Ah yes, the sights and smells of Spring, let me count the ways… It generally includes gas, tires, maybe some brakes and… cheese curds. Okay, maybe not the sights and smells of Spring per se, but they definitely help describe the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) Spring Rally hosted at the always amazing Road America facilities in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.
We kicked things off with a wonderful walk-around and tour of the Scout Traveler SUV.
The Scout Traveler is scheduled to come to market some time in 2027, the rebirth of a storied and iconic SUV brand here in the States. This time its powered by the wallets of Volkswagen Group and powered by a mix of electric power and range extended gasoline generator power to the tune of either 350 all-electric miles or up to 500 through the combination of electric + 4-cylinder gas engine generated electric power. Love the rugged boxy design with available beefy wheels and tires. The interior also sports an available front bench seat to bring total seating capacity to 6. There’s front trunk/frunk and there’s also a mix of traditional elements like a body-on-frame construction with front and rear locking differentials. Pricing is expected to start under $60,000 and it will also be offered in pickup truck form. Is this the blend of electrification and durability that American consumers have been waiting for?
Cadillac Optiq
Cadillac is leaning heavily into the EV world with an impressive blend of luxury features, design, materials and range for a competitive price with the Optiq, starting at just $50,000. The size is fairly city friendly with a spacious interior and there’s definitely a lot to like in terms of delivering a very Cadillac level of quality and comfort. Love that so many features like a premium AKG sound system and SuperCruise are standard. It actually makes me question the differentiation between the Optiq and big brother Lyriq. They’re both 2-row, 5 passenger vehicles. Both are just over 300 miles of range in most configurations, although the Lyriq does beat out the Optiq in terms of peak charging rate (190 vs 150 kW). Lyriq also nets you 2-3 more cubic feet of cargo room. Is that enough to warrant a $9,000 price walk to the Lyriq?
Hyundai IONIQ 9
Hyundai continues to march the brand into all powertrains all the time. They were the first mainstream EV brand to bring 800V architectures to the masses with their E-GMP platform and the IONIQ 9 brings that platform to its biggest form yet. As part of their now 3-pronged attack on the 3-row crossover market (Santa Fe, Palisade, Ioniq 9) the Ioniq 9 serves as the pure EV entrant. Santa Fe and Palisade are available in Gas and Hybrid forms. Ioniq 9 also sits atop the Hyundai 3-row pricing pyramid, starting at just under $60,000 where the Palisade Hybrid tops out. Styling is a bit polarizing with its exterior digital pixel motif carried over from the smaller Ioniqs, but inside the feature-laden cabin there isn’t much to complain about. All configurations boast just over 300 miles of range, and the aforementioned ultra fast charging capabilities should make quick work of any road trips. And yes, these EVs still offer CarPlay.
Kia Carnival Hybrid
I’m a self-confessed minivan fan. Kia’s Carnival came out swinging in terms of delightful design and interior materials, and that still holds true even with a light facelift nip/tuck, love love love the now massive daytime running lights. Well they’ve finally another hybrid to their brand arsenal. Where the standard Carnival soldiers on with a standard V6 engine with 287 horsepower routed through an 8-speed automatic, it drinks gas to the tune of 22 miles per gallon in a combined EPA rating. The hybrid swaps out the V6 for a small, 1.6L turbo 4-cylinder making a hair less power at 242 horses, but a stout 271 lb-ft of torque pushed through a traditional 6-speed automatic while stretching that gallon of gas 50% farther to 33 miles. Yes, the Carnival is still lacking an all-wheel drive configuration, they’re only running in front-wheel drive. And yes the Carnival’s overall fuel efficiency is lower than the Sienna’s 36 MPG rating. However, for the interior design, materials and improved drivability with the traditional transmission and oomph of the turbo 4-cylinder, I might make that tradeoff.
Honda Passport
The Passport is far from its origin arc of re-badged Isuzu Rodeo. This latest rendition is updated with a much improved modern ride and handling and interior technology. It also earns a bit of its own design language and boxy proportions versus the outgoing Passport with looked a bit like a Pilot that was left in the dryer too long. It feels right-sized between the CR-V and the Pilot and with a rugged nature that seems to be the rage these days (See Subaru Wilderness, Ford Tremor, Toyota TRD/Trailhunter, Jeep Trailhawk, and on, and on, and on). It runs a very traditional naturally aspirated V6 which is a double edged sword in this market. Linear power but perhaps missing some of the low end thrust of a turbo and some of the fuel efficiency as well. One interior flexibility point I miss is the sliding and reclining 2nd row that made the outgoing Passport so flexible, it was essentially carried over from the Pilot which needed that to allow people to its 3rd row, and a shame Honda didn’t keep that here. Instead they saw fit to design and engineer a more fixed 2nd row.
