rows of seating, impressive fuel economy and an industry-leading warranty.

Posted in Mitsubishi

Desert Dominator Delivers

Posted on by Derek Price
Cargazing
By Derek Price

The 2025 Ram 1500 RHO makes a compelling case that an extreme off-road pickup doesn’t need a V8 to deliver staggering performance.

This spiritual successor to the discontinued Hellcat-powered TRX proves that “only” six cylinders can still create an adrenaline rush worthy of desert domination.

Ram’s new off-road champion replaces displacement with engineering prowess, packing the Hurricane High Output straight-six turbo engine that produces 540 horsepower and 521 pound-feet of torque.

The numbers tell an impressive story: 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds, quarter-mile in 13.1 seconds at 105 mph. This is a truck that moves with authority, regardless of cylinder count.

The RHO’s aggressive stance sets it apart from other trucks. Eight inches wider than standard Ram 1500s, its composite fender flares accommodate the six-inch increase in track width and the massive 35-inch tires.

The “head down, horn up” design philosophy manifests in an enlarged R-A-M badge, unique hood with functional scoop, and distinctive lighting signatures that announce its arrival.

The 2025 Ram 1500 RHO stands eight inches wider than standard Ram trucks, with composite fender flares housing 35-inch tires on optional 18-inch bead-lock capable wheels.

Underneath the muscular bodywork lies a sophisticated suspension system developed specifically for high-speed off-road running. The Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive performance shocks continuously adjust damping forces for optimal control, while forged aluminum control arms provide the necessary strength for absorbing brutal terrain impacts.

Ground clearance stands at 11.8 inches – 2 inches higher than standard Ram 1500s – enabling the RHO to clear obstacles that would cripple other vehicles.

What’s surprising about the RHO isn’t just its capability but its comfort. Despite being engineered for extreme off-road duty, it delivers a surprisingly plush ride on pavement. The adaptive damping system and five-link coil rear suspension create what can only be described as a “marshmallowy” feel over rough roads, making it a reasonable daily driver despite its extreme capabilities.

Perhaps the most satisfying aspect of the RHO is its soundtrack. The sport-tuned dual exhaust system produces a delicious growl that, while different from the TRX’s supercharged V8 rumble, creates its own distinct character that adds to the appeal.

The RHO’s capability doesn’t come at the expense of utility. It can tow up to 8,380 pounds, carry a payload of 1,520 pounds, and ford 32 inches of water.

At $69,995 to start, the RHO represents what Ram calls “best value with more horsepower per dollar” among off-road trucks at $129.60 per horsepower.

The cabin features more than 50 inches of combined digital display space, including the massive 14.5-inch center touchscreen and available massage seats that make long drives surprisingly comfortable.

My heavily optioned test vehicle — with premium paint, bed utility group, Level 1 equipment package, tonneau cover, panoramic sunroof, graphics packages, running boards, and 18-inch wheels — totaled $89,995 including destination.

While not inexpensive, it undercuts comparable high-performance off-road trucks by a significant margin.

No, the RHO isn’t the TRX. The absence of that supercharged Hellcat V8 means it lacks the outrageous, over-the-top character that made the TRX legendary. But it’s also $10,000 less expensive to start than Ford’s Raptor and delivers similar — and in some cases superior — performance metrics while consuming less fuel.

For buyers seeking high-performance off-road capability without stretching into six-figure territory, the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO makes a compelling argument that sometimes less can indeed be more.

It balances ferocious performance with daily drivability in a package that, while expensive in absolute terms, delivers exceptional value in its rarified segment.

At A Glance

WHAT WAS TESTED?
2025 Ram 1500 RHO Crew Cab 4×4 ($69,995). Options: Premium paint ($295), bed utility group ($945), RHO Level 1 equipment group $9,995), tonneau cover ($695), panoramic sunroof ($1,595), exterior graphics ($495), hood graphics ($895), running boards ($1,195), 18-inch wheels ($1,895). Price as tested (including $1,995 destination charge): $89,995

BY THE NUMBERS

Wheelbase: 145.1 in.
Length: 233.7 in.
Width: 88 in.
Height: 81.9 in.
Engine: 3.0-liter turbo six cylinder (540 hp, 521 lbs. ft.)
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel Economy: 14 city, 16 highway

RATINGS

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

WHY BUY IT?

The Ram 1500 RHO delivers class-leading horsepower per dollar in a surprisingly comfortable package that combines sports-car acceleration with go-anywhere capability.

Posted in Ram

Regal Road Commander

Posted on by Derek Price
Cargazing
By Derek Price

Stepping into the 2025 Range Rover Sport Autobiography feels like receiving a royal appointment.

This is not merely transportation. It’s a rolling palace, a 5,000-pound statement that you’ve arrived in both the literal and figurative sense.

