2025 Range Rover Velar Review: A Slick, Modern and Pricey Family Wagon

By

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October 28, 2024

Pros	Cons
✓ Sharp, minimalist look inside and out	☓ Strange driving traits, road manners
✓ Buttery smooth ride	☓ Underwhelming base engine
✓ Still has some Land Rover off-road DNA	☓ Way more expensive than some luxury competitors

Coming off a recent refresh, the 2025 Range Rover Velar is still as sharp-looking as ever, even if it isn’t as dramatic as Land Rover’s other iconic SUVs.

Think about Land Rover’s whole SUV lineup, and a couple models likely crop up in your mind immediately. Definitely the big Range Rover, maybe the Range Rover Sport and, more recently, the Defender. If you’re looking for a smaller or more affordable option there’s always the Evoque, but how often have you considered the Velar since it first hit the scene back in 2017?

Well, Land Rover took a run at updating the Velar for the 2024 model year, giving it a much-needed infotainment update with a big screen and a host of other tweaks to minimize the number of switches, knobs and buttons cluttering up the interior. If you aren’t a fan of that approach, then it’s best to look at one of the other options in the segment, since the lack of physical buttons will frustrate you immediately. The Range Rover Velar relies on JLR’s new Pivi Pro infotainment interface to make up the difference with the controls, and we’ll get into greater detail on its pros and cons below.

If you are considering the 2025 Range Rover Velar, it’s important to take a couple considerations with you into the process. First up, while it’s technically a compact SUV landing between the entry-level Evoque and the bigger Range Rover Sport, the styling and general feel puts me more in mind of a high-riding wagon (which can be a pretty cool proposition for some). The other is that you have two engine options — a 2.0-liter ‘P250’ model and a 3.0-liter, six-cylinder ‘P400’ model — and you should absolutely go for the more powerful option. We’ll get into more detail on that below as well, but I do want to mention that off the top: The 247-horsepower P250 just doesn’t cut it for the size class and luxurious driving experience we’re shooting for here.

The Range Rover Velar packs some quirky performance traits, if you’re used to a more conventional SUV driving experience.

While we’re on the subject, let’s stick with driving dynamics for a bit. The P250 model, as it happens, packs the same 2.0-liter turocharged ‘Ingenium’ engine as JLR’s other SUVs (including the Evoque), though you get an 8-speed automatic transmission no matter which engine you pick. The P400 model brings the automaker’s 3.0-liter mild-hybrid powertrain to the party, putting out 396 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. It’s a far more potent option considering the Velar’s two-and-a-bit-ton curb weight (between 4,130 and 4,430 pounds, depending on the engine), and can manage 0-60 in just over 5 seconds, compared to around 7 seconds with the P250’s four-pot.

No matter which way you slice it, and even if you get the mid-range Dynamic SE with 20-inch satin wheels, red-painted brake calipers and sportier ‘Graphite Atlas’ styling, the 2025 Range Rover Velar is by no means a sports car. In fact, while I get having an SUV with lighter steering feel to drive around town, you typically want a smooth and linear response to balance things out so minor inputs don’t make the car feel twitchy and nervous on the road. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what the Velar does, as the steering feels lifeless and overboosted to the point where I have to make constant corrections, even when I wasn’t trying to push it too hard.

The braking is a similar story — instead of a solid and linear feel, it’s mushy to the extent that you’re constantly having to adjust how much pressure you’re putting in to actually bring the Velar to a dignified halt. At best, its on-road demeanor is uninspired, and at worst it just feels downright strange, especially when you drive it back to back against some of the other players in the field like the BMW X3 or the pin-sharp Porsche Macan.

On the up side, this is still a Land Rover, so you get Terrain Response with selectable modes. The $2,275 Dynamic Handling Pack also adds in electronic air suspension to adjust the ride height and All Terrain Progress Control, a sort of slow-speed cruise control to handle tricky situations. The $1,300 Technology Package adds in a 3D surround camera that ought to help on some obstacles, as well as Wade Sensing to help traverse water crossings.

I wouldn’t necessarily recommend off-roading in the stock Michelin Latitude Tour HP all-seasons the Velar ships with, but it does have the technology onboard to handle it, if you’re comfortable taking your $62,925-plus luxury machine off the beaten track.

