Italian Soul, American Attitude

Posted on by Derek Price
Cargazing
By Derek Price

The 2024 Dodge Hornet proves that practicality doesn’t have to be boring.

After a week testing the GT AWD model, it’s clear that this Italian-built crossover brings something unique to the compact SUV segment: genuine sporting character wrapped in a practical package.

Under the hood, a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces a robust 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This powerplant, shared with Alfa Romeo models, delivers impressive thrust through a responsive nine-speed automatic transmission.

With standard all-wheel drive, the Hornet offers both confidence in inclement weather and engaging dynamics on dry pavement.

The Hornet’s handling is where it truly stands apart from competitors. Sharp steering, firm suspension tuning and excellent body control create a driving experience more reminiscent of a sport sedan than a typical crossover.

Its Alfa Romeo Tonale roots are evident in the best possible way, delivering an engaging character that’s rare in this segment and price point.

Visually, the Hornet makes a strong statement. Its sleek, aggressive styling successfully translates Dodge’s performance heritage into crossover form.

The design manages to look distinctly European while wearing American muscle car attitude — fitting, given that it’s assembled in Pomigliano, Italy, with 56 percent Italian-sourced parts.

With its aggressive styling and athletic stance, the Hornet successfully translates Dodge’s performance heritage into crossover form.

Inside, the cabin offers a good blend of technology and functionality. My GT tester came well-equipped with features include a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The materials and build quality are solid, if not class-leading.

However, the Hornet’s sporting aspirations do come with some compromises.

The rear seat space is tighter than some competitors, and cargo capacity falls short of class leaders. The firm ride, while great for handling, might be too stiff for buyers seeking maximum comfort.

At $44,825 as tested, our GT AWD with the Blacktop and Track Pack represents a significant investment. However, even base models come well-equipped with standard all-wheel drive and impressive performance credentials.

The Hornet’s driver-focused cockpit features modern technology and good build quality, though rear seat space is tight compared to some rivals.

One potential concern is long-term reliability. While the Hornet is too new for meaningful reliability data, its Alfa Romeo roots might give some buyers pause, given the brand’s historical reputation. However, recent quality surveys suggest improvement in this area.

The 2024 Dodge Hornet isn’t for everyone. Buyers seeking maximum space, comfort or fuel efficiency might be better served elsewhere in the segment.

For those who prioritize driving engagement and distinctive styling in their compact crossover, the Hornet delivers a compelling and unique package.

It’s refreshing to see an automaker bring genuine performance credentials to an often-uninspiring segment.

At A Glance

WHAT WAS TESTED?

2024 Dodge Hornet GT AWD ($36,400). Options: Premium paint ($595), Customer Preferred Package 23L ($2,245), GT Blacktop and Track Pack bundle ($3,990). Price as tested (including $1,595 destination charge): $44,825

BY THE NUMBERS

Wheelbase: 103.8 in.
Length: 178 in.
Width: 82 in.
Height: 63.8 in.
Engine: Turbocharged 2.0-liter four cylinder (268 hp, 295 ft. lbs.)
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
MPG: 21 city, 29 highway

RATINGS

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

WHY BUY IT?

The Hornet offers class-leading performance and engaging dynamics in a stylish package, making it an excellent choice for driving enthusiasts who need crossover practicality.

Posted in Dodge

Rugged Refinement

Posted on by Derek Price
Cargazing
By Derek Price

The all-new 2025 Subaru Forester is a thoroughly evolved version of the brand’s popular compact SUV, blending increased refinement with the rugged capability that has long been a Forester hallmark.

After a week behind the wheel of the Premium trim, it’s clear that Subaru has successfully updated the Forester formula while staying true to its roots.

At the heart of the new Forester is a familiar 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. While not particularly thrilling in terms of acceleration, this powerplant provides adequate performance for daily driving and light off-road excursions.

The continuously variable transmission (CVT) has been improved for smoother and quieter operation, though engine noise remains more noticeable than in some competitors.

Where the Forester truly shines is in its solid, confidence-inspiring demeanor.

The 10-percent-stiffer chassis contributes to improved handling and a more composed ride, striking a nice balance between comfort and capability.

With 8.7 inches of ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive, the Forester feels more truck-like than many crossovers in its class, without the associated penalties in fuel economy or maneuverability.

The 2025 Forester’s redesigned exterior maintains Subaru’s rugged aesthetic while incorporating more modern, sleek elements.

Inside, Subaru has made significant strides in both design and functionality. The cabin feels more upscale than its predecessor, with improved materials and a more modern aesthetic.

The optional 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system is a welcome addition, offering crisp graphics and intuitive operation. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available, enhancing connectivity options for users.

Practicality remains a Forester strong suit. The spacious interior offers ample room for passengers and cargo alike, with thoughtful touches like heavy-duty utility hooks in the cargo area expanding versatility.

The large greenhouse and strategically designed pillars provide excellent visibility, a Subaru trademark that aids in both daily driving and off-road scenarios.

