Practical Perfection

Posted on by Derek Price
Cargazing
By Derek Price

The 2025 Honda CR-V proves that evolution can be better than revolution.

Building on the success of its predecessors, this latest iteration of Honda’s popular compact SUV offers a masterclass in practical, efficient family transportation.

At the heart of my tester, a CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring model, is a refined 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with electric motors, producing a combined 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque.

This powertrain delivers a smooth and efficient driving experience, with impressive EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 40 mpg in the city and 34 on the highway.

On the road, the CR-V demonstrates Honda’s expertise in chassis tuning. The steering is precise and well-weighted, offering good feedback without being overly heavy.

Handling is competent and predictable, striking a nice balance between comfort and responsiveness. The ride quality is excellent, soaking up road imperfections with aplomb.

Inside, the CR-V continues to impress with its spacious and well-designed cabin. Material quality is high, with soft-touch surfaces in key areas and solid construction throughout. The 60/40 split-folding rear seats offer plenty of legroom, and when folded, they reveal a cavernous cargo area that’s among the best in its class.

The CR-V’s understated yet handsome styling reflects its focus on function over flash, with clean lines and subtle sporty touches in the Sport Touring trim.

Technology integration is generally good, though not class-leading. The 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system — standard on the Sport Touring trim — is responsive and easy to use, but its size falls short of some competitors’ larger offerings.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as is a wireless charging pad.

Safety remains a strong suit for the CR-V. Honda Sensing, the brand’s suite of driver assistance technologies, comes standard and includes features such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist and automatic emergency braking.

However, the CR-V Hybrid isn’t without its shortcomings. Acceleration, while adequate for daily driving, lacks the punchy feel of some turbocharged rivals. Also, the continuously variable transmission can make the engine drone under hard acceleration, detracting from the otherwise refined driving experience.

While the hybrid system improves fuel economy, the engine and transmission combo can be noisy when climbing hills or merging onto highways.

Spacious, well-built, and thoughtfully designed, the CR-V’s cabin prioritizes comfort and versatility, with ample room for both passengers and cargo.

At $42,605 as tested, the CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring represents solid value in the compact SUV segment. It undercuts some similarly equipped rivals while offering Honda’s reputation for reliability and strong resale value.

Ultimately, the current-generation CR-V succeeds by doing everything well, even if it doesn’t necessarily excel in any one area.

It’s a jack-of-all-trades SUV that prioritizes practicality, efficiency and comfort — qualities that resonate strongly with family buyers. While it may not set pulses racing, it’s hard to fault Honda for sticking to a formula that’s made the CR-V a perennial bestseller.

For those seeking a no-fuss, highly competent compact SUV that can handle everything from school runs to weekend getaways with equal skill, the CR-V should be at the top of the test drive list.

At A Glance

WHAT WAS TESTED?

2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid AWD Sport Touring ($40,800). Options: Premium paint ($455). Price as tested (including $1,350 destination charge): $42,605

BY THE NUMBERS

Wheelbase: 106.3 in.
Length: 184.8 in.
Width: 73.5 in.
Height: 66.5 in.
Power: 2.0-liter four cylinder plus electric motors (204 hp, 247 ft. lbs.)
Transmission: Continuously variable
MPG: 40 city, 34 highway

RATINGS

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

WHY BUY IT?

The CR-V offers an unbeatable combination of practicality, efficiency and reliability, making it an ideal choice for families seeking a no-nonsense compact SUV that excels in everyday use.

Posted in Honda

Making SUVs Redundant

Posted on by Derek Price
Cargazing
By Derek Price

When I pulled up in the 2024 Volvo V90 Cross Country, my kids’ reaction was priceless.

“Woah, did somebody squish it?” they exclaimed, their young eyes unaccustomed to the sleek silhouette of a station wagon in our SUV-dominated world.

Their surprise perfectly encapsulates why the V90 Cross Country is such a refreshing presence on American roads.

It’s a rare breed that challenges our preconceptions about what a family vehicle should be.

The V90 Cross Country is, quite simply, a spectacular car to drive. It strikes that elusive balance between luxury and practicality, offering the utility of an SUV with the driving dynamics of a sedan.

The 2.0-liter turbocharged and electrically supercharged four-cylinder engine, producing 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, provides ample motivation. While not blistering quick, it offers smooth, confident acceleration that’s more than adequate for both city driving and highway cruising.

