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All charged up about EVs

Style, comfort, and technology galore

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From left, the Subaru Solterra, the Cadillac Lyriq, and the BMW iX.

Electric vehicles are charging ahead, despite recent saber rattling by politicians. After testing a bevy of EVs, the rides below certainly got my motor running. 

BMW iX (midsize SUV)

Price: $89,000-$113,000

Range: 288 to 324 miles

0 to 60 mph: 4.0 seconds

Cargo space: 35.5 cu. ft.

WHATā€™S TO LIKE: Fun styling. Funky steering wheel. Floating center console. Oh, and cameras, radar and other sensors hidden in the grille, which has a special coating to magically erase minor scratches and dings. I was blown away when the BMW iX debuted in 2022. Three years later, the thrill is still there. Acceleration, cornering and braking? All breathtaking, in both the base model xDrive50 and high-test M60. Gizmos now include eye-tracking software so you can change lanes simply by glancing toward one of the side-view mirrors. An expansive digital monitor above the dash holds both a 14.9-inch infotainment display and 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. And many materials ā€” such as carpet and floor mats ā€” are recycled. A truly eclectic electric? You bet.

CADILLAC LYRIQ (midsize SUV)

Price: $60,000-$70,000

Range: 314 miles

0 to 60 mph: 5.7 seconds

Cargo space: 28.0 cu. ft.

WHATā€™S TO LIKE: If a BMW iX is cutting edge (say, like ā€œTransformers Oneā€), then a Cadillac Lyriq is old-school cool (a la ā€œDeadpool & Wolverineā€). Handsome design. Familiar feel. Quiet cabin. Handling is more affable than athletic. Ditto the acceleration. The land-yacht aura extends to the seats, which are cushy instead of taut. For older ā€” er, more mature ā€” drivers, this is a plus. But thereā€™s plenty of tech here, too: 33-inch digital display, tri-zone climate control, hands-free driving, wireless charging pad and so on. When first sliding behind the wheel, I wished the navigation/infotainment interface was more intuitive. But a stellar voice-assistant system more than made up for it.

KIA EV 9 (large SUV) 

Price: $57,000-$76,000

Range: 230 to 304 miles

0 to 60 mph: 4.9 seconds

Cargo space: 20.2 cu. ft.

WHATā€™S TO LIKE: A cyborg in the city? With Robocop styling and Tron-like finesse, the Kia EV9 looks and feels out of this world. Three-row seating, with scads of passenger room. Lowering all the rear seats expands cargo capacity to fit more than 15 suitcases. And unlike most EVs, the EV9 can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Yet the hulky hauler behaves like a nimble ninja, easily darting in and out of traffic. At almost 6,000 pounds, the King Kong Kia is three tons of fun ā€”literally. There are so many creature comforts ā€” self-leveling suspension, ambient lighting, massage seats, rear-window shades, 14-speaker Meridian audioā€”you would think this was a Range Rover. 

MERCEDES EQE (midsize SUV)

Price: $80,000-$110,000

Range: 265 to 307 miles

0 to 60 mph: 5.6 seconds

Cargo space: 14.0 cu. ft.

WHATā€™S TO LIKE: Luxury is as luxury does and Mercedes does luxury well. With a dashing design, silken ride and hushed interior, the EQE sets a high bar. Four trim levels, including the awe-inspiring AMG with 617 horsepower. Everything is state-of-the-art: powertrains, suspension, safety, multipixel headlights, cabin air purifier, Burmeister stereo and more. An augmented-reality nav system monitors traffic, weather and such, then conveys this info into graphic overlays on the head-up display. And the standard faux leather seats? They look and feel like the real thing. One downside: minimal cargo space. But then, thereā€™s always a full-size EQS topping out at $180,000. 

NISSAN ARIYA (compact SUV)

Price: $40,000-$56,000

Range: 205 to 289 miles

0 to 60 mph: 7.5 seconds

Cargo space: 22.8 cu. ft.

