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Tired of Boring Hybrid SUVs? These 10 Hybrid Cars Offer AWD and Are More Fun
Tired of Boring Hybrid SUVs? These 10 Hybrid Cars Offer AWD and Are More Fun

Yahoo

timean hour ago

  • Automotive
  • Yahoo

Tired of Boring Hybrid SUVs? These 10 Hybrid Cars Offer AWD and Are More Fun

As the automotive industry continues to embrace electrification, hybrids are becoming a bigger part of the mainstream car market. That means that gas-electric powertrains are no longer relegated to boring, efficiency-minded segments. A hybrid SUV may seem like a natural choice if you seek a hybrid with all-wheel drive, but we here at R&T think that cars are more fun than crossovers. Fortunately, there are both budget-priced and higher-end performance hybrid sedans, coupes, wagons, and hatchbacks that are available with AWD. Several of these vehicles also pack a big power punch to go along with their reduced emissions. Listed in no particular order, these are our favorite non-SUV hybrid models that can be had with all-wheel drive in 2025. More Car Rankings: Hybrids with the Best MPG | Best Hybrid SUVs | Most Fun-to-Drive Hybrids | Fastest HybridsA list about hybrids wouldn't be complete without mention of the venerable Toyota Prius. While the car comes standard with front-wheel drive across the lineup, Toyota does offer an all-wheel-drive option that uses an extra electric motor on the rear axle. Working with the 2.0-liter inline-four gas engine up front, total powertrain output is rated at 196 hp. It'll deliver up to 53 mpg city and 54 mpg highway as well. The Prius' AWD System Is More Hybrid Supercar Than Economy CarThe BMW M5 finding its way onto a list about all-wheel-drive hybrids would've seemed like sacrilege even just five years ago. Regardless of that, the new M5 is nothing to sneeze at. A familiar 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine provides 577 hp and 553 lb-ft on its own, but works with a single electric motor to provide a total output of 717 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque. A 14.8-kWh battery pack feeds the system, providing around 25 miles of EV range. While the sedan is great, we'd have to go for the wagon, which brings up to 58 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seats folded. You can also disable the front axle in either version of the car, giving it drifting capability and providing the best of both worlds. The only real caveat is the rather portly curb weight. Tested: 2025 BMW M5 TouringThe entire Camry lineup has gone hybrid for the 2025 model year, with Toyota offering two different powertrains to choose from. The entry-level models get a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and two electric motors that combine for 225 horsepower. If you want all-wheel drive, you'll need to step up to the more potent setup, which adds a third electric motor. Total output is 232 horsepower. Tested: 2025 Toyota Camry XSEIt may not have the V-8 engine of its predecessor, but the C63 S E Performance is not one to discount. A turbocharged inline-four works together with a rear-mounted electric motor to provide the AMG with 671 hp and 752 lb-ft of torque. That makes it significantly more powerful than its Cadillac or BMW rivals in the segment, though it does come with the penalty of weight. The all-electric mode isn't entirely useful either, achieving only around 6 miles of range from the the 4.8-kWh battery pack. It Could Soon Switch to Inline-Six PowerAfter a brief hiatus, the Mercedes-AMG E53 has returned as the mid-level sedan offering from Affalterbach. Like the C63, the E53 has adopted a hybrid powertrain across the model line, consisting of a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six and a single electric motor. Total output is rated at 604 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, which sure don't sound like "junior AMG" figures. Thanks to a relatively large 21.2-kWh battery, the sedan can even go nearly 45 miles on pure electric range. Work both parts of the powertrain together and you'll turn 59 MPGe as well. There's Even a Wagon Version Coming to the Crown is the largest sedan that Toyota makes, as it serves as replacement for the Avalon. You would be forgiven for thinking that this raised four-door is a Lexus product, though, especially given its nice interior appointments. Every Crown comes as standard as a hybrid, with most trims utilizing a 236-hp all-wheel-drive powertrain. Opt for the range-topping Platinum trim, however, and you'll receive a turbocharged engine, which helps boost output up to 340 horsepower. The Platinum also ditches the lower trim's CVT for a proper automatic gearbox, which makes for a more enjoyable driving experience all around. More Info on the CrownThe Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid makes up for its mouthful of a name by delivering truly impressive performance. Up front sits a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine, which works in tandem with a single electric motor to provide up to 771 horsepower. Thanks to the rapid-shifting dual-clutch automatic transmission, the large sedan can rip off a ludicrously quick 0-60 mph sprint of just 2.8 seconds. You can drive the plug-in hybrid Turbo S in full electric mode, too with about 30 miles of EV range provided by the 21.8-kWh battery pack. The Turbo S E-Hybrid Is a 202-MPH SedanThere is a reason that the Mercedes-Benz S-class has dominated the full-size luxury sedan segment for decades. The S580e might not be the most exciting version of the S-Class, but that doesn't mean there's not a lot to love here. Power comes from a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine and a single electric motor, which combine to produce 510 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. That sort of power allows the large sedan to hit 60 mph in as little as 4.2 seconds, which is pretty impressive for a large car capable of driving nearly 50 miles on pure electric power. The luxurious appointments certainly don't hurt, nor does the standard air-spring suspension setup. The AMG S63 Performance Version Is Also Now a HybridThe BMW 7-series may have rather polarizing styling, but it is hard to argue against the amount of luxury on offer. Optional cashmere upholstery, a 36-speaker audio system, and a 31-inch theater screen with 8K resolution are just a few highlights. For those looking to travel a bit more efficiently, BMW offers the plug-in hybrid 750e xDrive model, which is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six and a electric motor. Total output is an impressive 483 horsepower. Other 7-series models do feature a 48-volt hybrid setup, but they don't come with the added benefit of the 750e hybrid's electric-only range. There's Also an Electric Version Called the i7There is a reason that the Bentley Continental continues to make appearances at our annual Performance Car of the Year tests. The luxury coupe shares its bones with the Porsche Panamera these days, and packs a similar twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 plug-in hybrid powertrain. Output in the Speed is a healthy 771 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque, which is sent to all four wheels via an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It delivers around 40 miles of pure electric range, allowing you to really lean into those luxury trappings. When you do put your foot down, however, the Bentley is happy to rip off a 0-60 mph sprint of just 2.8 seconds. You Might Also Like You Need a Torque Wrench in Your Toolbox Tested: Best Car Interior Cleaners The Man Who Signs Every Car

