Latest news with #offroading
Auto Blog
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Subaru Launches Attractive Outback Lease Deal for July
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. A family-friendly wagon with trail-ready chops The 2025 Subaru Outback is the last year for the sixth generation before it gets turned into a larger, boxier SUV rather than a tall wagon. It's the look many have come to love since station wagons, as we know them, are a dying breed. The current Outback comfortably seats five and comes with Subaru's standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system that provides four-season traction and mild off-roading capability regardless of model or trim level. The Outback slots between the newly redesigned Forester and the three-row Ascent SUV. It's also the brand's second-best-selling model, second only to the Forester. 2023 Subaru Outback — Source: Subaru The Outback received a facelift in 2023, giving the lineup a more rugged appearance. Inspired by its own off-road leaning Wilderness trim, the Outback lineup added more black cladding and fender trim to bolster its tall wagon look. The Outback nicely toes the line between comfortable road manners and decent off-road prowess, which tends to elude most wagons. Its strengths lie with family hauling and solid cargo capacity, and it does so with a rugged attitude that draws customers back to it generation after generation. It's also an IIHS Top Safety Pick. The Outback's major competitors are the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and the Hyundai Santa Fe, none of which have the Outback's wagon silhouette or off-road ability. On top of that, Subaru is offering a very attractive lease deal for the month of July. 2025 Subaru Outback lease deal for July 2025 Subaru Outback — Source: Steven Paul Through July 31, 2025, you can lease a new 2025 Outback Base for just $275/month on a 36-month lease. There's $0 security deposit and $4,274 due at lease signing, plus tax & license. The mileage limit is 10,000 miles per year with a $300 disposition fee at the end of the lease term, except in New York and Wisconsin. The offer is not available in Hawaii. This special lease rate is extended to well-qualified buyers and is subject to credit & vehicle insurance approval. Excludes tax, license, title, registration, insurance, additional options, & dealer charges. Learn more here. 2025 Subaru Outback Base feature highlights 2024 Subaru Outback — Source: Subaru The base engine for the Subaru Outback is a 182-horsepower naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive. Standard features for the Base trim include steering-responsive LED headlights, automatic wiper-linked headlights, raised roof rails, EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, advanced adaptive cruise control, automatic climate control, and a dual 7-inch screen infotainment system. 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. 2023 Subaru Outback — Source: Subaru The Outback Base might not have the high-end appointments of the higher trims, but the interior of the Outback is a spacious one, including a total of 109 cubic feet of passenger space and 39.4 inches of second-row legroom. Everything is laid out well, and the Base trim even gets an extra row of physical buttons for infotainment, unlike the on-screen versions on the other trims. Cargo space is a generous 32.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 75.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat. Total cargo volume even exceeds the new Toyota RAV4 and comes very close to the big Honda CR-V. Final thoughts The 2025 Subaru Outback is one of the most unique crossovers in the industry because it retains a station wagon aesthetic where others have gone boxier, just as the Outback will do when its seventh generation arrives next year. It's a capable, roomy, and truly safe crossover that also offers the benefit of standard all-wheel drive and a remarkably smooth ride. The very affordable monthly lease payment makes it even more attractive in the month of July. Before signing the lease agreement, be aware of the costs due at signing, including taxes and registration fees, etc. *Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. The information presented herein is based on manufacturer-provided lease offer information, which is subject to frequent change and may vary based on location, creditworthiness, and other factors. We are not a party to any lease agreements and assume no liability for the terms, conditions, availability, or accuracy of any lease offers mentioned. All terms, including but not limited to pricing, mileage allowances, and residual values, require direct verification with an authorized local OEM dealership. This article does not constitute financial advice or an endorsement of any particular lease or vehicle. About the Author Amos Kwon View Profile