After a week behind the wheel of this $130,110 specimen, I found myself sitting straighter, speaking more precisely, and jokingly referring to myself as “The Duke of Hunt County.”

The Sport represents the athletic younger sibling in the Range Rover hierarchy, slotting beneath the flagship Range Rover but maintaining nearly all of its presence and prestige. For 2025, this third-generation model continues to perfect its formula of combining imposing luxury with surprising agility.

From the moment you approach the vehicle, the Range Rover Sport announces itself as something special.

The clean, minimalist exterior design strikes a perfect balance between timeless Range Rover DNA and contemporary sleekness.

The flush door handles extend to greet you, and the vehicle even lowers itself slightly on its air suspension to ease entry, a subtle but distinctly aristocratic touch.

Once inside, the substantial doors close with the deliberate weight of a bank vault, immediately isolating you from the commoners outside.

The 2025 Range Rover Sport Autobiography presents a masterclass in minimalist luxury design with its clean lines, flush door handles and commanding presence on optional 23-inch wheels.

The cabin exudes old-world craftsmanship married to cutting-edge technology. Thick, supple leather wraps nearly every surface, contrasted beautifully by Moonlight Chrome trim and tactile controls. The 22-way adjustable front seats offer massage functions and winged headrests that cocoon occupants in supreme comfort.

The technological centerpiece is the 13.1-inch floating touchscreen running the latest Pivi Pro infotainment system.

The 13.7-inch digital instrument cluster complements it perfectly, delivering crucial information without unnecessary flash or distraction.

On the road, the Sport’s character depends significantly on which of its six available powertrains you select. Our Autobiography tester featured the 4.4-liter V8, generating 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque.

The powertrain delivers effortless acceleration. The eight-speed automatic transmission operates with such refinement that gear changes register more as suggestions than mechanical events.

Where the Sport truly distinguishes itself from the standard Range Rover is in the handling department. The combination of air suspension, active anti-roll bars and rear-wheel steering transforms what should be an unwieldy luxury box into something approaching nimble.

Body roll is remarkably controlled when cornering, and the steering offers precision that belies the vehicle’s substantial size and weight.

One of the most impressive aspects of the driving experience is the near-complete isolation from outside noise. At highway speeds, the cabin remains whisper-quiet thanks to active noise cancellation technology and exceptional sound insulation.

The cabin combines old-world craftsmanship with modern technology, featuring Moonlight Chrome accents, a floating 13.1-inch curved touchscreen and 22-way adjustable seats that offer exceptional comfort during long drives.

The second row offers generous space for adult passengers, with thoughtful touches like dedicated climate controls, USB-C ports, and available seat heating and ventilation. Cargo capacity is reasonable at 32.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 70.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded — adequate but not exceptional for a vehicle of this size and price point.

Advanced driver assistance systems come standard, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and an excellent 3D surround camera system that provides multiple viewing angles for tight spaces.

The ClearSight Ground View technology is particularly useful, effectively making the hood transparent to show obstacles directly beneath the front of the vehicle.

All this luxury and capability comes at a significant cost. Starting at $83,700 and climbing rapidly with options, our loaded Autobiography model required a $130,110 investment. While that places it below the full-size Range Rover, it’s substantially more than many competitors in the midsize luxury SUV segment.

There’s also the psychological phenomenon that affects many “junior” luxury models — the nagging question of whether you should have stretched for the full-size Range Rover. The Sport delivers 90 percent of the flagship’s experience at roughly 80 percent of the cost, but for some buyers, only the pinnacle will suffice.

Despite these considerations, the 2025 Range Rover Sport remains an exceptionally compelling package for those seeking an SUV that combines genuine off-road capability with on-road dynamics and uncompromising luxury.

It delivers exactly what its name promises: sporting capability wrapped in Range Rover refinement, all while making its driver feel like automotive royalty.

At A Glance

WHAT WAS TESTED?

2025 Range Rover Sport Autobiography ($123,400). Options: Tow pack ($1,200), 23-inch wheels ($1,100), premium interior protection and storage pack ($740), premium paint ($710), cold climate pack ($450), convenience pack ($385), wi-fi enabled ($360), emergency pack ($75), handover pack ($65). Price as tested (including $1,625 destination charge): $130,110

BY THE NUMBERS

Wheelbase: 118 in.
Length: 194.7 in.
Width: 80.6 in.
Height: 74.2 in.
Engine: Twin turbo 4.4-liter V8 (523 hp, 553 lbs. ft.)
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel Economy: 16 city, 23 highway

RATINGS

Style: 10
Performance: 9
Price: 2
Handling: 4
Ride: 9
Comfort: 9
Quality: 7
Overall: 8

WHY BUY IT?

The Range Rover Sport delivers aristocratic luxury with athletic handling, combining impressive off-road capability with the brand’s unmistakable prestige in a slightly more manageable package.

Posted in Land Rover

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