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Long-Term Review: 2025 Subaru Forester Sport Performance & Ownership

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Car and Driver's extensive 40,000-mile long-term evaluation of the 2025 Subaru Forester Sport underscores its identity as a practical, comfortable, and dependable compact SUV, albeit one that doesn't prioritize thrilling driving dynamics or advanced technological integration. Introduced with an appealing price point significantly below the market average for new vehicles, the Forester aimed to offer solid value. Over 17 months, the vehicle demonstrated consistent performance in daily commutes and extended road trips, proving its utility as a family hauler. However, testers frequently noted the slow response of its infotainment system and the modest power output from its 2.5-liter engine, which contrasted with its otherwise agreeable ride quality and practical interior design. Despite minor issues like a cracked windshield and brake wear, the Forester maintained a commendable record for reliability and low service costs, largely covered by warranty, making it a sensible choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking a steadfast companion.

When the 2025 Subaru Forester Sport joined the Car and Driver long-term fleet in early 2025, it stood out with an as-tested price of $37,730, significantly below the new vehicle average of $47,462 at the time. This affordability became even more pertinent as average transaction prices approached $50,000, reinforcing the team's objective to evaluate a car accessible to a broader economic spectrum. The sixth-generation Forester boasts an appealing aesthetic, particularly in its distinctive blue-and-bronze color scheme. Inside, the cabin impresses with quality materials and user-friendly physical controls, a welcome departure from the increasing trend of capacitive digital interfaces in the automotive industry.

Despite its practical strengths, the Forester's infotainment system was a persistent source of frustration. Testers frequently documented its sluggish responsiveness, especially when starting up in colder weather, often taking up to 10 seconds for initial inputs to register. This delay, though improving after a few minutes of driving, remained a constant irritant throughout the testing period. Similarly, the 2.5-liter flat-four engine, producing 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque via a continuously variable automatic transmission, drew criticism for its uninspiring acceleration. While it eventually improved slightly in 0-60 mph times compared to its hybrid counterpart, it remained one of the slower options in its segment.

A notable aspect of the Forester's long-term journey was a winter adventure to Eagle River, Wisconsin, for an ice driving course. This experience, undertaken at Ice Driving USA, allowed testers to explore the vehicle's capabilities on frozen surfaces. Initially, with standard Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 winter tires, the Forester performed surprisingly well, demonstrating a fun degree of rotation in slaloms and Scandi-flicks, even with partially enabled stability control. The experience took a dramatic turn on the second day with the installation of Lappi studded winter tires, each equipped with 520 studs. The enhanced grip transformed the Forester, making it feel exhilarating on ice, despite the stability control system slightly hampering true rally-car dynamics. This segment highlighted an unexpected and enjoyable facet of the Forester's character, particularly its sure-footedness in extreme winter conditions.

Back in regular driving conditions, staff logbook entries revealed ongoing minor complaints. Noise levels, particularly the "tin can" cabin acoustics and the "howl" from the Blizzak winter tires at highway speeds, were frequently mentioned. The precise steering was also a point of desired improvement. Additionally, the driver-assistance systems, specifically Subaru's EyeSight, drew criticism for incessant beeping warnings, particularly when adaptive cruise control was active or when straying slightly within a lane. Despite these grievances, the Forester consistently proved its reliability, with maintenance visits being routine and covered under Subaru's complimentary maintenance plan. A loose driver's-side door hinge, causing a creak, was easily fixed, and warped brake rotors were replaced under warranty after an ice driving incident, showcasing its generally dependable nature.

Throughout its evaluation, the 2025 Subaru Forester Sport emerged as a highly practical and reliable vehicle, ideal for everyday commuting, family duties, and light adventure. Its comfortable seating, excellent visibility, and compliant suspension system make it well-suited for varied road conditions, including rough pavement. While it may not offer an engaging driving experience or the most advanced infotainment technology, its consistent performance, spacious interior, and commendable long-term reliability underscore its value. The Forester's ability to handle diverse needs, from grocery runs to challenging winter terrains, confirms its position as a solid, if not thrilling, choice for those seeking a dependable and affordable SUV.

