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Mazda Exec Says Sports Cars Still ‘Critical,' and Not Just Miata
Mazda Exec Says Sports Cars Still ‘Critical,' and Not Just Miata

The Drive

time10-07-2025

  • Automotive
  • The Drive

Mazda Exec Says Sports Cars Still ‘Critical,' and Not Just Miata

The latest car news, reviews, and features. The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is just a few hours old, and if the previous generation is any indication, this redesigned model will sell like hotcakes for years to come. While that's good news for the Japanese automaker's balance sheet, what enthusiasts really want to know is what the future holds for Mazda sports cars. In conversation with Stefan Meisterfeld, VP of Strategic Planning for North America, The Drive learned that Mazda still considers sporty, fun-to-drive cars 'critical' to its business—and from the sounds of it, there may be room in the lineup for a sports car other than the venerable MX-5 Miata. 'We want to serve different customers with different solutions, with different wallets and functional needs, and emotional needs,' Meisterfeld told The Drive . 'So the MX-5 and then sports cars in general will remain a critical component of this. 'The Miata is very near and dear to all of us. Our engineers will never give up on this heritage, and clearly, this is very important. We will continue to offer the Miata, and we will continue to look into new interpretations. The sports car heritage that we have as a brand is very, very important for us,' added Meisterfeld. Blue Fish Productions for Mazda While Meisterfeld isn't exactly hinting, let alone promising a new sports car, it's worth highlighting that he precisely referenced 'MX-5 and then sports cars in general' as two different buckets, per se. Like most brands out there, Mazda has to think hard about where to invest its capital, and creating new or refreshing existing crossovers and SUVs will always be the safest bet. The current CX-30, CX-50, CX-70, and CX-90 are big players in the most important (and competitive) passenger vehicle segments. However, the sedan and hatchback versions of the 3 don't quite replace the void left by the old RX-8 and Mazdaspeed variants. 'The business is mostly around the crossovers, but all of these crossovers also have some elements of our core driving DNA that is basically embodied by the MX-5,' said Meisterfeld. At the end of the day, Meisterfeld isn't wrong about the brand's SUVs possessing that Mazda driving DNA that makes them some of the most entertaining to drive, but if sports cars are truly critical to Mazda, then hopefully we'll have news on that front soon. Got a tip? Email us at tips@

Honda Isn't Going to Like the Mazda CX-50's Superb Steering
Honda Isn't Going to Like the Mazda CX-50's Superb Steering

