2025 Best of the Bay

For 2025 Best of the Bay, Northern California’s top automotive journalists gathered in Petaluma, California, to drive and review 14 vehicles in a fast paced, real world environment, voting for the best vehicles across 5 different categories. Driving conditions ranged from urban streets to winding roads through wine country. Each vehicle received a 40 minute evaluation before journalists moved on to the next one.

Categories voted upon included:

• Best of the Bay: Best Overall
• Best of the Bay: Best Technology
• Best of the Bay: Over $75,000
• Best of the Bay: Under $75,000
• Best of the Bay: Under $50,000

Vehicles entered into the event:

• 2025 Acura ADX A-Spec Advance AWD
• 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale Veloce AWD
• 2026 Dodge Charger Daytona SCAT PACK Track Package
• 2026 Genesis GV60 Performance AWD
• 2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Prestige AWD
• 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite
• 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 AWD Calligraphy Design
• 2025 Jeep Wagoneer S Limited 4XE
• 2025 Kia EV6 GT AWD
• 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid AWD
• 2025 Lexus LX 700h Ultra Luxury
• 2026 Lucid Air Touring Sedan
• 2026 Subaru Solterra EV Touring XT
• 2025 Toyota 4Runner 4WD Limited

These 14 vehicles represent distinct visions of what driving should become, exploring both their standout characteristics and advanced technology. Whether that’s electrified muscle, luxury, or hybrid capability wrapped in off-road armor, each model tells a story worth understanding, creating unique positions within their respective segments.

2025 Acura ADX A-Spec Advance AWD

Acura took a gamble with the ADX. The turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder produces just 190 horsepower. Not exactly thrilling on paper. Yet, the A-Spec Advance trim makes its case through refinement rather than raw power.

The 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system transforms the cabin into a concert hall, with sound quality rivaling systems in vehicles costing twice as much.

Acura packed luxury into a compact crossover without crossing into six-figure territory. Leather-trimmed seats with accents, ventilated front seating, and a panoramic moonroof establish premium street cred.

The CVT routes power to all four wheels while delivering 27 mpg combined with 25 city and 30 highway.

Technology defines the experience. AcuraWatch bundles adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking, lane keeping assist, and low-speed braking control into one comprehensive package.

The 9-inch touchscreen pairs with a 10.2-inch digital cluster, both supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Surround-view cameras and parking sensors eliminate blind zones during tight maneuvers.

The hands-free power tailgate and remote engine start handle the daily details most drivers overlook until they’re missing.

2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale Veloce AWD

Alfa Romeo refuses to build boring crossovers. The Tonale Veloce substantiates this philosophy with a 268-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter engine channeled through a nine-speed automatic.

With 26 mpg combined, 24 city and 29 highway efficiency, the vehicles character tell a different story than the numbers.

Gloss-red Brembo calipers with white script are part of a dual-mode active suspension package, handling dynamics on demand.

Aluminum steering column-mounted paddle shifters provide tactile engagement, while Verde Green Fangio Metallic paint ensures the Tonale never fades into parking lot anonymity, as pictured above.

Twenty-inch Grigio five-hole wheels replace standard 18-inch units, creating aggressive stance without compromising ride quality.

The 12.3-inch full TFT instrument cluster combines with Uconnect 5’s 10.25-inch touchscreen to create dual-screen digital command centers.

Enhanced Adaptive Cruise Control achieves full-stop capability, a feature that makes stop-and-go traffic bearable. Traffic Sign Recognition, Lane-Keep Assist, and Blind Spot Detection cover the safety fundamentals.

The Harman Kardon Premium Audio system delivers sound quality that justifies extended listening sessions.

Where Alfa Romeo diverges from convention: the Tonale pioneered automotive blockchain technology, creating tamper-proof maintenance records through Non-Fungible Token digital certificates that track service history and ownership transfers with complete transparency.

2026 Dodge Charger Daytona SCAT PACK Track Package

The all-electric Charger Daytona Scat Pack generates 670 horsepower and 627 pound-feet through dual 400-volt electric motors. Those numbers launch the four-door sedan to 60 mph quicker than the gasoline-powered Hellcat Redeye it succeeded.

