Fashion First, Function Second

Posted on by Derek Price
Cargazing
By Derek Price

The 2025 Range Rover Evoque continues to turn heads with its striking design, proving that sometimes, looks really do matter.

After a week behind the wheel of the Dynamic SE trim, it’s clear that while the Evoque may not be the most practical choice in its segment, it offers a uniquely upscale experience that’s hard to match at this price point.

Years after its debut, the Evoque remains one of the most visually appealing SUVs on the road. Its sleek silhouette, floating roof and distinctive Range Rover design cues create a presence that punches well above its weight class.

The interior follows suit, with a minimalist design that somehow manages to feel both modern and luxurious. It’s a testament to Land Rover’s ability to create an upscale ambiance even in its smallest Range Rover offering.

Under the hood, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 246 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque. While not earth-shattering, it provides adequate performance for daily driving. The nine-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly, contributing to the Evoque’s refined driving experience.

The Evoque’s striking silhouette and distinctive Range Rover design cues make it one of the most visually appealing compact SUVs on the market.

The Evoque’s on-road manners are commendable, with a comfortable ride and composed handling. However, it’s worth noting that despite the Range Rover badge, this is very much an urban crossover. It lacks the serious off-road chops of its larger siblings, focusing instead on delivering a polished on-road experience.

Inside, the Evoque’s cabin is a study in minimalist luxury. The centerpiece is an 11.4-inch curved glass touchscreen that controls most vehicle functions. While it fits the car’s aesthetic perfectly, it can be distracting to use while driving, and some may miss the tactile feedback of physical buttons.

Space utilization is a mixed bag. Front passengers enjoy comfortable, supportive seats and a good driving position. However, rear seat space is tight for adults, and cargo capacity is less than you might expect from an

SUV, even a compact one.

The Evoque comes well-equipped with modern tech features. Our tester included the optional Technology Pack, adding features including a head-up display and premium sound system. The Meridian surround sound system is particularly impressive, delivering rich, clear audio that enhances the premium feel.

A minimalist dashboard centered around a large curved touchscreen creates a modern, upscale ambiance in the Evoque’s cabin, despite its compact dimensions.

Fuel economy, rated at 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, is disappointing for a vehicle of this size. Competitors in this class often deliver better efficiency, which may be a consideration for some buyers.

At $61,765 as tested, the Evoque Dynamic SE isn’t cheap. However, for those who prioritize style and brand prestige, it offers a lot of curb appeal for the money.

The Range Rover name carries significant cachet, and the Evoque delivers that experience in a more accessible package than its larger stablemates.

Ultimately, the 2025 Range Rover Evoque is a niche product that knows its audience. It’s not the most practical, efficient or off-road capable vehicle in its class.

But for buyers seeking a distinctively stylish, luxurious compact SUV with a prestigious badge, the Evoque delivers in spades. It’s a rolling fashion statement that happens to be a quite competent urban runabout.

At A Glance

WHAT WAS TESTED?

2025 Range Rover Evoque Dynamic SE ($54,900). Options: Cold climate pack ($980), technology pack ($1,400), black exterior pack ($750), premium paint ($950), interior protection and storage ($560), Meridian surround sound ($450), WiFi enabled ($360), emergency pack ($75), handover pack ($65). Price as tested (including $1,275 destination charge): $61,765

BY THE NUMBERS

Wheelbase: 105.6 in.
Length: 172.1 in.
Width: 82.7 in.
Height: 64.9 in.
Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder (246 hp, 289 ft. lbs.)
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
MPG: 20 city, 27 highway

RATINGS

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

WHY BUY IT?

The Range Rover Evoque offers distinctive styling, a luxurious interior and brand prestige in a compact package. It’s perfect for style-conscious urban dwellers who want Range Rover cachet without the full-size footprint or price tag.

Posted in Land Rover

Rally Icon Grows Up

Posted on by Derek Price
Cargazing
By Derek Price

The 2024 Subaru WRX TR is a testament to the brand’s commitment to performance, offering a more refined take on the rally-inspired sedan that has captivated enthusiasts for decades.

After a week behind the wheel, it’s clear that while the WRX may have matured, it hasn’t forgotten how to thrill.

At the heart of the WRX is a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with a smooth-revving inline layout, that produces a robust 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.

This powerplant shines in real-world driving with strong low-end grunt that makes for effortless acceleration in daily traffic. Paired with a slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission, the WRX TR delivers an engaging driving experience that’s becoming increasingly rare in today’s market.

Where the WRX TR truly excels is in its handling. Subaru has hit a sweet spot with the suspension tuning, offering exceptional grip and body control without sacrificing everyday comfort.

The standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system provides seemingly limitless traction in corners, instilling confidence even in challenging conditions.

The WRX’s aggressive stance and bold styling cues hint at its performance potential, while maintaining a somewhat understated presence.

The new high-performance Brembo braking system, featuring 6-piston front and 2-piston rear calipers, delivers impressive stopping power and pedal feel.

For 2024, Subaru has made some notable improvements to enhance the WRX’s performance credentials. The TR trim introduces stiffer springs, revised damping rates and a retuned steering rack, resulting in sharper responses and better body control. The addition of 19-inch wheels wrapped in Bridgestone Potenza S007 tires further improves grip and braking performance.

Inside, the WRX strikes a balance between sportiness and comfort. The standard Recaro seats, upholstered in black and gray Ultrasuede, provide excellent support during spirited driving while remaining somewhat comfortable for longer journeys.

The 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system offers modern connectivity features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Safety hasn’t been overlooked, with Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology now standard even on manual transmission models — a first for the WRX. This suite includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking and lane departure warning, among other features.