Safety features are comprehensive, with Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist technology now standard across all trim levels. The system’s expanded capabilities, including the ability to detect cyclists and pedestrians at intersections, add to the Forester’s appeal as a family vehicle.

A spacious, well-designed cabin with available 11.6-inch touchscreen highlights the Forester’s blend of practicality and modern technology.

At $34,590 as tested, our Premium trim Forester represents strong value in the compact SUV segment. Standard all-wheel drive, a robust suite of safety features and genuine off-road capability set it apart from many competitors at this price point.

However, the Forester isn’t without its compromises. The engine, while adequate, lacks the punch of some turbocharged rivals and can be noisy under hard acceleration. Additionally, while the interior is much improved, some may find it less luxurious than top-trim versions of competing models.

Overall, it prioritizes practicality, capability and safety over outright performance or luxury pretensions.
For buyers seeking a reliable, versatile compact SUV that’s as comfortable on a dirt trail as it is in a grocery store parking lot, the new Forester makes a compelling case.

At A Glance

WHAT WAS TESTED?

2025 Subaru Forester Premium ($31,995). Options: Optional package ($1,200). Price as tested (including $1,395 destination charge): $34.590

BY THE NUMBERS

Wheelbase: 105.1 in.
Length: 183.3 in.
Width: 72 in.
Height: 68.1 in.
Engine: 2.5-liter four cylinder (180 hp, 178 ft. lbs.)
Transmission: Continuously variable
MPG: 26 city, 33 highway

RATINGS

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

WHY BUY IT?

The new Forester offers a winning combination of practicality, capability and value, making it an excellent choice for buyers seeking a versatile compact SUV that’s equally at home in urban environments and off-road adventures.

Posted in Subaru

Luxury Redefined, But At a Cost

Posted on by Derek Price
Cargazing
By Derek Price

The 2025 Infiniti QX80 is a thoroughly reimagined version of the brand’s flagship SUV, aiming to reset benchmarks in the full-size luxury segment.

After a week behind the wheel of the Sensory 4WD trim, it’s clear that Infiniti has made significant strides in technology and refinement, though some compromises remain.

At the heart of the new QX80 is a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing a robust 450 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. This powerplant, paired with a smooth-shifting nine-speed automatic transmission, provides ample thrust for such a large vehicle. The powertrain’s refinement is particularly notable during highway cruising, where the QX80 settles into a quiet, composed demeanor befitting its luxury status.

Inside, Infiniti has dramatically improved the QX80’s interior. The cabin is a showcase of high-quality materials and impressive technology. Dual 14.3-inch displays dominate the dashboard, offering crisp graphics and intuitive functionality.

The integration of Google built-in services enhances the user experience, providing seamless access to navigation, apps, and voice controls.

Comfort is a strong suit for the QX80, with plenty of passenger room across all three rows. The available massaging seats in the first two rows are a welcome luxury touch, while the third row offers more space than many competitors.

The QX80’s imposing presence and distinctive design cues ensure it stands out in the crowded luxury SUV segment.

I loved the massaging front seats in my tester, a welcome feature for a road trip to East Texas.

The Klipsch audio system is another standout feature, delivering rich, immersive sound throughout the cabin.

However, the QX80’s ride quality, while generally comfortable, falls short of the plush experience offered by some rivals. There’s a firmness to the suspension that, while contributing to better handling, can occasionally transmit more road imperfections than expected in a vehicle of this class.

The QX80’s size also can make it challenging to maneuver in tight urban environments. This is somewhat mitigated by the comprehensive camera system, including the innovative Front Wide View and Invisible Hood View features, which prove invaluable in parking situations.

With its dual 14.3-inch displays and high-quality materials, the QX80’s cabin blends technology and luxury in an impressive package.

Fuel economy, at 15 mpg city and 19 mpg highway for the 4WD model, is improved over its predecessor but still thirsty by modern standards. This may give pause to environmentally conscious buyers or those facing frequent fill-ups.

At $106,242 as tested, the QX80 Sensory 4WD represents a significant investment. While it offers a wealth of features and technologies, some of the most impressive amenities are reserved for the even pricier Autograph trim. This pricing strategy may deter buyers who expect all the bells and whistles at this price point.

Overall, the 2025 QX80 is a bold step forward for the brand, offering a compelling blend of luxury, technology and capability.

For those seeking a technologically advanced, comfortable, and capable large SUV with distinctive styling, the new QX80 is certainly worth consideration. It’s a tour de force of tech and comfort features with spaciousness that feels downright sumptuous for those fortunate enough to afford it.

At A Glance

WHAT WAS TESTED?

2025 Infiniti QX80 Sensory 4WD ($100,645). Options: ProPilot Assist 2.1 ($3,200), cargo blocks ($42), cargo shelf ($360). Price as tested (including $1,995 destination charge): $106,242

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 new QX80 offers a compelling mix of bold styling, advanced technology and spacious comfort, making it an attractive option for luxury SUV buyers who prioritize presence and features.

Posted in Infiniti

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