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Car and Driver
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
View Exterior Photos of Our Long-Term 2025 Toyota Prius XLE
Read the full review | See interior photos The Toyota Prius is impressive beyond its prodigious fuel economy. We're excited to take this one on a 40,000-mile journey to see how it holds up.
The Independent
26-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Independent
Volvo XC90 review: Old timer gets upgraded, but with Temu-style tech
The first generation Volvo XC90 lasted 13 years before being replaced by this one. The latest updates to this model could take the current car beyond that time – its smart new looks (which didn't look that dated anyway) and high quality interior sit well with Volvo 's premium positioning, but in spite of the pleasant facade, there are some things that you just can't hide when it comes to ageing. For one, I'm disappointed that more effort wasn't made with the tech upgrade. The new 11.2in screen looks more like something bought from Temu than a quality bespoke unit. In an age of super-thin screens with slim bezels, the thick plasticky screen resembles a plasma TV from the early 2000s. At least the Google-powered software is up-to-date and usable. The rest of the interior is as spacious and even classier than ever, but the same can't be said about the drive. On our test route, the ride was a bit fragile, jiggling me about a bit too much. And when the silence of all-electric driving was over – all too quickly with just 44 miles of range – the engine kicking in was an unwelcome jolt to the senses. But in the plug-in hybrid market, seven seaters are like hens teeth – the battery usually takes up room that would otherwise go to passengers. In that respect, the XC90 is still worthy of consideration, even if it is starting to feel like a posh, elderly relative who wears trendy clothes. How we tested I was invited to be a judge at Germany's Car of the Year awards, where the new Volvo XC90 was available to test. I drove it around town, on country lanes and on the autobahn, while giving the on-board tech a thorough workout. I've lived with an XC90 in the past so have a strong knowledge of the space on offer, which hasn't changed in this updated model. Volvo XC90: From £72,760, Independent rating: 6/10 Pros Luxury feel, space for seven Cons Showing its age, tech upgrade looks old-fashioned, jiggly ride Volvo XC90 specs Price range £72,760 to £84,260 Battery size 19kWh Maximum EV range 44 miles Engine 2.0-litre petrol Claimed battery & engine range 541 miles Battery, range, charging, performance and drive Even though the average person drives less than 20 miles a day, an EV-only range from a plug-in hybrid SUV of up to 44 miles feels a bit old school. The Volvo's 2.0 litre engine is apparently good for over 497 miles, plus the 44 from petrol power, giving an overall 217mpg on the official WLTP tests. The 19kWh battery takes about three hours to charge from your home 7kW charger. Volvo gives the plug-in hybrid version of the XC90 the T8 moniker, which used to mean something sporty in Volvo parlance. And sure enough, with the electric motor and petrol engine working together, powering all four wheels, the big SUV can get from 0-62mph in 5.4 seconds. However, while there's impressive silence when the electric motor is doing its stuff – extra sound-deadening material has helped – the four-cylinder engine doesn't sound particularly nice and there's a bit of a jolt as it kicks into action. The gearbox is beautifully smooth when switching ratios, though. Volvo has tweaked the air suspension that's available in all but the entry-level Core model. It lowers to help with access or aerodynamics and then rises again should you wish to take your XC90 off road. But the ride can feel a little fidgety at times, and the noise from the tyres and suspension spoils the otherwise soothing interior. Volvo does lovely interiors. The latest XC90 has had a thorough makeover with more storage, posher materials, more recycled stuff and some tasteful ambient lighting. It's as lovely as it ever was, with only one rather important element letting it down: the ugly touchscreen. The build quality is impressive, the seats are super-comfortable and there's