The Track Package transforms capability into track-day competence. Brembo ultra-high-performance brakes with red calipers handle repeated hard stops, while widebody competition suspension with adaptive damping maintains composure through corner sequences.

Specialized drive modes: Donut, Drift, Drag, Track, and Custom, tailor electronic intervention and power delivery for specific scenarios.

The 100.5-kWh battery pack provides 223 miles of range with 72 MPGe combined efficiency, with 77 city, 68 highway. Not class-leading numbers, but sufficient for track sessions and daily commutes.

The 400-volt architecture charges at competitive rates, while the Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust synthesizes traditional muscle car acoustics through digital audio processing that actually sounds convincing, matching with the drive modes.

The Plus Group package includes 12-way power front seats, surround-view cameras, ventilated seating, and wireless charging.

PowerShot delivers temporary acceleration boosts, while Performance Pages display real-time vehicle data during spirited driving.

The 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen maintains wireless smartphone connectivity, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability handles traffic with SAE Level 2 competence.

2026 Genesis GV60 Performance AWD

Genesis engineers eliminated key fobs through facial recognition and fingerprint authentication. Face Connect uses B-pillar cameras to verify authorized users, automatically adjusting seats, mirrors, ambient lighting, and infotainment preferences to individual profiles. Fingerprint readers on the center console enable vehicle starting through biometric verification.

Dual electric motors draw from an 84.0-kWh battery pack, achieving 90 MPGe combined with 97 city, 83 highway, bringing 252-mile range.

The 27-inch OLED instrument cluster and navigation display creates an expansive digital interface.

Twenty-one-inch alloy wheels, Vision Roof with power shade, and power hands-free smart liftgate define exterior presence.

Inside, Nappa leather seating surfaces, heated and ventilated front seats with power cushion extension and Ergo Motion, heated rear outboard seats, and Bang & Olufsen Premium Audio with active noise cancellation establish a solid luxury vibe.

Electronically controlled suspension with Road Preview reads pavement ahead using forward cameras, adjusting damping before wheels encounter imperfections, meaning the technology is predictive rather than reactive.

Remote Smart Parking Assist allows the vehicle to park autonomously while the driver stands outside, watching the GV60 maneuver into tight spaces through smartphone controls.

Forward Collision Avoidance, Lane Following Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance, and Safe Exit Assist comprise the comprehensive safety suite.

2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Prestige AWD

The GV70 3.5T Sport Prestige brings 375 horsepower through a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 paired with an eight-speed automatic. It achieves 21 mpg combined with 18 city, 25 highway, all while delivering zero-to-60 times that challenge BMW X3 M40i competitors.

Twenty-one-inch alloy wheels, panoramic sunroof, and power hands-free smart liftgate establish exterior distinction.

Nappa leather seating surfaces with microfiber suede headliner, carbon fiber trim, heated second-row outboard seats, and three-zone climate control separate Sport Prestige from lower trims. Power front seats feature lumbar support, cushion extension, bolster adjustment, and Ergo Motion on the driver’s side.

The electronically controlled suspension with Road Preview represents real engineering innovation. By analyzing terrain through camera inputs and pre-adjusting damping characteristics before encountering irregularities, the GV70 minimizes impact harshness that reactive systems can’t prevent.

The 27-inch OLED display integrates instrument cluster and navigation into continuous digital surfaces.

Genesis Digital Key and fingerprint recognition provide biometric access and ignition without physical keys. Remote Smart Parking Assist executes parking maneuvers autonomously. Bang & Olufsen Premium Audio distributes sound throughout the cabin with precision that justifies the premium audio designation.

The safety technology foundation includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Following Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance, Parking Collision Avoidance, and Safe Exit Assist.

2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite

The naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 generates 285 horsepower through a 10-speed automatic with i-VTM4 all-wheel drive, achieving 20 mpg combined with 18 city, 23 highway. Eighteen-inch alloy wheels wear 275/60 R18 all-terrain tires.

Integrated Class III trailer hitch, exposed recovery hooks, and TrailSport badging communicate off-road capability.

Honda suspended three Passport TrailSports end-to-end from a 140-foot crane to prove structural integrity.