Miami Herald

time06-07-2025

  • Automotive
  • Miami Herald

Honda Isn't Going to Like the Mazda CX-50's Superb Steering

Steering is one of the aspects of the driving experience that doesn't get prioritized in mainstream car buying the way ride quality, comfort, power, technology, and safety do. Nevertheless, great steering can be a driving game-changer by offering great feedback, precision, responsiveness, effort, and corner weight build-up. Most vehicles outside of sports cars fail to deliver great steering, but the Mazda CX-50 is shockingly good. I recall driving it for the first time shortly after its debut, and I was gobsmacked at how good it was. Of course, Mazda has focused on the driving experience for a long time, but the CX-50 raises the bar even higher than the MX-5 Miata. When contrasted with Honda, another brand famous for infusing its cars and SUVs with great steering, the Mazda CX-50 should make them nervous. For years, Honda has earned praise for producing vehicles that blend precision steering with engaging driving dynamics. For numerous reasons, models like the Civic and CR-V are benchmarks in their segments and have been for some time. They offer sharp, predictable steering and handling that connect drivers to the road. Even a model like the efficient Civic Hybrid is surprisingly connected and rewarding to drive. The CX-50's closest competitor from Honda in terms of output, size, and style is the CR-V. The current CR-V's steering is deftly tuned for both precise and compliant handling, while the ride remains smooth, instilling the driving experience with composure and confidence. While it's unlikely that the CX-50 will ever sell in the same numbers as the CR-V, there's reason for Honda to take notice. The Honda CR-V is one of the best-selling crossovers in North America, and for good reason: it offers excellent space efficiency, comfort, and driving dynamics that surpass most rivals. The CR-V's dual-pinion electric power steering setup (with a variable ratio of about 12.3:1 near the center) provides quick responses and relatively light effort - traits Honda fans have come to expect. The Mazda CX-50 utilizes an electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) system, a technology prevalent in the industry, but this one stands out thanks to careful tuning by Mazda engineers that delivers a remarkably linear and communicative feel. The steering ratio is quick enough to provide a near-immediate response to driver inputs without feeling twitchy on the highway. It also has impressive steering feedback, a characteristic that's absent in even sporty vehicles. Feedback is where the steering wheel communicates road forces and road surfaces between the front tires and the driver's hands. Knowing how the tires are gripping the road and what that surface feels like equates to a good steering rack. The CX-50 excels at this. Another contributor to the CX-50's great steering is the weight, or how heavy the steering feels when turning. The CX-50's steering weight is quite heavy, and some might not like that, but it's paired with excellent corner weight build-up, the part where effort progressively builds as both corner entry speed and front tire load increase. Good sports cars have this, and the CX-50 feels just like that. Mazda engineers focused on minimizing friction and unnecessary damping within the steering system to reduce artificial heaviness. A vehicle can have weighty steering, but it can sometimes feel overboosted and artificial. The feeling is otherworldly for a mainstream, affordable crossover, and it exists in every CX-50 trim level, regardless of the engine choice. The CX-50's torsionally rigid chassis also deserves mention. The use of ultra-high-strength steel in key areas, particularly around the cowl and floor, enhances the body's resistance to flex, allowing the suspension and steering to work more predictably under load. While the CX-50 features MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension, neither of which is exceptional in the industry, Mazda has calibrated the setup so well that it provides exceptional stability and great turn-in precision. You can go over undulating pavement without upsetting it and then point and shoot it into and out of a corner with aplomb. On top of that, Mazda's G-Vectoring Control Plus further aids cornering by subtly adjusting engine torque to shift weight properly. The 2024 Mazda CX-50 sits on Mazda's Small Product Group platform, which it shares with the Mazda3 and CX-30, both with excellent steering and handling. But the CX-50 isn't just a lifted hatchback in disguise. It's been designed with a wider track than the CX-5, a longer wheelbase, and reinforced body structures to handle both on-road dynamics and light off-road use. With its muscular fenders, low roofline, and purposeful stance, the CX-50 looks athletic, and the experience from behind the wheel is even more rewarding than the CX-50's appearance communicates. Under the hood, buyers can choose between two versions of Mazda's 2.5-liter inline-four engine: a naturally aspirated variant producing 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque or the preferred 2.5-liter turbocharged engine that churns out up to 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on 93-octane fuel (or 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft on regular 87-octane). Both pair with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard i-Activ all-wheel drive. While those numbers are solid, it's the steering that truly defines the CX-50's dynamic character. The CR-V is one of the better compact crossovers to drive, but the CX-50 feels more natural, sportier, and more rewarding. Where the CR-V's steering is accurate, it can feel isolated and overly boosted at times, filtering out feedback. It also lacks the excellent corner weight build-up of the CX-50. The CX-50's system keeps drivers more informed, letting them feel small adjustments in grip levels without intrusive kickback. On winding backroads, the Mazda simply feels more alive and confidence-inspiring, even though both vehicles are similarly sized and weighted. This unique trait of the CX-50 appeals to car buyers who want practicality without sacrificing driver engagement. The CX-50 is just that much better at it than every other competitor at its price and better than some sporty coupes, sedans, and premium fare. Honda's reputation for driver-focused engineering in mainstream vehicles faces a legitimate challenge from the CX-50, a smaller automaker punching well above its weight. The CX-50 isn't going to threaten the CR-V in terms of sales volume (400,000+ for the CR-V in 2024), but the CX-50 increased by more than 64% in sales in 2024 compared to the year before. The CR-V is great in so many ways, but it's also ubiquitous. The CX-50 isn't just different in its appearance inside and out, but it's also better to drive than the CR-V, thanks to some of the best, most communicative steering in the automotive industry. Mazda's commitment to delivering a more authentic, connected steering experience in a segment dominated by numbness and over-assist is refreshing. While the CR-V will undoubtedly continue to sell in huge numbers, it's clear that enthusiasts looking for more tactile feedback and engagement will increasingly see the CX-50 as the better driver's crossover. It's the one we'd put in our own garage. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Can't afford a six-figure sports car? These automakers are still making fun, affordable models

time05-07-2025

  • Automotive

Can't afford a six-figure sports car? These automakers are still making fun, affordable models