If you’re looking to do a bit of towing, the 2025 Range Rover Velar can tow just over 5,000 pounds. Ground clearance comes in at 8.4 inches on coil suspension (about average for the class), though you can raise that up to 9.9 inches in the Off-Road 2 setting with the aforementioned air suspension, as shown above.

The interior is all about form and style.

Step inside the 2025 Range Rover Velar, and again you won’t see a raft of physical controls covering every square inch of the instrument panel. Now, you do still get stalks to control the headlights and wipers, as well as buttons on the steering wheel and a switch to move the steering column around. In the center, Land Rover’s former rotary dial approach to the gear selector has taken a back seat to a more conventional lever. It’s still an electronic shift-by-wire setup, but it does feel more satisfying to use. It also dominates the center stack along with the 11.4-inch touchscreen display. Between the two, you get a compartment where the second screen used to be that contains the wireless smartphone charging pad.

Instead of Land Rover’s old setup, this floating screen is how you interface with the new ‘Pivi Pro’ operating system. On the whole, it’s much snappier than the old InControl system, and splits the home screen into different cards allowing you access to major features like climate controls, your drive modes, navigation and phone commands. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support come baked in, while the app screen (accessible by a button in the lower-left corner) moves you out to the rest of the available screens, like the ‘4×4 info’ and ‘Dynamic-i’ screens to give you more detailed information.

*All the information you’ll take in with the Range Rover Velar come from the two digital displays, as well as the optional head-up display.*

That’s not to say the Pivi Pro system is the most intuitive setup in the world, as it does take a little getting used to. Most of your high-level controls (like temperature adjustment) are always accessible down the left and right sidebars. To get more finite controls like heated or ventilated seats, though, you’ll need to stick on the home menu, which takes backing out from other full-screen applications like navigation or Apple CarPlay. Land Rover also insists on a “minimalist” layout for the steering wheel buttons by using a series of hieroglyphics, so trying to get at some features on the driver’s display while on the move can be tricky until you learn what each button/wheel/switch actually does.

While the 2025 Range Rover Velar is obviously larger than the Evoque, it is still a five-seater crossover that splits the difference between decent passenger space and cargo volume. Rear legroom is decent at 37.2 inches, though headroom (38.9 inches) is a bit on the tight side thanks to the sloping roof line and the panoramic moonroof.

Surprisingly, even with the stylish roof line, the 2025 Range Rover Velar still handles a fair amount of luggage. Cargo volume with the rear 40/20/40 bench in place is 30.9 cubic feet, expanding out to 62.7 cubic feet when it’s folded. That’s not quite as commodious as a BMW X3, but springing for the Velar is more of a fashion statement where you’ll have to compromise a bit on practicality.

So, is the 2025 Range Rover Velar worth it?

There’s no mistaking that Land Rover’s style makes the Velar one of the most visually appealing options in the class. Thing is, depending on your personal tastes, there are plenty of other great-looking options to choose from that are either more engaging to drive, just as luxurious or far better value. The Velar’s $64,925 MSRP is just the starting point, and the Dynamic SE model we tested came in at $76,115…without the better 3.0-liter engine. If you spec up a P400 model, you can easily tip the scale toward and past the $80,000 mark.

In a class absolutely packed with compact luxury SUVs, the Genesis GV70, Volvo XC60, Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class come in at a far lower price point. So does the Lexus RX — while the primary rival in the same sort of price band is the Porsche Macan.

So why buy the 2025 Range Rover Velar? Mainly, if you’re banking on that style factor and want a comfortable family cruiser that looks just as good rolling into the valet at your favorite downtown restaurant as it does heading up to a skiing weekend or even up to a backcountry cabin…but you can’t necessarily buy the big Range Rover. Buy a Velar with the silky smooth straight-six, and you’ll end up with a luxury SUV that’s about as classy as you can get in the $60K to $80K price band.

We’ll have a more comprehensive off-road review with the 2025 Range Rover Velar Dynamic SE P250 that you can check out below:

Ask Nathan: Is the Upcoming Scout Electric or a Hybrid and Cheap, Tiny Cars are Coming Back?