Infiniti QX80
Infiniti’s best vehicle also happens to be their most expensive vehicle. The QX80 receives a great redesign with much needed updates and a comfortable and spacious interior. The V8 is gone, but such is the case across much of the luxury segment, thankfully the turbo V6 definitely seems up to the task. Overall size and space are bigger as well with good seating for up to 8 passengers. It does size up just a hair under some of the American full-sizers (Navigator, Escalade, Wagoner) but larger than say the Lexus LX or X7 and GLS. Against much of the luxury competition the QX80 price seems like a value, but the main question might be, is it different enough to warrant the premium over its corporate cousin Nissan Armada?
Lincoln Navigator
For nearly 30 years now, the Navigator done quite well with its front end grafted onto a Ford Expedition body. However, with this refresh, the Lincoln finally feels more distanced from the Ford Expedition. There’s a greater degree of separation in both interior and exterior design points, although maybe still not quite to the extent that Cadillac hides its Yukon/Tahoe underpinnings. This generation of Navigator also finally gives some enhanced love and premium feel to its 2nd and 3rd rows, which again adopt more of the Lincoln-ness over just putting some nicer leather on a Ford seat structure. I do love me some 40/20/40 split seats, and the Navigator delivers it in both rear rows! As far as the interior tech, while it achieves a high degree of change over the outgoing model, it seems a bit of a step too far with the electrically actuated front vent controls and unmarked steering wheel touchpads that require you to look at the driver display to see what you’re pressing.
BMW M5 Touring
Gone are the days where Mercedes-Benz held a monopoly on the high zoot wagon segment. After Audi crashed the party with its RS6 Avant, BMW would not be denied and thus we finally have unforbidden fruit with the BMW M5 Touring. I want to say this is a true dad dream spec mobile, but the girthy flared out rear haunches and snorting grilles up front make for a pretty opposite of obscure presence, at least in my opinion, maybe added on by the matte black finish of this test car. The plug-in hybrid makes for a hefty powertrain, and the 717 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque do their best to overcome the 5,500 lb+ curb weight. That’s actually HEAVIER than another plug in hybrid I recently tested, the 3-row SUV Lexus TX550h+. I yearn for some of the simpler/lighter performance days…
Mini Countryman EV
Is the largest Mini ever finally right-sized for U.S. consumption? While it’s a massive Mini, it’s still very much on the smaller end of the utility vehicle spectrum, at least here in the States. The new Countryman is a scant 175 inches long, about 6 inches shorter than a RAV4 and very much in line, lengthwise, with a Subaru Crosstrek. On brand, it’s still very design forward with a fun and quirky centrally mounted screen and a head up display should you want for information in front of you. Materials and design choices inside also feel very unique against the sea of dark molded plastics you typically get. Mini and BMW have a wealth of EV experience and it shows, with smooth and strong power and good driving dynamics befitting a Mini, although with a very agreeable ride quality that also seems to have grown up a bit. The only other bit that might be too Mini? The range, at 212 miles, that comes up quite a bit short relative to many of the competitors in the mid to upper $40K price class. That small footprint doesn’t easily allow for a massive battery. The Volvo EX30 at least brings 250 or so miles to play, but with much less interior and cargo room.
Rolls-Royce Cullinan
Where the Mini Countryman occupies one end of the BMW Group SUV stable, the other end belongs firmly to the Rolls-Royce Cullinan. At over $500,000 as tested, I don’t know if I can even afford the nearly $100,000 of options. Highlights of the options list include 23″ part polished wheels for, checks notes, $10,675, and a VIN plaque for $1,225. The turbocharged V12 pumps seamless and seemingly endless power effortlessly to the road, so as not to create a stir. It isn’t tuned for sport or aggressive driving, in fact it is quite the opposite, with the air suspension working to create an isolation chamber to smooth the seas of asphalt that glide beneath. There’s a presence and silhouette that won’t be mistaken for anything else. If one must ask… accept no substitute
Jeep Wagoneer S
After playing in the plug-in hybrid world for years with the Wranger and Grand Cherokee 4XEs, Jeep finally succumbs to full EV pressures. The weird naming Wagoneer convention has been fixed for 2026 with the gas full-size SUV Wagoneer leaving the lineup, leaving the Grand Wagoneer (which this has nothing to do with) and this Wagoneer S. I think of it more as a Grand Cherokee EV, as they’re about the same size. So as a 2-row midsize, the Wagoneer S is competitive on overall range (just under 300 miles) and power (600 hp), but price (starting at $65K) is a bit tough against the likes of an Audi Q6 or Cadillac Lyriq who offer a bit more of a luxury and tech forward experience. It will very much work to retain the Jeep faithful who want to dip their toes into the electric vehicle ownership experience, but I’m not sure if it’ll bring new customers to the brand. Look forward to the upcoming Jeep Recon, which goes about the EV-ness in a decidedly more Jeep manner.