WHATā€™S TO LIKE: Cute, compact, comfy. Itā€™s easy to like a Nissan Ariya, with its cheeky exterior, composed handling and low price. Choice of two battery packs, as well as two-wheel or all-wheel drive. Base-model pricing is hard to beat, but beware the tradeoffs: pokey acceleration and reduced range. Luckily, the other trim levels offer more oomph. All Ariyas come loaded: LED headlights, heated steering wheel, heated front/rear seats, nav system, head-up display and lots of safety gear. Notable options: panoramic sunroof, hands-free liftgate, limited hands-free cruise control, automated parking and illuminated kick plates. Overall, I found the ride smooth, though not sporty. Racing mavens may want to look elsewhere, but itā€™ll cost you. 

SUBARU SOLTERRA (compact SUV)

Price: $40,000-$47,000

Range: 222 to 227 miles

0 to 60 mph: 6.1 seconds

Cargo space: 27.7 cu. ft.

WHATā€™S TO LIKE: The first EV from Subaru ā€” the Solterra ā€” boasts origami-like flair. Built in tandem with the quirkily named Toyota bZ4X, both SUVs fall a bit short in battery range ā€”less than 230 miles. But the Solterra comes standard with all-wheel drive, roof rails and front cross-traffic alert. Plus, it now has faster charging times, as well as hands-free driving at up to 25 mph and an automatic lane-changing system used in conjunction with the turn signal. While not a true off-roader, this ā€œSubieā€ has above-average ground clearance ā€” 8.3 inches ā€” to better tackle snow and potholes. And I liked all the storage compartments, along with dual-level cargo floor to fit extra luggage. 

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Autos

Green machines on the scene

Itā€™s a good time to buy an electric vehicle

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Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium

Looking to roll into something new? With all the buzz about 25% tariffs, itā€™s the perfect time to grab a new ride before prices soarā€”especially for electric vehicles, which may soon wave goodbye to those oh-so-attractive federal tax credits. Whether you are an eco-conscious commuter or just need a chariot for weekend getaways, these three green machines offer some serious swagger.

FORD MUSTANG MACH-E PREMIUM

$42,000

Range: 250-300 miles (depending on battery pack)

0 to 60 mph: 5.2  seconds

Cargo space: 29.7 cu. ft. 

PROS: Zippy. Sporty feel. Ample battery range.

CONS: Bit bumpy over potholes. Limited seat adjustments.

IN A NUTSHELL: With sleek curves and a design thatā€™s hotter than a drag queenā€™s heels on the runway, the Ford Mustang Mach-E blends both power and flair. The exterior colors are vibrant and unapologetically bold, just like the rainbow after a storm. Three trim levels, but opt for the spiffy Premium versionā€”which was what I drove and is a nice step up from the $37,000 base model. It also costs a lot less than the gutsy GT, which tops $55,000. 

Inside, the Mach-E is like driving a chic lounge on wheels. Toggling through the 15.5-inch touchscreen feels like navigating through the latest TikTok trends. A panoramic glass roof and faux-leather upholstery come standard, but assorted add-onsā€”standard features with the Premium trimā€”include hands-free power liftgate, multicolor ambient lighting and 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo. Thereā€™s also plenty of space for all the essentials: totes, coats and besties.

And letā€™s not forget about battery rangeā€”thereā€™s enough juice here to take you through a whole day of driving without needing a recharge. With Fordā€™s fast-charging network, itā€™s easy to be powered up quicker than you can say, ā€œRide ā€˜em, cowboy!ā€ Well, almost.

How popular is this EV, which looks more like a hot hatchback than an SUV? Last year, sales spiked 27% and outsold the iconic gas-powered Mustang. So yes, the Mach-E Premium isnā€™t just any vehicleā€”itā€™s an experience thatā€™s, well, electric.

KIA SPORTAGE PHEV X-LINE PRESTIGE 

$44,000

MPGe: 84 city/highway combined

0 to 60 mph: 7.1 seconds

Cargo space: 39.6 cu. ft. 

PROS: Comfy. Comely cabin. Oodles of passenger room.

CONS: Clunky dual-use dashboard controls. Bit noisy interior. 