Where the V90 truly shines is in its road manners. The low-slung body, compared to typical SUVs, results in a lower center of gravity that translates to superior handling and stability.

The optional adaptive air suspension in our tester ($1,200) further enhanced the ride quality, soaking up bumps while maintaining composure through corners.

It’s a reminder of why wagons were once the family vehicle of choice. They simply drive better than their taller SUV counterparts.

With its sleek profile and rugged Cross Country touches, the V90 stands out in a sea of cookie-cutter SUVs, proving that wagons can be both practical and stylish.

The interior is a masterclass in Scandinavian design. Clean lines, premium materials and thoughtful ergonomics create an atmosphere of understated luxury.

Volvo’s seats deserve special mention because they’re among the best in the business, offering superb support and comfort. The optional massage function elevates long drives from tolerable to genuinely enjoyable.

Practicality is where the V90 Cross Country truly excels. The cargo area is cavernous, easily swallowing luggage, sports equipment or the spoils of an IKEA shopping spree.

The low load floor makes loading and unloading a breeze compared to taller SUVs. With 25.2 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats — expanding to 69 cubic feet with seats folded — it rivals many midsize SUVs for cargo capacity.

Technology is well-represented, with a 9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen running Volvo’s Google-based infotainment system. It’s intuitive and responsive, though some may find the reliance on touch controls for climate functions a bit fiddly.

The V90’s cabin exemplifies Scandinavian luxury, with premium materials, class-leading comfort, and a thoughtful design that prioritizes both form and function.

The optional Bowers & Wilkins sound system ($3,200) is a audiophile’s dream, delivering crisp, immersive sound.

Safety, as expected from Volvo, is comprehensive. The V90 Cross Country comes standard with a suite of advanced driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and automatic emergency braking that can detect pedestrians, cyclists and even large animals.

The Cross Country treatment gives the V90 some mild off-road capability, with increased ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive. While it won’t tackle serious trails, it’s more than capable of handling snowy roads or the occasional gravel path to a campsite.

However, the V90 Cross Country isn’t without its quirks. The optional 21-inch wheels ($800) on our tester, while visually striking, compromised ride quality and seemed at odds with the car’s adventurous pretensions. Buyers would be wise to stick with smaller wheels for a better balance of looks and comfort.

At $73,380 as tested, the V90 Cross Country commands a premium price. However, for buyers seeking a unique blend of luxury, practicality, and driving enjoyment, it offers a compelling alternative to the ubiquitous luxury SUV.

It’s a vehicle for those who appreciate the finer things but don’t feel the need to tower over other cars on the road.

The V90 is a testament to the enduring appeal of the wagon body style. It offers SUV-like utility without the compromises in driving dynamics or efficiency.

In a world where crossovers and SUVs dominate, the V90 Cross Country stands out as a refreshing reminder that sometimes, the old ways are still the best ways.

It’s a car that makes you question why we ever abandoned wagons in the first place — and might just convince you to join the wagon renaissance.

At A Glance

WHAT WAS TESTED?

2024 Volvo V90 Cross Country B6 AWD ($64,750). Options: Climate package ($750), side scuff plate ($1,005), luggage cover ($380), power tailgate ($200), Bowers & Wilkins premium sound ($3,200), active chassis with rear air suspension ($1,200), 21-inch wheels ($800). Price as tested (including $1,095 destination charge): $73,380

BY THE NUMBERS

Wheelbase: 115.8 in.
Length: 195.2 in.
Width: 74.9 in.
Height: 60.7 in.
Engine: 2.0-liter turbo- and e-charged four cylinder (295 hp, 310 ft. lbs.)
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
MPG: 23 city, 29 highway

RATINGS

Style: 10
Performance: 9
Price: 5
Handling: 8
Ride: 7
Comfort: 8
Quality: 9
Overall: 8

WHY BUY IT?

The V90 offers a rare combination of luxury, practicality and driving pleasure, making it an ideal choice for discerning buyers who want SUV utility without sacrificing sedan-like handling and efficiency.

Posted in Volvo

Luxury Goes Off-Road

Posted on by Derek Price
Cargazing
By Derek Price

The Lexus GX 550 is fully redesigned for 2024, doubling down on its position as a luxury SUV with serious off-road chops.

