Yes Virginia, there is an SUV that’s actually fun to drive.
In fact, as we celebrate the holiday season, there’s actually a brand that is fully embracing a lineup that is far from bland, and aimed at people who love to drive well-handling cars that have some power under the hood.
I’m talking about Mazda, and more specifically it’s CX-5 compact SUV, the brand’s best-selling vehicle. There’s a ton of competition in this category, including some major top-sellers, but none of the CX-5’s top rivals can hold a candle to the genuinely fun and sporty drive quality offered by the CX-5 (which, FYI, is different than the CX-50 model that was more recently introduced by Mazda, and exists alongside the CX-5 in Mazda’s lineup).
I recently tested the 2025 Mazda CX-5 (a Carbon Turbo trim offering), and I’m back with a full report on how it measures up against the other small SUVs of today’s automotive world.
Though the current design is starting to get a bit long in the tooth, the CX-5’s looks, performance and fun factor are strong enough to make it stand out in the crowd vs. other less daring competitors in the segment.
Additional Info
- Vehicle 2025 Mazda CX-5
- Price as tested $39,455 (starts around $30K)
- Best feature Sporty drive, sharp handling, upscale and classy design
- Rating 4 out of five stars
- Who will want this vehicle? Compact SUV buyers looking to spice up their daily drive
With the compact SUV being one of the most popular options for car buyers, it’s important for brands to keep their entries in this class relevant.
Hyundai has an impressive overall SUV lineup, and that includes the compact Tucson, which gets some refreshes for 2025 — including design updates as well as an improved tech setup.
It also comes in hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions, which can entice eco-friendly buyers, and remains an option for the budget-conscious buyer due to its pricing and strong warranties.
I recently spent some time behind the wheel of the 2025 Hyundai Tucson — which faces tough competition from the Toyota RAV4, Chevy Equinox, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Nissan Rogue, Mazda CX-50, Kia Sportage and more.
Read on for a full breakdown of how it holds up in the segment.
Additional Info
- Vehicle 2025 Hyundai Tucson
- Price as tested $41,400 (starts around $29K)
- Best feature Sharp design, smooth ride, advanced technology
- Rating 4 out of five stars
- Who will want this vehicle? Families seeking an affordable and capable compact SUV
Volvo is taking the EV transition very seriously, helping to lead the transition to EVs in the luxury market.
They’re not alone of course — with everyone from Porsche to Audi to Genesis to BMW to Mercedes-Benz also diving head first into electrification. And that doesn’t even include the many EV options from non-luxury brands such as Tesla, Hyundai, Kia, Ford and more.
I recently spent some time in a 2024 Volvo C40, a compact and upscale SUV battling in this growing EV Thunderdome, and I’m back with a full report.
The stylish C40 packs quite a punch into a small package, and will surprise a lot of people with what it can do. (Note: To align with new brand naming schemes, the Volvo C40 will be renamed as the Volvo EC40 for the 2025 model year and beyond)
Additional Info
- Vehicle 2024 Volvo C40
- Price as tested $59,995
- Best feature Perky ride, solid range
- Rating 4 out of five stars
- Who will want this vehicle? EV buyers who want a smaller, upscale vehicle with respectable range
A lymphoma diagnosis in your dog can be overwhelming, and understanding the costs involved is crucial for pet parents. Canine lymphoma treatment expenses vary widely depending on treatment type, cancer stage, your dog's size, and your location. Here’s a breakdown of common treatment options and their costs to help you make an informed decision.
For treating canine lymphoma, the gold standard is chemotherapy, which aims to achieve remission — meaning the cancer is no longer actively affecting the dog’s health, even if some cancer cells remain. Chemotherapy protocols like CHOP, which use a combination of drugs (Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin Hydrochloride, Vincristine sulfate, and Prednisone), are particularly effective. These multi-drug approaches work by attacking the cancer cells from different angles, reducing the chance that the cells will adapt to treatment.
The cost of chemotherapy varies based on your pet’s weight, the stage of lymphoma, and the specific drugs used. Generally, pet parents can expect chemotherapy doses to range from $150 to $600 each. Given that treatments typically occur weekly, monthly costs can add up. Total chemotherapy expenses range from around $1,000 to $10,000, with an average cost of $5,000. Some veterinary oncologists may offer payment plans, which can help manage costs over time. If finances are a concern, it’s a good idea to consult with multiple oncologists, as prices can differ significantly.
In the luxury realm, automakers are taking a variety of approaches to the electrification movement.
One of the automakers that has most aggressively embraced the EV movement is Volvo, yet they also know that some people aren’t quite ready to make the full leap to an EV, and prefer alternatives.
I recently spent time with a 2025 Volvo S60 plug-in hybrid sedan, one of the offerings from the brand to people who want a taste of electrification but not the full commitment.
The S60 is a powerful and stylish vehicle, and unfortunately it will not be returning for the 2026 model year, making the 2025 S60 the final version available for interested buyers — ending a 25-year run.
Read on for a full breakdown of what you’ll be getting if you decide to pick up an S60 before it drives off into the sunset.
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