New Car Version

via Honda Prelude is back after 24 years, but there’s a catch

Honda is bringing back the Prelude, a nameplate that hasn’t graced showrooms since 2001. Expected to arrive in the U.S. in late 2025, the two-door coupe will feature a hybrid powertrain and a sporty design that pays homage to its predecessors. Honda previewed the new Prelude with a sleek concept car in 2023, which turned heads with its clean lines and aggressive stance.

The production Prelude is likely to retain much of the concept’s aesthetic appeal but appears to lack some of the mechanical details enthusiasts were hoping for—namely, a manual transmission.

Related: EV battery prices are plunging

No manual gearbox, but simulated shifts

For driving purists, it appears the Prelude will not offer a manual gearbox, a choice that may disappoint fans of Honda’s storied history with stick shifts. Instead, the coupe will utilize Honda’s new "S+ Shift" technology, which promises to “deliver maximum levels of driver engagement” through advances in “Linear Shift Control.”

That’s a lot of jargon, but it sounds to us like some form of simulated gear changes in a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The S+ Shift mode will coordinate shifts with active sound control to produce realistic shift sounds. While this isn’t a manual, it aims to inject some excitement into the driving experience.

Honda has deployed similar technologies in its current hybrid lineup, including the Accord and CR-V. However, the Prelude’s S+ Shift feature is expected to deliver sharper simulated shifts, making the system feel sportier and more responsive.

Related: Ford CEO says new mid-size electric pickup will match the cost of Chinese EVs

Hybrid powertrain with familiar roots

The new Prelude will feature a hybrid powertrain likely based on the system found in the Civic Hybrid. This setup pairs a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing a combined output of around 200 horsepower in U.S. models.

While it’s not a high-performance sports car on paper, the Prelude’s hybrid system should deliver smooth acceleration and strong efficiency. Enthusiasts might hope for a power boost to better match the coupe’s sporty aspirations, but Honda has yet to confirm specifics.

Final thoughts

Even without a manual gearbox, the Prelude’s return as a two-door hybrid coupe is a significant moment for enthusiasts. Affordable coupes have become increasingly rare, and the Prelude offers a slice of nostalgia with modern technology. We’re fans of the styling too, even if the rear end looked like a Porsche Taycan at first glance.

Set to hit U.S. dealerships in late 2025 and Europe in early 2026, the Prelude’s production model will be closely watched. With its hybrid powertrain, simulated shifts, and striking design, the new Prelude aims to capture the spirit of its predecessors while appealing to today’s market. Honda purists might wish for a Civic Type R drivetrain, but for now, the Prelude’s revival is a reason to celebrate.

Related: Will the next-gen 2025 Dodge Charger EV be a hit or miss?

via Will the next-gen 2025 Dodge Charger EV be a hit or miss?

Dodge’s decision to dump the Charger and Challenger models from its lineup is one of the more controversial automotive moves of recent years. Adding charge, rather than fuel, to the fire is its replacement: the Challenger Daytona EV. So given all of the controversy surrounding its unveiling, can the electric Charger ever be a success?

The Charger Daytona EV is initially set to come in two flavors, a standard R/T model and a more powerful “Scat Pack” variant. In terms of looks, it’s pretty great on the inside and out. The outside looks like someone crossed the Charger with the Challenger and then updated it. The interior has an aggressive modern vibe to it too. Think “Knight Rider” meets “Blade Runner” meets “Vanishing Point.”

Related: EV battery prices are plunging

But looks aren’t everything. Based on what we know about the Charger EV so far, the state of the EV market, and how similar moves have gone down, can we already call the Charger EV a success? Or is it doomed from the start?

View the 11 images of this gallery on the original article

One standout feature of the Daytona concept wasn’t too well received

When the Daytona concept made its debut back in 2022, there was a fair bit of controversy surrounding the vehicle, with the “Fratzonic” exhaust proving to be one of the more controversial aspects. The Fratzonic is an electronic system designed to replicate the exhaust sound of an ICE Charger.

