Electric Cars

Experience Electrifying Performance with Enhanced Practicality: The 2025 Taycan Cross Turismo.

A Vision of Electrified Practicality: The Taycan Cross Turismo Unveiled

The concept of a high-performance electric station wagon might seem niche, but the 2025 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo masterfully fulfills this unique demand. While it shares core mechanics with its sedan counterpart, the Cross Turismo's extended roofline provides a distinctive aesthetic and increased functionality. This year's iteration benefits from substantial upgrades to its battery system, electric motors, and charging protocols, delivering a more potent and efficient driving experience. Minor exterior refinements, including updated lighting and fascia, complement the interior's redesigned digital instrumentation and advanced infotainment, which now fully integrates with the next-generation Apple CarPlay+ for climate control functionality.

Unleashing Power and Range: Significant Enhancements for 2025

Power output receives a notable boost across the lineup. The flagship Cross Turismo Turbo S, for instance, now delivers 764 horsepower in standard operation, surging to an impressive 938 horsepower under launch control. Charging efficiency has also improved dramatically, with the vehicle now capable of 320 kW DC fast-charging, allowing for an 18-minute charge from 10 to 80 percent under optimal conditions. Range figures are equally impressive, with EPA estimates now ranging between 261 and 277 miles. These advancements, coupled with its engaging driving dynamics, have earned the 2025 Taycan Cross Turismo a spot on the Editors’ Choice list and the prestigious EV of the Year award.

Model Lineup and Value Proposition: Finding Your Ideal Cross Turismo

The Cross Turismo's model hierarchy mirrors that of the standard Taycan, though it exclusively features all-wheel drive and commands a slightly higher price point than the sedan. For a balanced blend of power and cost, the Cross Turismo 4S is a compelling recommendation. This model comes equipped with all-wheel drive and adaptive air suspension as standard, alongside an expanded list of luxury and convenience features for 2025. Optional experiences, such as the Porsche Experience Center, provide invaluable opportunities for owners to hone their driving skills on a track. Additionally, for those preferring a sleeker silhouette, the GTS Sport Turismo variant offers a body devoid of the Cross Turismo's black plastic cladding.

Dynamic Performance: Motor, Power, and Driving Experience

The Taycan Cross Turismo shares its robust chassis and many components with its sedan sibling, exclusively offering an all-wheel-drive configuration. It retains the efficient two-motor setup with a two-speed transmission on the rear axle, now enhanced by a lighter and more efficient new rear motor. Power outputs vary across the range: the 4 and 4S models produce between 409 and 429 horsepower, while the GTS pushes output to 690 ponies. The 2025 Cross Turismo Turbo S sees a 10-hp increase to 764 horsepower. A new "push-to-pass" feature, part of the optional Sport Chrono package, provides an additional 93 horsepower burst for 10 seconds, and launch control unlocks a maximum of 938 horsepower. Unlike many EVs, the Taycan maintains consistent performance regardless of battery charge. Initial driving impressions confirm the engaging handling, with the new active suspension offering a remarkably smooth ride and minimal body roll, making it an exhilarating vehicle on winding roads.

Acceleration Prowess: Impressive 0-60 MPH Times

The Taycan series consistently delivers some of the quickest acceleration figures among tested vehicles. The Turbo S variant, for instance, rockets from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 2.2 seconds. The standard Turbo follows closely at 2.5 seconds, while the Sport Turismo GTS achieves the same in 2.8 seconds. Even the less powerful Cross Turismo 4 demonstrates formidable speed, reaching 60 mph in a swift 4.1 seconds.

Endurance and Efficiency: Range, Charging, and Battery Life

For the 2025 Taycan Cross Turismo, EPA estimated ranges span from 261 to 277 miles, with the Turbo S offering slightly less range and the Taycan 4 the most. In real-world testing, the Sport Turismo GTS surpassed its EPA estimate, achieving 280 miles on a 75-mph highway run. All Cross Turismo models come standard with the Performance Battery Plus, which boasts an increased usable capacity of 97.0 kilowatt-hours. The 2025 model's enhanced 320 kW charging capability reduces charging times significantly, promising an 18-minute charge from 10 to 80 percent under ideal conditions.

Interior Refinement and Practicality: Comfort and Cargo Capacity

The Taycan Cross Turismo's interior skillfully blends Porsche's sporting heritage, evidenced by the left-mounted start button, with cutting-edge technology. The cabin features a curved digital gauge cluster, a central 10.3-inch touchscreen, and an 8.4-inch touchscreen integrated into the center console. An optional 10.3-inch passenger-side touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, built-in navigation, and a Wi-Fi hotspot further enhance connectivity. New for 2025 are leather-free interior options using synthetic and wool materials. Both four- and optional five-seat configurations are available. Thanks to a standard panoramic sunroof and a higher roofline, the Cross Turismo offers improved headroom and considerably more rear cargo space than its sedan counterpart, in addition to a useful front trunk and ample interior storage.

Advanced Technology and Connectivity: Infotainment Features

The Taycan’s sophisticated interior technology seamlessly transfers to the long-roof model. This includes the distinctive curved digital gauge cluster, a prominent 10.3-inch central touchscreen, and a vertically oriented 8.4-inch touchscreen within the console. An additional 10.3-inch display for the front passenger is also available, along with conveniences like wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, integrated navigation, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. A newly designed control lever provides more intuitive management of driver-assistance systems. Enhanced Apple CarPlay integration and the ability to stream video on the central and passenger displays underscore the model's advanced technological offerings.

