Our Thoughts Exactly: 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid

by Randy Stern

Subaru knows it has to play in the electrification sandbox. They need to get this right. After all, all of their competitors have stepped up their hybrid game.

Perhaps, the third time is the charm…

For over a decade, Subaru tried their hand at electrification through hybridizing their BOXER engines. We were pretty lucky to receive the 2014 XV Crosstrek Hybrid – the first of its kind from Subaru. Their approach was to simply add an electric motor and a battery to the driveline. It was OK. Not fantastic nor horrific. Just adequate. 

Five years later, Subaru switched to a plug-in hybrid version of the 2019 Crosstrek. It was only sold in the states that were aligned with the California Air Resources Board’s emissions standards. It did not sell well enough to expand it beyond the dozen-plus states it was available. Or, at least that what we suspected. 

Yes, Subaru knows it has to play in the electrification sandbox. They need to get this right. After all, all of their competitors have stepped up their hybrid game. 

Offering a hybrid driveline makes perfect sense for loyal Subaru customers. The “Love Promise” has a branch that is dedicated to environmental causes. To support our U.S. National Parks and parklands across our country, you have to do so by not emitting a ton of emissions. Not to say that Subarus are known for low emissions from their BOXER engines already. 

Also, loyal Subaru customers know that they want an electrified driveline that meets their sustainable goals. Somewhere between a Solterra EV and a standard Forester. 

To accomplish this third-generation hybrid system, Subaru asked Toyota for another collaboration. The result is what we have under the hood of this 2025 Forester Touring Hybrid. 

Perhaps the big difference between this and the two previous attempts is the base gasoline engine. Instead of the 2.0-liter BOXER motor, they went with the larger 2.5-liter version running on an Atkinson Cycle. It has a significant power band that helps in overall performance.

The other significant piece is the addition of a second motor that acts as a generator and starter. The main electric motor is purely a traction motor. They get their energy from a 1.1-kilowatt-hour battery pack that runs on a parallel system. 

To round out the rest of this driveline, it is connected to a Lineartronic continuously variable transmission and Subaru’s Symmetrical all-wheel drive system. All told, it is rated for a combined net of 194 horsepower. 

We will get into how this hybrid system performed later in this write-up. However, there is one remarkable thing about this test vehicle. 

Can you tell the difference between a 2025 Forester Touring Hybrid from its non-hybrid version?

If you park one next to each other, you simply cannot tell them apart. Except one of them will wear a Hybrid badge on each door and on the liftgate. Otherwise, you can park both versions side by side and they would be exactly the same. 

With that said, the Forester is a handsome ride. It starts with a large front grille area, a large glasshouse and silhouette, LED lighting signatures front and back, large opening doors, and a tall opening liftgate. We truly believe that the 2025 Forester has the best rearward vision in its class.  

What distinguishes the Touring form all Forester models – hybrid and non-hybrid – is its 19-inch machine-finished alloy wheels and some splashes of chrome here and there. Our test vehicle had a black contrasting roof, which adds a more upmarket look to the Forester’s profile. 

Inside the 2025 Forester Hybrid Touring is a cabin that feels more correct for today’s Subaru owner. It starts with a new 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster. The screen offers continuity for Subaru owners that love their round dials and an array of necessary information in the center – and off to the left side. The steering wheel, stalks and controls have not changed – and that’s a good thing. They work logically and are very tactile. That includes the gear lever on the center console. 

Crowning the center stack is the Starlink-driven 11.6-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen. It serves as a hub for wireless smartphone connectivity, along with vehicle functions and the automatic climate control system. Operation continues to be a bit laggy, but you can still get to what you need from the screen.  Sound is fed through an 11-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system. 

The Touring interior consists of black leather and Ultrasuede inserts. The front seats were a bit firm with plenty of support. Rear seat room is very good for most bodies. Four adults or a family of five can sit comfortable inside across two rows of seats. There is 27.5 cubic feet of cargo space available with the rear seats up. Fold the rear seats down, and that space expands to 69.1 cubic feet. 

As for the driving experience, the hybrid system has better power take-off, thanks to the added electric traction motor. The instant torque works well when accelerating onto a highway or coming off of a stop. It cruises quite well, too. 

One of the 2025 Forester Hybrid’s selling points is that it can achieve better fuel efficiency than the non-hybrid model. We observed an average of 33.7 MPG. It is within a slither of the EPA’s own estimates. 

In the course of putting the Forester Hybrid through its paces, we did take it to an off-road park. We know…it’s not the Wilderness model. However, this was to see how the X- Mode responded to a “light” off-road course. We are pleased to report that it did. The course we took the Forester Hybrid on was not a completely technical one. Yet, it did very well in terms of traction through various parts of the trail – including some rocky surfaces and a couple of larger puddles. 