Auto Blog
15-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
New Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake Arrives With Starry Roof And Impressive Range
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. View post: Do You Have to Be an Off-Roader to Daily a 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro? My Thoughts After Reviewing It New CLA wagon may be forbidden fruit in the USA After revealing the all-new CLA earlier this year, Mercedes-Benz has now taken the covers off the new CLA Shooting Brake with EQ Technology. Not only is it the first Mercedes Shooting Brake model running on electric power alone, but this version of the new CLA should offer more space than the normal model. A small, electric wagon is not necessarily a recipe for success in today's automotive climate, but in a shrinking wagon market, we're just happy Mercedes has decided to invest in such a car. Let's get into all the details of the new CLA Shooting Brake. Exterior: Familiar Face, Stretched Profile The CLA Shooting Brake shares the regular model's new face, which features a big Mercedes star in a glossy panel that replaces a traditional grille. This panel includes no less than 142 LED stars with illumination. Above this, there are sleek headlights connected by a light bar. It's bold, but we wouldn't call this the car's prettiest angle. The elongated roofline completely transforms the car's profile, sloping back quite dramatically as it leads into the curvy rear end, which also has taillights linked by a full-width light bar. Interestingly, despite the CLA being considered a subcompact model in the U.S., this new Shooting Brake measures 185.9 inches in length, which is 0.2 inches longer than the compact GLC crossover. In every dimension, the new CLA is larger than its predecessor. Larger cut-outs for the rear doors are claimed to improve access to the back seats. Interior: Displays Galore And High-Tech Pano Roof C Mercedes has crammed as much technology as possible into the cabin of the new CLA Shooting Brake. Fully specified, it comes with a 10.25-inch driver's display, a 14-inch center touchscreen, and another 14-inch screen for the front-seat passenger. This becomes the second model from the brand to use the new system with features like artificial intelligence from Google and Microsoft. 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. A wide range of materials and colors are available, with customers able to choose from Artico man-made leather/fabric in shades like Ivory Beige or Beech Brown. For the new steering wheel, more user-friendly roller and rocker switches have made a comeback, which Mercedes says is based on customer feedback. Source: Mercedes A highlight of the interior is the larger, switchable panoramic roof. A new transparency function is available for a clear or opaque view, while also offering sunlight protection. The roof can also be illuminated by a starry sky, with 158 stars integrated into the glass surface. Don't worry, Rolls-Royce fans: The Mercedes starry roof doesn't look nearly as intricate and magical as the Starlight Headliner found in cars like the Ghost sedan. Interior space is a mixed bag. Front legroom is better than its predecessor, but rear-seat space is down, and the trunk has reduced in size by over 1 cubic foot. To compensate somewhat, the new electric underpinnings allow for a frunk, which measures 3.6 cubic feet in this case. Performance: Up To 349 HP And 473 Miles Of Range Source: Mercedes The CLA Shooting Brake lineup starts with the 250+ variant, which produces 268 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque, allowing for a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) sprint time of 6.8 seconds. Above this is the 350 4Matic model with dual motors, which makes 349 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque, reducing the sprint time to five seconds. Based on the WLTP cycle, the range on a full charge works out to 473 miles for the CLA 250 and 453 miles for the CLA 350. The comparable EPA ratings won't be as high as those figures. While only two electric models are available initially, a hybrid version will arrive early next year. This has an electric motor integrated into the transmission, and it's possible for it to drive at city speeds on electric power alone. There's no word on whether the new CLA Shooting Brake will make it to North America, but the previous model was not sold here, so it looks unlikely that this will change, especially given this market's preference for crossovers. Pricing will only be shared at a later stage. About the Author Karl Furlong View Profile
Auto Car
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Car
The electric Range Rover is almost here! But we've already taken it off road...