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2027 Infiniti QX65 vs. 2026 Genesis GV80 Coupe: A Detailed Comparison

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This analysis contrasts the 2027 Infiniti QX65 and the 2026 Genesis GV80 Coupe, two luxury SUVs vying for attention in a competitive market. The Infiniti distinguishes itself with a lower price, striking aesthetics, and generous standard features, including ample cargo space. Conversely, the Genesis offers a more upscale interior, seamless technology integration, refined driving dynamics, and superior comfort for those in the back. While the QX65 presents a compelling proposition for buyers specifically seeking a coupe-style SUV, the GV80 delivers a more comprehensive luxury experience, justifying its higher cost. The article aims to help potential buyers understand the nuances of each vehicle, considering both their visual appeal and functional attributes.

Ultimately, the Infiniti QX65 emerges as a surprisingly strong contender, transforming its familiar underpinnings into a truly unique vehicle. It retains practical cargo space and comes at a significantly lower price than the Genesis GV80 Coupe, making it a visually appealing option. The QX65’s impressive presence challenges the perception of what a luxury SUV can offer at its price point. However, the Genesis GV80 Coupe, especially with its robust 2.5T engine option, reinforces the idea that true luxury lies in meticulous engineering and consistent quality, not just surface-level appeal. The Genesis excels in delivering a cohesive and integrated luxury product, where every detail, from material quality to technological performance, aligns to create a superior ownership experience.

Design and Interior Excellence in Luxury SUVs

The 2027 Infiniti QX65 and 2026 Genesis GV80 Coupe captivate with their distinct design philosophies. The QX65, with its illuminated grille and sharp rear light bar, especially in its two-tone Emerald finish, makes a bold visual statement, evolving significantly from its QX60 lineage. It creates a fresh, independent identity that draws attention and inquiries. The Genesis GV80 Coupe, particularly in Prestige Black, exudes a more understated confidence, relying on its elegant proportions and dark aesthetics to signify its high-end status. While both SUVs garner positive reactions for their stylish exteriors, the Infiniti’s design represents a greater leap in visual innovation, offering a more exotic appeal that belies its price point.

Stepping inside, the Genesis GV80 Coupe truly sets itself apart. Its interior boasts quilted Nappa leather, open-pore ash wood, metallic accents, and glass switchgear, all contributing to a cohesive and high-quality environment. Every element feels meticulously crafted and integrated, from the soft-close doors to the precisely weighted controls, reinforcing a sense of genuine luxury. The QX65 Autograph’s cabin, while featuring semi-aniline leather, open-pore wood, and extensive ambient lighting, reveals some cost-saving compromises upon closer inspection, such as familiar Nissan-sourced buttons and less premium plastics on lower door panels. While the Infiniti’s ambient lighting attempts to distract from these details, the Genesis’s superior material quality and craftsmanship are evident even in broad daylight, delivering a more profound and consistent luxury experience.

Performance and Practicality: A Tale of Two Philosophies

The driving dynamics of the QX65 and GV80 Coupe offer contrasting experiences. The Infiniti QX65’s throttle response initially feels eager, yet its 268-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine and nine-speed automatic transmission struggle to maintain consistent performance. The transmission often seeks taller gears, disrupting the vehicle’s composure. The most comfortable driving experience in the QX65 is found in Eco mode, which smoothens the accelerator and shifts, allowing its competent suspension, steering, and noise insulation to shine. However, the drivetrain often interrupts this otherwise pleasant ride. Despite these issues, the QX65 boasts better fuel efficiency, averaging around 19.6 mpg, offering a practical advantage.

The Genesis GV80 Coupe, especially with its 409-horsepower twin-turbo V6 and 48-volt electric supercharger, provides an effortlessly powerful drive. While it might exhibit a slight surge at low speeds due to the combined power delivery, its highway acceleration is immediate, making overtaking maneuvers seamless. The eight-speed automatic transmission is generally well-calibrated, making intelligent decisions on its own. Despite its substantial 5,200-pound curb weight, which is noticeable during rapid transitions, the GV80 Coupe’s mass contributes to a solid, expensive-feeling ride. It excels as a grand tourer, offering excellent ride quality and effective noise suppression. In terms of practicality, the QX65 offers more cargo space with 35.8 cu-ft behind the second row and a maximum of 67.7 cu-ft, making it more accommodating for larger items like bicycles. Conversely, the GV80 Coupe prioritizes passenger comfort, providing noticeably more rear headroom and legroom (37.6 inches and 38.7 inches respectively), accommodating taller passengers more comfortably, despite having slightly less cargo volume.

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Maserati's Future: A Chinese-Tech Collaboration?