In all, we found that the Forester Hybrid did a great job on this light-technical off-road trail. The Symmetrical all-wheel drive system is no joke, even while wearing all season tires. 

Whether it was off the highway or on it, the ride quality was simply superb. There was absolutely no harshness felt on the off-road course. It simply felt smooth anywhere we took it. At the same time, the softer suspension yielded a sense of control even though there was some lean and roll through the turns when pushed. 

The steering system was also quite good. On-center feel was spot on, which was enhanced when you engage the cruise control and all of the EyeSight-based driver assistance features out on the highway. Overall, the response from the steering wheel and its turning radius were good. The brakes were also wonderful, thanks to the Forester Hybrid’s excellent pedal feel. We observed good stops in normal and panic situations. 

Subaru added four Hybrid trim levels to their 2025 Forester lineup. That brings the total to ten different choices altogether. Pricing starts from $29,995, with Hybrids starting from $36,595. Our Touring Hybrid test vehicle came with a sticker price of $43,610.

What attracts loyal customers to the Subaru Forester is the combination of practicality, agility, passenger space, and all-wheel drive traction. Now add efficiency to this equation. That is what you get in the Hybrid. 

Subaru’s push towards offering more electrification options is an honorable move, but one has to wonder now that the Federal EV tax credit is no longer valid. Which gives the 2025 Forester – and the 2026 Crosstrek – Hybrid a chance for sustainably-minded consumers.  That is not to say that the 2026 Solterra, Trailseeker, and Uncharted will find customers that will bring these EVs home. 

In the meantime, Subaru now has a hybrid system that works well with its top selling models. It works excellently in the Forester. It’s the right combination Subaru’s loyal customer base has been looking for. That makes this third time creating a solid hybrid system the charm. 

DISCLAIMER: Vehicle provided by Subaru of America, Inc. – our opinions are our own. 

All photos by Randy Stern and George Torline

Crosstrekking

by Randy Stern

A Victory & Reseda review of the 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek

I believe you have been wondering when we will get a Subaru in for review.

This is it – the Subaru XV Crosstrek. Based off of the Impreza hatchback, the XV Crosstrek is designed as a successor to the Outback Sport with the outdoors enthusiast in mind. These lifestyle folks love the idea of taking a compact hatchback with all-wheel drive and higher ground clearance anywhere it wants to. If that means going into the woods, to REI to supply itself for the run into the woods, or to the grocery store.

Cool idea, but how is it to drive?

From the outside, the difference between the Impreza hatchback and the XV Crosstrek is the ride height – 8.7-inches from ground to floor on the latter model. Larger tires and wheels fill in the space – following the convention of its predecessor, the Outback Sport. The XV Crosstrek gets a specific grille, black lower grille protection, extended wheel arches and a black roof rack. Some of the good parts of the Impreza are retained – such as wide opening doors, and a good-sized liftgate.

On the Hybrid model – the first by Subaru to be sold in this country – there are also other differences that the trained eye should look out for. Special taillights using a more energy efficient design separate it from the standard XV Crosstrek models. The Hybrid badges are subtle, but you do get something exclusive over the regular XV Crosstreks – Plasma Green, as on our tester. There are specific seventeen-inch alloy wheels for the Hybrid, shod with Yokohama Geolandar all-season tires.

2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid Touring

The XV Crosstrek has a spacious cabin and good cargo space. The Touring's standard leather front seating is comfortable and big, with the right manual adjustments needed to get comfortable. Rear seating will surprise you, as is offers good leg and headroom for folks up to six-foot-two-inches. The rear seatbacks fold down 60/40, providing expansive cargo space for a long weekend getaway or to haul some major shopping home. Keep the rear seatbacks up, and it is good enough for a family weekender.

Being a hybrid, the XV Crosstrek's instrumentation reminds you it is sustainable with blue accented lighting. A digital display has trip functions, along with the fuel gauge and transmission readout – settled in-between the speedometer and tachometer. A small screen mounted high and far on the center stack doubles as the rearview camera screen and multiple trip, vehicle function and hybrid system readouts. The reversing screen is really small to truly see what is behind you, but the other informational screens provide good information through readable displays. The system readouts are controlled from the steering wheel by a few switches, as are audio and cruise controls.

Infotainment is provided through a combination of HD Radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity for music files and phone calls and satellite navigation. Via Bluetooth or the USB connection, you can also use the Aha app from your smart phone to stream content ranging from custom radio stations, select CBS Radio affiliates to podcasts. Sound quality is quite good through six speakers strategically positioned throughout the cabin. The navigation system is very accurate with good quality readouts.