The sports car market may be shrinking, but there are still options out there for budget conscious drivers. Dave Coleman, an engineering manager for Mazda, can list plenty of reasons why more Americans should get behind the wheel of the diminutive MX-5 Miata ($29,530). Coleman takes his to the airport -- "Buy luggage that has a soft side and put in the trunk, it's bigger than you think" -- and successfully navigates California commuter traffic among the SUV and truck leviathans. Plus, at 6'2, he's proof that tall individuals can squeeze into a Miata without feeling crunched inside. "There is so much boring stuff in our daily life ... so much of daily driving is not fun," Coleman told ABC News. "Sports cars are an attainable way to enjoy your life. You can push the envelope with a sports car." Coleman said the capable Miata, which has been around for 35 years, has earned its reputation as one of the top sports cars because of its affordability, lightness and buoyant personality. It's also one of the few sports cars on the market that has been able to withstand consumer trends, which haven't been favorable to two-seaters. "You can drive the car at the limit without going so fast that you can't see through the corner," he said. "The suspension is supple and soft and made for bumpy roads -- you can easily drive it in traffic. It's tuned for backroads, not the track. We sell as many as we build." U.S. drivers may lust over sports cars, but few can afford to have one. Sports cars cost more on average, drawing in wealthier buyers who likely have more than one car in the garage, according to Tyson Jominy, vice president of data and analytics at J.D. Power. Sales of sports cars have been steadily declining since their peak in 2005, making up just 1.1% of the current U.S. auto market, Jominy noted. "Sports cars are not very practical," Jominy told ABC News. "To have one compromises your lifestyle. As a former Miata owner, it's fantastic to get pizza in, but you can't fit the pizza box inside. I love the Miata and hope and pray it has a great future but there are major trade-offs to be in a sports car. You need excess funds to afford these vehicles." He added, "People still want to have fun, but the practicality and cost preclude people from buying sports cars." Fewer Americans may be choosing sports cars but Joe Bellino, the Mustang brand manager, said the "iconic" Ford sports car and its manual transmission will be here for "the long haul." Bellino noted that the Mustang (starting price $31,920) dominated the U.S. sports car segment in May, accounting for 62% of sales. The summer months will help boost sales even more, he said, adding that the brand is seeing strong interest from women, especially in the track-focused Mustang Dark Horse. Whether buyers chose the coupe or convertible, Bellino can attest that the Mustang has more than good looks and performance to keep drivers happy. He drove one every day after college and loved it. "We have the big infotainment screen, the limited slip differentials, heated seats, ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, plenty of truck space and adjustable drive modes, plus the Co-Pilot360 technology comes standard on all models," he told ABC News. "You're not losing anything, you're not sacrificing with a sports car." U.S. drivers who are seeking a sports car for $50,000 or less can also test-drive the Toyota GR86, Subaru BRZ and Nissan Z. Though not viewed as traditional sports cars, the BMW 230i coupe, MINI JCW 2-door and GR Corolla are all relatively affordable and can be gratifying on twisty roads and local chicanes. The Chevy Camaro, a former competitor in the space, was retired in 2024, though Mark Reuss, president of General Motors, seemed open to the possibility of its return. "That formula of beauty and little bit of functionality and fun is really important," he told ABC News. "If we were to bring back the Camaro, that piece of it is really core." Vinay Shahani, senior vice president of U.S. marketing and sales for Nissan, said sales of the Z have been "fantastic" since its relaunch in 2023, noting that buyers get a lot of performance for the price. "We still have a sports car in the lineup when other car companies have walked away from those type of vehicles. It puts us in a positive situation, especially with the enthusiasts," Shahani told ABC News. "Very few car companies offer a manual transmission, 400 horsepower sports car that starts in the low $40,000s. It's a formula that doesn't exist at very many car companies." Tony Quiroga, editor-in-chief of Car and Driver, said the site's readers are constantly asking for more articles about affordable sports and performance cars, evidence that there is pent-up demand. Quiroga, however, said he feared these cars could disappear from showrooms in the future as the market shrinks. "Coupes are a hard sell ... everyone wants a practical shape like an SUV," he told ABC News. "The customer has shifted. The performance space moved into electric cars." Quiroga said the exploits of driving a sports car, especially a gas-powered one, cannot be replicated in an SUV or crossover. "It's a little bit of theater and passion ... the whole driving experience is different," Quiroga said. "There's magic to an internal combustion engine. Drivers want to hear the engine and shift the gears themselves. Supercar makers understand this." Rory Carroll, the former EIC of Jalopnik and co-founder of Alloy mag, acknowledged that building sports cars today versus 20 years ago is a "really hard business case for a lot of automakers." He's still not convinced sports cars will eventually cease to exist. "I disagree with the premise that people don't want to buy them," he told ABC News. "I feel a responsibility to recommend these cars ... and I am grateful for these companies that have invested in the segment." Carroll, who called the Miata "one of the all-time great cars," said every driver should have an opportunity to own a sports car, if only for a few years. He took out a bank loan in his 20s to buy a used Porsche 911, a decision that taught him "so much" about driving. "You can't do it forever -- you will age out of a sports car," he conceded. "It may not be the smartest decision you can make on paper, but owning a sports car is a life experience too few people are having. You will never regret buying a sports car." Coleman, the Miata engineer, said he takes his car to the mountains every weekend, driving "the wheels off this thing." Everyone can have that same experience, he argued. "What makes the Miata unique is that it's focused purely on being fun to drive. It's not a performance car," he said. "The design is classic -- it will look good in another 25 years. It's crazy that you can have that much fun and it cost almost nothing." Ferry Porsche, the scion of Porsche AG founder Ferdinand Porsche, famously said, "The last car built on Earth will surely be a sports car." We'll see if he's right.

