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Motor 1
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
The New Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid Has a Huge Total Range
Diesel engines used to be the de facto choice for Europeans interested in covering long trips without the hassle of frequent refueling. Once the efficiency king, diesel has largely fallen out of favor due to stringent emissions regulations in the EU. However, Toyota is confident it has found a better alternative: plug-in hybrids. The new RAV4 PHEV is claimed to deliver diesel-like range, with the added benefit of all-electric cruising. The sixth-generation RAV4 in plug-in hybrid flavor can cover more than 839 miles (1,350 kilometers) with a full tank of gas and a fully charged battery. This represents an improvement of 31 miles (50 kilometers) over the previous PHEV model. Toyota targets a purely electric range of 93 miles (150 kilometers) in Japan, though it expects an EPA-rated figure of just 50 miles (80 kilometers) for the version sold in North America. Photo by: Toyota The significant discrepancy stems from the different test cycles, with the EPA's considered more stringent than Japan's JC08. In Europe and other regions that rely on the WLTP standard, the compact crossover can be driven for 62 miles (100 kilometers) before the 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine kicks in. Toyota doesn't specify the gas tank's capacity, but we know the previous-generation RAV4 PHEV could carry 14.5 gallons or 55 liters. The extra range is made possible by boosting the battery pack's capacity from 18.1 kWh to 22.7 kWh. Although fairly boxy, the redesigned body is more aerodynamic than before. Toyota claims it further optimized the front and rear spoilers and restyled the wheels for better airflow. Other benefits of the new PHEV include an increase in combined output from 302 to 320 horsepower for the new-for-2026 GR Sport , while towing capacity jumps from 2,500 to 3,500 pounds. There's also support for DC charging at a maximum of 50 kW, allowing owners to replenish the battery from 10 to 80 percent in half an hour. 2026 Toyota RAV4 28 Source: Toyota As with the previous-generation model, a diesel engine is not available. In fact, the RAV4 is no longer offered with a gas-only setup. The versions announced so far for North America, Japan, and Europe will feature full hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The RAV4 is a true globetrotter. Toyota sells its immensely successful crossover in 180 countries and regions. Around 15 million units have been delivered since the first-generation model arrived in 1994. It's the second-most popular Toyota, only outdone by the Corolla , which holds the title of best-selling car ever, with a whopping 50 million units sold by 2021. Up To Date With Toyota: Toyota's Boss Claims All Cars Must Be Fun Toyota Contacted Nissan After Honda Merger Failed: Report Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Source: Toyota Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Miami Herald
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Auto review: Mercedes-AMG's 2025 GLC 63 S E Performance delivers speed without V-8 soul
Mercedes-AMG's 2025 GLC 63 S E Performance is a paradox, one that carries the weight of its own contradictions like a luxury sports sedan with a guilty conscience. Under the hood resides something you'd never expect from Mercedes-AMG: a plug-in hybrid. The enormous V-8s and V-12s that once powered AMG vehicles are vanquished, replaced by something completely unexpected: a 469-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Being an AMG powerplant, it's the most powerful four-banger in production, generating an impressive 236 horsepower per liter. The engine pairs with an electric motor on the rear axle to deliver a combined 671 horsepower and 752 pound-feet of torque through a nine-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Power is routed to either axle from the engine or motor. The result? An AMG-like 0–60 mph time of 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 171 mph. Be sure to hold onto your lederhosen. Of course, this is very much a performance vehicle. So, despite being a hybrid, it's no surprise that it's EPA-rated at 20 mpg in combined city/highway driving and that premium gas is required. And don't expect to be going far purely on electric power, as the EPA says you won't be able to travel more than one mile. Then again, the battery is designed for fast power delivery not the longest possible battery-electric range. But being an AMG, why would you want the longest possible electric range? But in a world increasingly leaning towards electrification, it's a necessary compromise. And let's not forget, the GLC 63 S E Performance is not a sports car. Sure, it boasts rear-wheel steering, adaptive suspension and active roll stabilization. But it's an SUV, one equipped with a plug-in hybrid driveline. There's no hiding its weight of more than 5,100 pounds. This results in a driving experience that is a mix of exhilarating acceleration and ponderous cornering. It's like watching a heavyweight boxer dance - impressive, but not quite graceful. But its speed is intoxicating, as the software ensures short shifts. But there's an amazing amount of