2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid Touring

The XV Crosstrek starts with a 2.0liter horizontally-opposed four-cylinder engine – also known as a "boxer." While the standard engine works well by itself, the Hybrid adds an electric motor facilitating a low speed electric mode, regenerative braking and a stop-start system. Power comes from a "traction battery," feeding to the electric motor in concert with the boxer engine. Total power came to 160 horsepower with 163 pound-feet of torque. A continuously variable transmission facilitates power to the XV Crosstrek's standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. If you chose a model without the electric motor, you will only get 148 horsepower from the standard boxer engine.

On the road, the XV Crosstrek Hybrid runs smoothly, though the ride is on the soft side. It also yielded some lean and roll in the corners, but the XV Crosstrek Hybrid had it all under control even with 8.7-inches of ground clearance. Steering feel is just right – not too loose or tight. Steering is sensitive, but on point with good response from the wheel. Stopping power is also fine in both normal and panic situations.

During its time with us, it went off-roading. Though the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive does not have any settings for high or low range or electric hill decent control, a steady right foot is all you need to compensate on the rougher spots. The 8.7-inches of ground clearance allows the XV Crosstrek to work through uneven surfaces and rougher trails.

It is expected for any hybrid to deliver superior fuel economy. For a 3,484-pound compact crossover hatchback, the XV Crosstrek Hybrid delivered an average of 27.3MPG. The sticker states that the XV Crosstrek Hybrid would average 31MPG.

2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid Touring

A basic XV Crosstrek starts out at $22,700 with the 148-horsepower boxer engine and a manual gearbox. Our Hybrid Touring tester came to $30,120 – the highest price to pay for an XV Crosstrek.

Simply put, the XV Crosstrek is the car you want if you love the Outback and Forester – without needing all of that cargo space. It is really an all-weather runabout that can go further off track, as well as get groceries and new foliage for the home. The Hybrid system is a decent first effort by Subaru. Yet, it will need refinement if it is to enable better fuel economy and efficient operation.

Then again, we would buy any XV Crosstrek simply for what it could do for us – anything.

DISCLAIMER: Vehicle provided by Subaru of America

All photos by Randy Stern

Reporter's Notebook: No Chicago This Year…

by Randy Stern

Simply put, it was our health. George got sick and my left foot imploded again. End of story.

Sadly, we did not make the Chicago Auto Show this year.

Not because of the “lack of news.” There was some with Subaru committing to a new generation hybrid driveline for the Forester and Crosstrek – third time lucky, you might say. Plus, the unveiling of the Forester Wilderness wearing the latest body style. 

Simply put, it was our health. George got sick and my left foot imploded again. End of story.

We may have saved ourselves some effort, money, fuel – among several factors. Yet, it also saved us from any further long-term issues upon our collective efforts.

We went from planning on beating a snow and ice storm through Wisconsin to one of us ending up in the hospital. 

Yet, we weren’t the only ones. Two of our colleagues were en route to the airport when one of them got sick. They turned around and went home. A few others simply stayed home – reasons ranging from the illness that has been going around the country lately to simply not seeing the value of attending if they are unable to recoup a return on investment. Automotive “content creation” is a business after all. 

If we actually attended the show, we would’ve been a bit more creative about what to do there. We had appointments to conduct interviews, hand off #VOTY2024, and check out vehicles “in the flesh” for the first time since their unveiling. I was actually curious about the new Dodge Charger Daytona EV. 

However, one must work through priorities. Health and life are chiefly important. Message received again.

I will admit that this time around I was not as optimistic about my outcomes. If I even made it to Chicago, I feared that I might not make it work. Without going into further detail, I had a bad hunch that it would not end well. Especially, when I also feared that parts of my body could fail me. For the record, I did not order an electric scooter as I had the past two years. That mobility device worked perfectly to cover the square footage at McCormick Place. 

Being disabled has it challenges. Gaining and retaining respect is one. While things have improved over the years, our society does a very poor job dealing with disabled people – not just people with physical and visible disabilities. 

Yet, it also has its positive points. I am reminded again that I am not the only one who is disabled and working in this business. If they can do it at the highest level, I can, too. 

In all, there is something worth working towards. The encouragement I received from our website and YouTube traffic. People are continuing to read, watch, comment, engage, and so forth. Add the personal messages I received from you also adding to the encouragement towards recovering from this “bump in the road” health-wise. 

A lot of decisions were made – similar to ones made over the past few years. Not just to live, but to work towards healing my left foot with less bones than before. One that allows for more recovery time. 

In the wake of not going to Chicago, my colleagues and industry contacts that I was in touch with hoped that I would be at May’s Midwest Automotive Media Association Spring Rally at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. I look forward to seeing them there. That is my only goal and commitment I will make this year. 

If you’re asking about car shows and other automotive-related events in the Twin Cities and beyond, I doubt I’ll be able to fulfill any invitations or commit to an event at this time. 

Admitting myself to the hospital was the smartest thing to do at that moment. Perhaps getting through this latest health episode will be worth it in the end. At least, I hope so. 