New Mazda MX-5 Miata To Get Bigger Engine And Maybe EV Spec
New Mazda MX-5 Miata To Get Bigger Engine And Maybe EV Spec

Forbes

time25-04-2025

  • Automotive
  • Forbes

New Mazda MX-5 Miata To Get Bigger Engine And Maybe EV Spec

2017 Mazda MX-5 RF Sport Nav. (Photo by National Motor Museum/Heritage Images via Getty Images) Mazda's MX-5 Miata is by far the biggest selling roadster on the planet, boasting well over 1.2 million units sold since 1989. Having already gone through four generations, Mazda's chief designer Masashi Nakayama, confirmed recently in a Road & Track interview that he is now sculpting the exterior of the brand's fifth generation model—which will most probably be called the NE model. But before we progress too far into this story, I think it's important to let our readers know that Mazda's top executives all compete in endurance races in Japan piloting a race-spec MX-5, which is a lot more hands on than most other local carmakers, except maybe Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda who also competes in road racing and rallying. These guys are passionate about what they do and it shows in their cars. Mazda executives like Nakayama, and his colleagues including CEO Masahiro Moro, chief technical officer (CTO) Ryuichi Umeshita and former design chief Ikuo Maeda all take turns behind the wheel of an MX-5 in the annual 4-hour endurance race at Tsukuba Circuit. Now back to the car's design. Apart from the new design, which is expected to be an evolution of the current model, not a revolution, we can expect to see the next-gen get a choice of a larger Skyactiv-Z 2.5-liter internal combustion engined (ICE) version with the same power output as the current 181-hp 2.0 liter, and an optional fully electric model, that would probably arrive a year after the ICE model. No turbo model is being considered. "The U.S. requested that the car be larger and have more power when I began designing this fourth generation,' he says. I remember when Mazda were designing the 2nd generation back in the 90s, and the design department in those days said exactly the same thing about American requests. 'They want it bigger, with more power.' Didn't happen. To Mazda, that's not what a Miata is. 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF Sport Nav. (Photo by National Motor Museum/Heritage Images via Getty Images) From the very first generation way back in 1989, the car landed in showrooms with the catchphrase 'lightweight sports' and 'Jimba Ittai' which means 'car and driver as one.' To keep costs and emissions down, the car had to remain small and lightweight. Mazda has endeavored to follow that mantra over the last 35 years, and although the third generation, launched in 2005, did put on weight, the 4th generation 'ND' model went on a diet and reverted back towards the original model's 1000 kg (2200 lb) mark. And then came the most critical comment so far. 'When we consider the next-generation MX-5 Miata, we are thinking of making it less than one tonne in weight, and less than four meters in length,' said Nakayama. That's around 2200 pounds and 157 inches in length, which almost mimics the current model's 154 inches. These are definitive numbers pointing the way to a leaner, lighter next ND-gen 2.0-liter Miata, which makes it over 100 pounds lighter than the current 2330 pound ND-gen model. And because of this philosophy, the new coupe will continue to employ natural aspiration and won't require more power. Meanwhile, CTO Ryuichi Umeshita asserts that the power-to-weight ratio is sufficient at the moment. 'Since we can currently fully utilise and enjoy the engine's capability and capacity, we don't believe the car needs any more power. And expect the car to keep its 6-speed manual gearbox.' These are all reasons why the MX-5 has, in the past, won Britain's Top Gear Car of the Year award. While Nakayama is finalizing the 5th-gen's exterior and Umeshita is deciding on which powertrains to employ, don't expect to see the new model in showrooms any time before 2027. The bottom line to Umeshita is the car's subtle yet spritely performance. It is by no means a powerful car, but by efficiently and cleverly using the 2.0-liter engine at higher revs, drivers can enjoy the car's potential without breaking speeding limits. Umeshita also tells us that Mazda has thought about producing an electric MX-5. A few years ago, Japanese publications suggested that the next MX-5 would be powered by batteries, but the company decided to stick with gasoline for the time being, to keep weight down. While Mazda currently has one EV, the MX-30 SUV, it is not a big seller, one reason that is sure to delay any potential electric MX-5. A hybrid version was also rumored, but its extra weight in the motor and battery pack would nullify the structural adjustments to minimize weight. So the hybrid is currently shelved. Although a prototype has not yet been spied testing, it has been suggested that the Iconic SP sports car concept, which debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2023, may serve as a design preview. Fingers crossed that Mazda utilize the SP's gorgeous proportions.