Tired of Boring Hybrid SUVs? These 10 Hybrid Cars Offer AWD and Are More Fun
Tired of Boring Hybrid SUVs? These 10 Hybrid Cars Offer AWD and Are More Fun

Yahoo

timean hour ago

  • Automotive
  • Yahoo

Tired of Boring Hybrid SUVs? These 10 Hybrid Cars Offer AWD and Are More Fun

As the automotive industry continues to embrace electrification, hybrids are becoming a bigger part of the mainstream car market. That means that gas-electric powertrains are no longer relegated to boring, efficiency-minded segments. A hybrid SUV may seem like a natural choice if you seek a hybrid with all-wheel drive, but we here at R&T think that cars are more fun than crossovers. Fortunately, there are both budget-priced and higher-end performance hybrid sedans, coupes, wagons, and hatchbacks that are available with AWD. Several of these vehicles also pack a big power punch to go along with their reduced emissions. Listed in no particular order, these are our favorite non-SUV hybrid models that can be had with all-wheel drive in 2025. More Car Rankings: Hybrids with the Best MPG | Best Hybrid SUVs | Most Fun-to-Drive Hybrids | Fastest HybridsA list about hybrids wouldn't be complete without mention of the venerable Toyota Prius. While the car comes standard with front-wheel drive across the lineup, Toyota does offer an all-wheel-drive option that uses an extra electric motor on the rear axle. Working with the 2.0-liter inline-four gas engine up front, total powertrain output is rated at 196 hp. It'll deliver up to 53 mpg city and 54 mpg highway as well. The Prius' AWD System Is More Hybrid Supercar Than Economy CarThe BMW M5 finding its way onto a list about all-wheel-drive hybrids would've seemed like sacrilege even just five years ago. Regardless of that, the new M5 is nothing to sneeze at. A familiar 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine provides 577 hp and 553 lb-ft on its own, but works with a single electric motor to provide a total output of 717 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque. A 14.8-kWh battery pack feeds the system, providing around 25 miles of EV range. While the sedan is great, we'd have to go for the wagon, which brings up to 58 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seats folded. You can also disable the front axle in either version of the car, giving it drifting capability and providing the best of both worlds. The only real caveat is the rather portly curb weight. Tested: 2025 BMW M5 TouringThe entire Camry lineup has gone hybrid for the 2025 model year, with Toyota offering two different powertrains to choose from. The entry-level models get a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and two electric motors that combine for 225 horsepower. If you want all-wheel drive, you'll need to step up to the more potent setup, which adds a third electric motor. Total output is 232 horsepower. Tested: 2025 Toyota Camry XSEIt may not have the V-8 engine of its predecessor, but the C63 S E Performance is not one to discount. A turbocharged inline-four works together with a rear-mounted electric motor to provide the AMG with 671 hp and 752 lb-ft of torque. That makes it significantly more powerful than its Cadillac or BMW rivals in the segment, though it does come with the penalty of weight. The all-electric mode isn't entirely useful either, achieving only around 6 miles of range from the the 4.8-kWh battery pack. It Could Soon Switch to Inline-Six PowerAfter a brief hiatus, the Mercedes-AMG E53 has returned as the mid-level sedan offering from Affalterbach. Like the C63, the E53 has adopted a hybrid powertrain across the model line, consisting of a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six and a single electric motor. Total output is rated at 604 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, which sure don't sound like "junior AMG" figures. Thanks to a relatively large 21.2-kWh battery, the sedan can even go nearly 45 miles on pure electric range. Work both parts of the powertrain together and you'll turn 59 MPGe as well. There's Even a Wagon Version Coming to the Crown is the largest sedan that Toyota makes, as it serves as replacement for the Avalon. You would be forgiven for thinking that this raised four-door is a Lexus product, though, especially given its nice interior appointments. Every Crown comes as standard as a hybrid, with most trims utilizing a 236-hp all-wheel-drive powertrain. Opt for the range-topping Platinum trim, however, and you'll receive a turbocharged engine, which helps boost output up to 340 horsepower. The Platinum also ditches the lower trim's CVT for a proper automatic gearbox, which makes for a more enjoyable driving experience all around. More Info on the CrownThe Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid makes up for its mouthful of a name by delivering truly impressive performance. Up front sits a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine, which works in tandem with a single electric motor to provide up to 771 horsepower. Thanks to the rapid-shifting dual-clutch automatic transmission, the large sedan can rip off a ludicrously quick 0-60 mph sprint of just 2.8 seconds. You can drive the plug-in hybrid Turbo S in full electric mode, too with about 30 miles of EV range provided by the 21.8-kWh battery pack. The Turbo S E-Hybrid Is a 202-MPH SedanThere is a reason that the Mercedes-Benz S-class has dominated the full-size luxury sedan segment for decades. The S580e might not be the most exciting version of the S-Class, but that doesn't mean there's not a lot to love here. Power comes from a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine and a single electric motor, which combine to produce 510 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. That sort of power allows the large sedan to hit 60 mph in as little as 4.2 seconds, which is pretty impressive for a large car capable of driving nearly 50 miles on pure electric power. The luxurious appointments certainly don't hurt, nor does the standard air-spring suspension setup. The AMG S63 Performance Version Is Also Now a HybridThe BMW 7-series may have rather polarizing styling, but it is hard to argue against the amount of luxury on offer. Optional cashmere upholstery, a 36-speaker audio system, and a 31-inch theater screen with 8K resolution are just a few highlights. For those looking to travel a bit more efficiently, BMW offers the plug-in hybrid 750e xDrive model, which is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six and a electric motor. Total output is an impressive 483 horsepower. Other 7-series models do feature a 48-volt hybrid setup, but they don't come with the added benefit of the 750e hybrid's electric-only range. There's Also an Electric Version Called the i7There is a reason that the Bentley Continental continues to make appearances at our annual Performance Car of the Year tests. The luxury coupe shares its bones with the Porsche Panamera these days, and packs a similar twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 plug-in hybrid powertrain. Output in the Speed is a healthy 771 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque, which is sent to all four wheels via an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It delivers around 40 miles of pure electric range, allowing you to really lean into those luxury trappings. When you do put your foot down, however, the Bentley is happy to rip off a 0-60 mph sprint of just 2.8 seconds. You Might Also Like You Need a Torque Wrench in Your Toolbox Tested: Best Car Interior Cleaners The Man Who Signs Every Car

I Drove the 2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport, Here's My Brutally Honest Review
I Drove the 2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport, Here's My Brutally Honest Review

Auto Blog

time12 hours ago

  • Automotive
  • Auto Blog

I Drove the 2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport, Here's My Brutally Honest Review