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Maserati, the iconic Italian luxury car manufacturer, finds itself at a pivotal juncture, reportedly exploring a transformative partnership with Chinese tech giant Huawei and automotive manufacturer JAC Motors. This strategic move by Stellantis, Maserati's parent company, signals a significant shift in the brand's approach to the rapidly evolving electric vehicle (EV) market. Facing intense global competition, financial challenges, and declining sales, Maserati is seeking to leverage external expertise in software and manufacturing to revitalize its product lineup and maintain relevance. This collaboration could see a substantial portion of Maserati's future EV technology, from intelligent software to production, originating from China, raising both opportunities for innovation and concerns about brand identity.

The potential alliance is centered on a dual-branding strategy. While future EVs might be sold under the Maextro label in the Chinese domestic market, a brand co-developed by Huawei and JAC, they would retain the prestigious Maserati nameplate internationally. This approach aims to maximize market penetration and share the enormous research and development costs associated with luxury electric vehicles. However, this raises critical questions about how Maserati will preserve its distinct Italian heritage and premium appeal if core technologies and manufacturing processes are outsourced. The balance between global expansion, cost efficiency, and maintaining brand integrity will be crucial for Maserati's long-term success and its standing within Stellantis' luxury portfolio.

The Strategic Pivot: Maserati Embraces Chinese Technology

Maserati, under the umbrella of Stellantis, is reportedly engaged in advanced discussions with Huawei, a prominent technology giant, and JAC Motors, a Chinese automotive manufacturer, for a comprehensive industrial partnership. This strategic shift is driven by the increasing challenges faced by the Italian luxury brand in the fiercely competitive global electric vehicle (EV) market. The brand has been grappling with considerable financial setbacks and a reduction in delivery volumes, necessitating a reevaluation of its conventional operational model. By pursuing international collaborations, Maserati aims to acquire cutting-edge software and advanced manufacturing capabilities essential for the development of its future product lines and the modernization of its esteemed heritage. This move underscores a significant departure from its long-standing tradition of independent innovation, highlighting the imperative to adapt to the high costs and rapid technological advancements in the EV sector.

This reorientation marks a notable change in strategy for the renowned automaker. Despite earlier indications that recent product introductions had begun to stabilize the brand, the aggressive nature of global competition has compelled a reconsideration of its autonomy. Stellantis' leadership acknowledges that the substantial investment required for software development and battery architecture necessitates collaboration with established technology partners. This approach is deemed vital for Maserati to remain competitive and relevant in the swiftly changing automotive landscape. The partnership with Huawei and JAC Motors is expected to provide Maserati with access to state-of-the-art digital ecosystems and advanced driver-assistance systems, while also leveraging JAC Motors' engineering and assembly expertise. Consequently, the forthcoming electric models could be largely based on architectures developed through this Sino-Italian collaboration, marking a new chapter for the brand's technological foundation.

Navigating Identity: Balancing Heritage with Global Collaboration

According to reports, the proposed agreement involves integrating Huawei's Harmony Intelligent Mobility software platform into Maserati's future vehicle architectures. This collaboration would see Huawei providing the digital ecosystem and advanced driver-assistance systems, while JAC Motors would be responsible for engineering and assembly logistics. This implies that the forthcoming electric models from Maserati could heavily rely on an architectural framework entirely developed by these Chinese technology and automotive entities. Furthermore, the negotiating parties are actively considering a distinctive dual-branding strategy. Vehicles produced under this joint venture might be marketed in the Chinese domestic market under the "Maextro" badge, a premium label co-created by Huawei and JAC, while retaining the iconic Maserati nameplate for international markets. This strategy is designed to maximize regional market penetration and distribute the immense research and development costs associated with luxury electric vehicles across multiple brands.

While the sharing of development costs with established international partners offers significant financial benefits, this reliance on foreign tech conglomerates presents a complex identity crisis for Maserati, a brand deeply rooted in Italian heritage. Consumers are drawn to Maserati vehicles for their distinctive driving dynamics and the rich historical lineage originating from Modena. If the underlying platform, battery architecture, and digital interface are primarily sourced externally, there is a risk of diluting the unique characteristics that justify Maserati's premium pricing. This structural transformation also underscores a broader vulnerability within Stellantis' premium portfolio. Should Maserati lose its distinctive identity through extensive platform sharing, it could become an attractive acquisition target. Notably, Chinese companies like BYD have previously expressed strong interest in acquiring established European luxury brands to bolster their global expansion efforts. Therefore, Stellantis faces the critical challenge of carefully balancing manufacturing efficiency and innovation with the imperative of preserving Maserati's esteemed brand integrity, to avoid inadvertently undermining the very legacy it seeks to safeguard.

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