still decent space in rows two and three, with reasonable access for whoever has to clamber into the back row. If any company knows a thing or two about going to Ikea it should be Volvo, and rest assured that the XC90 is brilliantly practical. Even with all seats in place there's still a reasonable 298 litres of space (about as much as in a supermini) for some shopping or squashy bags, with a handy pop-up panel with stretchy straps for keeping things in place. Fold the back seats into the floor (the headrests handily pop out of the way automatically) and there's a whopping 977 litres of space, while tucking away all five rear seats leaves a nice flat floor and 1,941 litres of room. Possibly more important for the flat-pack lovers amongst us is the maximum 1,903mm of length from the back of the front seats to the tailgate. The XC90's 10-year-old platform was always going to be a struggle to update with the very latest tech, but Volvo has had a go. The old 9in integrated touchscreen has been replaced by an 11in unit that stands proud of the dash. It looks a bit slapped on. For all we know the old one could still be there behind it. Worse than that, it's a cheap-looking item that looks like Volvo's Chinese owners have sourced it from Temu. It's thicker than you'd expect, both from a side-on view and front-on – it's a shame the screen doesn't extend right to the edges with a classy metallic bezel that would fit in with the rest of the car. It looks very after-market. The software, at least, is up to date, running the same system as newer Volvo models, so it's Google-powered with a choice of apps, a contextual bar that runs along the bottom with fast buttons with improved usability. And it will continue improving with over-the-air updates. There's still the option of an excellent Bowers & Wilkins audio system, but even that isn't as up to date as the system in the EX90 – there's no Dolby Atmos option, for example. You'd expect safety tech to be top-notch and it is, although again the tech isn't the most advanced that Volvo offers – there are radar and cameras that help to keep you safe, but not the EX90's lidar system and the advanced tech that brings. Prices and running costs You're not exactly flush with choice when it comes to plug-in hybrid SUVs that offer seven seats. In fact, it's pretty much the Volvo XC90 or one of the Korean twins, the Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento. Even the seven-seat Volkswagen Tayron loses the seven-seat option when you go for the PHEV model. Up against those two, the starting price of the Volvo looks steep, but it will actually go further and the Volvo is a different class of car when it comes to style and build quality. How running costs stack up depends on how often you plug it in. With a low rate EV tariff you could slash running costs, while the low CO2 output will help when it comes to taxation as well. Volvo XC90 rivals Hyundai Santa Fe Kia Sorrento Kia EV9 FAQs How long does it take to charge? The XC90's 19kWh battery should take around three hours to charge from a 7kW home charger. How much does it cost - is it worth it? You'll probably want to avoid the £72,760 Core model and at least go for the £77,760 Plus car to get air suspension. There are also Plus Pro at £80,510 and Ultra at £84,260 models. Does Volvo replace batteries for free? There's eight years or 100,000 mile cover for the hybrid battery pack, with a three year or 60,000 mile warranty on the rest of the car. Why trust us Our team of motoring experts have decades of experience driving, reviewing and reporting on the latest EV cars, and our verdicts are reached with every kind of driver in mind. We thoroughly test drive every car we recommend, so you can be sure our verdicts are honest, unbiased and authentic. The verdict: Volvo XC90 The most amazing thing about the XC90 is that – ten years into its life – it's still one of the most handsome full-size SUVs you can buy, with a real luxury feel inside. Sadly, the plug-in hybrid tech is behind the times, as is the updated touchscreen and the ride comfort. But there aren't that many seven-seat plug-in hybrids you can buy.
Auto Blog
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Why Are Automakers Removing Center Console Armrests From Sports Cars?