The Range Rover Electric's 542bhp of peak power isn't likely to cause too many heightened expectations in this department. We have so far only driven the car below 20mph, on a mix of single-track sealed roads and forest tracks; so impressions about on-road performance and drivability will come later. And as far as offroading goes; Eastnor's tracks were mostly dry on the day of our test, so didn't present the challenge to this car's outright traction and torque-vectoring capacities that they might have on a soggy December afternoon. But a cakewalk, they certainly ain't. In places they climb and descend slippery gradients of more than 25 degrees, as well as twisting and turning around gulleys, and over rocks and ridges. And yet the unflappable calmness with which the Range Rover Electric can simply ease itself up, down, over and around everything before it inspires incredible confidence in its capabilities. Nothing seems to phase it. Nothing requires the merest run up, or suck-it-and-see hurried stab of power. It sniffs out traction bit by bit, like a mountain goatherd who's rehearsed every step; and without any need to worry about keeping engine revs from bogging down, momentum from dying, or wheels from spinning away fruitlessly. Without an asymmetrical motor layout, the car vectors torque in offroad situations via open diffs and brake interventions, using specially developed Terrain Response traction control software adapted for the torque of electric motors. 'We can control a slipping wheel about a hundred times faster than in the standard car,' says Fairbrother. The difference that makes to the Range Rover's offroad capability is remarkable; and, in tandem with an apparent dearth of effort expended in what it's doing caused by the lack of any revving engine, it makes for an air of assurance that suits a Range Rover quite brilliantly. As well as being superbly quiet and calm when running on asphalt, there's a serene composure about this car even at the toughest of moments. So accessible is the car's torque, and so fine and effective its electronic governance, that you seldom need more than 40- or 50 per cent throttle to ease gently over the biggest roots, or out of deep ruts. The loudest noises you'll hear will likely be water sloshing past the wheels, gravel crunching under the tyres, and the background hum of the air conditioning.
Auto Blog
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
I Drove the Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT: Here's the Real Verdict
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Off-roady EVs have arrived I spent a week with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT, putting it through real-world conditions, including daily errands, highway road trips, urban commutes, and even some light off-roading. Hyundai markets the XRT as more than just a stylish EV; it hints at a lifestyle of adventure, utility, and futuristic practicality. But does this rugged trim level actually deliver on its outdoorsy promises? Here's what I discovered beyond the spec sheet. 0:14 / 0:15 Skip Ad 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT — Source: Hyundai Powertrain and performance The XRT is powered by dual permanent-magnet synchronous AC motors, delivering a combined 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque (133 hp front / 221 hp rear). According to Hyundai, it does 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, which I found entirely believable. This thing moves. It's backed by an 84 kWh long-range battery, offering a max range of around 259 miles. That's a bit lower than the standard AWD Ioniq 5 due to the higher ride height (+0.9″) and chunky all-terrain tires. However, its 800V architecture allows rapid DC fast charging at up to 350 kW, which can take it from 10% to 80% in about 20 minutes. It now includes the NACS (Tesla Supercharger) port, which is a game-changer for public charging. If an NACS charger is unavailable, you can also use CCS via an adapter. It can actually go off-road…a bit No, it's not a Jeep Wrangler, but the Ioniq 5 XRT does let you stray off the beaten path. Fire roads, trails, and sandy backroads are all in play, as long as you avoid serious rock crawling or mud bogging. Thanks to 7 inches of ground clearance and much-improved approach (19.8°) and departure (30°) angles, you get noticeably more off-road confidence compared to the standard Ioniq 5. 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. What really makes the XRT special are its three exclusive drive modes: Snow, Sand, and Mud. I tested 'Sand' mode on a beach trail, and it powered through with ease. The Continental CrossContact ATR all-terrain tires (mounted on 18-inch black wheels) chewed through loose dirt with surprising grip, and on pavement, they were quiet enough that I almost forgot they weren't road tires. The competition is heating up I've always had a soft spot for the Ioniq 5—frankly, I've considered buying a base model for L.A. commuting. I even drove one cross-country from California to Florida and back a few years ago, so I was eager to try the XRT version. That said, there's fierce competition emerging in the off-road-ish EV crossover space. The Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally is probably the most direct rival. It's louder, more aggressive, and clearly built for fast, rally-style dirt fun. While both hover around $57,000, the Ford has more of a wild-child personality, whereas the Hyundai feels more composed and practical. Then there's the upcoming Chevy Equinox EV eAWD, Volkswagen ID.4 AWD Pro S, and 2026 Subaru Solterra, all of which could give the XRT some serious heat with more power, more range, or sharper pricing. Final thoughts The Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT is a well-executed, capable EV with a touch of rugged flair, but if I'm being honest, I wish it looked tougher. The 'digital camo' trim is interesting, but not aggressive. A brighter paint palette, more distinctive wheels, or even a bolder interior theme would have gone a long way. Still, it's hard to ignore how polished the package is. It's fast, practical, reasonably off-road capable, and backed by Hyundai's proven EV platform. It may not scream 'overland warrior,' but it's a sweet ride with real daily-driver versatility and a genuine sense of adventure.