By

Nathan Adlen

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October 27, 2024

In this week’s Ask Nathan:

Will the upcoming Scout have a hybrid option?
Signs that Americans may want to return back to smaller, less expensive cars?

The first question comes from a new friend who heard about the Scout name returning.

Q: (RE: Does the upcoming Scout electric truck have an option for a hybrid powertrain?)

(Paraphrased) Is the upcoming Scout electric SUV and pickup truck able to offer a hybrid powertrain too? Is it a Rivian rival, or a Cybertruck rival?

Call him Ishmael

A: Yes! This is one of many cool things about the upcoming Scout Traveler and Terra.

I was lucky to attend a early concept behind-the-scenes look at Scout a few years back. At that time, I was sworn to secrecy and was prevented from saying much of anything. They basically gave me a lowdown on what they wanted to accomplish, met with many Scout owners, and showed us early prototype mockups. At the time, the only technical thing I knew was what they were looking at benchmarking, and that these vehicles would be electric.

Color me surprised!

I am thrilled that they have announced that there will be an internal-combustion, range-extending option called the “Harvester.” It’s supposed to give the vehicle(s) up to 500-miles range. For Scout fans, the name “Harvester” must be pleasing. Powered by batteries alone, Scout is aiming for 350-miles range. It will have 800-volt charging architecture, and up to 350 kW of charging capability. That’s in line with some of the (potentially) fastest charging vehicles out there.

Equipped with 35-inch tires, serious ground clearance, beefy recovery points and a good-looking approach design – final numbers have yet to be revealed. I can say that they are looking good so far. I love the fact that they are using a solid rear axle with mechanical lockers. That’s just epic. In addition, it looks like a front bench seat is available in the Terra.

There’s more information available (here).

What makes me so happy about the upcoming Scout vehicles has nothing to do with the cool retro design in and out, nor the potential for great off-roading. Sure, those are cool, but I truly like the fact that these vehicles are getting people excited about something different, and new.

Scout says they are aiming for starting prices to fall under the $60,000-mark. That’s before tax credits, but those credits are not the same as a cash rebate. I only hope they manage to keep the pricing down when it hits the market. Remember: International Harvester kept their Scouts very reasonable. Although, part of that was the fact they were built more for agriculture and utility over comfort and fun. Still, I hope they are, indeed – competitively priced.

– N

The next question comes from me… yup. After my misadventure in a tiny car, I was wondering what people are thinking about small and tiny cars.

Q: (Shortly after being shoehorned into one of the smallest cars ever) Is the idea of a small car still as foreign to folks in the U.S.A.?

I mean, it’s pretty obvious that small cars have evolved since the rolling coffins of yore, but many still feel they are just not enough. People want more for less, and I think something is about to change.

– Me, as I contemplated having the Jaws-of-life extricate my body from a tiny car.

A: Many automakers are hoping that we begin to embrace small cars again.

Recently, the CEO of Ford (Jim Farley) openly stated that he hoped Americans would fall back in love with small vehicles. This is coming from the boss of a company that pretty much builds trucks. Not that long ago, Ford dominated the industry with some of the most compelling compact, and subcompact cars on offer.

Then there was the obvious attempt by European automakers to build inexpensive, small EVs that can go toe-to-toe against the Chinese. Most noticeable at the recent Paris Motor Show, Renault, Citeronen and others displayed potential competitors. These car small vehicles that can still hold a small family, cost around $20,000 and have respectable range.

In addition: some of the vehicles that are showing up in our market are far better than the ones they replace. Honda, Nissan, Toyota and GM all offer sub $30K cars that are utilitarian, well featured and seem to be well made. These are gas-powered vehicles like the 2025 Kicks, and Chevy Trax, which give you a ton of versatility, economy and a hint of fun for an affordable price.

Watch this space: there could be a lot more to come.

— N

What to Consider When Getting an Auto Accident Lawyer in Seattle

By

Grant Davis

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October 25, 2024

What Makes Seattle Different When It Comes to Auto Accidents

The Laws

Seattle adheres to Washington State statutes with regard to auto accidents and all the laws and guidelines that go along with them. For example, all auto accidents in the state are governed by “comparative negligence,” which means you could be held at fault for part of the accident. This can result in your final settlement being reduced by the percentage of your fault. When dealing with a city that has its very own unique set of laws, you’re going to want a Seattle auto accident lawyer familiar with the area and its current laws on your dedicated team.