Since the initial unveiling, the Fratzonic system has had a lot of tuning and sounds a lot closer to the real thing. However, its artificiality may still put people off. The concept isn’t unique to Dodge as several companies have tried replicating engine sounds and feelings in their electric models. This includes Maserati, which strategically placed speakers around some models to replicate engine and exhaust sounds naturally, and Hyundai which replicates gear shifting on some of its EV models.

Related: Can Tesla’s NACS chargers save Volvo’s stalled EV sales?

Similar electrification attempts have failed, while others seem to work

Muscle car fans are, for the most part, very particular people. They like tinkering, they like getting oil on their overalls, they like the smell of gas, and they like the sound of an actual V8. These hypothetical muscle car fans have this in common with Harley Davidson enthusiasts and pickup truck owners.

Harley’s attempt at an electric bike, dubbed “Livewire,” is a bit of a flop. It failed badly enough to be spun off into its own company in an attempt to put some distance between electric two-wheelers and traditional hogs.

Electric pickups, on the other hand, seem to be doing okay. The Ford F-150 Lightning launched to so much hype and acclaim that customers struggled to get their hands on one for well over a year post-launch.

Although it accounts for a fraction of Ford’s pickup sales and customers prefer gas, the F-150 Lightning’s numbers still look good. The Silverado EV also seems to be doing well, Dodge’s own effort is on the way, and the Tesla Cybertruck exists in its own dimension. So time will tell if the electric muscle car is received in the same manner.

The Charger EV should have one big advantage

When it comes to performance, EVs have a bit of an advantage over many vehicles. The instantly available torque makes acceleration lightning quick. This may not be the case with the Charger EV though, at least initially.

The standard Daytona R/T EV will go from 0-60 in 4.7 seconds and post a 1/4 mile time of 13.1 seconds while the Daytona EV Scat Pack edition can push from 0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds and cover a 1/4 mile in 11.5 seconds.

Despite using a combustion engine, the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 would absolutely maul the Challenger EV on a drag strip, but that’s an extreme, rare, and expensive example.

If you want something more realistic, look at the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, which will have the Charger Daytona R/T and Scat Pack on toast. Even the Kia EV6 GT will beat both models to 60 mph. That’s not looking at the likes of Tesla and Lucid either, which are so far ahead in performance terms that they should be in a different category.

It’s only fair to mention that Dodge almost certainly has more variants in the pipeline, and we will see a more powerful Charger EV soon after the initial two. First impressions are everything though, and the damage may be done by then.

Related: Reviving these three models might save Nissan from bankruptcy

The electric Dodge Charger may not please EV fans either

In an attempt to appeal to current muscle car aficionados, Dodge has decided to go for performance rather than efficiency with the Charger EV. This essentially means that the quick acceleration and respectable top speed come at the expense of things like range.

This may turn EV fans off somewhat. Often people switch to electric cars because of environmental reasons, so getting the most per KW/h of charge definitely concerns them. Range anxiety is also a very real thing, and while a range of 317 miles on the standard Charger R/T, and 260 on the more powerful “Scat Pack” model is fairly average, some people may be annoyed that a potential hundred miles or more of practical travel distance was sacrificed for a quarter-mile time they’re never going to test out.

Related: The 6 best driver’s cars you can buy for $40,000 to $50,000

There’s going to be another ICE Charger anyway

Despite Dodge famously discontinuing both the ICE Charger and the ICE Challenger, we haven’t seen the last of the gasoline-powered muscle cars. A Charger with a combustion engine will be released shortly after the Charger EV makes its debut. But it won’t have the kind of engine many enthusiasts are used to.

Instead of the traditional V8, new ICE Chargers will be fitted with an inline-six engine. While a modern inline-six can produce enough horsepower to make things feel right, and the other engine sensations are still there, the lack of a V8 might rub some traditionalists the wrong way. It will work to some extent, something that the number of four-cylinder Mustangs sold is a testament to, but the new options are unlikely to please everyone.