Prioritizing Safety: Driver-Assistance Features and Warranty

The electric Porsche station wagon incorporates the same comprehensive suite of standard and optional safety and driver-assistance technologies found in the regular Taycan. This includes automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Key available safety features include adaptive cruise control, remote-controlled parking, and night vision. Porsche provides a competitive warranty, aligning with luxury EV market standards, although its electrical component coverage is capped at eight years or 100,000 miles, in contrast to some rivals offering unlimited mileage for the same period.

Porsche's warranty framework is robust and on par with other luxury electric vehicle manufacturers. It offers a limited warranty of four years or 50,000 miles and a powertrain warranty covering eight years or 100,000 miles for electrical components. However, unlike some competitors, Porsche does not offer complimentary scheduled maintenance.

A notable transformation is underway in the automotive landscape as Dodge re-establishes its commitment to V8 engine technology, signaling a pivotal moment for enthusiasts seeking robust performance. This strategic pivot, particularly highlighted by the revamped 2026 Dodge Durango series, underscores a broader industry response to consumer preferences, balancing heritage with evolving market demands. It represents a significant departure from previous trends focusing solely on electrification, demonstrating a nuanced approach to powertrain development. The renewed emphasis on powerful internal combustion engines (ICE) is a direct consequence of shifting leadership priorities within Stellantis and a clear recognition of the fervent demand for classic high-performance vehicles.

This resurgence of V8 power, epitomized by the new Durango lineup, also brings an unexpected benefit: increased affordability. By making potent V8 options available at more competitive price points, Dodge aims to democratize high-octane driving experiences. This move not only caters to a segment of the market that values traditional engine characteristics like raw power and distinctive exhaust notes but also solidifies Dodge's brand identity. While the journey towards an electrified future continues, this renewed focus on V8s showcases an adaptive strategy, ensuring that the thrill of a powerful engine remains a core offering, proving that performance and accessibility can coexist.

The Resurgence of V8 Power

Automakers are discovering a critical insight: transitioning exclusively to electric vehicles can alienate a significant portion of their traditional customer base. Many drivers still prefer the visceral experience of combustion engines, characterized by their distinct sound and dynamic response, over the quiet efficiency of electric powertrains. This realization has prompted a strategic realignment, particularly within Stellantis, the parent company of iconic brands like Dodge and Ram. Following a period where there was a push towards electrification, evidenced by the discontinuation of popular models like the Dodge Charger in favor of electric variants, there's now a discernible shift back towards embracing conventional high-performance engines. This change in direction, influenced by new leadership, indicates a strong commitment to making the exhilarating power of V8 engines more accessible to consumers, moving away from the perception that such performance comes with an exorbitant price tag.

This renewed focus on V8 engines marks a significant chapter in automotive design and marketing, driven by consumer feedback and a deeper understanding of market segments. The initial move towards purely electric models, while forward-thinking in terms of environmental considerations, overlooked the emotional connection many enthusiasts have with the heritage and sensory appeal of V8 engines. Stellantis's adjustment reflects a flexible approach, acknowledging that a diverse portfolio, including powerful ICE vehicles, is essential to satisfy its broad customer base. By reviving and emphasizing V8 performance, the company is not only catering to a strong existing demand but also reinforcing its brand legacy, ensuring that the roar of a powerful engine continues to define its high-performance offerings. This strategic recalibration aims to offer a compelling mix of traditional power and future-oriented electric options, providing consumers with greater choice and maintaining brand loyalty.

Dodge Durango's V8 Transformation

In a bold move that underscores its renewed commitment to performance, Dodge has announced that the 2026 Durango will transition to an exclusively V8-powered lineup, completely phasing out its V6 engine option. This decision reflects a strategic shift within the brand, moving away from a previous emphasis on more efficient inline-six engines—like the Hurricane—to cater to a persistent demand for high-horsepower, traditional powertrains. This change is partly influenced by a relaxation in emissions regulations, providing manufacturers with more flexibility to offer powerful internal combustion options. By ensuring every 2026 Durango model comes equipped with a V8, Dodge is not only solidifying its performance-oriented image but also offering an unprecedented opportunity for consumers to acquire a powerful all-wheel-drive V8 vehicle at a remarkably competitive price, starting under $43,000.

The Durango's engine transformation is multifaceted, offering a range of V8 options to suit varying performance needs and budgets. The base model will now feature a 5.7-liter Hemi V8, delivering a robust 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, a significant upgrade from its V6 predecessor. For those seeking even greater power, the Durango R/T trim will boast a 6.4-liter Hemi V8, pushing out an impressive 475 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. Furthermore, the highly anticipated return of the Durango Hellcat, equipped with a supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8, will satisfy the most extreme performance desires, generating a staggering 710 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque, capable of reaching 60 mph in a mere 3.5 seconds, though this top-tier performance comes at a price point just shy of $80,000. This tiered V8 offering, coupled with the return of V8 options to other Stellantis brands like Ram, signals a robust commitment to traditional powertrain performance, responding directly to strong customer advocacy and rectifying past strategic decisions that may have overlooked enthusiast preferences.