Quietly Confident Cruiser

Posted on by Derek Price
Cargazing
By Derek Price

The 2025 Audi Q5 arrives with the weight of expectation. This is Audi’s bestselling model, its bread-and-butter luxury crossover, and it needs to satisfy everyone from suburban commuters to style-minded downsizers.

After a week behind the wheel, it feels like Audi understood that assignment and delivered something carefully judged for daily life.

The biggest surprise is how well it drives. The Q5 has always leaned toward the comfortable side of the segment, but this new generation finds an extra layer of athleticism. My tester rode on optional 20-inch wheels, which usually stiffen things, yet the suspension kept rough pavement at bay.

It feels planted in corners without beating you up on a commute. Acoustic glass and solid insulation help it stay quiet on the highway, which reinforces its luxury credentials.

Power from the turbocharged 2.0-liter four cylinder lands in a sweet spot. The numbers don’t sound wild on paper, but the engine feels stronger than expected thanks to a well-sorted turbocharger that sends torque early and confidently.

The dual-clutch transmission deserves praise, too. Audi has refined this design enough that it no longer feels quirky, and shifts come quickly when you want them while staying smooth in traffic. Buyers wanting more punch can still opt for the SQ5, though the standard Q5’s performance feels genuinely satisfying.

Clean, modern styling gives the 2025 Q5 an understated premium look that fits comfortably in upscale neighborhoods.

Styling might be the one area where I’m torn. The new Q5 looks upscale and clean, with the kind of gently sculpted bodywork that fits its segment well. It avoids the overdone aesthetic some competitors lean into.

That restraint is smart for sales, even if the enthusiast in me wishes for a bit more flair. Cars like the old TT and R8 prove Audi can do drama, although that isn’t what most crossover buyers want.

Lighting, however, is where the Q5 absolutely flexes its personality. The Prestige package unlocks some of the most distinctive lighting elements in the class.

Inside, sweeping LED strips wrap around the dash and doors to create a welcoming cabin glow. Outside, the digital lighting signatures add a level of individualization you rarely see at this price point. Being able to tweak the daytime running light patterns feels delightfully unnecessary in the best way, giving the car a little character without going over the top.

The interior follows the modern Audi template of clean lines and expansive screens.

It feels spacious and well arranged, with the curved central display angled slightly toward the driver. Audi’s software runs smoothly and the available passenger-side screen adds a touch of theater.

Storage space is generous, and the adjustable rear seat makes the cargo area more flexible than you might expect for this size class.

A wide digital display array and sweeping ambient lighting create a spacious, contemporary cabin.

Value is also part of the Q5’s story this year. With mainstream crossovers routinely cresting the $50,000 mark, a luxury crossover starting just above that figure is no longer shocking.

My test vehicle, optioned heavily with the Prestige package, landed at $63,290. In today’s market, that number feels rational, especially considering the fit and finish, generous tech and standard all-wheel drive. Even the destination fee seems honest compared with some rivals.

After a full week with it, the Q5 comes across as a thoughtful evolution rather than a radical reinvention.

It checks all the boxes luxury buyers expect, then adds a few unexpected flourishes like customizable lighting and a genuinely polished driving feel.

If Audi’s goal was to build a crossover that appeals broadly without feeling generic, it succeeded.

At A Glance

WHAT WAS TESTED?

2025 Audi Q5 TFSI quattro ($52,200). Options: Premium paint ($595), Prestige package ($8,400), 20-inch wheels ($800). Price as tested (including $1,295 destination charge): $63,290

BY THE NUMBERS

Wheelbase: 110.9 in.
Length: 185.7 in.
Width: 84.8 in.
Height: 65.7 in.
Engine: Turbocharged 2.0-liter four cylinder (268 hp, 295 ft. lbs.)
Transmission: Seven-speed dual clutch
MPG: 22 city, 30 highway

RATINGS

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

WHY BUY IT?

The all-new Q5 blends quiet comfort, crisp handling, sharp technology, and real value in a segment where prices keep rising.

Posted in Audi

Silent Strength

Posted on by Derek Price
Cargazing
By Derek Price

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 makes a strong first impression before you even glance at a spec sheet.

It drives like a confident, well-sorted family hauler that just happens to be electric, which is exactly what Hyundai was aiming for as it positions this as its premium flagship.

Hyundai’s EVs have been good for a while, but this one feels like the company stepping deeper into luxury territory. It pulls away with instant smoothness, and the dual-motor setup delivers the kind of quick, seamless acceleration that makes merging easy.

Around town, it responds immediately to the throttle and feels lighter than it looks. On the highway, it stays impressively quiet, tamping down wind and tire noise to a level that rivals some luxury brands.

Ride quality is another highlight. It’s cushy without being floaty, and it manages bumps in a way that keeps everyone content over long trips.

Even driven briskly, it holds its composure and feels secure, traits that matter more in a three-row SUV than outright speed. The 311-mile range on the Performance AWD model is impressive for something this large.

The Ioniq 9’s bold, upright shape pairs clean lines with distinctive pixel lighting.

The interior is where Hyundai’s upscale ambitions really show. The materials feel soft and substantial, and the layout avoids the cold minimalism some EVs lean on.

Everything is logical and easy to reach. The center display responds quickly, and the digital cluster is clear and attractive.

Driver-assistance features are just as impressive. Highway Drive Assist centers the vehicle with minimal fuss, and on well-marked roads it can pilot itself with only light supervision.

It reduces fatigue on long drives and feels more natural than some competing systems that tug at the wheel or ping-pong within lane lines.

Practicality is the Ioniq 9’s biggest selling point. Three rows of seats and a wide, open cabin make it feel more like a living room on wheels than a typical crossover.