The bright orange cast iron front recovery hooks held over 14,000 pounds at 100 feet—a world-first patented closed-loop design supporting twice the vehicle’s weight while breaking away during frontal collisions to preserve safety ratings.

Google built-in transforms the 12.3-inch touchscreen into an Android Automotive hub with native Google Assistant voice commands, Google Maps navigation with real-time traffic updates, and Google Play Store access for app downloads.

TrailWatch with front camera washer provides real-time off-road visualization. The 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster displays terrain mode selection and trip data.

Inside, leather-trimmed surfaces, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, and panoramic moonroof establish comfort foundations.

The BOSE Premium Audio System delivers sound through 12 speakers. Honda Sensing bundles Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Mitigation Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, Road Departure Mitigation, and Traffic Jam Assist.

Surround-view cameras, parking sensors, hands-free power tailgate, and rain-sensing wipers handle daily convenience.

2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 AWD Calligraphy Design

Hyundai challenges the notion that three-row electric SUVs require six-figure budgets. The IONIQ 9 Performance Calligraphy Design generates 422 horsepower from dual electric motors fed by a 110.3-kWh battery, achieving 85 MPGe combined, with 91 city, 79 highway at 311-mile range.

The 800-volt architecture enables DC ultra-fast charging, reaching 10-to-80-percent in approximately 24 minutes at 350-kW chargers.

Vehicle-to-Load capability provides 120-volt interior outlets enabling laptop, electric grill, camping equipment, and power tool charging directly from the battery pack.

Twenty-one-inch alloy wheels, exclusive front and rear fascias with body-color wheel arches, and panoramic sunroof define exterior presence.

H-Tex trimmed seats, aluminum interior trim, microfiber suede headliner, heated and ventilated power front seats with Ergo Motion and integrated memory, heated and ventilated second-row power captain’s chairs, and power-folding third-row seats establish three-row electric luxury that rivals premium German competitors.

Dual 12.3-inch displays create panoramic digital surfaces spanning instrument cluster and navigation. Bose Premium Audio distributes sound throughout three rows.

Wireless smartphone connectivity, wireless charging, and Hyundai Digital Key maintain convenience. Remote Smart Parking Assist allows autonomous parking through smartphone controls. The head-up display projects critical information within driver sightlines, while the digital rearview mirror with HomeLink and hands-free smart power liftgate demonstrate comprehensive convenience engineering.

2025 Jeep Wagoneer S Limited 4XE

Jeep’s first all-electric vehicle delivers 600 horsepower through dual 250-kilowatt motors, achieving zero-to-60 mph in 3.4 seconds, matching acceleration of vehicles costing twice its price. The 100-kWh battery pack provides 294 miles of range with 93 MPGe combined efficiency, at 100 city, 85 highway.

Forty-five inches of total display screen area represents the largest among electric SUVs in this class. The 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen serves as central command, while a matching 12.3-inch digital cluster positions vehicle information behind the steering wheel.

The optional 10.25-inch Front Passenger Interactive Display enables independent navigation control, camera feed viewing, and audio source management, functioning like a tablet interface with HDMI device connection capability.

Twenty-inch painted diamond aluminum wheels, signature illuminated Jeep grille, dual-pane panoramic sunroof, and bi-function LED premium reflector headlamps define exterior styling.

Neo Ultra seats with fabric welt, eight-way power adjustable front seats with two-way power lumbar, heated front seats and steering wheel, and ambient LED interior lighting establish interior foundations.

The Comfort Package adds ventilated front seats, head-up display, McIntosh MX920 19-speaker audio system, memory steering column, power tilt/telescope steering column, and hands-free power liftgate.

Wireless smartphone connectivity, 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hot Spot, and wireless charging maintain connectivity. Active Driving Assist, Active Lane-Management, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Forward-Collision Warning, Intersection Collision-Assist, and Blind-Spot Detection form the safety foundation.

2025 Kia EV6 GT AWD

Kia borrowed virtual gear shift technology from the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, transforming paddle shifters into simulated six-speed manual transmission controls that produce synthesized engine sounds while creating torque pulses mimicking traditional gear changes.

The digital rev counter bounces off a simulated redline if drivers select inappropriate gears, offering playful engineering that enhances driver engagement despite single-speed electric drivetrains.