Final thoughts

I’ve often argued that manufacturers should stop seeing EVs as a straight swap for ICE vehicles and start seeing them as their own thing entirely. Yes, the performance is there, but it’s very different from the feeling you get from an old-school combustion-powered car. You’re also trying to sell the still-fledgling vehicle style to a demographic that may be set in its way.

The “Charger” has the most EV-ready name of any muscle car, but with electric hype dwindling, EV sales leveling out, a saturated market, companies making u-turns on electrification commitments, and a core audience that really just wants a throaty V8 under the hood - you have to have some doubts about the Dodge Charger EV’s chances of success. Mediocre performance adds another nail into the coffin and the fact it may also be offering the worst of both worlds to EV aficionados adds to the doubts.

I’ve been wrong before, and I’m prepared to be wrong again, but with the Charger Daytona EV’s launch getting closer things aren’t looking good at all.

Related: Lamborghini goes ice-drifting | Esperienza Neve conquers Mongolia’s frozen lakes

via Five new features in the 2025 Subaru WRX tS

No, it’s not an STI, but it is the next best thing. Subaru’s newest top-tier WRX—the tS (which stands for tuned by STI)—brings some welcome additions to the WRX lineup for 2025.

This newest trim level of the WRX is part of a revised lineup that saw the base model WRX get nixed. Subaru has said that only a small percentage of WRX buyers opted for the base model, with most drivers happy to splurge on the higher spec options.

That’s a promising fact for the tS, which comes in as one of the model’s most expensive trims at $45,705—about $10,000 more than the (now entry-level) WRX Premium. That said, what do you get for the extra money?

Related: The 5 best driver’s cars you can buy for $30,000 to $40,000

STI-tuned suspension

A standout feature is the STI-tuned adaptive dampers, specifically calibrated for U.S. roads, providing Comfort, Normal, and Sport settings. These dampers are tuned to be slightly stiffer than those found in the GT trim, delivering a claimed 30% reduction in body roll and a 55% decrease in pitch compared to the TR's passive dampers.

Customized driving modes

The WRX tS inherits the GT trim's Drive Mode Select system, offering five distinct profiles: Comfort, Normal, Sport, Sport+, and Individual. Drivers can further personalize their experience with three steering settings—Comfort, Normal, and Sport—and adjust the powertrain between Normal and Sport modes, with the latter enhancing throttle responsiveness.

Related: Should Miatas be converted to electric power?

A shiny new brake kit from Brembo

It’s safe to assume the target customer for the tS is someone who wants to go fast. But going fast also requires being able to stop fast. It makes sense then that one of the big upgrades offered with the tS is a beefier, high-performance Brembo braking system. The system includes six-piston front and two-piston rear calipers, larger pads and rotors, and, perhaps most importantly, Subaru’s signature gold paint color.

The gauge cluster has gone digital

One of the first new interior additions you’re likely to notice in the new tS trim is its 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Along with displaying the standard tachometer and speedometer, the new digital cluster can be customized to show a slew of different information, including a boost gauge, active fuel economy, or navigation mapping.

Boy-racer Recaro bucket seats

An essential part of any performance car is its seats and the WRX tS is no different. Inside the tS you get Recaro front bucket seats wrapped in black suede and completed with contrasting blue, leather accents and “WRX tS” embossed on the front headrests.

The blue leather accents are edging on an embarrassingly boy-racer-like aesthetic, but in a car that can often feel somewhat vanilla, we’re happy to have a slightly silly set of seats.

Related: The most—and least—reliable car brands on the road today

Final thoughts

While driving the WRX tS, it’s hard not to think about how much you wish it was an STI. But, while the new tS trim may fall short of delivering STI-level performance, it nevertheless offers a thoughtful collection of new features that help elevate the driving experience from the entry-level WRX. Whether or not you think the tS offers $10,000 worth of elevation to the WRX experience is up to you.

via Want a Hyundai? Amazon Autos can help!