All photos by Randy Stern

Our Favorites of 2024

by Randy Stern

We should celebrate the positives. That includes those vehicles which made our work an enjoyable one. 

This past year was both triumphant and challenging.

Triumphant, because the website reached new records for traffic. In turn, we welcomed back two brands to our regular workflow. We also welcomed our share of vehicles to work with, opportunities to do media coverage of events and vehicles, and to build our brand and content through the medium of video. 

However, there had been challenges along the way. Professional ones that had to change before anything personally catastrophic would happen. Plus, navigating through a divided society and business climate that has challenged our own workflow and presence in this mediascape. Not to mention the senseless act of murder and suicide that rocked our local car community. 

At the end of this year, it is perhaps inappropriate to call out those who created the latter’s conditions. Rather we should celebrate the positives. That includes those vehicles which made our work an enjoyable one. 

These are those vehicles – our favorite ones of 2024…

DEFENDER 110: JLR has been putting an emphasis on build quality in recent years. In the Defender 110 I worked with back in June – it showed. The four-door, two-row off-roader punched it weight, thanks to a turbocharged in-line six-cylinder mild-hybrid engine and its superb four-wheel drive system. All the while providing comfort over every mile. It is good to experience a fantastic off-road ready machine that still coddles you with its luxurious charms. 

FORD MUSTANG GT: This V8 pony car provides the key ingredients for a recipe for fun. Power? Check. Rear wheel drive? Check. Improved handling and defeat-able traction control? Of course! Even though the instrument cluster is and all glass digital affair, the touch points are still analog with its available manual transmission. It is no wonder why it remains America’s sports coupe. 

GENESIS: The luxury brand of the Hyundai Motor Group continues to produce the most compelling lineup of vehicles for the marketplace. Case in point, we had four of them to work with – the G70 sports sedan, the G80 mid-size luxury sedan, and the GV80 SUV and Coupe SUV. All four vehicles demonstrated the maturity of the brand through distinctive design and engineering, as well as supreme execution. As distinctive as they are separately, these four Genesis models were simply a joy to work with. 

HYUNDAI: Along with its luxury brand, Hyundai never failed to deliver on vehicles that were compelling and enticing to its potential customers. There are three we will be calling out: The Kona, the Santa Fe, and the Sonata. All three of these were either all-new or heavily revised for 2024. They also exhibit a maturity in terms of delivering key product to the masses, as well as stretching the idea of what a mainstream automotive brand should deliver to the marketplace. 

ROLLS-ROYCE SPECTRE: Who says you can’t have an uber luxury experience in an electric vehicle and look impressive while doing so?  The Spectre paves the way with their first all electric offering, with more vehicles to come in the future.  One thing is certain: It retains the highest level of luxury expected in a Rolls-Royce. Even as electrons now fuel the Spirit of Ecstasy. 

SUBARU CROSSTREK: A small crossover/SUV that were built for fun and adventure. That was the update we were waiting for – a five trim level lineup with their own personality. In particular, the Wilderness model. This was a prime example of a vehicle that wants you to do extraordinary things within a scale that still puts a smile on your face. This is truly the first Subaru that has accomplished that. 

TOYOTA LAND CRUISER: The return of this nameplate to the United States sees an entirely new and modern Land Cruiser with its hybrid powertrain, refined road manners and modern tech. It can also take you further off road. That’s the one thing you expect in a vehicle with a legacy of conquering lands beyond the urban sprawl. It is what makes the new Land Cruiser worth our time putting it through its paces. 

TOYOTA TACOMA: Simply put, it won #VOTY2024. The Tacoma was redesigned to be more ergonomic and efficient than its predecessor. The TRD Pro grade offered off-road ready FOX suspension, off-roading tires and attractive body accents in two tone paint.  Having driven three of the leading mid-size pickup truck in the USA, we are convinced that no matter who grade you chose, you are driving a winner indeed.

VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLI: What do you consider fun? A juiced up four-door sedan that has always been a part of the “three-box” Golf’s legacy. I know it’s wrong to call it a “Golf," but it was derived from that seminal car. Still, the heart of the GLI is the turbocharged four-cylinder engine. That heart still stirs this soul. It has a different driving signature as the Golf, which makes the Jetta equally fun to shag around the block. That’s all we enthusiasts want. 

HONORABLE MENTIONS: This list is not as long as you think, but these vehicles are worth mentioning. They serve as further context to the work we’ve done this year. Vehicles, such as the Dodge Durango, Lexus GX, Lexus LC 500 Convertible, Nissan Ariya, Nissan Kicks, and Volkswagen ID. Buzz yielded their own stories that were worth telling on here. All of which reflected the year thar yielded so much for us and for you. 