The 84-kWh battery feeds dual motors generating 601 horsepower and 545 pound-feet through e-AWD, achieving 83 MPGe combined with 87 city, 79 highway, at 231-miles of range.

GT brakes with neon calipers, electronically controlled suspension, electronic rear limited-slip differential, and on-board power generator with Vehicle-to-Load capability establish performance credentials.

Twenty-one-inch alloy wheels with summer tires, power sunroof, and smart power liftgate define exterior elements. Heated and ventilated power front sport bucket seats, heated rear outboard seats, heated steering wheel, and wireless phone charger create interior comfort.

Dual 12.3-inch panoramic displays integrate navigation with instrument cluster information. Head-up display, Meridian Premium Audio, wireless smartphone connectivity, and smartphone digital key requiring Kia Connect maintain convenience.

Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist-Fusion Plus, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Following Assist, Highway Driving Assist 2, Surround View Monitor, Blind-Spot View Monitor, and Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 comprise advanced driver-assistance systems.

2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid AWD

The turbocharged 1.6-liter hybrid powertrain pairs with a six-speed automatic featuring paddle shifters and all-wheel drive with Terrain Mode, achieving 35 mpg combined with 35 city, 36 highway.

Those efficiency numbers match dedicated hybrid crossovers while maintaining Terrain Mode capability with driver-selectable snow, mud, and sand settings.

Nineteen-inch alloy wheels, panoramic sunroof with power sunshade, smart power liftgate, and LED projector headlights define the exterior design.

SynTex seating material with heated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, heated steering wheel, power driver’s seat with power lumbar, ventilated front seats, and 60/40 split-folding reclining rear seats bring interior comfort.

Dual 12.3-inch displays merge touchscreen navigation with Harman/Kardon Premium Audio and instrument cluster into over 24 inches of combined digital real estate.

Wireless smartphone connectivity, wireless charging, and smartphone digital key maintain convenience. Head-up display, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Surround View Monitor, Highway Driving Assist 2, Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and memory driver’s seat demonstrate SX-Prestige distinction.

Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist covering cyclists and junction turning scenarios, Lane Following Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Warning, and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go form the safety foundation.

Kia Connect with complimentary three-year Ultimate subscription rounds out connectivity features.

2025 Lexus LX 700h Ultra Luxury

The twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 hybrid produces 457 total system horsepower through a 10-speed automatic with 8,000-pound towing capacity, achieving 20 mpg combined with 19 city, 22 highway.

Those numbers represent impressive efficiency for a body-on-frame SUV capable of serious off-road work.

Four-passenger seating with second-row captain’s chairs distinguishes Ultra Luxury from seven-passenger configurations. Semi-aniline leather-trimmed heated and ventilated front seats with driver’s memory and massaging functions, rear-seat entertainment system, leather and wood-trimmed heated steering wheel, and illuminated front door sills establish flagship credentials.

Four-zone climate concierge, wireless phone charger, digital rearview mirror with rear manual sunshades, cool box, and thematic ambient illumination demonstrate attention to details when expecting a luxury experience.

Twenty-two-inch forged alloy wheels, triple beam LED headlamps, power moonroof with roof rails, and power rear door with kick sensor define exterior appointments.

The Mark Levinson Premium Audio System distributes 2,400 watts across 25 speakers, creating concert-hall acoustics throughout the four-passenger cabin.

Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, panoramic view monitor, multi-terrain monitor, head-up display, intuitive parking assist, blind spot monitor with rear-cross traffic alert, and advanced park with remote park comprise the safety foundation.

The 12.3-inch Lexus Interface touchscreen integrates connected services, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and digital key functionality.

Traffic Jam Assist, Crawl Control with Turn Assist, Active Height Control with Multi-Terrain Select, and Adaptive Variable Suspension enable both highway comfort and off-road capability.

2026 Lucid Air Touring Sedan

Lucid’s mid-range Touring trim generates 620 horsepower through dual motors, achieving 123 MPGe combined, with 126 city, 121 highway bringing 396 miles of range. Those efficiency numbers surpass Tesla Model S Long Range while costing less.

The 34-inch Glass Cockpit Display Screen with retractable Pilot Panel Screen creates an expansive digital interface that makes conventional instrument clusters feel antiquated.