I guess it was only a matter of time. After Amazon Health and Amazon Pharmacy, Amazon is now dabbling in automotive sales with Amazon Autos.

There are two downsides to this new venture. For one, it's only available in 48 cities (scroll down for the full list) and only Hyundais are currently available. So if you live in San Francisco, want a Hyundai Elantra, and the thought of talking to anyone at a dealership fills you with dread, you're in luck!

Related: Aston Martin drops a supercar for the rest of us - kind of

The Amazon Autos process 

The way it works is pretty straightforward. You find a car you like at a local dealership through Amazon Autos and you press "Begin Purchase." From there you can choose between financing or paying in full, whether or not you have a trade-in vehicle, any rebates you're available for, and any extra warranties or service contracts you want.

Amazon Autos will then ask you for relevant ownership information and documents, you schedule a pickup at your local dealership, and three hours later you'll receive some contracts to sign before you head out to pick up your new car.

Amazon wants to add more manufacturers as they expand

The program is still in beta and Amazon seems to have every intention to make this a staple feature and expand into different brands.

"We're excited to have Hyundai as our exclusive launch partner and look forward to welcoming more brands and expanding our selection to customers as the program grows," said Fan Jin, global head of Amazon Autos. "It’s still early for us and we welcome customer and dealer feedback as we continue to add new functionality, expand to additional brands, and iterate on the customer experience."

While there is the benefit of not having to be upsold on warranties and options you don't need, there is also the downside of not being able to negotiate so you're stuck with the price the dealership sets.

Related: The most—and least—reliable car brands on the road today

Final thoughts

Apart from the dystopian idea that Amazon will slowly have a foothold in every consumer industry, I think Amazon Autos is a great idea. I despise the idea of negotiating with dealership salespeople and having to sit through upsell presentations just say "no thank you," and be judged for not wanting an extra warranty.

Not only that but with Tesla and Rivian promoting a digital-first sales experience too, I feel like more young people like me who grew up with the internet will be more attracted to that avenue of purchasing a new car. 

I still think some kind of showroom should still exist to provide test drives and in-person viewing experiences of the cars but in terms of ordering, we're headed in the right direction.

Related: 2026 Cadillac Vistiq | Specs and price

via The most—and least—reliable car brands on the road today

If you're in the market for a new car, reliability matters. With the average new-car price topping $48,000, the last thing you want is a vehicle that spends more time in the shop than on the road.

Picking a brand with a strong track record is a good starting point, but even within high-ranking automakers, reliability can vary widely by model. Thankfully, Consumer Reports’s annual reliability survey provides data to show how reliable brands are in the real world. See which brands gained, and lost, ranking on this year’s list.

Related: Tesla’s NACS to become official US EV charging standard

Subaru takes the lead for reliability

Subaru has climbed to the top of Consumer Reports’s annual reliability rankings, unseating longtime leaders Lexus and Toyota. Seven Subaru models were included in this year’s survey, with the Forester and Impreza earning the highest marks for reliability. The Crosstrek, Legacy, Outback, and Ascent also scored above average.

Subaru's consistency stems from a shared platform and components across its lineup. According to Steven Elek, a data analyst at Consumer Reports, “This commonality means that when Subaru redesigns a vehicle, it can make fewer incremental changes by carrying over dependable systems. This reduces the risk of new problems.” However, not every Subaru hits the mark as its Solterra EV, co-developed with Toyota, scored below average, mirroring Toyota's bZ4X EV.

View the original article to see embedded media.

Despite slipping from the top spot, Lexus and Toyota remain formidable in the rankings. Lexus placed second, with four of its models earning above-average ratings. Toyota followed in third place, with 16 models in the survey, four of which ranked well above average.

Honda, Acura, and other contenders lagged behind

Honda and its luxury arm Acura round out the top five, showcasing the continued dominance of Asian automakers in reliability rankings. Honda’s CR-V and Accord stood out for their reliability, while Acura’s two surveyed models delivered solid performances.