adjustments. You can change the adaptive damping to Comfort, Sport and Sport+, while the powertrain can be set to Reduced, Battery Hold, Electric, Moderate, Sport, Dynamic, or Race Start mode. Finally, the driver can change the vehicle's all-wheel-drive set-up, rear-wheel steering, limited-slip differential, and stability control by choosing among the Basic, Advanced, Pro, and Master AMG Dynamics settings. Got all that? On the road, the GLC 63 S E Performance is a study in contrasts. It can cruise quietly, offering a serene driving experience, but when provoked, it unleashes a torrent of power. The exhaust note tries to mimic the growl of a V-8 but falls short. It's like a symphony with a synthesizer pretending to be a cello. There's no V-8, and the feel that goes with it. Inside, the GLC 63 S E Performance is all Mercedes-Benz. The cabin is adorned with Nappa leather and a 12.3-inch digital display run that houses all of the vehicle's many, many controls. The seats are supportive, and the ride, when not in Sport+ mode, is surprisingly comfortable despite being fairly stiff. But the interior lacks the visceral connection one might expect from a performance vehicle. Yes, the 2025 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance is a marvel of engineering. It's fast, luxurious and technologically advanced. But it's also a reminder that sometimes, in the pursuit of efficient performance, we lose a bit of soul. It's a car that impresses on paper and in a straight line, but whether it resonates emotionally is another matter entirely. 2025 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance Base price: $86,050 Powertrain: 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder plug-in hybrid Horsepower/Torque: 671/752 pound-feet EPA rating (combined city/highway): 20 mpg Fuel required: Premium Length/Width/Height: 187/76/64 inches Ground clearance: 6.7 inches Payload: 3,500 pounds Cargo capacity: 16-54 cubic feet Towing capacity: 3,500 pounds Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Thinking about buying a 2025 Ford Explorer? Here are other top choices to consider
A popular nameplate among midsize three-row SUVs, the Ford Explorer has been around since 1991 as one of the most recognizable names in the segment. Fast forward 34 years into the present and the Explorer continues to offer the all-weather capability of all-wheel drive with enough room to schlep the family. For 2025, it gets a light makeover, with revised lighting and front fascia. Bigger changes await inside, with a new instrument panel and upgraded finishes, which it desperately needed. There's also a new 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen running new software that allows for video streaming when the vehicle is parked. The Explorer Active, ST, and Platinum grades are powered by a 300-horsepower turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that returns an EPA-rated 23 mpg with all-wheel drive and 24 mpg with rear-wheel drive. The high-performance Explorer ST, which is standard, and the Platinum, which is optional, are powered by a 400-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. According to the EPA, expect to get 21 mpg. Towing is rated at 5,000 pounds. With a fairly firm ride and predictable handling, this Ford has plenty of room in the first two rows, while the third row is low and uncomfortable. Cargo space is average at 16 cubic feet, expanding to 85 cubic feet with the seats folded. Still, you might wonder if there's something better out there. There just might for 2024, the Chevrolet Traverse looks more like a true SUV and even boasts a Z71 trim, which adds an off-road suspension, underbody skid plate, tow hooks, all-terrain tires, and a twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system. A 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen with Google-based software and a wireless smartphone charging pad are standard. Power comes from an unrefined 328-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that can tow 5,000 pounds. Performance is nothing special, but the cabin is very spacious, with three rows and 23 cubic feet of cargo space that expands to 98 cubic feet. Very much the middle child between the smaller CR-V and Larger Pilot, the Honda Passport costs as much as three-row rivals but only offers two rows. Those two rows are put to better use, with a 41 cubic foot cargo hold that expands to 74 cubic feet. There's also a rather small 8-inch infotainment touchscreen in the functional-not-flashy interior. The Passport is equipped the way most buyers would want it, with a 280-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Towing is rated at 5,000 pounds. Overall, the Passport is every bit a Honda with nimble handling and 8.1 inches of ground clearance. Still, you can get a three-row SUV for three-row Hyundai Palisade offers a good imitation of a luxury vehicle at a mainstream price, with cabins trimmed in quilted Nappa leather and whitewashed wood trim. A punchy 291-horsepower 3.8-liter V6, 8-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive are standard, but you can also opt for all-wheel drive. Towing is rated at 5,000 pounds. A 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen is standard, and the cabin is awash in USB ports and power points. Cargo space is rated at 18 