The Weather

The weather in Seattle is no secret, as it rains a lot, which leads to slippery streets and hazardous road conditions in many areas. Car accidents continue to increase when bad road conditions occur. A seek auto accident lawyer in Seattle who is familiar with the location and the way accidents can take place in such weather conditions can help you get the justice that you are seeking or waive a lawsuit entirely when circumstances dictate.

Why Getting a Good Lawyer Is a Top Priority

Taking something to court after an accident is going to attack from both sides as you will have the State in your face, the insurance company on the other side, and possibly a victim or suspect suing as well. This is not to be taken lightly — and your cousin, who is the great defense lawyer, won’t do you any good here. Look for someone who has been around the block a few rounds and knows their way around the judges and insurance companies. This will help you get the best possible outcome.

What to Look For in a Good Auto Accident Lawyer

Some Guidelines Before Beginning

The Internet Is Your Best Friend: Look up a prospective lawyer before even having a meeting. You will certainly catch some news stories and get some insight into their past work and possible wins and losses.
Take Advantage Of That Free First Meeting: Most lawyers will meet with you for free the first time. So take that opportunity to check them out. Have a line of questions ready, and note carefully how they respond. Trust your gut in such cases. You want someone who you feel comfortable and reassured by.

So here is what you need to look for when you’re searching for a Seattle auto accident lawyer;

Expertise: Choose a lawyer who specializes in auto accident cases and has done so for a long time.
Clear Communicator: There are a lot of legal talk terms when it comes to accidents, and unless you went to law school, you won’t understand it (not even by watching law shows!). Find an attorney who is a clear communicator who will take the time to explain things to you and answer your questions.
Specialists and Staff: Sometimes, having an attorney is good, but having a team that comes along with it is even better. Look for an attorney that has specialist support staff like doctors and investigators have on their speed dial.
Pricing: Match with an attorney that charges based on your financial situation and the results you are trying to get.
No Empty Promises: As an attorney, you can never guarantee a victory; don’t believe anyone who says so and talks a good game.
Their Reputation: Research reviews and testimonials to gauge the lawyer’s credibility.
A Trial-Ready Litigator: A settlement is what you should hope for, but just in case it goes to trial, be prepared by getting a lawyer who is quite ready and willing to go to trial if the need arises.

Why Van Law Is the Auto Accident Law Firm for You

In a city with numerous auto accident law firms, Van Law is a real standout. Why is that? For one thing, they have a long history of offering clients the experience and resources they need and deserve, along with fighting for their clients. These attorneys are all well-versed in the laws in Seattle, specifically any law involving auto accidents. They make sure that each and every case that comes through their door gets the special treatment and individualized attention that they need and deserve.

Beyond that, they are all tremendous communicators, always letting their clients know what’s going on, and all stand up in court. Pricewise, have a look at their fees and see if you can afford them and feel that they are for you. They’re not for show; they do it all for you.

2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz Pricing Announced, Starts At $60,545 and Runs Up To $67,045

By

Zach Butler

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October 25, 2024

With the recent media drive, Volkswagen announced formal pricing for the upcoming ID.Buzz EV.

Ever since it initially debuted as a concept car seven years ago, we’ve been interested in VW’s funky take on its iconic Type 2, and the time when you’re able to buy one is finally here. With its arrival comes the imminent question of how much it will cost, and…well, it’s definitely not cheap. It is, in fact, $60,545 to start, with the 1st Edition running up against the $70,000 mark in its dual-motor, all-wheel drive configuration.

On one hand, the news isn’t terribly surprising. Electric vehicles, on the whole, still aren’t what most folks would call affordable. Take a larger vehicle than, say, an ID.4, and pack in sort of wacky and fun styling on top of that, and you can see the dollar signs stack up even before learning the official pricing. Still, that sort of range puts it up with and even beyond electric favorites like the Tesla Model Y, Mercedes’ smaller electric SUVs and even the (admittedly smaller and less practical) ID.4, which itself starts at about $41,160.