Further down the rankings, Mazda, Audi, and BMW performed well enough to make the top 10, but brands like GMC, Cadillac, and Rivian languish at the bottom. For Rivian, the electric vehicle startup, reliability issues with its R1T truck and R1S SUV have plagued its reputation.

Related: Americans are keeping their cars longer—and repairing them less

How Consumer Report scores their reliability rankings

Consumer Reports bases its rankings on survey data from over 300,000 vehicles, spanning model years 2000 to 2024. The survey evaluates 20 potential trouble areas, from minor annoyances like squeaky brakes to major issues like transmission or EV battery failures. Each vehicle receives a predicted reliability score on a 1-100 scale, which is then averaged across a brand’s lineup to determine its overall ranking.

Electrified vehicles—hybrids, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and electric vehicles (EVs)—are increasingly represented in the survey. While hybrids have proven to be as reliable as traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, PHEVs and EVs tend to have higher problem rates.

Related: Infiniti merging dealerships with Nissan as sales plummet

Hybrids outperform other electrified models

Hybrid vehicles continue to excel in reliability, bolstered by years of refinement and fewer moving parts than PHEVs. Models like the Toyota Corolla Hybrid, Lexus NX Hybrid, and Hyundai Elantra Hybrid led their respective categories. Even among three-row SUVs, the Kia Sorento Hybrid emerged as a standout performer.

PHEVs, on the other hand, are more prone to reliability issues due to their dual powertrains. The Mazda CX-90 PHEV, for instance, scored poorly compared to its gas-only counterpart.

EVs have improved but still lag behind traditional vehicles in reliability. Models like the Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T continue to grapple with issues ranging from charging systems to in-car electronics. These challenges underline the risks of being an early adopter of new technology.

Related: Is the second-generation Tesla Roadster overoptimistic?

American brands struggle to keep up

Asian brands dominate the top of the rankings, with eight of the 10 most reliable brands hailing from Japan or South Korea. European brands follow, led by Audi and BMW, while U.S. automakers trail behind. Among domestic brands, Buick ranks highest at 11th place, but GMC and Cadillac drag the group down.

Reliability also varies by vehicle type. Cars, including sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons, remain the most reliable category, with an average score of 60 out of 100. Minivans follow closely, while SUVs and trucks lag behind.

Related: Ford Puma Gen-E arrives in Europe

Final thoughts

Choosing a reliable car brand is a smart first step in your car-buying journey, but it's crucial to research individual models as well. Even top brands have occasional misses, and newer technologies like EVs and PHEVs often come with growing pains.

For buyers looking to minimize headaches, hybrids remain a safe bet, offering reliability on par with traditional gas-powered vehicles without losing out on the gas savings of mixed-drivetrain vehicles. If you're drawn to the allure of an all-new model, consider waiting a year or two for automakers to iron out early production issues.

Ultimately, the key to long-term satisfaction is finding a vehicle that balances reliability, features, and performance. It’s also worth noting that Consumer Reports uses an index of reliability, which can include some more minor issues that you may not care much about. For that reason, it’s always worth not only researching how reliable a car you’re considering is but going the step further to learn exactly what common issues it has.

Related: Gas prices are plummeting: See how your state compares

via What's up with Alfa Romeo?

When you think Stellantis, odds are Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram are the immediate automotive brands that come to mind, but they aren’t the only ones under the umbrella. Fiat and Alfa Romeo also fall under the Stellantis umbrella, but we haven’t heard much on the latter for a while. As it turns out, there’s a reason for that: Alfa Romeo isn’t doing so hot.

Alfa Romeo sales are dwindling

As of 2022, Alfa Romeo had 135 dealerships throughout the United States, and while that isn’t a bad number by any means, their sales numbers tell a different story. As of July, Alfa Romeo sold 4,777 vehicles in the United States. That comes out to an average of around five to six Alfa Romeo vehicles per month for each dealership. Those numbers aren’t improving as the year goes on, either. Adding Q3 2024 into the mix brings Alfa Romeo’s total United States sales to 6,818 vehicles.

