Italian Flair Meets Efficiency

Posted on by Derek Price
Cargazing
By Derek Price

The 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale proves that the words “efficient” and “exciting” aren’t mutually exclusive in the crossover segment.

After a week with the Tributo Italiano special edition, it’s clear that Alfa Romeo has created something unique: a plug-in hybrid SUV that’s genuinely fun to drive.

At the heart of the Tonale is an innovative hybrid powertrain that combines a 1.3-liter turbocharged engine with an electric motor to produce 285 horsepower and 347 lb-ft of torque.

Even more impressive than the raw numbers is the way this system operates, offering up to 33 miles of pure electric range while delivering a combined 77 MPGe when properly charged. Even running on gasoline alone, it manages a respectable 29 mpg.

But numbers tell only part of the story.

The Tonale’s real charm lies in its engaging driving dynamics. Sharp steering, responsive handling and a well-sorted chassis make this one of the most enjoyable crossovers to pilot. The dual-mode active suspension system delivers both comfort and control, a rare combination in this segment.

The Tonale’s distinctive Italian design creates an unmistakable presence in a crowded segment.

The Tonale’s Italian heritage is evident in its striking design. My tester’s Verde Fangio metallic paint ($2,200) drew constant attention and compliments, showing that Alfa Romeo hasn’t lost its ability to create head-turning vehicles.

The distinctive “3+3” LED headlights, Scudetto grille, and flowing body lines create a presence that stands out in a sea of conservative crossovers.

Inside, the Tributo Italiano edition showcases premium materials with perforated leather seats featuring red accents. The cabin blends modern technology — including a 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto — with traditional Italian flair. The driver-focused cockpit layout reflects Alfa Romeo’s sporting heritage.

At $59,630 as tested, the Tonale Tributo Italiano represents a significant investment. Budget-conscious buyers might note that the mechanically similar Dodge Hornet offers much of the same capability at a lower price point.

However, the Tonale’s distinctive styling, premium interior, and Alfa Romeo badge may justify the premium for some buyers.

Premium materials and driver-focused ergonomics reflect Alfa Romeo’s sporting heritage, while modern technology keeps the Tonale thoroughly contemporary.

The Active Assist Advanced package ($2,000) adds valuable features including a surround-view camera system and various driver assistance technologies. While these features bring the Tonale in line with modern expectations, they don’t detract from its engaging character.

Some might question the wisdom of creating a performance-oriented plug-in hybrid crossover, but the Tonale makes a compelling case for itself. It delivers the efficiency expected of modern vehicles while maintaining the emotional appeal that Alfa Romeo is known for.

The ability to run on pure electricity for daily commutes while still offering engaging performance for weekend fun creates a genuinely versatile package.

The Tonale represents a successful fusion of traditional brand values with modern necessity. It proves that the transition to electrified powertrains doesn’t have to come at the expense of driving enjoyment.

While it may share basic architecture with its more affordable Dodge cousin, the Tonale’s distinct personality, premium execution and superior dynamics make it feel special.

At A Glance

WHAT WAS TESTED?

2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale Tribute Italiano EAWD ($51,995). Options: Verde Fangio metallic paint ($2,200), Active Assist Advanced package ($2,000), power moonroof ($1,400), additional key fob ($40). Price as tested (including $1,995 destination charge): $59,630

BY THE NUMBERS

Wheelbase: 103.8 in.
Length: 178.3 in.
Width: 82 in.
Height: 63.2 in.
Power: 1.3-liter turbo four cylinder plus electric motor (285 hp, 347 ft. lbs.)
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
MPG: 77 MPGe when charged, 29 gasoline only

RATINGS

Style: 9
Performance: 9
Price: 3
Handling: 9
Ride: 8
Comfort: 6
Quality: 7
Overall: 7

WHY BUY IT?

The Tonale offers a unique combination of efficiency, style and driving enjoyment, making it a standout choice for buyers seeking a premium compact SUV that breaks from the norm.

Posted in Alfa Romeo

Luxury Without Compromise

Posted on by Derek Price
Cargazing
By Derek Price

The 2025 Infiniti QX80 Autograph represents the pinnacle of the brand’s luxury aspirations.

After a week behind the wheel of this $114,181 palace on wheels, it’s clear that Infiniti is serious about competing with some of the world’s most prestigious SUVs.

The Autograph trim transforms the already impressive QX80 into something truly special. Its most striking feature is the meticulously crafted interior, where semi-aniline leather appointments feature unique hand-finished dot quilting that adds both texture and visual interest. The cabin’s premium materials extend to open-pore ash wood trim pieces with precisely positioned aluminum inlays, creating an environment that feels bespoke.

This flagship model pampers passengers in all three rows. The second row, in particular, receives royal treatment with massaging captain’s chairs controlled through a dedicated touchscreen in the rear console.

Even third-row occupants aren’t forgotten, with heated seats standard in the Autograph trim – a rare feature in any SUV.

With its two-tone roof treatment and unique 22-inch wheels, the QX80 Autograph subtly announces its flagship status.

Technology is seamlessly integrated throughout the cabin. Dual 14.3-inch displays dominate the dashboard, while ProPILOT Assist 2.1, standard on the Autograph, allows for hands-free driving in certain highway conditions.

The 24-speaker Klipsch Reference Premiere audio system provides concert-hall sound quality, with innovative Individual Audio functionality that can direct different audio sources to different seating positions.