By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. The family SUV goes off the beaten path Simply put: the 2026 CR-V TrailSport Hybrid is mostly the same CR-V you already know, but with a few meaningful upgrades that go beyond just paint and tires. By making a few cosmetic changes, along with a touch of off-road utility, the Honda CR-V TrailSport will delight those seeking more swagger, with minimal loss in terms of efficiency compared to their CR-V hybrid. Previous Pause Next Unmute 0:00 / 0:10 Full screen The top 10 best value used cars in 2025 Watch More The 2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport finally brings some adventure to the table Honda is finally giving the CR-V a taste of off-road flair with the new 2026 CR-V TrailSport, and frankly, it looks pretty cool. While this trim may not turn the CR-V into a rock-crawler overnight, Honda claims meaningful improvements in off-road capability for all AWD models, including this new hybrid-exclusive TrailSport variant. With an MSRP starting at $38,800 (before fees), the TrailSport slots between the Sport L and Sport Turing. Torque, technology, and trail cred At the heart of these upgrades is what Honda calls Real Time All-Wheel Drive with Intelligent Control. This system improves on past AWD setups by reacting quicker and shoving more torque to the wheels with grip. So, even if two wheels are in the air, the system can effectively brake the free-spinning ones and route torque to the grounded pair. It's smart, reactive, and makes the new CR-V far more trail-worthy on paper. Honda recently shifted from a 60/40 traction split (front/rear) to a 50/50 split, allowing more usable power to be directed to the rear wheels. Yes, the CR-V TrailSport is only available with the hybrid powertrain for now, but if buyers bite, a non-hybrid version could very well follow. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. TrailSport tires, looks, and trail hints Rolling on Continental CrossContact ATR all-terrain tires (235/60R18), the TrailSport should feel more at home off the pavement than any CR-V before it. I've tested similar tires on the Pilot TrailSport, and they handled soft sand, mud, and highway cruising with surprising ease. The TrailSport trim also gains a unique front fascia with a silver skid garnish, a black rear spoiler and door handles, Shark Gray 18-inch wheels, orange TrailSport badges, exclusive Ash Green Pearl paint, and blacked-out window trim for added edge. Orange is the new tough Inside, Honda leans into the TrailSport theme with bold orange contrast stitching on the seats, dashboard, and floor mats. The TrailSport logo is embroidered into the headrests, and even the seatbelts are orange, adding a subtle but fun visual pop. There's also amber ambient lighting throughout key touchpoints, including the footwells, center console, cupholders, and door pockets. The materials and seat upholstery are unique to the TrailSport trim, giving the cabin a more rugged, purpose-built feel without sacrificing Honda's typical refinement. Source: Honda Driving the 2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport I often say, 'New tires can wake up—or totally degrade—the performance of any vehicle,' and the 2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport is a textbook example of that statement. The result? Mostly good, with a touch of compromise. Let's start with the obvious: those Continental CrossContact ATR all-terrain tires are thicker, wider, and noticeably heavier than the standard rubber Honda typically fits to the CR-V. They feature an aggressive tread pattern built for dirt, mud, and snow, and they absolutely improve grip off-road. But they also come at a cost. Source: Honda On pavement, expect a small dip in performance. I'd bet money that MPG and 0–60 times are slightly worse. There's also more interior noise and reduced cornering grip, thanks to the added mass and squirmier tread. Unless you drive like an ape (which I do), it's not glaring, but it's there. Since Honda didn't revise the CR-V's suspension for this TrailSport, some body roll and lateral motion feel a bit more pronounced during quick transitions. That said, off-road performance is noticeably improved. Honda set up a small off-road-style course—nothing extreme, but enough to highlight the TrailSport's upgrades. It included loose dirt, a few small drops, and some off-camber sections. You could probably complete it in most crossovers, but it was just tricky enough to challenge traction and suspension. Thanks to the 50/50 power distribution system, beefier tires, and an overall rugged setup, the TrailSport handled it with confidence. Traction was clearly stronger on dirt surfaces, and during the roller test—where one or more wheels are left spinning freely—the TrailSport was quicker to route torque where it mattered and pull itself free. It's not a rock-crawler, but it's far more trail-capable than your typical family SUV. Back on the street, it's still the CR-V Hybrid we know—just maybe a hair slower, like it's lugging around a gym bag full of rocks. It kind of is, but let's be real: this was never meant to be a race car. If the extra road noise gets on your nerves, the 8-speaker audio system does a fine job of drowning it out. In short: it's still an easy-to-drive, sweet-tempered CR-V—just now, it's wearing a sleeveless shirt and showing off some muscle. Final thoughts I'm genuinely curious if the CR-V TrailSport is more than just a trim package. It clearly won't match the capability of the Passport TrailSport, but it may end up being the most fun-to-drive CR-V to date. If Honda can deliver on both looks and function, it might finally inject the CR-V lineup with a little adventure.