IN A NUTSHELL: Next up: the 2025 Kia Sportage PHEV X-Line Prestige, a compact plug-in hybrid that combines style, strength and versatility into one dazzling package. If the Mach-E Premium is a glam EV star, I found the Sportage PHEV to be an SUV showstopper.

Under the hood, power comes from an electric motor and gas-powered backup, so you get the best of both worldsā€”whether cruising on green energy or unleashing your inner diva. The all-electric range is almost 35 miles, and all-wheel drive is standardā€”which helps keep things steady, no matter the weather.

Inside, itā€™s pure comfort. While there are two hybrid trim levels, even the base-modelā€”the X-Lineā€”is fairly loaded: LED headlights/taillights, dual-zone automatic climate control, remote start, power liftgate, nav system, wireless charging pad, smartphone integration and more. 

For my weeklong test vehicle, I was spoiled with the X-Line Prestige, which is full of a ridiculous number of amenities and safety gear. Letā€™s just say the clever cabin design would make the folks at Ferrari blush. Oh, and thanks to the pristine acoustics from the Harmon Kardon audio, I could have sworn the cast of ā€œHamiltonā€ was right there with me belting out each tune. ā€œBlow Us All Away,ā€ indeed. 

MERCEDES AMG C 63 S E 

$87,000

MPGe: 40 city/highway combined

0 to 60 mph: 3.3 seconds

Cargo space: 11.6 cu. ft. 

PROS: Snazzy. Lightning fast. Haute handling.

CONS: Pricey. Quirky steering-wheel controls. 

IN A NUTSHELL: Jonesing for an exciting, eco-friendly sedan? Then look no further than the Mercedes AMG C 63 S E plug-in hybrid, which gets the adrenaline pumping each time you slip behind the wheel. 

Under the hood, thereā€™s a staggering 671 horsepowerā€”enough to leave competitors in the dust and make them more than a little jealous. This AMG-tuned Mercedesā€”the quickest C-Class everā€”blasts from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds, faster than your heart rate when seeing your next crush at a circuit party. And thatā€™s not even the best partā€”the shapely contours of this sportster are as chiseled as Luke Evansā€™ check bones.

Inside, the cockpit is like a designer outfit made for a fab night outā€”high-quality material everywhere, as well as branded sport seats with top-tier upholstery and stitching. One downside: the steering-wheel controls, which look tasteful but can be a tad too touch-sensitive at times.

Still, this elegant ride exudes more than enough bells and whistles to maintain a constant state of euphoria.

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Autos

Mad about Mercedes ā€” and a Mini Countryman, too

These three spiffy SUVs not too basic, not too complicated

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Mercedes AMG GLA 35

Not too basic, not too complicated. Thatā€™s what I enjoyed most about three spiffy SUVs recently. Call it the Goldilocks effect, but each rideā€”two Mercedes and a Mini Countrymanā€”seemed just right. Thatā€™s a big plus in todayā€™s world of extremes. 

MERCEDES AMG GLA 35

$59,000

MPG: 22 city/28 highway

0 to 60 mph: 4.7 seconds

Cargo space: 15.4 cu. ft. 

PROS: Affordable luxury, smooth suspension, zippy.

CONS: Bit noisy inside, so-so storage, costly options.

IN A NUTSHELL: The subcompact GLAā€”the most affordable Mercedes sold in the U.S.ā€”comes in two trim levels. With the average price of a vehicle topping $48,000, the base-model GLA 250 is a bargain at $43,000. On paper, the stats for acceleration, handling and braking look spot on. Ditto the fine amenities, including faux-leather seats, ambient lighting, wireless charging pad and power liftgate. Toss in numerous safety featuresā€”including forward-collision warning, blind-spot alert, an automated parking systemā€”and what could be better? The answer is the sport-tuned AMG GLA 35, which is the vehicle I tested. Zippier, grippier and ritzier than its entry-level sibling, this saucy SUV is also pricier. And beware: The long list of optionsā€”such as head-up display, surround-view camera, illuminated door sillsā€”can add up quickly. But oh, what a thrill. Stomp on the accelerator, and the GLA 35 scoots from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.7 secondsā€”a full two seconds quicker than the GLA 250. Along with a more powerful engine and all-wheel drive, thereā€™s now a 48-volt hybrid-assist system. The GLC 35 also flaunts aggressive styling, including a sexy rear spoiler, large dual exhaust tips and bigger wheels. Fave feature: the flat-bottom, performance-oriented steering wheel with spiffy paddle shifters and a panoply of user-friendly buttons and dials.   