The 'center console delete' seems to be spreading throughout the industry. Is there any real benefit to it, or is it just to save on production? 'Oh, of all the cheap, lousy ways to save a buck' It's true what they say, 'You don't know what you got until it's gone.' As automotive enthusiasts, we've grown to appreciate how high-tech modern cars are. Unless you're looking at the base model and very utilitarian 2025 Jeep Gladiator, there's no such thing as a car without power windows, ABS, or a touch screen. They're all vast improvements compared to the cars we all drove in high school. However, one thing I never thought I'd miss was the center console. Many of the new cars I drove to review, like the 2025 Toyota Corolla GR and the 2025 Subaru WRX tS, shocked me when I tried to rest my elbow on… Nothing. Where there's typically a place for my elbow was a flat, plastic surface on the floor. Suddenly, I found myself mourning the loss of something I never truly appreciated since I got my license almost 20 years ago. I was too distracted by the blue accenting to notice the wimpy 'armrest' — Source: Kristen Brown It was difficult for me to understand, especially since a center console has so many unappreciated benefits, like added storage space, a place to rest your arm to avoid soreness on a long drive, and a complete aesthetic. I found myself quoting Helen Shirley from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation: 'Oh, of all the cheap, lousy ways to save a buck.' So, I decided to dig a little deeper to see if there were any real benefits to what the industry calls the 'center console delete,' or if major automakers are pulling a Frank Shirley. So far, I've only found four possible benefits. Some say it improves overall passenger space and visibility Believe it or not, there are a large number of people who are removing the center console from their cars. A center console for some makes the interior feel more crowded, so they remove the center console and replace it with an aftermarket trim piece to complete the look. Members of the Mazda Miata Club on Facebook say a center console delete makes the interior feel more 'British' and helps the small interior feel a little bigger. Look closely at the center console—it doesn't allow for more visibility, in my opinion — Source: Kristen Brown Marketing jargon for new cars reads as though deleting a center console improves the overall comfort for the rear passengers by opening up the interior for them, as if seeing over the center console was such a comfort-sucking feat. A center console delete reportedly increases legroom for the rear passengers, though that would only make sense in cars or SUVs with massive center consoles, like the Toyota Sienna, which can have a beverage cooler attached to it. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Others report that removing cargo space actually increases cargo space I'm not sure I follow this one, but some cars, mainly SUVs and EVs, are removing the storage space under the armrest of the center console (without removing the armrest altogether) and substituting it for open cargo shelves. This is great if you regularly carry larger items that need homes, like purses, briefcases, or camera gear (speaking from experience), as having the sides, front, or back open helps give bulky items a secure place without being in the trunk or taking up cargo space for rear passengers. However, without a proper cover, those items are definitely not safe from curious eyes. So, you'd have to put those items, which are there for convenience, in the trunk to avoid being burglarized. Source: Kristen Brown Cargo shelves can also help keep rear passengers organized, too. There are some cars, like the Hyundai IONIQ 5, that have an opening in the back of the center storage unit, so rear passengers can place items there, too. It's not much, but it does give them more storage options than the cubby holes in the door. Shelves like that do technically increase overall cargo space, as shelves are bigger and can store more items than the traditional cargo cave under the armrest. However, a lack of security makes it difficult for those who can't park their car in a safe place, like a garage. With a center storage cavity under the armrest, there are plenty of aftermarket options to make them lockable—I have one in my Jeep and love it. You can't do that with storage shelving. Sports cars with manual transmissions are more 'shifting-focused' Those who have driven a manual car daily can confirm that hitting your elbow on the armrest mid-shift is mildly annoying. However, after a while of daily driving, you get used to it. Muscle memory takes over, and you learn how to move your arm in such a way that you don't hit your elbow. When a drink is one of the cupholders, especially a tall one, accommodating for your