Thank you for reading along – and viewing our videos – this year. Let’s see what 2025 has in store of us…

Photos by Randy Stern and George Torline

#VOTY2024: The Long List Revealed

by Randy Stern

Some are considered stalwarts in the marketplace. Other vehicles represent the latest, the greatest, and the freshest ideas for their intended consumer. 

Today is the day that we present the Long List of Nominees for the 2024 Victory & Reseda Vehicle of The Year Award – #VOTY2024!

This year's Long List continues to be representative of the work V&R is doing to present these vehicles to you. Some of which are considered stalwarts in the marketplace. Other vehicles represent the latest, the greatest, and the freshest ideas for their intended consumer. 

Just like every #VOTY before it, the idea of "vehicle" is not one to put into a row of silos. Even in the face of continuing supply chain shortages and inventory challenges, we continue to recognize the continued realities of the marketplace. 

You will find some vehicles that represent everybody – trucks, SUVs, minivans, sedans and coupes powered by internal combustion engines, electric motors, or a combination of both. 

To review the #VOTY2024 process so far, please read our introductory post.  

Without further ado, here is the Long List of nominees for Victory & Reseda's 2024 Vehicle of The Year Award – #VOTY2024:

Acura TLX
Alfa Romeo Stelvio
Chevrolet Equinox
Chrysler Pacifica/Voyager
Defender 110
Dodge Durango
Ford Bronco
Ford Bronco Sport
Ford F-Series Super Duty
Ford Mustang
Genesis G70
Genesis GV80
Honda Passport
Honda Ridgeline
Hyundai IONIQ6
Hyundai Kona
Hyundai Santa Fe
Hyundai Sonata
Jeep Gladiator
Jeep Grand Cherokee/L
Jeep Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer
Kia EV6
Kia EV9
Kia Seltos
Lexus GX
Lexus RX
Lexus TX
Mazda CX-50
Mazda CX-70
Nissan Rogue
Subaru Crosstrek
Subaru Forester
Toyota Land Cruiser
Toyota Prius
Toyota Tacoma
Toyota Tundra
Volkswagen Jetta
Volkswagen Taos
Volkswagen Tiguan
Volvo S90
Volvo V60

This year, we have 41 nominees up for #VOTY2024. That includes 15 electrified vehicles – including battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. 

As far as brands go, Toyota, Hyundai, and Ford have four nominees each. Among OEMs, the Hyundai Motor Group – which includes Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis – has nine nods, followed by Toyota Motor Company – including Toyota and Lexus – with seven nominees. 

On November 9, this list will dwindle down to five finalists. That is when you will get to vote on the finalists for #VOTY2024. On that day, you will be your turn to cast your vote to choose which one will take home the coveted award!

Are you ready for #VOTY2024? You waited for it. Now it has come! Stay tuned for the finalists of #VOTY2024 soon!

All photos by Randy Stern

#CAS2023: Return and Reunion

by Randy Stern

I knew we had to attend this year’s Chicago Auto Show – the 115th edition. This time, we arrived as a team. It was just George and I.

It’s been three years since I walked out of McCormick Place for the last time. I handed off #VOTY19 and it all seemed that everything was “normal,” despite the incoming threat of the COVID-19 Pandemic 

That health crisis threw a few curve balls at the Chicago Auto Trade Association to maintain their traditional auto show for the people of the Chicagoland area. Improvisation is a sign of resilience and creativity even in the face of government dictums. 

I knew we had to attend this year’s Chicago Auto Show – the 115th edition. This time, we arrived as a team. 

It was just George and I. Armed with video equipment and luggage packed into a 2023 Lexus RX 350. We drove into town with video ideas, the #VOTY2022 award, and the determination to accomplish the job at hand. 

As much as I thought that it was a great idea and all, there were a few more curve balls thrown at me. Remember that I still have plenty of health issues to deal with: Toe amputations and my blasted spinal cord. I knew that I would not be able to keep pace with the million-plus square feet of auto show space without any mobility assistance.

As suggested by CATA, I connected with a company called Scootaround. They provide mobility devices for conventions, travel, and other attractions across the country and around the world. I had a scooter arranged to be picked up at the hotel for the use of the show. Let me say this: This helped my work tremendously!

It also yielded plenty of conversations. More on that later.

George and I headed down to the Hyatt Regency at McCormick Place, the official hotel of the Chicago Auto Show. It is the first time in the 12 years of working media days that I stayed there. This is quite the milestone, albeit semi-significant.

The biggest thing for me was to reconnect with my colleagues and contacts. Some I have not seen since last May. Others…for years. This pandemic certainly threw a wrench for some of us in this business.

Coming into the Midwest Automotive Media Association Breakfast on Thursday, I was somewhere between nervous and “let’s get this over with.” Still, seeing my friends, colleagues, and contacts again made up for a lot of lost time. This will become the theme for the rest of the Media Days.