Originally, Alfa Romeo was targeting global sales figures in the 80,000 range for 2024. Unless that trend sees a dramatic reversal in the final few months of the year, the Italian brand will be lucky to hit 45,000 vehicles sold. Globally, Alfa Romeo sales amounted to 38,975 vehicles in the first three quarters of the year.

Related: Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares resigns

Simplified ordering follows falling sales figures

Simplified ordering is never a good sign for any vehicle as it’s usually the step that comes before axing models from the lineup completely. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what’s happening over at Alfa Romeo. For 2025, the Tonale, Stelvio, and Giulia will come in just one unnamed trim level.

While you can still opt for a handful of packages, formerly standard features are now available at extra cost. For example, some tech features have been added to an available Assist package. Per a press release for each model, Stellantis claims the simplification is made to the benefit of buyers as the updated single-trim models offer more standard features than the outgoing base trims.

Stellantis has already said they don’t plan on cutting any brands just yet, but Alfa Romeo's future isn’t looking good. With an incoming new CEO and a rising need to cut costs, we may have to say goodbye to the Italian brand within the next few years.

Alfa Romeo plans to go all-in on EVs by 2027

Much like the other brands under its umbrella, Stellantis is planning to electrify the Alfa Romeo lineup. According to Reuters, Alfa Romeo confirmed it plans to have an EV range of cars available by the 2027 model year. Whether that’s the right play in the United States is up for debate.

Alfa Romeo launched its first EV in Europe, originally dubbed the Milano, earlier this year. Due to political pressure, however, the name was changed to Junior. The Alfa Romeo Junior subcompact crossover is available in the European market with all-electric and hybrid powertrains. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like we’ll be seeing the Junior hit American shores anytime soon.

Related: Alfa Romeo's 33 Stradale is the brand's heart stopping bespoke supercar

In 2023, Alfa Romeo launched the Tonale PHEV crossover. According to the timeline Stellantis provided, an updated Stelvio should launch in the second half of 2025. The Giulia will follow sometime in 2026.

In Europe, EV sales are still on the rise, so there may be some appeal there despite Alfa Romeo’s falling sales in their home country of Italy. On the bright side, Alfa Romeo has a pretty small lineup and if their EVs ride on the STLA platform, it could be a cost-effective, potentially last-ditch effort for the Italian automaker.

Final thoughts

Alfa Romeo hasn’t seen much success since the Italian brand reentered the United States back in 2017. With sales falling dramatically over the past year, the brand’s future has to be in doubt, even if Stellantis won’t admit it.

While revered marques like Jeep and Ram are safe thanks to their more popular range of vehicles, Alfa Romeo doesn’t carry that kind of weight. While the brand could continue to exist in Europe despite falling sales there as well, we may see it leave the United States again in the near future.

Related: Alfa Romeo's future in the U.S. hangs by a thread

via Is the 2025 Chevy Traverse the best family SUV for under $45K?

With a starting price of $40,600, the 2025 Chevy Traverse is a family-ready SUV with three-row seating and enough space for eight passengers. While Chevrolet may have nixed third-party smartphone connectivity software in its EVs, the Chevy Traverse keeps the good times rolling with a tech-friendly infotainment system.

That, along with plenty of interior space for the whole family, may make the 2025 Chevy Traverse the best family SUV for under $45,000.

Chevy changes trim levels and price figures for the 2025 model

The 2025 Chevy Traverse comes with a handful of major changes over the previous model, and it’s a pretty mixed bag overall. For starters, last year’s base LS trim is gone, making the LT the new entry model, resulting in a $2,900 increase from the 2024 model. On the bright side, the High Country trim returns, and brings with it a handful of packages.

While the Trailering package comes standard on the LT trim, the LT and Z71 trims say sayonara to the Driver Confidence package. On top of that, Chevrolet has nixed the free three-year OnStar Remote Access perk.