drink while shifting can be annoying, too. This is another argument for deleting the center console, and while I understand it's frustrating sometimes, I don't think it justifies removing it completely. For instance, when I reviewed the 2025 Subaru WRX tS, I drove it 5.5 hours from Vancouver, Washington, to Bend, Oregon. Not having a place for my elbow made my right arm sore, and not having a place for my water bottle or energy drink made it easier to shift, yes—but it made it more of a [literal] pain to drive, especially for such a long distance. Therefore, the WRX, which is a fantastic daily driver, isn't great for long distances. You can buy a center console extender for it, but be prepared to spend $210. Does a center console delete translate to more space to shift comfortably? Yes! For a race car. Not for a regular driver or for long-distance driving. Of course, a lack of a center console armrest saves on production Here's where Helen Shirley comes in, as removing the center console armrest saves on production costs, especially for mass-produced cars. Automakers claim that cars have 'limited interior space,' despite cars becoming larger and wider with each model year, and deleting the center console armrest helps the 'small' interior feel bigger. By saving on production, companies argue that they're able to make vehicles more affordable for customers. The two I've driven that don't have center console armrests, the Corolla GR and the Subaru WRX tS, are both close to $50,000. For that much money, I'd want to be able to drive it daily, so put a dang armrest in it. 2012 Acura TL SH-AWD center console Some say that in a side-impact crash, a center console can interfere with the deployment of airbags. I don't buy that argument either, since there are plenty of NHTSA and IIHS Top Safety Picks that have center console armrests in them. So, instead of just saying, 'We're omitting the center console armrest because it makes our CEOs more money and all this marketing mambo-jumbo is just to make you feel like not having one is smarter so you don't question anything,' automakers argue it's more attractive, safer, and more comfortable not to have one. After that nearly six-hour drive in the new WRX, I'm here to tell you—they're all wrong. Final thoughts Don't fall for it. Seriously. Unless the car you're buying is made specifically for the track and you have zero plans to drive it more than a few miles every day, the lack of a place to put your arm created more problems than I realized. When I had the Toyota Corolla GR, I didn't do any long drives. The most I drove was 10 miles in a day, and that was because I was testing the cargo space with a Costco trip. That was fine, but that drive across state lines felt so much longer than five hours. I was incredibly disappointed that a car that was a few thousand short of $50,000 with a premium Harmon Kardon stereo, plush Recaro seats, a large and beautiful touch screen, and crazy cool drive modes didn't have an armrest. I would have rather sacrificed something like the Alcantara on the A-pillars or used a lower-resolution screen than not have a place to rest my arm on long drives. About the Author Kristen Brown View Profile
Edmunds
03-06-2025
- Automotive
- Edmunds
2024 Lexus GX 550 Road Trip Review: 1,000 Miles of Comfort and Annoying Driver Tech
The rest of it Fuel economy was disappointing considering the amount of time spent on the highway. On this trip, we achieved the best average to date: 19.7 mpg. Remember, the GX is rated at 17 mpg combined (15 city/21 highway). The turning radius was amazing. I could flip a U-turn on most residential streets in my area. This must help a lot with maneuvering off-road, but I kept on pavement this time. That said, our team will be sure to bring the Overtail off-road over the course of our yearlong test. The pop-out cargo area window was a feature I didn't realize I needed until I had it. Three one-gallon jugs of water got pinned against the cargo hatch door when I wasn't looking. Had I not opened the window first for a peek, it could've been trouble when I opened the hatch door. I should add that at 6 feet tall, the window is a perfect height for me. I could see it being less useful for shorter humans. Finally, two oddities. First, I was in a drive-thru and the front proximity sensor chimed an alert, then stopped, then repeated five or six times. The distance shouldn't have triggered the sensor to begin with, and considering that the car was stationary during the freakout left me scratching my head. Second, there was a water drainage quirk. The GX roof drainage rail lines up in such a way that, when I opened the rear door and reached inside, a stream of cold morning dew dripped down the back of my neck. When I wasn't blocking its path, the water flowed right onto the carpet. That shouldn't happen.