Supportive Recaro seats and a large touchscreen infotainment system blend sportiness with modern convenience in the WRX’s driver-focused cabin.

While the latest WRX may not have the raw, uncompromising edge of the discontinued STI model, it compensates by offering a more well-rounded package.

The ride quality and noise levels have been improved, making the WRX a more palatable daily driver without sacrificing its performance DNA.

At $42,907 as tested, the WRX TR offers capabilities that rival more expensive European sports sedans, wrapped in a practical four-door package with Subaru’s renowned reliability.

For longtime WRX fans, this latest iteration might seem a bit more grown-up than its predecessors. However, the core attributes that have made the WRX a performance icon — turbocharged power, all-wheel-drive grip, and an engaging driving experience — remain firmly intact.

The 2024 WRX TR proves that maturity and excitement need not be mutually exclusive, delivering a compelling blend of everyday usability and thrilling performance.

At A Glance

WHAT WAS TESTED?

2024 Subaru WRX TR ($41,655). Options: All-weather floor liners ($132). Price as tested (including $1,120 destination charge): $42,907

BY THE NUMBERS

Wheelbase: 105.1 in.
Length: 183.8 in.
Width: 79.3 in.
Height: 57.8 in.
Engine: 2.4-liter turbocharged four cylinder (271 hp, 258 ft. lbs.)
Transmission: Six-speed manual
MPG: 19 city, 26 highway

RATINGS

Style: 9
Performance: 9
Price: 8
Handling: 9
Ride: 4
Comfort: 5
Quality: 8
Overall: 8

WHY BUY IT?

It offers an exhilarating driving experience with good everyday comfort, advanced safety features and all-weather capability.

Posted in Subaru

Split Personality With Style

Posted on by Derek Price
Cargazing
By Derek Price

The 2024 Infiniti QX55 makes a compelling case for itself in the luxury crossover segment, offering a striking design, comfortable interior and a generous list of standard features.

After a week with the top-tier Sensory AWD trim, it’s clear that Infiniti has created a vehicle with broad appeal, even if it occasionally feels caught between two worlds.

At the heart of the QX55 is Infiniti’s innovative 2.0-liter variable compression turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing a capable 268 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque.

This powerplant features an impressive variable compression ratio ranging from 8:1 to 14:1, with peak torque available from 4,400-4,800 rpm.

While the continuously variable transmission (CVT) prioritizes efficiency, it can sometimes detract from the engaging driving experience the QX55’s sporty styling suggests.

The QX55’s ride and handling characteristics showcase its dual nature. The firmly tuned suspension and precise, well-weighted steering hint at sporty aspirations, while exceptionally comfortable seats and smooth power delivery lean towards luxury cruiser territory.

With its swooping roofline and bold grille, the QX55 cuts a striking figure that sets it apart from more conventionally styled luxury crossovers.

This duality creates a versatile vehicle that can adapt to various driving situations.

Visually, the QX55 is a standout. Its flowing lines and bold grille make a strong statement, successfully differentiating it from more conventional crossovers.

The interior continues this theme with high-quality materials and attractive design elements. The standard dual-screen infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch upper and 7-inch lower screen, is functional and includes wireless

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Standard all-wheel drive adds all-weather confidence, and the QX55 comes well-equipped even in its base form, which starts at a competitive $50,150.

Our Sensory trim tester, with a base price of $58,650 and an as-tested price of $62,725, included luxury touches like semi-aniline leather seating, open-pore wood trim and a 16-speaker Bose audio system.

Fuel economy, rated at 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, is respectable for the class. With a 16-gallon fuel tank, the QX55 offers a decent range between fill-ups.

Premium materials and attractive design elements create an upscale ambiance in the QX55’s cabin, complemented by a dual-screen infotainment system with wireless smartphone integration.

Safety features are comprehensive, with Infiniti’s ProPilot Assist semi-autonomous driving system standard across the range. The QX55 also includes the Infiniti Advanced Air Bag System with front and side-impact airbags, as well as available rear seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags.

The QX55’s swooping roofline does impact rear headroom and cargo space, with 26.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 54.1 cubic feet with seats folded. While this may not match more traditionally shaped competitors, it should be sufficient for most users.

Ultimately, the 2024 Infiniti QX55 is a stylish and comfortable luxury crossover that offers a unique blend of sportiness and comfort. Its striking design and luxurious interior will appeal to buyers seeking to stand out from the crowd.

While a more decisive commitment to either sportiness or comfort could enhance its appeal, the QX55’s versatility makes it a solid choice for those who appreciate its distinctive styling and well-rounded nature.

At A Glance

WHAT WAS TESTED?

2024 Infiniti QX55 Sensory AWD ($58,500). Options: Lighting package ($1,085), accent package ($695), cargo package ($350), exclusive paint ($900). Price as tested (including $1,195 destination charge): $62,725

BY THE NUMBERS

Wheelbase: 110.2 in.
Length: 186.3 in.
Width: 74.9 in.
Height: 63.8 in.
Engine: 2.0-liter variable compression turbo four cylinder (268 hp, 280 ft. lbs.)
Transmission: Continuously variable
MPG: 22 city, 28 highway

RATINGS

Style: 9
Performance: 6
Price: 5
Handling: 7
Ride: 7
Comfort: 7
Quality: 7
Overall: 7

WHY BUY IT?

It offers eye-catching style, a luxurious interior and a comprehensive list of standard features including all-wheel drive and advanced safety technology, at a relatively attainable price point.

Posted in Infiniti

Reviews

[GARD]