After a week with the top-tier Luxury+ trim, it’s clear that Lexus has created a vehicle that can tackle both the urban jungle and actual wilderness with equal aplomb – though not without some compromises.

At first glance, the new GX embraces a more muscular, squared-off aesthetic. Drawing inspiration from iconic off-roaders like the Mercedes G-Wagon and Land Rover Defender, the GX’s boxy silhouette and upright grille project a no-nonsense attitude. It’s a striking departure from Lexus’ typically sleek designs, but it effectively communicates the vehicle’s dual-nature mission.

Under the hood, the old V8 has been replaced by a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 producing 349 horsepower and a stout 479 lb-ft of torque. This powerplant provides ample thrust for both highway cruising and crawling over obstacles while improving fuel economy to a still-thirsty 15 mpg city and 21 mpg highway.

A 10-speed automatic transmission manages power delivery smoothly.

The redesigned GX 550’s boxy, muscular styling projects rugged capability, a marked departure from typical Lexus designs.

The GX’s off-road credentials are impressive. Standard full-time four-wheel drive, a two-speed transfer case and a Torsen limited-slip center differential provide the foundation for genuine trail-tackling ability.

Available features like an electronic locking rear differential, crawl control and multi-terrain select system further enhance its capabilities. With up to 9,096 pounds of towing capacity, the GX can also handle serious hauling duties.

However, the GX’s off-road focus comes with some on-road compromises.

The body-on-frame construction and off-road-tuned suspension result in a ride that’s not as plush as some luxury SUV buyers might expect, especially with the optional 22-inch wheels fitted to our tester.

These large wheels look striking but significantly impact ride quality and are ill-suited for any serious off-pavement excursions. Buyers prioritizing comfort would be wise to stick with smaller wheel options.

Inside, the GX showcases Lexus’ expertise in crafting luxurious interiors. Premium materials abound, from supple leather to real wood trim.

The 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system is responsive and intuitive, a marked improvement over previous Lexus interfaces. Available features like a 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, heated and ventilated seats, and a panoramic sunroof create a properly upscale environment.

Premium materials and advanced technology create a luxurious cabin environment in the GX 550, belying its serious off-road credentials.

Cargo space is generous, and the available third row expands seating capacity to seven, though adults will find it cramped. The power-folding rear seats and hands-free liftgate add convenience for loading gear or groceries.

Safety is well-addressed with the standard Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and automatic emergency braking.

The available head-up display and 360-degree camera system further aid in both on and off-road situations.

At $84,665 as tested, the GX 550 Luxury+ commands a significant premium over mainstream SUVs and even some luxury competitors. While its combination of off-road prowess and premium appointments is unique, buyers will need to carefully consider whether they’ll truly utilize its capabilities to justify the cost.

Ultimately, the new GX is a vehicle of contrasts. It’s a luxurious SUV capable of tackling serious trails, a premium family hauler that can tow like a truck.

For buyers seeking this specific blend of attributes and willing to pay for it, the GX delivers a compelling package. However, those prioritizing on-road comfort or rarely venturing off-pavement may find more suitable options in Lexus’ lineup or among competitors.

It’s a vehicle that can confidently take you from a black-tie event to a backwoods adventure, all while coddling you in Lexus comfort.

At A Glance

WHAT WAS TESTED?

2024 Lexus GX 550 Luxury+ ($79.900). Options: Head-up display ($900), digital key ($375), cold area package ($200), tonneau cover ($110), heated second row ($440), traffic jam assist ($620), roof rail cross bars ($440), carpet cargo mat ($150), ball mount ($80), cargo net ($75), key glove ($25). Price as tested (including $1,350 destination charge): $84,665

Wheelbase: 112.2 in.
Length: 197.1 in.
Width: 78 in.
Height: 75.6 in.
Engine: 3.4-liter twin turbocharged V6 (349 hp, 479 ft. lbs.)
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
MPG: 15 city, 21 highway

RATINGS

Style: 9
Performance: 9
Price: 5
Handling: 4
Ride: 6
Comfort: 8
Quality: 10
Overall: 7

WHY BUY IT?

The new GX 550 offers a rare combination of genuine off-road capability and luxurious appointments, making it ideal for affluent buyers who want to tackle trails in comfort – and look good doing it.

Posted in Lexus

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