Adults can ride in the third row without complaint, and there’s real cargo room with the seats folded. The flat floor frees up legroom in every direction, and the sliding console helps front-row passengers move around more easily.

This is the rare EV that truly works as a family vehicle instead of a statement piece.

A wide, airy cabin offers soft materials, intuitive tech and generous three-row space.

Though the Ioniq 9 aims at the luxury segment, its pricing pushes the boundary. My test vehicle rang up at $77,540, and that included $230 for carpeted floor mats. At that price, those should really be included. Hyundai is far from alone in charging for small items, but it still feels off for a nearly $80,000 vehicle.

Charging is quick thanks to 800-volt architecture, and the standard NACS port gives it access to Tesla Superchargers. Hyundai building the Ioniq 9 in Georgia adds another advantage: it’s positioned to qualify for federal tax incentives if they’re ever reinstated, which could help soften the sting of that sticker price.

Competition in the electric three-row segment is growing, but Hyundai makes its case with comfort, range and ease of use.

Some rivals offer flashier badges or more performance, yet the Ioniq 9’s strength is how naturally it fits into daily life. It doesn’t ask you to adapt to EV ownership as much as it blends into whatever routine you already have.

The Ioniq 9 feels like a family-first EV with genuine refinement. For buyers who want space, comfort and modern tech, it’s one of the most well-rounded electric SUVs available.

At A Glance

WHAT WAS TESTED?

2026 Hyundai Ionia 9 AWD Performance Calligraphy ($74,990). Options: Premium paint ($500), carpeted floor mats ($230), vehicle load adapter ($220). Price as tested (including $1,600 destination charge): $77,540

BY THE NUMBERS

Wheelbase: 123.2 in.
Length: 199.2 in.
Width: 78 in.
Height: 70.5 in.
Power: Dual electric motors (422 combined hp)
Range: 311 miles
MPGe: 91 city, 79 highway

RATINGS

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

WHY BUY IT?

The Ioniq 9 is a quiet, roomy, genuinely premium electric family SUV that feels effortless to live with.

Posted in Hyundai

Rugged Utility Refined

Posted on by Derek Price
Cargazing
By Derek Price

The Subaru Forester has long been a practical favorite. It’s roomy, easy to see out of and confident in bad weather.

The new 2026 Forester Wilderness keeps all of that and adds a fresh layer of refinement and capability that makes it one of the most well-rounded small SUVs on sale.

After a week behind the wheel, it’s clear Subaru hasn’t tried to reinvent the Forester. Instead, it focused on making it a better version of itself.

The sixth-generation model feels sturdier, quieter and more cohesive, but it’s still unmistakably a Forester: boxy, honest and built for real-world usefulness.

The Wilderness trim remains the most distinctive version, wearing black cladding, copper accents and all-terrain tires that lend it instant trail credibility.

With 9.3 inches of ground clearance, upgraded suspension tuning and Subaru’s dual-mode X-MODE all-wheel-drive system, it’s genuinely more capable off pavement than rivals like the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4 Adventure. It’s not a hardcore off-roader, but it’ll happily take on muddy access roads or snowed-in campsites.

The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness stands taller with rugged tires, copper accents and 9.3 inches of ground clearance.

On the road, the Forester Wilderness is easygoing and composed. The suspension soaks up rough pavement gracefully, and the steering feels light yet accurate.

There’s a reassuring solidity to the chassis, thanks to the latest Subaru Global Platform, which improves rigidity and keeps body motions well-controlled. Ride comfort is excellent, and road noise is low for a vehicle with aggressive tires.

The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, routed through a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It’s smooth and efficient but not quick.

Around town, it feels fine, but freeway merges and uphill passes reveal the powertrain’s limits. The CVT simulates gear steps in its “Sport” mode, yet the lack of a traditional automatic transmission leaves the

Wilderness feeling less responsive than it could be. A bit more power would unlock the chassis’ full potential.

Fuel economy lands at 24 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway, fair numbers given its off-road gear and higher stance.

The cabin blends durable materials with smart storage and Subaru’s latest tech for a functional, easygoing environment.

Subaru’s safety suite remains among the best in the business, with standard adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and automatic emergency steering. Visibility is exceptional, aided by generous glass and thin pillars — a rarity in modern SUVs.

Inside, the Wilderness trim features durable StarTex upholstery with copper stitching, easy-to-clean materials and an upright dashboard dominated by an 11.6-inch touchscreen.

Pricing for the Forester Wilderness starts at $38,385, and the tested example — optioned with navigation, a Harman Kardon audio system and a power tailgate — came to $42,035. That’s competitive for a fully equipped all-wheel-drive SUV that can tow up to 3,500 pounds and tackle genuine trails.

Subaru knows its audience well, and this latest Forester Wilderness hits the sweet spot between everyday comfort and outdoorsy confidence. It’s not flashy, but it’s deeply satisfying in how well it performs the tasks owners actually need it to do.

At A Glance

WHAT WAS TESTED?

2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness ($38,385). Options: Option Package 33 ($2,200). Price as tested (including $1,450 destination charge): $42,035

BY THE NUMBERS

Wheelbase: 104.9 in.
Length: 182.9 in.
Width: 81.2 in.
Height: 69.3 in.
Engine: 2.5-liter four cylinder (180 hp, 178 lbs.-ft.)
Transmission: Continuously variable
MPG: 24 city, 28 highway

RATINGS

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

WHY BUY IT?

The 2026 Forester delivers real-world versatility, unmatched visibility and authentic off-road capability in a comfortable, everyday-friendly package.

Posted in Subaru

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