By default, the base Pro S model brings a single-motor configuration to the table, packing 282 horsepower. The Pro S Plus and 1st Edition offer the option of rear- or all-wheel drive, with the latter bringing the output up to 335 horsepower. Pricing for the Pro S Plus starts at $65,045 (step that up to $69,545 if you want AWD), while the 1st Edition starts at $67,045 (or $71,545 with 4Motion AWD).

The 2025 Volkswagen ID.4 is available to build through the online configurator, and examples are shipping out to U.S. dealers and customers right now.

Check just had the opportunity to check out the new ID.Buzz in San Francisco, which you can check out below:

This Is It: The All-New Scout Traveler SUV Is Here, And It’s a Game Changer

By

Zach Butler

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October 24, 2024

(Images: TFL Studios | Zach Butler, unless otherwise noted)

We’ve been excited for the Scout SUV for months, and they just nailed the reveal.

After nearly half a century, the all-new Scout Motors vehicles are here to revive a long-gone name in the SUV space. In fact, the company is bringing the nameplate back with not one, but two models: the Traveler SUV and the Terra pickup truck. Tommy and I joined a massive group of media in Nashville, Tennessee to cover the debut, and without keeping you on the edge of your seat with initial impressions, here’s the general consensus: Scout nailed it.

Why? Because for the past few years since Scout Motors announced it would become a new entity within Volkswagen Group and produce an EV, fears emerged that it would essentially be a rebadged VW product without the rugged looks or the off-road capability that cemented the old Scouts’ reputation throughout its lifetime and in the decades since the original ceased production in 1980. Fortunately, that is not the case, and we’re dealing with a bona fide off-roader that can hack it with anything else hitting the trails.

First off, this EV is built on a body-on-frame platform distinct from any electric VW product, and even packs a solid rear axle. Both models can be equipped with front and rear locking differentials, up to 35-inch tires from the factory, over a foot of ground clearance, a front sway bar disconnect and up to 3 feet of water fording capability. Scout Motors did not specifically mention approach, breakover or departure angles, but did say they would take a “competitive approach” on that front. Going further, the Scout Terra and Traveler feature a host of physical switches for all the off-road kit, actual grab bars, mechanical door handles rather than trying to get fancy with pop-out units, and the Terra even has a swing-out spare tire carrier and split-folding tailgate.

Both the Terra truck and the Traveler SUV share the same headline specs. While the automaker did not disclose exact horsepower output, each model packs two motors with 1,000 lb-ft of available torque. The 800-volt electrical architecture supports up to 350 kW of charging capability and up to 350 miles of range. Even better for folks hesitant to buy a full battery-electric rig, Scout Motors will also offer a gasoline range-extended variant (incidentally called the “Harvester”) that offers up to 500 miles of total driving range. Scout Motors did not disclose which engine will act as the onboard generator, but at least there is an option should you want the added peace of mind.

On top of a 3.5-second 0-60 time, these four-wheel drive EVs are capable of nearly 2,000 pounds of payload capacity. The new Scout Traveler will tow up to 7,000 pounds, Scout Motors says, while the Terra will tow up to 10,000 pounds.

Inside, both vehicles sport an interior that’s a pleasant mix of modern and retro-themed touches. On its face, we feel the aesthetic is a little Rivian-esque, but definitely a nice place to be, with the promised banks of physical switchgear beneath the center display, on the steering wheel, on the driver’s side instrument panel and on the overhead console. While we unfortunately could not sit in or play with the buttons on the early prototype units, our first look has both Tommy and I impressed with what’s to come.

There is one caveat worth mentioning if you’re interested in the new Scout: We are indeed in for a bit of a wait. Scout Motors says production is targeted for calendar year 2027, so we’re still two years away from these vehicles hitting the streets on masse. The company is still working on its $2 billion facility in Blythewood, South Carolina, where the SUV and truck will eventually be manufactured at the rate of 200,000 units per year. Pre-orders for what it calls the “8-day-a-week” truck are open at www.scoutmotors.com with a $100 refundable fee, though, so you can reserve a spot in line right now.

But…the new Scout will cost a fortune, right?

While we are in for a bit of a long wait, Scout Motors teased pricing right now, rather than closer to the launch. According to the official statement, pricing for entry-level models will start under $60,000 before available federal and state tax incentives. Factor in the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, for which it should be eligible, and pricing will start around $50,000.