Related: 2025 Mazda CX-70 review: it's what's inside that counts

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse offers best-in-class cargo volume

While the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse has a fairly standard exterior design for a three-row family SUV, the interior is where it truly shines. Practicality is the name of the game with standard seating for up to seven passengers, including second-row captain’s chairs and a roomy third-row bench.

For those in need of more space, switching out the captain’s chairs for a second-row bench is available at no extra cost, bringing total seating to eight. Folding down both the second and third-row seats opens up a vast 98 cu ft. of cargo space, more than 10 cu ft. more than in the Ford Explorer and Kia Telluride.

Convenience-focused technology is standard on the Traverse

A 17.7-inch touchscreen display comes standard across the Traverse’s trim line, topping the Ford Explorer’s 13.2-inch and Jeep Grand Cherokee’s 8.4-inch displays. Falling in line with the rest of its segment, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless charging are included as well. 

While a hands-free power liftgate is available at an extra cost in most competitors, it comes standard in the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse. Most notably, the Ford Explorer lacks a comparable option altogether. Thanks to the now-standard Trailering package, the new Traverse also includes a hitch view on the camera system and can tow up to 5,000 lbs.

The new Chevy Traverse comes with over 300 horsepower from its four-cylinder

Much like its closest competitors, the 2025 Chevy Traverse comes powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine as the need for automakers to meet efficiency standards rises. Front-wheel drive comes standard on all trim levels except for the Z71, which includes standard all-wheel drive. Opting for AWD on any other Traverse trim will cost you an extra $2,000.

The Traverse’s 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission and puts out328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. That output tops the 2025 Ford Explorer’s 300 horsepower and Toyota Highlander’s 265 horsepower with relative ease.

When it comes to efficiency, the family-sized Traverse’s turbo four and standard automatic stop/start tech mean improved efficiency over the outgoing 2024 model. When equipped with FWD, the 2025 Traverse is rated for an EPA-estimated 20 city and 27 highway mpg. With AWD, it sees efficiency drop to 19 city and 24 highway mpg.

Related: 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser 1958 buyer's guide: price, features, and off-road capabilities

The 2025 Chevy Traverse comes loaded with safety features

When you’re talking about family, safety as a topic is almost always a given. The 2025 Chevy Traverse has the right idea in both intention and execution, with plenty of modern safety systems listed as standard on the spec sheet. Some of the Chevy Traverse’s standard safety systems include forward collision alert, rear cross-traffic braking, rear park assist, reverse automatic braking, and lane keep assist with lane departure warning

As you move up trim levels though, the Chevrolet Traverse quickly surpasses our $45,000 budget. The Z71 offers the same safety systems as the base model with new safety features added only in the High Country trim, which comes in at just shy of $53,600. The top-spec Traverse RS trim, starting at $55,400, offers an identical suite of safety systems as the High Country.

If you really want hands-free driving, you can get GM’s Super Cruise for an additional $3,935 on the LT and Z71 trims. It comes standard on the High Country and RS models. Note that you will still need to pay close attention to the road while Super Cruise is active, and it may not work on all roadways.

Final thoughts

The 2025 Chevy Traverse offers quite a few useful features for its sub-$45,000 price tag. While the three-row family SUV might have some cheap plastic, it’s still a solid choice for families on a budget. Thankfully, Chevrolet hasn’t chosen to cut third-party smartphone connectivity software, like Apple CarPlay, from the 2025 Traverse. Hopefully, they stay the course in that respect.

The hands-free power liftgate, dubbed AutoSense Power Liftgate by Chevy, is one standard feature in particular that stands out to me as a parent. Toyota’s lack of a standard hands-free liftgate has always irked me, especially since ordering through a dealer is a hassle. While I personally don’t need seating for seven (unless we’re counting dogs), if I did, the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse would definitely be on my drive-before-I-buy list.

Related: The first Lamborghini Countach was made 50 years ago