Auto Express
31-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Express
Car Hunter: Help! I need a premium two-door coupe for £25,000
Dear Auto Express, I'm looking for a comfortable, sleek two-door coupe with a £25,000 budget. What are my options? - Peter Asher, via E-mail The best two-door coupes offer classier looks and keener driving dynamics than saloon counterparts, while retaining an even spread of abilities. With the Audi A5, the German brand gave the sensible A4 saloon some flair thanks to an attractive two-door body. The Mk1 A5 was an instant hit on the design front, and the second-gen model was even more striking. Advertisement - Article continues below The Mercedes E-Class Coupe is arguably more appealing to look at; it distinguishes itself from the saloon with a svelte profile and a different rear-end treatment, plus it offers a compliant suspension set-up and strong GT credentials. BMW designed the Mk1 4 Series with driving enthusiasts in mind. Lower, squatter and more athletic than a 3 Series, it has the firm's absorbing rear-drive handling, with a great choice of engines available. These are three classy contenders, then, but which one makes the best used buy? For: Strong engines, slick gearbox, high-quality interior Against: Boring to drive, doesn't feel particularly special The second-generation Audi A5 is very much a sharper, modern rendition of the 2007 original, and that's no bad thing. It may not be a show-stopping design, but the A5 looks just as crisp as its rivals here. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below It's no firecracker to drive, but is pleasant and refined thanks to its MLB Evo architecture. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is snappy and responsive, and coupled with a solid range of engines, the A5 is a relaxed cruiser. You can bag a facelifted 2022 20,000-mile A5 Coupe, with a 204bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine for aroud £22,700. Like the exterior, the A5's cabin is attractive and subdued, rather than overly stylish. The quality is exceptional, though, and the materials are first-rate. While the overall design will be familiar to A4 owners, the low-slung, sportier driving position will not. Audi's Virtual Cockpit digital dashboard and slick 10.1-inch MMI infotainment system feel thoroughly modern, too. Advertisement - Article continues below Access to the rear seats isn't the easiest, yet they're roomier than you might expect for a coupe, and the boot is just 15 litres smaller than the A4 saloon's. At 450 litres, it's also a significant 50 litres larger than the C-Class Coupe's load bay. Used Audi A5 deals For: Elegant looks, soft ride, easy access to rear seats Against: Numb steering, clunky infotainment set-up Mercedes is known for upmarket, classy styling and cruising comfort, and these qualities have been distilled in the Mercedes E-Class Coupe. With curvier surfacing, chrome details and a tapered rear, it's a more adventurous design than the Audi. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below The driving experience is laid-back; it has a pliant ride and smoothes poor surfaces well, although the lifeless steering is a letdown. But the nine-speed automatic gearbox is smooth, while its short ratios offer strong in-gear punch. A 2019 27,400-mile 194bhp E220d, with a 0-62mph time of 7.4 seconds, is within budget at around £24,000. The E-Class's interior is just as stylish as the exterior, with a swooping dash architecture, metal switchgear and lavish detailing throughout: the speakers for the optional Burmester stereo are a particular highlight. However, look more closely and the material quality isn't quite as consistent as its rivals', and the tech is ever so slightly off the pace. Advertisement - Article continues below Mercedes' COMAND infotainment is cumbersome compared to those on the rival cars and standard kit isn't as generous as the Audi. It also has a smaller 400-litre boot, but overall cabin space is reasonable and the rear seats are easy to access thanks to the long doors and a relatively high roofline. Used Mercedes E-Class Coupe deals For: Sporty drive, sleek styling, strong engines Against: Uninspiring cabin, lacks latest tech The first-gen BMW 4 Series may look broadly similar to the 3 Series on which it's based, but tweaks such as a wider stance and resculpted body panels give it much more presence. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below On the road, its well tuned rear-drive chassis is the most rewarding of this trio, with taut body control and direct steering encouraging the driver to get stuck in. The 4 Series isn't as cosseting as the C-Class over broken surfaces, but it isn't uncomfortable, either. For £21,500, you can buy a first-gen 2020 420d with 187bhp and 13,000 miles on the clock. The 2.0-litre diesel engine achieves around 50mpg. While the 4 Series might be the most engaging car here from behind the steering wheel, the interior isn't particularly inspiring. The 4 Series makes do with a dull design and black plastic switchgear that doesn't have the same sense of occasion. It's very well built, but lacks the opulence of its competitors from Audi and Mercedes. BMW's iDrive infotainment system is the most intuitive of the three, though, despite lacking some of the modern technology that is fitted to the Audi. The rear seats are usable for most adults, despite the car's swooping silhouette, and the boot capacity is definitely competitive, at a reasonable 445 litres. Used BMW 4 Series deals Now you can buy a car through our network of top dealers around the UK. 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