Wagon With Attitude

Posted on by Derek Price

Cargazing
By Derek Price

I often wonder why more people don’t buy wagons.

After a week with the 2025 Subaru Outback Touring, I’m convinced the entire SUV-crazed market is missing out on something wonderful: the joy of driving a vehicle that doesn’t compromise handling for the sake of a high seating position.

The Outback is technically classified as an SUV, but it’s really a station wagon with hiking boots.

That’s not a criticism. It’s high praise.

Sitting lower to the ground than most crossovers, the Outback handles more like a car while still offering 8.7 inches of ground clearance. This dual personality makes it uniquely enjoyable to drive on both winding roads and muddy trails.

My test vehicle, the top-trim Touring model powered by the optional 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer engine, delivered a surprisingly premium driving experience.

With 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, this flat-four delivers smooth, robust acceleration that makes highway merging and passing effortless. It’s genuinely quick when pushed.

Subaru’s continuously variable transmission does an admirable job mimicking a traditional automatic, with eight simulated gear ratios accessible via paddle shifters. I rarely felt the “rubber-band” sensation that plagues many CVTs.

Inside, the Touring model impresses with Nappa leather upholstery and an open, airy cabin. The front seats are both heated and ventilated, with the heated steering wheel proving its worth on chilly mornings.

Rear passengers enjoy heated outboard seats and generous legroom.

The 2025 Subaru Outback combines rugged styling with practical wagon proportions, sitting lower than typical crossovers for improved handling while maintaining 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

Subaru’s EyeSight driver assistance suite comes standard, enhanced in the Touring model with a 180-degree front camera and DriverFocus system that uses facial recognition to detect driver distraction or drowsiness.

The technology works well even if the attention system feels overly intrusive at times.

Cargo capacity stands at 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 75.6 cubic feet with the seats folded, figures that shame some larger SUVs.

The Outback’s 8.7-inch ground clearance strikes an ideal balance between off-road capability and on-road dynamics.

Road noise is well controlled at highway speeds, though the boxer engine does emit a distinctive growl under hard acceleration. The suspension tuning skillfully balances comfort and handling, absorbing bumps without feeling floaty or disconnected.

Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats and an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system give the Outback Touring a premium feel that belies its practical nature.

Fuel economy in the turbocharged model is reasonable at 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. Those seeking better efficiency can opt for the standard 2.5-liter non-turbo engine, though its 182 horsepower feels inadequate for a vehicle of this size.

While the Outback’s styling won’t turn heads, its purposeful, rugged appearance has an honest appeal. The plastic body cladding — once controversial — now feels appropriate for its adventure-ready character.

At $44,331 as tested, including floor mats and destination charge, the Outback Touring represents a compelling value compared to luxury-branded crossovers with similar features. Those willing to forego the turbo engine and some premium touches can get into a base Outback for under $30,000.

For families seeking practicality without sacrificing driving pleasure, or outdoor enthusiasts who need all-weather capability without compromising fuel economy, the 2025 Subaru Outback hits a sweet spot that few competitors can match.

It’s the thinking person’s alternative to the cookie-cutter crossover.

At A Glance

WHAT WAS TESTED?

2025 Subaru Outback Touring ($42,795). Options: All-weather floor liners ($141). Price as tested (including $1,395 destination charge): $44,331

BY THE NUMBERS

Wheelbase: 108.1 in.
Length: 191.1 in.
Width: 82 in.
Height: 66.1 in.
Engine: Turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer four cylinder (260 hp, 277 lbs. ft.)
Transmission: Continuously variable
Fuel Economy: 22 city, 29 highway

RATINGS

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

WHY BUY IT?

The Outback delivers wagon-like handling with SUV capability, creating a versatile all-weather vehicle that’s equally comfortable on daily commutes and weekend adventures.

Posted in Subaru

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

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