MERCEDES AMG GLC 43 COUPE

$70,000

MPG: 18 city/24 highway

0 to 60 mph: 4.7 seconds

Cargo space: 19.2 cu. ft. 

PROS: Posh styling, potent power, quiet cabin.

CONS: Pricey, limited rear visibility, reduced cargo room.

IN A NUTSHELL: Stepping up from the baby Mercedes GLA, the larger GLCā€”though technically a compactā€”is 12 inches longer. Whatā€™s more, this hauler comes with choice of five trim levels. And you can choose from either a traditional square-back design or sloped coupe-like styling. Confused? Donā€™t be. Just trust that the AMG GLC 43 Coupe, which is really an SUV, checks all the boxes. Thereā€™s plenty of drama here, with a bulging snout and sinuous shape that any diva would love. Thereā€™s also plenty of power, with a gritty turbo that allows the GLC to accelerate just as fast as the much lighter GLA. And the interior is stunning: NASCAR-like bucket seats, gigantic infotainment touchscreen and reinforced window glass to better insulate the cabin. A clever nav system can project traffic and other info onto the head-up display on the windshield, and rear automatic braking helps anticipate and prevent a back-end collision. Sure, the low-slung roofline cuts into rear-seat headroom and cargo space. But for me, the sacrifice was worth it. After all, itā€™s hard to imagine any other glam-but-gutsy ride equally at home on a fashion runway or at the racetrack. 

MINI COUNTRYMAN ALL4

$40,000

MPG: 24 city/32 highway

0 to 60 mph: 5.9 seconds

Cargo space: 24.9 cu. ft. 

PROS: Bigger, faster, better.

CONS: Almost too big, bit less playful, higher MSRP.

IN A NUTSHELL: Fully redesigned for 2025, the Mini Countryman enjoys a slew of up-market changes but retains some of its retro quirks. Larger than before, this latest modelā€”with so much extra room for passengers and cargoā€”feels comfy and spacious. Almost too much so. At first blush, I was reminded of a Subaru Forester or Outback. Both fine vehicles, but without that familiar Mini vibe. Luckily, the steering wheel, head-up display and large Frisbee-shaped infotainment display all channel the previous Countryman. Ditto the overall exterior, which now boasts a redesigned grille, sleeker headlights and refined rear treatment. Yet I missed seeing all the toggle switches and some other playful touches. In their place, though, is a groovy dashboard with nifty LED lighting that changes colors based on the driving mode. While some digital readouts initially seemed too techy, they ended up being very user friendly. And there are two standout features: a huge panoramic moonroof and the use of sustainable materials for the carpeting, seats and such.  

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SUV rundown: ā€˜tis the season for traveling

6 standouts whether trekking home for the holidays or taking daily commutes

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Here are six standout SUVs from which to choose if youā€™re looking for a new ride this holiday season.

BMW X5

Price range: $67,000-$90,000

MPG: 23 city/27 highway

0 to 60 mph: 5.3 seconds

Cargo space: 72.3 cu. ft.

WHATā€™S TO LIKE: With a base model nudging $70,000, the midsize BMW X5 costs a pretty penny. Yet this dream machine offers a choice of boffo engines, exciting handling and enticing features. Four trim levels, including a plug-in hybrid and gnarly M60i (a V8-powered ride that costsā€”yikes!ā€”$20,000 more but scoots from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds). Spacious, too, with oodles of room. And if youā€™re jonesing for glitz, thereā€™s a glass-trimmed shifter that looks like real crystal, massaging seats, panoramic roof with embedded LED lighting, rear window shades and more. Thereā€™s also the latest tech: 12.3-inch digital display, 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless charger and 20-speaker Bowers & Wilkins stereo. Pricey? Yes. Worth it? Drive one and see. 