cubic feet, expanding to 86 cubic feet with the seats folded. The feeling of luxury is accentuated by Hyundai's smooth driveline and quiet, comfortable ride. It also benefits from precise steering and modest body roll while cornering, although its Sport driving mode is unconvincing. Still, this is one righteous wagon. The Palisade's mechanically identical corporate cousin and current cul-de-sac darling is well worth considering. The main difference is its design, which seems more appealing, but the Palisade's goodness can still be found here. Aside from the Volkswagen Atlas, the Hyundai and Kia are the only midsize SUVs to offer an adult-friendly third row, making them compelling competitors to the the Hyundai and Kia, the Mazda CX-90 has upper-class aspirations despite being a mainstream three-row, 8-passenger SUV. Powertrains include a mild hybrid 3.3-liter inline six-cylinder that generates 280 horsepower or 340 horsepower, depending on trim. There's also a 323-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder plug-in hybrid that offers 26 miles of pure electric range. All powertrains get a standard 8-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive. Towing is rated at 5,000 pounds with the Towing Package and 3,500 pounds without it. Its 14.9 cubic-foot cargo hold is the smallest here, but it does expand to more than 74 cubic feet. Choosing refinement over ruggedness, the beautifully trimmed CX-90's adept athleticism, well-controlled body motions, perfectly weighted steering feel, and inline six-cylinder powerplant make it a paragon of smoothness. Mazda's infotainment system is the Achilles heel jere, with clunky software and a console-mounted controller. Once a true SUV, the Nissan Pathfinder is now little more than a suburban road warrior. Its 284-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 feeds the front wheels through a 9-speed transmission, although all-wheel drive is offered. Towing is rated at 3,500 pounds with front-wheel drive and 6,000 pounds with all-wheel drive. The Pathfinder boasts a 17 cubic-foot cargo bay, expanding to 81 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. Power is adequate, but the transmission is slow to downshift when more juice is requested. The steering is light, and bumps are noticeable but do not filter through. While handsome, the Pathfinder's biggest advantage is its tow rating. Otherwise, you'll find it competent, if you'd like a Subaru with three rows, this is your ride of choice. With standard all-wheel drive, power comes from a 260-horsepower turbocharged flat-four engine and a continuously variable automatic transmission. As you might imagine, this is not an exciting vehicle to drive. There's a lot of body lean in corners, the steering is fairly light, and the transmission isn't quick to offer up more power. At least the ride is comfy, and towing is rated at 5,000 pounds. The Ascent also offers a decent tech package, with 4G LTE Wi-Fi, eight USB ports, and an 11.6-inch touchscreen with large, easy-to-hit buttons. The first two rows prove spacious, although the third one seems tight. Cargo space is rated at 18 cubic feet or 87 cubic feet with the seats folded. Toyota's spacious three-row SUV offers a comfortable ride, light steering, a composed driving manner, and impressive cargo space. How much? How about 21 cubic feet, expanding to 96 cubic feet? Sweet, right? And because it's four inches longer than the standard Highlander, the third row is adult-friendly. As you'd expect, there's a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and wireless smartphone charging as standard. Power comes from an adequate 265-horsepower turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. You can also opt for a 245-horsepower hybrid or 382-horsepower Hybrid Max option, all with a standard eight-speed automatic transmission is standard. Regardless of the powerplant, towing is rated at 5,000 pounds, and its 36-mpg fuel economy rating may be the best Volkswagen Atlas has always offered three adult-sized rows along with generous cargo space—in this case, 21 cubic feet, which expands to 97 cubic feet. The 12-inch infotainment screen is beautifully integrated into the instrument panel, and the cabin's trim has been drastically upgraded for a much finer feel. Being a VW, it won't surprise you that the Atlas's power is generated by a 269-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and 8-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard, although the SE can be had with front-wheel drive. The Atlas is surprisingly smooth, quiet, and refined, with the turbo four providing the requisite power. The ride remains stable yet remarkably absorbent, lending a premium feel. The Ford Explorer helped define the midsize SUV class decades ago, but there are many fine competitors in today's market. Each has its distinct advantages, be it Toyota's outstanding fuel economy, the Chevrolet Traverse's roominess, Nissan's towing capacity, or the Hyundai, Kia, and Mazda's class-above aspirations. Having so many options gives buyers a lot of choice, so settling for the Ford is no longer a given. Love reading Autoblog? Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get exclusive articles, insider insights, and the latest updates delivered right to your inbox. Click here to sign up now!