The Best Subcompact SUVs for 2025
The Best Subcompact SUVs for 2025

Yahoo

time31-03-2025

  • Automotive
  • Yahoo

The Best Subcompact SUVs for 2025

A decade ago, most of these subcompact SUVs would have been marketed as hatchbacks. But now the crossover is king and even most entry-level shoppers are seeking tall seating positions, optional all-wheel drive, and extra cargo space. Because of their low price points, not all of these subcompact SUVs offer all-wheel drive, but they are all practical choices that will satisfy the needs of SUV shoppers on a budget. Ranked in order from best to worst, these are the small SUVs that get it right. More SUV Rankings: Best Small SUVs | Cheapest SUVs | Best Three-Row SUVs | Best Electric SUVs | Best Luxury Compact SUVs | Best Luxury Subcompact SUVs | Best Luxury Hybrid SUVsBase Price: $26,415 Mazda established its name in the U.S. with affordable performance cars like the MX-5 Miata, and while it still builds that fun-to-drive roadster, it has now firmly shifted its focus to the world of crossovers. The CX-30, the smallest of the lineup, may be more humble than the delightful CX-50, but it brings the engaging charm we expect from a Mazda to a smaller footprint. Although it's a bit more expensive than the other models here due to its standard all-wheel drive, the CX-30 remains one of the best offerings in its class. And it offers the same turbocharged 2.5-liter engine available in many other Mazdas, making it far more powerful than the other SUVs on this list. Tested: 2025 Mazda CX-30 TurboBase Price: $21,795 The Trax's most attractive element is its low base price, but there are other appealing factors as well. It's far more spacious than the previous-generation Trax, and it's pleasant to drive. The only engine option is a turbocharged 1.3-liter inline-three, and the transmission is a six-speed automatic, meaning it avoids the droning sensation found in many of the other models here that come with CVTs. The only real downside of the Trax is that it doesn't offer all-wheel drive. Tested: 2025 Chevrolet TraxBase Price: $26,000 Hyundai makes two small SUVs, and the Kona is the larger of the two. It was most recently redesigned for 2024 with a futuristic new look. The Kona is a strong offering in any form, but it is at its best with the more powerful turbo engine offered in the more expensive N-Line and Limited trim levels. All-wheel drive is optional with both the turbo engine and the base 2.0-liter inline-four. The driver-focused Kona N from the previous generation has been discontinued, but we're hoping it makes its return soon. The Electric Version Is a Great EV for the MoneyPrice: $25,095 Say goodbye to the bulky bubble of Grandma Doris' bingo buggy: Buick finally decided to slick back its hair with the Envista, a stylish new entry-level model that joined the lineup for 2025. The Envista, which has a similar rakish roofline to many of today's "coupe" SUV models, is meant to attract younger buyers. The most enticing element is the starting price of just over $25,000, while the standard turbocharged 2-liter inline-three engine is less intriguing. Think of the Envista as a slightly upscale version of the Chevrolet Trax also found on this list. Learn More about the EnvistaBase Price: $27,230 The Crosstrek is a megahit, as it's now one of the bestselling Subaru models. It takes the Impreza hatchback one step further thanks to its extra ground clearance that provides just enough capability to get Subaru's owners to the start of their outdoor adventures. It may lack some of the charm of the outgoing model, but Subaru's latest should be a winner with buyers. There's already an off-road-oriented Wilderness trim, and a hybrid model will join the lineup for 2026, promising better fuel economy and more horsepower than the standard versions. More Info on the Crosstrek Hybrid Arriving SoonPrice: $26,795 The Honda HR-V is a practical and sensible choice. It's spacious, fuel-efficient, and pleasant, but it doesn't offer much to