Hyundai IONIQ 5 XRT
Hard to believe that the Hyundai IONIQ 5 has already been on the market for nearly 4 years now! I still like the design and overall space within the quirky design. And every time I see it, it still looks bigger than I picture it in my head. For the 2025 model year, the IONIQ 5 was one of the first non-Tesla vehicles to integrate directly to the NACS port design standard. This gives the IONIQ 5 compatibility to Superchargers without any adapters. Although it will now need an adapter to leverage any CCS or home J1772 chargers. Basically I think we’ll be in adapter hell for a while with new and used EVs that will need access to both types of chargers for the next 15-20 years. The other newness for IONIQ 5 is the introduction of an XRT version, the brand’s off-road/rugged sub brand. The digital pixel design motif is carried in the cladding camo look and there is fun differentiation with the front tow hooks and a dark front end, although I think that looks a bit too work truck spec or space shuttle. I do appreciate the smaller wheel sizes offered with some meaty’ish all-terrain tires. I also appreciate that all 2025 IONIQ 5’s also benefit from an added rear wiper to help keep that window clean.
VW ID.Buzz
I can’t help but smile every time I see an ID.Buzz on the road, and my young daughters agree as they shout out “HI BUZZ!” whenever we pass one. The design and bright color palette just have that reaction! And as both a minivan and EV fan, this combination is just about #chefskiss for my daily driving needs. Sliding doors? Check. Massive interior space and adult friendly third row? Check. Check. Smooth and punchy EV drive experience? Check. Check. Check! No, there isn’t a ton of cargo room behind the 3rd row as one does expect in a minivan, minus half check. And EV range is a bit suspect at 230 miles or so for 100%, so, at say 70% of the charge capacity (thinking 10-80% charge curve if roadtripping) that might only be 160 or so miles, likely less if speeding along, so just over 2 hours or so before a charge stop needed? Not great, especially with the $70K price tag, minus a check, so down to 1.5 checks, is there enough charm and quirk to overcome those shortcomings?
Volvo XC90 T8
The Volvo XC90 survived for about 12 years in its first generation (2002 to 2014). The second generation arrived for the 2016 year and again, it shocks me that it still looks good for nearing 10 years on the market. Now it did just receive its most significant facelift, but still, it’s a testament that good design can manage well over the years, wish I could say the same about myself! While 3-row SUVs are all the rage, I’d put the XC90 in the 2.5-2.75 row category, as the space in the “way back” is pretty tight, especially if you equip your XC90 with the 2nd row bench opposed to the captains chairs. And good news for those checking the captains chairs option box, those seats now have inboard armrests, so passengers won’t go sliding around through the cabin during evasive moose test maneuvers hopefully. Euro chic design and build, with a solid history around safety continue to make the XC90 a compelling choice for many well-to-do families.
Toyota Land Cruiser
The Land Cruiser is back! But is it? The Land Cruiser is one of Toyota’s most storied nameplates around the world, known for cutting its way through jungles and deserts and even Jurassic Park (at least in book form!). But the last “true” global Land Cruiser left the United States back in 2021 as the 200 Series. It had grown into a very luxurious and thus expensive vehicle, hitting nearly $90,000. The new Land Cruiser is now based on a global model called the Land Cruiser Prado, something we’ve had in the States since 2003 as the Lexus GX. It sacrilegiously doesn’t offer the Land Cruiser staple of the split liftgate/tailgate. A “full” Land Cruiser is still available elsewhere (still sans liftgate/tailgate), in the U.S. the closest you can get is the Lexus LX. Our Land Cruiser returns, a bit, to its more rugged and affordable roots, now starting at a mere $57,000. The U.S. model also makes do with just 2 rows of seats and is only available as a hybrid turbo 4-cylinder. And for that entry price, that front row of seats is manual, with power operated units are available in the pricier trims. Is there space in Toyota’s lineup for a new 4Runner, which shares much of the frame, technology and running gear, with this new fangled Land Cruiser iteration?