I Test Drove the 2025 Lexus RX 350h F-Sport AWD: Here's the Real Verdict
I Test Drove the 2025 Lexus RX 350h F-Sport AWD: Here's the Real Verdict

Auto Blog

time4 days ago

  • Automotive
  • Auto Blog

I Test Drove the 2025 Lexus RX 350h F-Sport AWD: Here's the Real Verdict

By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. There are plenty of AWD hybrid SUVs to choose from. So, what makes the Lexus RX 350h worth the added cost? In a world where an AWD hybrid SUV is spotted in every other suburban driveway, and at least two options from nearly every manufacturer to choose from at various price ranges, you'd be the weird one for not having a hybrid SUV—all-wheel drive or otherwise. The Toyota RAV4 and Highlander hybrid are the two most popular AWD hybrid SUVs in Bend, and I remember seeing them everywhere in the San Francisco Bay Area, too. And there's a good reason they're so popular: they offer a plethora of options at a flexible price range. Previous Pause Next Unmute 0:00 / 0:09 Full screen 2024 Land Rover Defender V8 review: Still wild at heart Watch More Source: Kristen Brown All that is to prepare the question: when the RAV4 and Crown Signia both have a maximum price of around $47,000, what makes the 2025 Lexus RX 350h F-Sport AWD worth buying over those two options? Especially when the maximum price is $57,455 MSRP? After having the Lexus for a week, there are certainly a few good reasons to choose luxury over the RAV4 or Crown Signia. Let's get into whether or not I think it's worth the extra dough. The exterior and design definitely earn extra points Lexus doesn't try as hard to hide its Toyota roots like Genesis hides its Hyundai roots, yet, stylistically, Lexus looks and feels like a completely different company that utilizes the best of Toyota's technology. For instance, the Lexus RX shares the same platform and hybrid powertrain as the Toyota Crown Signia, but the styling and interior design feel completely different. As someone who prefers to like the way their car drives and looks, I prefer the looks of the Lexus over its Toyota counterpart. Both have similar grille designs, but the headlights, wheel design, and color all look more premium to me. I'm usually very tough on interiors that don't have a lot of personality. One of my biggest gripes with Lexus (and some Toyota) interiors is the flat black interiors. Granted, leather adds a pleasant look and smell to a car's interior, but when there isn't even contrast stitching to break things up a little bit, an all-black interior tends to bore me pretty quickly. At first, the RX had that effect on me. Lexus offers different colors for it, like a decadent Rioja Red with Dark Graphite accent trimming, or creamy tan leather with Ash Bamboo accenting. I'd opt for the red leather since it would be a unique and very sexy look for the luxurious Lexus. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Source: Kristen Brown The interior layout was both handsome and familiar, with my only gripe being the placement of the Engine Start/Stop button. It was at the very top left corner of the standard 9.8 or optional 14-inch multimedia screen, instead of being to the right of the steering wheel. This isn't a dealbreaker, just something that took a few days to get used to. I prefer a more open interior, so the low-seating position in the sportier Lexus RX took a while for me to warm up to. But that wasn't anything a quick seat adjustment couldn't fix. An RX 350h can be the tame MPG champ or a performance pony The RX 350h's driving controls spell out how capable it is for everyday driving, while other controls suggest it's ready for the occasional spirited drive ('F-Sport' enters from stage right). On the shifter, there are the typical gears, and then there's 'M' for manual for those who like paddle shifters. Don't be fooled, though–there aren't any true gears in the RX. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes a combined 246 horsepower is paired with a CVT, not a standard transmission. Obviously, this is how you achieve over 30 mpg combined (when I had it, I was averaging 34 mpg), but it could be a dealbreaker for purists. I didn't mind the CVT; it felt very responsive, rather than rubbery. When you put it into Sport mode, though, it's hard to believe that it's a CVT. It hung onto the 'gears' a little longer to pull the SUV through tight turns and corners, and it did an amazing job. It doesn't have electronically adjustable suspension, but the RX didn't need it as the ride quality wasn't too soft and it wasn't too stiff, either. It had just the right amount of feedback and a good amount of absorption. My youngest slept every time she was in the Lexus, and she had a hard time sleeping in any car since there was so much to look at. Source: Kristen Brown The AWD helped give it a little more oomph, too. When starting from a stop, the Lexus launched with almost startling agility, and it stayed poised and planted when accelerating. In Sport mode, the AWD is tuned to bias the rear wheels and move power where it needs to, helping transform the eco-friendly grocery getter into a spicier errand-runner. Regardless of which direction you take, the Lexus is ready for it, and it was enjoyable to drive either way. It was great as a family hauler, too Being roughly the same size as a Crown Signia (both have identical wheelbase lengths, but the Lexus is wider while the Toyota is longer, and they're the same height), there was plenty of space for the whole family. My two toddlers and their car seats fit perfectly fine, and their seats were very simple to install. The lower anchors were easy to find, and securing the buckles took minimal effort. The upper tethers were on the back of the rear seats, and the anchor point was secured by simply snaking it behind the tonneau cover. Easy peasy. The cargo space was plenty for a family of two or even three, with enough room for a double stroller and a diaper bag. You wouldn't need to take anything out to make room for your Costco haul. I also greatly appreciated how easy it was to control the rear climate controls from the main media screen. When I had the Lexus to review, it was quite warm, so being able to set the fan speed and temperature helped me keep my cool (literally) and not worry so much about how warm my toddlers were. They both liked the size of the rear windows and the large panoramic sunroof. They're hard to please when they're in the car, and it was nice to see them happy in the back seats. Source: Kristen Brown When I took the rear seats out, the back seats were great for adults, too. There was more than enough legroom for taller folks, charging ports, customizable climate controls for both sides, cup holders, and an armrest with additional cupholders integrated into the middle seat that can fold down. When my husband was driving so I could experience the rear seats, I felt like I was being chauffeured. I would have no problem sitting back there for a long road trip. Mentally, I added it to my list of cars I'd pay to rent while on vacation, no doubt. There are a lot of options for the RX 350 There are so many choices for the Lexus RX that it's almost overwhelming. It can be bought as a gas-only car, a performance-oriented SUV with a turbocharged engine, a standard hybrid, a performance hybrid, a plug-in hybrid, and a performance plug-in hybrid. There's also an option for a blacked-out package. Due to the numerous options, prices vary significantly, ranging from $50,475 for the standard RX 350 to $63,270 for the RX 350h Luxury. It's a little much when the size and options suggest it's more of a family SUV, but when other luxury SUVs around the same size are considered, the pricing isn't that terrible. Final thoughts Whether or not the 2025 Lexus RX 350h F-Sport AWD is worth the money depends on how important a name brand is to the person doing the car shopping. Lexus is consistently being recognized as one of the most reliable brands you can buy right now, and that's thanks to its Toyota roots. Toyota is known for its hybrid technology and reliability, so it's not at all surprising that the two brands are always battling for the top two spots on the reliability charts. Source: Kristen Brown Buying a Lexus is never a bad decision–but in this economy, it's difficult for me to rationalize paying extra for the ability to say, 'I drive a Lexus,' when the same technology is in the Crown Signia or RAV4. Some people enjoy climbing into a car that represents the pinnacle of luxury and reliability, though, and the Lexus RX 350h is just that. About the Author Kristen Brown View Profile