distinguish itself from the other crossovers in this class. The base powertrain is an underpowered 2.0-liter four-cylinder, and a CVT is the only transmission available. The interior is versatile and modern, with good tech offerings. It's essentially a smaller sibling to the popular Honda CR-V, but it doesn't offer that model's enticing hybrid powertrain. We Prefer the Larger CR-V over the HR-VBase Price: $28,385 Kia's second-generation Niro brings a bold new design detail: a contrasting side blade reminiscent of the first-generation Smart ForTwo. The hybrid version is the cheapest of the bunch, but there's also a plug-in-hybrid model and even a fully-electric variant, both of which are available at a significant price premium. None offer all-wheel drive, but they are rated at up to 53 mpg combined by the EPA, an impressive number for a vehicle with this much cargo space. See More of Our Favorite Small Hybrid CarsBase price: $23,220 Thanks to its redesign for 2025, the Kicks went from a middling value player to one of the more interesting-looking SUVs in its class. The new design is cool, and it has substance to back up the style thanks to a more powerful engine and newly available all-wheel drive. Both of these additions enhance the driving experience, although the Kicks still isn't much of a drag-racer given that it only has 141 horsepower. Best of all, the base price isn't up by much, and you get lots of equipment for the money. It's Among the Least-Expensive New Cars You Can BuyBase Price: $21,650 The Hyundai Venue may not be as complete an offering as its Kona stablemate, but it provides exceptional value. At just over $21,000, it is one of the best deals in any market and provides a low entry point into Hyundai's lineup. The main sacrifice you'll make is in the powertrain department, as the tiny 1.6-liter inline-four doesn't provide much power, and front-wheel drive is the only drivetrain choice. It's One of the Cheapest SUVs You Can BuyBase Price: $21,885 Remember cars like the Scion xB and Honda Element? The original Kia Soul was part of a trend when it first arrived, but now it's the only of these box-shaped cars to survive. Beyond the straightforward proportions and the memorable hamster ads, the Soul stands out with its small and maneuverable size and low entry price. Front-wheel drive is the only setup available, but it's surprisingly refined to drive for the Price: $26,585 If you're not satisfied by either of Kia's other offerings in this segment, the Soul and the Niro, perhaps the slightly larger Seltos will have what you're looking for. It provides more space inside than either of those, an optional turbocharged engine, and available all-wheel drive. However, you'll pay considerably more for these benefits, as the Seltos sits at a higher price point and can reach well over $30,000 once you start adding the most desirable Price: $26,420 Unlike some of the other cars on this list, the Taos looks like a real SUV. It has a handsome squared-off look and has plenty of space inside, while also offering optional all-wheel drive. Although the VW Jetta compact sedan remains VW's entry-level model, the Taos effectively replaces the old Golf hatchback on dealer lots, as that model is now offered in the U.S. only in performance-oriented Golf GTI and Golf R configurations. An update for 2025 brings a bit of extra power for the turbo-four, as it now makes 174 hp. Tested: 2025 Volkswagen TaosBase Price: $25,485 The Corolla Cross is one of seven distinct SUVs made by Toyota, but it is the only one that sits at an entry-level price point. The base powertrain is a lackluster 2.0-liter inline-four, but it does offer all-wheel drive. Even the optional hybrid model starts at $29,845, offering considerably better fuel economy and better acceleration but still squeaking in under the $30,000 mark. You Might Also Like You Need a Torque Wrench in Your Toolbox Tested: Best Car Interior Cleaners The Man Who Signs Every Car

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