Dream Drive Pro includes future-capable ADAS hardware utilizing 32 sensors including lidar, radar, visible light cameras, surround-view cameras, and ultrasonic systems.

Hands-Free Drive Assist and Hands-Free Lane Change Assist enable highway driving without steering wheel contact while maintaining driver attention monitoring through cabin-facing cameras.

The SAE Level 2 system handles acceleration, braking, and lane centering autonomously on divided highways. Lane changes activate when drivers engage turn signals, with the system executing maneuvers after verifying safe conditions.

Nineteen-inch Aero Range wheels, power trunk open/close, Intelligent Micro Lens Array LED headlights with Adaptive Front Lighting, and powered illuminated door handles define exterior design.

Mojave PurLuxe leather alternative upholstery, 12-way power front heated seats, and three-zone automatic climate control bring a luxurious interior feel.

The Comfort & Convenience Package adds soft-close doors, power frunk, power rear and rear side window sunshades, four-zone climate control, heated precision wipers, heated steering wheel and rear seats, and 20-way power front seats with massage and ventilation.

Surreal Sound Pro delivers immersive audio through 21 speakers. Online navigation included for seven years, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, and over-the-air software updates maintain connectivity and capability.

2026 Subaru Solterra EV Touring XT

Subaru upgraded the Solterra’s dual electric motors to generate 338 horsepower from a 74.7-kWh battery with 278-mile range. That represents significant power increases over standard variants while maintaining Subaru’s all-wheel-drive competence.

Dual-Function X-MODE with Grip Control provides Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes optimizing traction control, throttle response, and power distribution for specific terrain conditions.

Hill-Start Assist Control and Vehicle Stability Control enhance off-road capability.

Twenty-inch aluminum alloy wheels, NACS-style compatible charging port enabling direct Tesla Supercharger compatibility, panoramic moonroof, and power rear liftgate with kick to open/close bring a full rounded array of exterior features.

Heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, heated 360-degree steering wheel, eight-way power front passenger seat, radiant leg warmers for driver and passenger, and retractable luggage cover invite interior comfort levels every Subaru owner should come to expect.

The 14-inch Subaru Multimedia touchscreen integrates wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. Dual wireless 15-watt smartphone chargers maintain device power, each powered individually.

EyeSight driver assist technologies, Advanced Park, digital rear-view mirror camera with HomeLink, Panoramic View Monitor, and Harman Kardon premium speaker system demonstrate comprehensive technology integration.

Digital Key using the Subaru Solterra Connect app, combination meter with seven-inch LCD display and selectable drive modes, LED multi-beam headlights with automatic high beam, and rain-sensing windshield wipers with deicer fluid complete the feature set.

2025 Toyota 4Runner 4WD Limited

Toyota replaced the near-bulletproof 4.0-liter V6 with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder producing 278 horsepower through an eight-speed automatic with full-time four-wheel drive and adaptive variable suspension, achieving 21 mpg combined, with 20 city, 24 highway. The forced-induction decision improves fuel economy while maintaining 6,000-pound towing capacity.

Twenty-inch alloy wheels, hands-free power liftgate with power rear window, LED headlights with daytime running lights, and power-fold outer mirrors round out that distinctive 4Runner exterior.

Leather-trimmed heated and ventilated front seats with lumbar support, leather-trimmed heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, Qi-compatible wireless charging, and power tilt/slide moonroof fill out interior features.

The 14-speaker JBL audio includes subwoofer, amplifier, and nice JBL FLEX portable speaker, a removable Bluetooth unit with six-hour battery life housed in the dashboard that functions as standalone portable audio. Pair it with your other JBL portable speakers for a fuller audio experience.

The available 14-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia system with wireless smartphone connectivity represents the largest touchscreen offering.

The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster offers multiple customizable display pages presenting fuel economy data, navigation directions, drive information, tire pressure monitoring, pitch and roll indicators, and trailer mode configurations.

Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 with Pre-Collision System, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Smart Key System, and Panoramic View Monitor comprise the safety foundation.

The Tow Tech Package with Trailer Reverse Assist, automatic power running boards, roof rail cross bars, and accessory-ready LED lantern demonstrate off-road and utility focus.