Check out our videos from the reveal event below, where Tommy takes a closer look at both the 2027 Scout Terra truck and the Traveler SUV:

https://youtu.be/oqeWH7197YI

It’s Almost Here: What To Expect (And Not Expect) From Tonight’s Scout Reveal

By

Zach Butler

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October 24, 2024

(Images: TFL Studios, unless otherwise noted)

Thursday is a big day: One in which we’ll see a new brand emerge for the U.S. market.

If you took a poll of car buyers in today’s market, it’s doubtful most of them will know the name “Scout”. For those who do remember that name, though, this is a massive moment, as a brand-new SUV and truck will emerge from the aptly named Scout Motors — marking the first time you can see you’ve seen a new Scout for a whopping 44 years. That’s longer than I’ve been around, as well as most of my contemporaries in car journalism as well.

Even though the Scout’s been out of production longer than it was ever rolling off the old assembly line in Fort Wayne, Indiana (the now-defunct International Harvester built the Scout SUV and its derivatives between 1961 and 1980), it still carries a reputation for innovation, ruggedness and good-old American grit in the decades sense, and that’s only bolstered by enthusiast organizations and events like Harvester Homecoming.

Today, October 24, at 4 PM Central Time, we’ll all see what Scout Motors has been up to over these past couple years, and what the modern interpretation of a long-forgotten (at least among the general public) SUV will be.

DO: Expect a body-on-frame, electric SUV and truck.

In the lead up to today’s reveal, Scout Motors CEO Scott Keogh penned a blog post setting the tone for what this new model — or, more specifically, these new models, as there will be an SUV and pickup at today’s debut — will represent.

So, let’s start with what we know: Today’s Scout will be an electric SUV and truck built on a clean-sheet platform from a company that, while technically under Volkswagen Group, maintains a level of autonomous operation to build an American SUV for American customers.

“Know this,” Keogh stresses in his post, “we are going to deliver a badge-engineered, jellybean-shaped soft-roader. There are already plenty of those available for people who don’t want or need the serious capability that only a vehicle purposefully designed from the ground up as an off-roader can deliver.” To that end, one nugget of information he dropped in foreshadowing tonight’s reveal is that we will see a body-on-frame vehicle, and it won’t have the curvaceous and painfully anonymous styling that swoopy EVs like a certain VW-branded crossover bring to the table.

While he’s clearly not going to let the cat out of the bag with technical specs just yet, we will have that information in a few hours. But, in the meantime, you can hang your expectations on another point Keogh rings up: “We want to hang onto the intuitive, mechanical spirit that made these archetypical (sic) SUVs a companion as much as a conveyance. We are keeping things pragmatic, taking advantage of the technology only where it has a great application. That’s why we chose to build something body-on-frame, where you flip a switch to turn on the lights, rather than flipping through a menu on a screen.”

Still skeptical? You absolutely have every right to be, especially if you’re a die-hard Scout fan. Time and time again, we’ve heard and seen news of modern “reimagining” for certain beloved models, only to be…well, let’s say disappointed.

(Image: Scout Motors (and an early teaser – so the new Scout may look different than the silhouette you see here.))

DON’T: Expect it to see the new Scout on the streets immediately.

Several months ago, I had the opportunity to rally a group of classic Scouts from their historical stomping ground in Fort Wayne, Indiana, all the way to where the new Scout SUV and truck will be manufactured in Blythewood, South Carolina, just outside Columbia. When we arrived at our destination, our group became part of the formal groundbreaking ceremony, with Keogh as keynote speaker alongside a cadre of local and state officials.

Scout Motors isn’t playing around with this reveal, as it (and VW Group, by extension) are sinking a massive $2 billion into this 1,100-acre facility to build the new Scout SUV and truck. That said, construction takes time, and while Keogh mentions the plant will “soon” create 4,000 jobs and crank out 200,000 Scouts each and every year…we’re not there yet.