World Bank supports KERA to revitalise agricultural value chain
World Bank supports KERA to revitalise agricultural value chain

United News of India

time4 days ago

  • Business
  • United News of India

World Bank supports KERA to revitalise agricultural value chain

Thiruvananthapurm, July 8 (UNI) The World Bank is supporting a five-year project called the Kerala Climate Resilient Agri Value Chain Modernisation Project (KERA). This project will focus on revitalising agricultural value chains and enhancing Kerala's preparedness against natural calamities. To promote climate-resilient agriculture in Kerala, an MoU has been signed between the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) and KERA aiming to develop climate-resilient farming practices across the state's diverse agro-ecological zones, a release said. The MoU was signed by KERA Additional Project Director Vishnu Raj and KAU Registrar Dr. A. Zakir Hussain. 'This collaboration marks a crucial milestone in Kerala's efforts to build future-ready, climate-resilient agriculture,' said Project Director Vishnu Raj. KERA and KAU will work together to develop and promote climate-resilient agriculture (CRA) practices across Kerala's diverse agro-ecological zones, the department said. The partnership aims to modernise soil testing laboratories, upgrade agricultural advisory systems, and pilot low-carbon rice farming technologies like Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) in priority districts. The partnership will also facilitate the establishment of the Kerala Agro Climate Research Centre (KACRC) at the Agricultural University. This initiative will strengthen climate-smart agricultural practices and promote advanced agricultural research. UNI DS AAB ARN

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