The Independent
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Independent
Spartan EV 2.0 review: Can you go off-road in an EV? Yes, you can
When off-roading in the unspoilt countryside, doesn't it make sense to want to drive a zero-emissions 4x4? Strange, then, that there isn't a whole heap of them to choose from. In that respect, the Spartan EV 2.0 is well worth a look. It's an interesting car with international DNA. Using an Indian-built 4x4 as its base, it's imported without its engine and gearbox into the Czech Republic by MW Motors, owned by Irish entrepreneur Maurice Ward (hence the MW), and converted into a proper EV using Chinese-made battery tech. Much of the original car's 4x4 gubbins remain, including front and low and high-ratio settings plus front and rear differential locks, so the specs are those of a proper off-roader. And sure enough, we took the Spartan over a pretty serious off-road track for some muddy fun – and it acquitted itself well. The interior is a bit, well, spartan, but there are enough niceties in there. If you want more than four seats in the long-wheelbase car, you can get two more in the boot that you have to access through the boot door. The same applies if you want four seats in the short-wheelbase model. Quirks aside, the Spartan rumbles along okay on country lanes and around town – better than some other serious 4x4s. But the sticking point is the price. If you're an eco-minded business needing a 4x4 workhorse, avoiding the VAT makes the Spartan look like a reasonable bet. Adding 20 per cent on for non-business buyers makes it look a bit pricey. That said, you can have an MG Cyberster for similar money, and while the MG isn't the greatest track day car, you can have as much fun off-road in a Spartan than you might have on a track day. And a trip down a picturesque green lane is free fun – you can't say that about a race track. How we tested We were given exclusive access to the Spartan EV on the muddy ruts and hills through the trees at Surrey 4x4 Tours & Training near Aldershot in Hampshire. As well as testing the Spartan off-road, we also took to nearby roads to test its on-road ability, while checking out everything else that's important to off-roader buyers. Spartan EV 2.0: From £58,294, Independent rating: 7/10 Pros: Excellent off-road ability, reasonable on-road manners, good fun Cons: The Spartan name applies to the interior, odd seating layout,order times, pricey with VAT Spartan EV 2.0 specs Price range: £58,294 to £64,206 Battery size: 61kWh Maximum claimed range:150 miles Miles per kWh: 2.53 Maximum charging rate: 90kW Battery, range, charging, performance and drive Whether you go for the three-door short-wheelbase Spartan or the five-door long-wheelbase model that we drove, you get the same 61kWh battery. The smaller car claims a range of 150 miles. That drops to 142 miles for the five-door model. Both cars get DC fast-charging at up to 90kW on a suitable charger, giving a 20 to 80 per cent charge in 36 minutes. You'll be surprised how well that range lasts when you're off-roading. EVs are always at their best when tackling slower jobs – a motorway is not their preferred home – and that's the case with the Spartan. The brick-like aerodynamics and hefty weight will mean frequent stops if you've long distances to cover. But for a day's off-roading you'll probably have enough charge, while local runarounds will mean less frequent charging, too. Driving this EV off road is not like a petrol or diesel off-roader. For starters, the car won't just trundle on on tickover – you have to tickle the throttle a bit to tease the car forwards, then it's the usual balancing act with the power feeding in gently, or more abruptly, as the off-road conditions demand. There's also none of the natural engine braking that gives a petrol or diesel off-roader its control as you move downhill. Instead, there's an electronic hill descent control that works with the electric motor to limit downhill speed to as little as 1mph. Then there's the steering, which is a more direct rack-and-pinion system than the traditional off-roading recirculating ball steering. It not overly reactive off-road, but the real benefit is on-road where there'll be less arm twirling. And when you are on-road, the suspension is surprisingly compliant. It's clear that you're in a car focused on rougher stuff, but it's calm enough to be used around town, with acceleration that's not exactly sprightly but quick enough. The combination of the clever hill descent control tech and slick automatic gear selector with a more traditional lever that needs some heft to move through high and low-ratio settings is a little odd, but should please traditionalists. As