Tonight’s reveal will give us a look at what’s to come, but you’ll still have to be patient if you end up liking what you see. Scout Motors has not yet disclosed a time frame on when the first serial units will go into production — again, we should have more information on that tonight — but a brand-new model from a brand-new company suggests we’ll be in for a bit of a wait on that front. If Scout Motors follows the typical pattern with all-new vehicle debuts, it will open up reservations for Scouts soon, though. So, if you do want one, the earlier you throw your hat in the ring, the sooner you’ll be able to roll through town and out onto the trails in your very own Scout.

While you’re waiting to see the new Scout officially debut (yes, we will absolutely be covering it on the ground, so stay tuned for our video), I went through Scout’s history and my own adventure as part of that classic rally earlier this year, which you can check out below:

The International Scout is a Long-Gone Legend That’s About to Be Reborn. I Relive Its History

A Classic Off-Road (Mis)adventure in the International Harvester Scout

Scout Motors’ Groundbreaking Reveals Progress on New Plant, While Acknowledging the Nameplate’s Heritage

I Finally Drive the 2025 Toyota Camry: Will I Be Elated or Disappointed?

By

Nathan Adlen

-

October 24, 2024

Every 2025 Toyota Camry comes as a hybrid, and you can get one with all-wheel drive (AWD) too. Prepare for outstanding mileage, and a teensy bit of fun.

I was lucky enough to get my hands (albeit briefly) on a 2025 Toyota Camry XSE AWD, while attending a Corolla and Sienna event. As I waited to get my hands on the minivan, or the hot-hatch, I noticed the Camry sitting alone. It dawned on me that I had yet to drive one, and that I had a little time to at least get some early impressions.

Toyota agreed, and I had a few minutes to play with the 2025 Toyota Camry at Charlotte Motor Speedway’s…parking lot. Look, they were smart not to let me on the track with a Camry. Alas, there’s the rub. This Camry is saddled with the term “hybrid” and many feel it has lost all of the brio of the V6.

Sure, if you get the AWD Camry, it’s slightly heavier than the V6 of yore, but the front-drive hybrid is a bit lighter. Front drive 2025 Camrys make 225 horsepower and up to 232 hp combined with AWD. The old V6 was rated at 301 hp, and it can run from 0 to 60 mph in the mid 5-second range. The new hybrid is over a second slower, according to Toyota. So – yes – the V6 is the performance king, and that’s even more pronounced if you have a TRD Camry, which is far more athletic.

Here’s the deal: the new Camry is super efficient.

The 2023 Toyota Camry XLE V6 was rated at 22 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. Not too shabby for a V6; however, the 2025 Camry XSE AWD gets 44 mpg city and 43 highway. This is the least efficient of the new Camrys, as the FWD model is about 10-percent more efficient with up to 47 mpg – combined.

Off the line, the AWD Camry I drove felt frisky, with very little lag. Sure, the V6 was way more fun to drive, but the hybrid with AWD had plenty of pep, and wouldn’t embarrass itself in any situation I can think of. Maybe it’s not autocross material, but (seriously) who autocrosses a Camry?

It’s quiet, composed and exhibited very little vibration as I drove over well used tarmac. Stability was good, and the grip was impressive. There was very little feedback from the steering, but it’s no different than other modern cars in this class. I felt that the weight of the steering was respectable, as I like a bit of heft.

You can technically get a new Camry under $30,000…just.

It’s doubtful that you will find one for less than $30K, with fees and potential markups depending on where you live. The good news is that, for those of you who want AWD, it’s available in every trim for a fairly reasonable $1,525 premium. This means that, realistically, a 2025 Camry LE AWD with a few options should come in right around the mid-$30,000s.

Fit and finish were quite good too. Seating comfort was excellent, holding my large frame comfortably. Head and leg room were top notch as well, right up there with the Accord.

In the future, I will have a much more comprehensive review. As this video shows, I had a limited amount of wheel time. It made me want to truly test it in the future.

Mini Debuts Spicier 2025 JCW Models With a Healthy Torque Bump, Starting at $39,195

By

Zach Butler

-

October 22, 2024

Following up the standard Mini hatchback and convertibles, here are the hotter JCW versions.

Over the past few months, Mini’s been on a tear updating their entire lineup, including the bedrock hatchback and convertible. After the electric model made waves and the gas-powered Mini Cooper models followed suit, you know what’s coming next: the John Cooper Works variants. That’s what we have here today, as the 2025 Mini Cooper JCW 2-door hatchback and convertible models make their first official appearance before going into production next month.