Power comes from a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6, producing 450 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. This powerplant provides effortless acceleration while improving fuel efficiency over its predecessor, though at 15 mpg city and 19 mpg highway with four-wheel drive, it’s very thirsty.

The Autograph’s exterior distinguishes itself with a two-tone roof treatment and dark chrome trim, riding on unique Layered Turbine 22-inch wheels. While these touches add visual drama, they’re subtle enough to maintain the QX80’s elegant presence.

Practically speaking, this ultra-luxurious trim level creates an interesting paradox. While the QX80 maintains impressive capability with 8,500 pounds of towing capacity and genuine off-road ability, the sumptuous interior almost makes you hesitate to use it for traditional SUV tasks.

Hand-finished leather quilting and aluminum-inlaid wood trim create a bespoke atmosphere in the QX80 Autograph’s three-row cabin.

Moving cargo requires careful attention to protect the premium materials, though thoughtful features such as a power-folding third row and hands-free liftgate make such tasks easier.

Comfort features abound, including the segment-first Biometric Cooling system that automatically detects and responds to passengers’ temperature needs. The front console cool box and comprehensive camera system, including Front Wide View and Invisible Hood View, add convenience to everyday use.

At over $110,000 to start, the QX80 Autograph competes with some of the most prestigious luxury SUVs on the market.

While that’s rarefied air for Infiniti, the level of craftsmanship, technology and attention to detail justifies its position in this segment. It may make you think twice before using it as a traditional SUV, but that seems beside the point.

This is luxury transportation first, utility vehicle second.

At A Glance

WHAT WAS TESTED?

2025 Infiniti QX80 Autograph ($110,595). Options: Interior lighting package ($1,020), cargo blocks ($42), soft-sided cargo cooler ($169), cargo shelf ($360). Price as tested (including $1,995 destination charge): $114,181

BY THE NUMBERS

Wheelbase: 121 in.
Length: 211.2 in.
Width: 83.3 in.
Height: 77.9 in.
Engine: Twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 (450 hp, 516 ft. lbs.)
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
MPG: 15 city, 19 highway

RATINGS

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

WHY BUY IT?

The 2025 Infiniti QX80 Autograph offers an exceptionally luxurious take on the full-size SUV formula, with premium materials, advanced technology and thoughtful comfort features that rival the best in the class.

Posted in Infiniti

Sensible Choice Gets Better

Posted on by Derek Price

Cargazing
By Derek Price

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek epitomizes the idea of “right-sized” transportation, offering a near-perfect blend of practicality, capability and value.

After spending time with the Sport trim, it’s clear why this compact SUV continues to resonate with pragmatic buyers who prioritize substance over flash.

While acceleration from the 2.5-liter engine won’t set any records with its 182 horsepower, the Crosstrek’s real strengths lie elsewhere.

Its well-tuned chassis and standard all-wheel drive system provide exceptional balance and confidence on wet roads, demonstrating Subaru’s expertise in creating all-weather vehicles.

The tire choice perfectly complements this capability, offering strong grip in adverse conditions without compromising everyday comfort.

The 10-percent stiffer structure for 2024 pays dividends in handling and refinement. The Crosstrek feels more composed than ever through corners while maintaining the compliant ride that makes it such a pleasant daily driver.

The Crosstrek’s new-for-2024 design maintains its rugged character while incorporating subtle refinements.

This improvements in driving dynamics don’t come at the expense of the model’s trademark versatility and practicality.

Inside, the cabin benefits from thoughtful updates, including the availability of a new 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

While the interface may not be the most cutting-edge in its class, it’s functional and straightforward to use.

The newly designed seats offer improved comfort and support, while careful sound deadening makes the interior notably quieter than before.

Subaru’s EyeSight driver assistance system, now standard across the lineup, works smoothly and effectively. The technology provides a reassuring safety net without being intrusive, adding value to an already compelling package.

A quieter cabin and improved technology, including an available 11.6-inch touchscreen, enhance the new Crosstrek’s daily livability.

Fuel economy remains competitive for an all-wheel drive vehicle, with EPA ratings of 26 mpg in the city and 33 on the highway.

These figures, combined with the Crosstrek’s genuine off-road capability and all-weather prowess, make it an intelligent choice for buyers seeking a practical, efficient adventure vehicle.

The 2024 Crosstrek is proof that evolutionary improvement can be more valuable than revolutionary change.

It builds on the model’s established strengths while addressing previous shortcomings, resulting in a more refined and capable vehicle that should continue to attract practical-minded buyers.

For those seeking a sensible compact SUV that offers genuine capability without unnecessary frills, the Crosstrek makes a compelling case.

It may not be the fastest or most luxurious option in its class, but it executes its mission with admirable competence and value.

At A Glance

WHAT WAS TESTED?

2024 Subaru Crosstrek Sport ($29,195). Options: Option Package 22 ($1,920), all-weather floor liners ($141). Price as tested (including $1,345 destination charge): $32,501
Wheelbase: 105.1 in.
Length: 176.4 in.
Width: 70.9 in.
Height: 63 in.
Engine: 2.5-liter four cylinder (182 hp, 178 ft. lbs.)
Transmission: Continuously variable
Fuel economy: 26 city, 33 highway

RATINGS

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

WHY BUY IT?

The new Crosstrek delivers a winning combination of all-weather capability, practicality and value, making it an excellent choice for buyers seeking a sensible compact SUV.

Posted in Subaru

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