Throughout the first Media Day, I was catching up on looking at vehicles that I might have a slight chance of ever seeing again. Mostly General Motors products. In the meantime, George and I were concentrating on creating video content you will be seeing soon.

One highlight happened on Thursday morning: The awarding of #VOTY2022 to Ford. Dawn Mackenzie from Ford’s truck team accepted our award. It was definitely a heart-filled and fulfilling moment that morning.

After finishing up our videos, we retreated back to our room. At least, I did. My energy level was low and needed recovery. Not to mention, balancing workloads from the day job and such certainly became a challenge.

The final Media Day was spent catching up and wrapping up. Our plan was to drop the scooter at the bell desk by 12:00 PM and depart accordingly. I came upon a video idea, which we shot. But, that was about it. 

Our job was done. More yields to come. But, was that it?

Let’s talk vehicles, shall we? Wintrust Bank sponsored an exotic car area that entice a few of us. It was great to see the Maserati MC20 and Gracale on the floor, along with the summary Rolls-Royces, McLarens, and Bentleys. The main attraction of this exhibit was the $2.8 million Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 in lime green. Yes, I know this is rebodied Aventador…I mean, you knew that, right?

Perhaps it is a sign of a latent jadedness on my part?

For more attainable rides, it was good to see the 2023 Toyota Crown and Prius. These two hybrid cars are headturners in their own right. I can’t wait to work with these. George and I actually got a ride in a 2023 Prius on Toyota’s indoor track. The prospects are good, indeed.

Over at Stellantis, my curiosity for the Alfa Romeo Tonale and Dodge Hornet lead me both of these Italian-built entry points for their brand. There was plenty of similarities between the two, except for specific brand design elements. I understand why they did this, but I have concerns. 

As for the debuts, Toyota trotted out the 2024 Grand Highlander. I have to admit I’m curious. The wheelbase, length, and rear door stretch will allow for adult space in the third row, which is quite the proposition. Not to mention, the availability of its own Hybrid MAX driveline. If the price is right, this could be a good choice when shopping in the Grand Cherokee L space – or, perhaps a more “down to Earth” alternative to the truck-based Sequoia. 

Volkswagen did a refresh of their Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport for 2024. The exterior received grille and lightning updates, while the cabin is now following the latest brand design elements. One concern popped up when I noticed that Volkswagen integrated their center touch screen design seen on the ID.4 and the Mk8 Golf onto the Atlas lineup. I hope they fixed the infotainment system on this one. 

Subaru also did an update to the Crosstrek for 2024. A new grille and packages help tart up a very fun and capable compact crossover. 

There is one such news item that should be shared here. On Friday morning, Scotty Reiss and her “A Girls’ Guide to Cars” team held their annual “What Drives Her” breakfast. Reiss’ handed off some awards and two of my professional friends walked away with huge honors. Cars.com’s Editor-In-Chief Jennifer Newman was named Automotive Ally for 2023. However, my friend and fellow journalist (and #VOTY panelist for the past two years) Kristin Shaw walked away with the Best In Craft award for her amazing work in our field. V&R congratulates both Newman and Shaw for their well-deserved accolades!

There are more stories to tell. Our YouTube channel will have them for you. 

In the end, reconnecting with my colleagues and contacts in this business was more important. That rented blue Pride electric scooter from Scootaround was certainly a talking point – but, not about the scooter itself. 

To the people I connected with at this year’s Chicago Auto Show, thank you. Our conversations helped in keeping me going through the challenges I dealt with at McCormick Place. It was a great show, Jennifer Morant – job well done!

And, thank you George for being a team at the show. 

This is how I’ll remember my 12th Chicago Auto Show Media Days. 

Photos by Randy Stern and George Torline

My Favorite Vehicles of 2020

by Randy Stern

Some will look at it from the lens of the global headlines. Headlines not worth repeating for the sake of keeping us in good spirits. Some will look at the overall challenge of navigating a year full of curve balls and emotional rollercoasters.

This year is almost over!. A few more months later, this site will celebrate its 10th anniversary. 

Is this cause for celebration? 

Maybe. It depends on how you look at this year. 

Some will look at it from the lens of the global headlines. Headlines not worth repeating for the sake of keeping us in good spirits. Hence we are emerging out of a year full of curve balls and emotional rollercoasters. 

Still, there was work to be done. That was my mantra – to work harder than ever not to be distracted by the headlines, the overall mood of the world, and to deliver something we might want – and need – to get through these past several months. 

In that context, I present to you my favorite vehicles of this year. 

Keep in mind that there is no methodology behind this annual list. Except, if you consider that this is a full year’s worth of vehicles that I worked with at various lengths of time. That is all. No disclaimers. No caveats. No bull crap. 

With that said, let's list them out…my favorite vehicles of 2020. And, spoiler alert, there's more on this year's list than usual!