For their part, Mini is calling this brand revamp the most significant in its 65-year history. As far as the JCW models go, you broadly see similar changes to the other versions: a new octagonal grille, those characteristic oval-shaped headlights and love-them-or-hate-them Union Jack taillights. Being the higher-performance version, these cars go a bit farther with wide, nostril-looking air vents to feed air to the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. Exclusive 17 and 18-inch wheel designs are available to the JCW as are optional hood stripes, though Mini strangely decided to ditch the hood scoop (likely because of those upper ducts) with this redesign.

Under the hood, the turbo four-pot still offers the same 228 horsepower as before…but you get much more torque. Instead of 235 lb-ft, the new hatch and convertible put out a hearty 280 lb-ft. So it should feel a little meatier judging by the seat of your pants, but Mini says that the 2-door hatch still sprints from 0-60 in 5.9 seconds. If opt for the convertible, you’re looking at something like 6.2 seconds — not bad, but not insanely quick by today’s standards. Top speed, if you’re interested, is pegged at 155 mph (152 mph for the convertible).

Sadly, there won’t be a manual option this time around.

If you’ve seen the latest Mini interiors, then nothing inside the 2025 Mini JCW 2-door and convertible will shock you. Apart from the sportier touches including a thick perforated steering wheel, the JCW gets the same new 9-inch circular OLED display and the center stack toggle bar. Speaking of that toggle bar, you’ll get controls for the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, but like the rest of the Mini lineup, there’s no manual transmission available. Even with some internal efforts to save it, the way forward will be automatic only, at least as long as there are still gas-powered Minis to speak of (and the company reassured everyone there will be for a few more years).

Pricing for the 2025 Mini JCW models starts at $39,195 for the 2-door hatchback. If you want the convertible, then prepare to spend at least $44,695. Particularly with the hardtop, that is a hefty price increase, though Mini took the tack of offering more standard equipment in the “Signature” trim, then giving folks an upgrade path from there, and dropping the base “Classic” model. The automaker didn’t dive into more specific trim information with Tuesday’s release, but taking a similar approach with the JCW would mean a slight price drop for the hardtop in an apples-to-apples comparison, and a few hundred dollar price increase for the convertible. For now, all we have is base pricing, but JCW models will likely still top out between $45,000 for the 2-door hatch and $50,000 for the convertible, once you pack on the options.

2025 Mini JCW hardtop and convertible models will hit dealerships in January.

2025 Mini Cooper and Cooper S Keep the Gas Engine Alive…With a Higher Price Tag

Coming off a recent refresh, the 2025 Range Rover Velar is still as sharp-looking as ever, even if it isn’t as dramatic as Land Rover’s other iconic SUVs.

The Range Rover Velar packs some quirky performance traits, if you’re used to a more conventional SUV driving experience.

The interior is all about form and style.

So, is the 2025 Range Rover Velar worth it?

In this week’s Ask Nathan:

Q: (RE: Does the upcoming Scout electric truck have an option for a hybrid powertrain?)

A: Yes! This is one of many cool things about the upcoming Scout Traveler and Terra.

Color me surprised!

Q: (Shortly after being shoehorned into one of the smallest cars ever) Is the idea of a small car still as foreign to folks in the U.S.A.?

A: Many automakers are hoping that we begin to embrace small cars again.

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With the recent media drive, Volkswagen announced formal pricing for the upcoming ID.Buzz EV.

We’ve been excited for the Scout SUV for months, and they just nailed the reveal.

But…the new Scout will cost a fortune, right?

Thursday is a big day: One in which we’ll see a new brand emerge for the U.S. market.

DO: Expect a body-on-frame, electric SUV and truck.

DON’T: Expect it to see the new Scout on the streets immediately.

Every 2025 Toyota Camry comes as a hybrid, and you can get one with all-wheel drive (AWD) too. Prepare for outstanding mileage, and a teensy bit of fun.

Here’s the deal: the new Camry is super efficient.

You can technically get a new Camry under $30,000…just.

Following up the standard Mini hatchback and convertibles, here are the hotter JCW versions.

Sadly, there won’t be a manual option this time around.

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