Ineos Grenadier
For those yearning for the simpler times and squared off bodies and real off-road capabilities, but say with a modern powertrain, Ineos would like a word. The design is undoubtedly inspired by many of the off-roaders of lifetimes past such as the iconic Land Rover Defender, Mercedes G-Class and early Toyota Land Cruisers. Underneath is the tried and true stuff of legends: ladder frame construction, solid axles, three locking differentials, permanent four wheel drive, even an inline 6-cylinder engine from BMW with a ZF 8-speed transmission. Inside, you have some of the most tactile and ASMR pleasing buttons, toggles and switches available in the industry today, all accessible while wearing even the thickest of winter gloves. The Ineos Grenadier is rough and tumble, even a bit of whimsy with a fun “toot” horn. All that real off-road capability does come at a bit of an on-road penalty that many of today’s crossovers do not have. Steering response is a bit on the slow end, so this isn’t going to be your favorite canyon carver tool, but I’m assured that the Ineos driver likes to have the best tool for the job rather than a jack of all trades and master of none.
Buick Enclave
The Buick Enclave to me has always been about the “QuietTuning” semi-Lexus targeted luxury, and their Avenir trim levels do still push that plush envelope. The Enclave also provides terrific 3-row SUV, near minivan, levels of space. Now in its third generation, the sharpened design is notable inside and out. The ST, or Sport Touring, is the midpoint of the three trims between Preferred and Avenir. It comes with some darked out trim and wheels, and even a flat-bottomed steering wheel. It’s not an outright performance trim, but I would still be curious how a “GS” type variant might do in this new age of Buick. Buick is also now entirely a crossover company, at least in the States. I don’t know if I personally know any current Buick owners, so not sure who they’re targeting uniquely in the GM spectrum of brand offerings. Would you consider a Buick?
Dodge Charger Sedan
Dodge has been in a bit of a lull in terms of new product news, but that’s all about to change starting with this all-new Charger. This time, the Charger is available as both 2-door and 4-door, where the prior 2-door was designed and branded as the Challenger. And the Charger will be offered in both full EV, with a gimmicky but fun Fratzonic Exhaust, or a new of turbo inline 6-cyinder engine. So there will be a door count and fuel type for nearly everyone! The one sampled here was the full EV, and the drive and ride were smooth and planted. The Fratzonic exhaust uses speakers to mimic the sounds of a beefy V8, it can definitely be loud and you can even “rev” the motor, which is on brand for the Dodge set. And this sound is both inside and outside the car, whereas something like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, the simulated engine sounds are confined to the interior. As with all things digital and software, you can also turn it off if you’d like, which was nice given that it could boom and drone in the large cabin.
Volvo EX90
Volvo has offered the three row XC90 in gas, mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants since its second generation went on sale. The EX90 brings Volvo into the three row EV space and while the design and overall size are very similar to the XC90, they’re actually on different platforms. EX90 rides on the new SPA2 architecture and is shared with the two row Polestar 3. EX90 starts around $80,000 and delivers around 300 miles of range, no additional battery sizes are offered, but there is a performance package for $5,000 to boost power from 402 horsepower to 510. In continuing Volvo’s leading the industry on safety, the EX90 is also one of the first production vehicles to come with a LiDAR sensor as standard. Volvo leads many of the traditional OEMs in electrification experience and for 2026 the EX90 will make a big technological upgrade to adopt a powerful 800V architecture for faster charging and also uplevels its core computer for enhanced safety and software capabilities. Smooth, luxurious, well-designed and safe should make for a compelling choice in the premium three row EV set.
Subaru Forester Rental
To make the trek up from Chicago to our host venue at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, I had the joy of sampling a new Subaru Forester fresh from the car rental desk fleet. This was a fairly modestly equipped Premium trim, just one step up from the Base. It had everything I truly needed, easy phone connectivity, blind spot detection and power liftgate via an optional package, adaptive cruise control, comfortable ride via 17″ wheels with nice sidewall cushion, and a power and heated driver’s seat. Power was decent from the 180 horsepower 4-cylinder and largely seamless CVT transmission. Would love to sample the new Forester Hybrid with its bump in power and efficiency! Maybe next year as we return back to the shores of Elkhart Lake… Thank you MAMA for a truly marvelous #MAMA25SR!!