DODGE CHARGER: Revisiting this Mopar monster was a welcomed change from the usual workflow. It arrived with flared fenders, wide Pirelli P Zeros, and a new shade of blue. These are just superficial markings of a sedan that makes a spectacle everywhere it showed up. This car is not for the meek. You do not grow into it. You have to be ready to rock any town you drive it through. You get respect. If not, you flip off the ones giving you shade. The Dodge Charger is a car that makes you a Moparian in 30 seconds, and, then, you understand why these are beloved machines. 

FORD F-SERIES SUPER DUTY: Heavy duty pickup trucks rarely make this list. It is on here because Ford knows how to execute them. And, they are very easy to drive. The specification I received was made for fifth-wheel and gooseneck towing – the longest wheelbase with the longest cab/box combination, a single-rear-wheel three-quarter ton configuration, powered by the uprated PowerStroke turbocharged V8 diesel, in the Platinum trim. You know, that was one fun pickup truck to drive. That’s not a word you utter about a heavy duty pickup truck. 

GENESIS G90: I like a little luxury from time to time. Yet there is nothing little about the big Genesis flagship sedan. The entire premise of this car is to have everything you want in a flagship sedan without paying the flagship price. It is a lovely place to be. You drive down a two-lane road with no other traffic, while luxuriating in the leather upholstery as its engine motivates you over the miles. It is a dream on wheels. Then, you pinch yourself. That is what Genesis wanted you to experience all along. 

HYUNDAI SONATA: If you look beyond the tech stuff – Smaht Park and the solar panel on the Hybrid – the Sonata represents the battle sedans have to remain relevant in today’s marketplace. The design alone is a talking point in this argument. The sleek lines hides a spacious interior and efficient drivelines. However, it’s calling card is its tech and engineering – the hard art of what makes this a benchmark in its class. A sedan should satisfy everyone every day. This one does a good job doing so. 

LEXUS GS F: If I were to simply call this a fast cruiser, that may not scratch the surface. It does not have the best infotainment system in the world, but if you know how to work it a bit, you’ll be fine. It may not massive power, but that 467-horsepower naturally-aspirated V8 gets you up and going with not a lot of drama. It is a comfortable place to snub your nose at convention. A sedan worth every mile of smiles. And, yet, it will no longer be sold as new. A sad fact that makes this entry an emotional one.

MAZDA3: The enthusiast’s compact car is exactly that…and more. As Mazda seeks to move upmarket, the Mazda3 becomes more pivotal in that move. The quality is much better, as it matches its aspirations. However, adding the 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G turbocharged engine to the lineup aces its place among small luxury cars. In fact, would you rather have this or a Mercedes-Benz A-Class or an Audi A3? My answer would be the Mazda – and not just on price alone. It is simply one nice performer. 

MINI COUNTRYMAN: No, it’s not a MINI Hardtop that binged on junk food. It is actually the original premium small SUV/Crossover that has seen a lot of competition lately. This MINI continues to bring happiness to the segment because there’s so many fun things about it. The shapes, textures, and tricks are designed to engage with you behind the wheel. And, you certainly are engaged with it! In all, this is a fun vehicle that puts a smile on your face as you drive it mile-after-mile. 

RAM 1500: I keep on calling this the "best pickup truck in the business." In terms of engineering, design, and some execution points, it’s true. And, yet, this truck breaks my heart. Every time a story comes out on some recall for this and that, my hope for a flawless tool to match its tech, design, and capabilities get thrown out the window. However, if you look beyond the headlines, this truck delivers. It certainly delivers for me every time I take the wheel of one. 

SUBARU CROSSTREK: If you like to be different, then the ever-popular Subaru Crosstrek is your kind of adventure vehicle. I love the fact that the improvements it made were for the better. It all centers on the added availability of a larger 2.5-liter Boxer engine. This engine transforms the Crosstrek into an adventure machine with better capability for off-highway adventures. If you ask me, this is really the best vehicle of its kind for urban, rural, and mountain living. 

TOYOTA CAMRY: An everyday car that can reward you. Sounds like a cliché, but it was true for a week or so on the road from the Twin Cities to Wichita with a few stops on the way. Sometimes, the story has to have a co-star. Once considered boring and lacking any soul, this generation of Camry gave me proof that it can be a rewarding vehicle when tasked to do the job. The trunk space, the comfort, the available tech – all woven into a non-boring vehicle that Akio Toyoda is proud to sell. 

TOYOTA GR SUPRA: This year’s #VOTY – for a reason. Let me give my reasons it won. First, this was a different approach to an icon. Instead of a big, bruising 2+2 that added to Paul Walker’s legend, you had a lightweight, two-seat sports coupe that was a fruit of a collaboration between Toyota and BMW. It loves the road, the track, and being hard parked. Necks were snapped, as I maneuvered the Austrian-assembled machine through its paces. It forgives drivers with less experience, while putting in smiles for those who want such a machine. That is why the GR Supra is on this list. 