BUICK ENCORE

Price range: $27,000-$34,000

MPG: 29 city/31 highway

0 to 60 mph: 8.8 seconds

Cargo space: 50.2 cu. ft.

WHATā€™S TO LIKE: Buick keeps hitting the high notes with its bravura designs, and the Encoreā€”a sassy subcompactā€”is no exception. Surprisingly spry, with comfy seats, concise handling and a classy cabin. Thereā€™s beaucoup standard gear, including remote start, LED headlights, smartphone integration and the latest safety systems. Open your wallet a bit more to add larger wheels, 360-degree camera, hands-free liftgate, Bose audio and other niceties. A big plus: lotsa storage. Alas, not the peppiest engine, but capable enough to not feel sluggish. Compared to upscale divasā€”Audi Q3, BMW X1,Mercedes GLA 250ā€”the affordable Encore deserves, well, an encore. 

GMC ACADIA 

Price range: $44,000-$57,000

MPG: 20 city/27 highway

0 to 60 mph: 6.7 seconds

Cargo space: 97.5 cu. ft.

WHATā€™S TO LIKE: The third-gen Acadia, redesigned for 2024, is the best yet. This full-sizer is now larger, more potent and full of gizmos, including hands-free driving assist, wireless charging, Wi-Fi and more. For off-roading, thereā€™s a tighter suspension, all-terrain tires and even a steel skid plate. My only beef was with the automatic braking system, which scared me silly the first time I was backing into a garage. The driverā€™s seat began vibrating and buzzing wildly, even though there was nothing nearby. Then the brakes slammed onā€”hard. Most vehicles only beep or apply the brakes when too close to an object. This, though, felt and sounded like a manic whoopee cushion. But yes, after driving the Acadia for a week, I missed having such a quirky alert on my next test vehicle.

JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 

Price range: $37,000-$69,000

MPG: 19 city/26  highway

0 to 60 mph: 7.4 seconds

Cargo space: 70.8 cu. ft.

WHATā€™S TO LIKE: A glam ride on a gutsy chassis. Earlier this year I reviewed the mid-range Overland model. Now it was time for the top-of-the-line Summit Reserve. Mixing pizzazz, power and pampering, this gung-ho SUV spoiled me good. And at $69,000, it should. This is BMW X5 territory, yet the Jeep delivers virtually the same creature comforts and advanced safety monitors. The seats may not be as taut, but thatā€™s a minor quibble. A trailer-tow package also canā€™t be beat: automatic headlight leveling, load-leveling rear suspension, and heavy-duty cooling and electrical systems.

LINCOLN NAUTILUS 

Price range: $52,000-$75,000

MPG: 21 city/29 highway

0 to 60 mph: 7.2 seconds

Cargo space: 71.3 cu. ft.

WHATā€™S TO LIKE: Lincoln previously appealed mainly to Gramps and G-ma, but now the target is a younger crowd. For the midsize Nautlius, this means mod styling, a finely crafted interior and eye-popping features like a four-foot digital display. The ginormous screen is part of a sweeping dashboard that stretches onto the door panels. Handling and cornering are smooth yet sporty, especially in the new hybrid model. When the Nautilus was parked, I could indulge in some guilty pleasures with a multisensory setup that integrated the panoramic screen, surround-sound stereo, massaging seats and a fragrance diffuser into a truly spa-like ambiance. Nirvana, indeed. 

SUBARU FORESTER 

Base model: $29,000-$38,000

MPG: 26 city/33 highway

0 to 60 mph: 9.3 seconds

Cargo space: 74.2 cu. ft.

WHATā€™S TO LIKE: Solid, steady, a sure thing. Thanks to all-wheel drive, the Foresterā€™s handling is excellentā€”especially in rain or snow. And even though this is no speedsterā€”the powerplant is a tad pokeyā€”the fuel economy outshines most rivals. My test drive was the midrange Sport model, which boasted 18-inch black-painted wheels, raised roof rails, foglights, tinted rear windows and an all-weather package with a windshield-wiper de-icer. Best of all: the cargo room was big enough for all my holiday shopping, including a very wicked outfit for my husbandā€”my own Prince Fiyero.

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