will the levers that need similar brute force to lock the front or rear diffs to give you extra traction if the going gets really slippery. With the batteries under the bonnet, there's no worries of huge expense from repairs if you clatter the underside of the car. It's as solid as you'd expect and there's good ground clearance and excellent grip, although our car was on proper off-road rubber. And yes, an EV can go through water – the Spartan has a wading depth of 700mm. The difference in behaviour of an all-electric off-roader doesn't take much getting used to and you soon get into the swing of off-roading without the familiar rumbles and growls that you get with an internal combustion engine under the bonnet. You hear plenty of electronic clicks and whines, but it all adds to the fun of what is a very capable bit of off-roading kit. Interior, practicality and boot space Spartan by name, spartan by nature. There are plenty of hard, cheap-feeling plastics inside the EV 2.0, but they feel in keeping with the car and are at least easy to wipe clean. Quality seems good though, with no squeaks or rattles that we could detect, other than those coming from our passenger as we went off road. The front seats are comfortable, the driving position is good and there's space for odds and ends behind and around the various levers in between the front seats. If you want rear seats in the three-door car you can only get two and you have to access them through the side-opening boot door. It's the same if you want five or six seats in the five-door car – they'll live in the boot as the standard model comes with four captain's chairs. At least climbing in through the back will add to the fun, if not make it especially easy for the less able. There's decent boot space without rear seats fitted, with 1,718 litres of room in the three-door car, rising to a huge 2,597 litres in the five-door model – with lots of height for luggage and people. It's a super-spacious car with a good view out, too. The square corners with G-Class-style lights on top of the front wings help you to place the car through trees or traffic. Technology, stereo and infotainment Let's be honest, this isn't the most high-tech EV you'll drive, although some of the clever off-roading tech we've mentioned is pretty impressive. Inside, there's an 8in touchscreen which will come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, then there's an old-school kit count which boasts air-con, electric windows, rear parking sensors and central locking. You can choose to get a vehicle-to-load adaptor, too, which will help power three-pin accessories if you take your Spartan off camping in the wilderness, but other than a roof rack and ladder, there are none of the fancy tent options you can get with some off-roaders these days. Prices and running costs The price is the biggest sticking point for a vehicle that looks and feels cheap in places, even if the off-road ability is impressive. If you've got an eco-friendly business that needs to access places normal cars won't reach, then the Spartan makes sense with pre-VAT prices of £48,995 for the three-door and £53,505. Adding VAT takes the more family-friendly five door up to a whopping £64,206. Much as we like the Spartan EV 2.0, that's a difficult price to justify. As you'd expect, running costs will be on the higher side, with efficiency of 2.53 miles per kWh on a good day, although you might say that's the price of having fun amongst nature. Playing with the Spartan configurator on its website reveals a choice of just four colours: a no-cost white or metallic red, and green or black for an extra £399 whether you go for the three- or five-door car. If you do fancy a Spartan, be aware that MW Motors doesn't hold stock in the UK and a factory order might take up to six months to arrive. Spartan EV 2.0 rivals FAQs How long does it take to charge? Both cars support DC fast-charging up to 90kW on a suitable charger, allowing for a 20 to 80 percent charge in 36 minutes. How much does it cost - is it worth it? The high price is a major concern for a vehicle that seems cheaply made, despite its robust off-road capabilities. For eco-friendly businesses needing access to remote areas, the Spartan is practical with pre-VAT prices of £48,995 for the three-door and £53,505. 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: Spartan EV 2.0 The Spartan EV 2.0 is a double-edged sword – it's as impressive off-road as other 4x4s with an engine, with the rugged looks and wipe-clean interior serious off-roaders need. It made me smile, but the price is steep, especially when VAT is added on, taking you into (non-EV admittedly, but serious 4x4) Ineos Grenadier territory.