TOYOTA RAV4 AND RAV4 PRIME: It sells so many units. But, why? Simple: It delivers the goods. Compact SUVs are pushed out into the universe in the hundreds of thousands because it has become the default for the automobile. They offer loads of cargo space, passenger space, plenty of performance, and solid fuel economy. However, you have to add the word "competent." Competency is not a cop-out on not calling it "great." High levels of competency demonstrate how well this package is executed. That is how I describe the RAV4…and its plug-in variant, the Prime. 

VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS AND ATLAS CROSS SPORT: The Cross Sport was one of two surprise #VOTY2020 finalists (the other was the Camry). But, it should be no surprise why it appears on this list. The term "sweet spot" is rarely used in the Volkswagen lexicon. When you have a larger SUV to sell – three rows of superior space as its main selling point – you want to create something that fits in with an active demographic, including families. You get one with only two rows of seats, a sleeker, tapered roofline, and all of the goodies that come in an Atlas. That’s why it was a #VOTY2020 finalist. Oh, and the three-row model is also lovely to drive. 

VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN: Another road trip vehicle proven to be the right one for the task. When I took it up to Bemidji, I knew I had the right vehicle for that trip. It was comfortable, expansive, and returned good fuel economy. And, it never let me down. So, why are you not buying this in the same numbers as the RAV4, Rouge, and the CR-V? Is it because it may not be your cup of tea in design? Maybe you’re still stuck on "Dieselgate" when it comes to Volkswagen. All I can say is to simply drive one. Your family will thank you. 

All photos by Randy Stern

Quickies: Round 2 of This Year's Vehicles Covered Elsewhere

by Randy Stern

Why was everyone mad at a groundhog? Did we not get the spring we wanted? And, what a spring. Lots of good things happening on the V&R front. Except for the fact that I was working on items for everyone else. Not that it’s a bad thing…

Why was everyone mad at a groundhog? Did we not get the spring we wanted?

And, what a spring. Lots of good things happening on the V&R front. Except for the fact that I was working on items for everyone else. Not that it’s a bad thing…

In this quarterly revisiting of vehicles published elsewhere, I fondly recall a diverse group of vehicles from many manufacturers across the globe. Then, we ponder the larger question of the universe…I believe there is a lyric from P!nk that describes what I am considering here…

No fear! Here is what I have been working with for the past month, or so – yes, I covered a lot in a single month to fill a page – that you might not have a chance to read on here…until now!

Continue reading "Quickies: Round 2 of This Year's Vehicles Covered Elsewhere" →

Geneva 2019: I'm The King of T-Roc…and More

by Randy Stern
Photo courtesy of Mazda North American Operations

Oh, Geneva, you are one expensive place. Perhaps that is one reason why I have never stepped foot inside Palexpo…

But, for those who work this show know that it takes a shift in overall perspective to understand why this spring European show is important. Because of the money that fuels Geneva and Switzerland, you do see a lot of supercar reveals and other things that could be considered vulgar. Mansory’s creations are the first thing that come to mind.

However, if you sift through the multi-million Euro debuts and fantasy concepts, there are a few gems that are worth talking about.

Continue reading "Geneva 2019: I'm The King of T-Roc…and More" →

Commentary: Cars vs. Crossovers…and The Debate Itself

by Randy Stern

2018 Lexus RX 350L
All Photos by Randy Stern

Reality is setting in. Not a lot of us are liking it.

The headline that has been on auto-repeat for the past few years has been the proliferation of the SUV/Crossover. They have been ruling the new car lots becoming volume leaders above mere mortal sedans, coupes, hatchbacks, minivans, and wagons. Manufacturers are banking on these family vehicles by supplanting slow-selling sedans, etc. with SUV/Crossover models.

According to you, this is unacceptable. You want cars.

You are angry that Mitsubishi slapped the Eclipse name on a compact SUV/Crossover – a pretty good one, by the way. You are angry that the next Chevrolet Blazer will not be able to follow a Jeep Wrangler onto an off-road park.

The latest slap in the face of the car was a recent report by Automotive News that Ford will introduce their own "ruggedized wagon" that will compete with the Subaru Outback – and call it the Fusion. That's OK, Ford is already paring down the Focus lineup to a single ruggedized model built in China positioned against Subaru's Crosstrek. I know you’re angry about these issues, too! You're cherished Focus ST and RS have been swept aside for an Active model.

Moreover, you are angry that you have to share the road with an SUV/Crossover because they are in your way from having a little fun.

I feel your anger. Continue reading "Commentary: Cars vs. Crossovers…and The Debate Itself" →