Hybrid Value, Real-World Numbers
About this episode
The discussion centers around the 2025 Subaru Forester Premium Hybrid, highlighting its features, performance, and pricing. The hosts delve into the vehicle's hybrid system, which combines a 2.5-liter boxer engine with electric motors, achieving 194 horsepower and impressive fuel efficiency. They compare it to competitors like the Mazda CX-50 and Honda CR-V hybrids, emphasizing its practicality and comfort. The episode also touches on the broader topic of hybrid vehicles, encouraging listeners to consider them for their blend of power and efficiency.
Ready for a real-world look at two very different small SUVs? We put the 2025 Subaru Forester Premium Hybrid AWD and the Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD through their paces and compare what matters when you’re not reading a brochure. From highway range and cabin comfort to pricing ladders and charging access, we cut through the noise and share where each vehicle genuinely excels.
We start with the Forester Hybrid’s practical package: wide-opening doors, an insulated windshield that calms road noise, and a friendly cabin anchored by a 12.3-inch digital cluster and 11.6-inch infotainment screen. The 2.5-liter boxer with dual motor-generators delivers 194 horsepower and relaxed pace, while our 32.3 mpg over nearly 400 miles shows the kind of efficiency you can bank on. We break down the cost to step into the hybrid trim and how it stacks up to the CR‑V Hybrid, RAV4 Hybrid, Sportage Hybrid, and CX‑50 Hybrid so you can make the numbers work for your commute and weekend runs.
Then we shift to the Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD, a standout with fresh styling, a sweeping display, and a smart center console that actually improves daily use. Instant torque, refined manners, and a realistic 275-mile range make a strong case for drivers with home charging and predictable routes. We’re candid about pros, cons, and pricing—what surprised us, what didn’t, and why the EV6 still feels special even as the segment heats up.
To round things out, Jeff shares straightforward tips for starting a car collection on a budget: pick a theme, plan storage, network for knowledge, and build a list before you buy. Whether your heart leans hybrid practicality or EV excitement, you’ll leave with clarity about which trade-offs fit your life. If you enjoy transparent reviews and useful takeaways, follow the show, share this episode with a friend, and leave a quick review so we can help more drivers find the right ride.
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Subaru Forester
"Yep. All right, time now for this hour's car review. Mr. Mars drove the 2025 Subaru Forester and hear his feelings about it."
The Subaru Forester is a small SUV that is great for everyday use and has all-wheel drive, making it good for various weather conditions. The 2025 version is the latest in its series.
The Subaru Forester is a compact SUV known for its practicality and all-wheel drive capabilities. The 2025 model is part of the 6th generation, which emphasizes comfort and versatility.
Hybrid
"And I had the Hybrid for the week that I drove it. Now this is a small Hybrid Sport Utilities, the way it's classified, fits in between the"
A hybrid car uses both gasoline and electricity to run. This helps save fuel and is better for the environment compared to regular cars.
A hybrid vehicle combines a traditional internal combustion engine with an electric motor to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. They can operate on either power source or both simultaneously.
Subaru Crosstrek
"...fits in between the Crosstrek and the Outback, fits in between those two different sizes if you're out looking at these."
The Subaru Crosstrek is a small SUV that can handle rough roads and is good for outdoor activities like hiking or camping. It's designed to be tough and reliable.
The Subaru Crosstrek is a compact crossover SUV known for its all-wheel drive, rugged design, and versatility, making it a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
Subaru Outback
"...fits in between the Crosstrek and the Outback, fits in between those two different sizes if you're out looking at these."
The Subaru Outback is a larger SUV that has a lot of space inside for passengers and cargo. It's great for families and can go off-road easily.
The Subaru Outback is a midsize crossover SUV that blends the features of a station wagon with those of an SUV, offering spaciousness and off-road capability.
LED headlights
"It comes with LED headlights with the automatic height adjustments, which I thought was rather different."
LED headlights are a type of car light that is brighter and lasts longer than regular lights. They help you see better at night and use less energy.
LED headlights use light-emitting diodes to produce brighter and more energy-efficient lighting compared to traditional halogen bulbs. They also have a longer lifespan.
automatic on-off headlights
"It also has the automatic on-off for the headlights if the window show wipers come on."
Automatic on-off headlights are lights that turn on by themselves when it gets dark or when you use the windshield wipers. This makes driving safer and easier.
Automatic on-off headlights are a feature that turns the headlights on or off based on the surrounding light conditions, enhancing safety and convenience for drivers.
heated exterior mirrors
"Yep, it's a lot. Heated exterior mirrors with the de-icer, you might need that a little up north, not"
Heated exterior mirrors are mirrors on the outside of the car that can warm up to melt ice or fog. This helps you see better when it's cold outside.
Heated exterior mirrors are designed to prevent ice and fog from forming on the mirror surface, improving visibility in cold weather conditions.
power rear liftgate
"Had a panoramic moonroof to get you more of that outside feeling, power rear lift gate with a hands-free foot-activated close on it."
A power rear liftgate is a feature that lets you open or close the back door of the car automatically, usually by pressing a button or waving your foot under the bumper. It's helpful when your hands are full.
A power rear liftgate is an automated feature that allows the rear hatch of a vehicle to be opened or closed with the push of a button or a foot gesture, providing convenience when loading or unloading cargo.
panoramic moonroof
"Had a panoramic moonroof to get you more of that outside feeling, power rear lift gate with a hands-free foot-activated close on it."
A panoramic moonroof is a big glass roof that lets in a lot of light and lets you see the sky better while you're inside the car. It's a nice feature for enjoying the outdoors while driving.
A panoramic moonroof is a large glass panel that extends over the front and rear seats of a vehicle, allowing more natural light into the cabin and providing a broader view of the sky. It's often a sought-after feature for enhancing the driving experience.
18-inch alloy wheels
"And we were rolling on the 18-inch alloy wheels that come with that premium package."
18-inch alloy wheels are the size and type of wheels on the car. Alloy wheels are lighter and look nicer than regular steel wheels, and the size can change how the car drives.
18-inch alloy wheels refer to the size and material of the wheels on a vehicle. Alloy wheels are made from a mixture of metals, making them lighter and often more visually appealing than standard steel wheels. The size can affect the ride quality and handling of the vehicle.
heated seats
"Now the interior, we had the premium cloth seats, which I liked it a lot better than the leather for this kind of vehicle. They are heated in the front seats, the second row seat is a 6040, it does recline and it does fold."
Heated seats are a feature that makes the seats warm, which is nice when it's cold outside. They help keep you cozy while driving.
Heated seats are a comfort feature in vehicles that allows the seats to warm up, providing additional comfort during cold weather. This feature is often found in higher trim levels or as part of a premium package.
12.3-inch LED digital gauge package
"And up front we had a 12.3-inch LED digital gauge package, all the way across there, nice and big, you can see anything and everything."
A 12.3-inch LED digital gauge package is a big screen in the car that shows important information like speed and fuel level. It's easier to read and can look different than regular round gauges.
A 12.3-inch LED digital gauge package refers to a digital display that provides information about the vehicle's speed, fuel level, and other important data. The size and LED technology enhance visibility and customization options compared to traditional analog gauges.
multimedia touchscreen
"And it has 11.6-inch tablet-style multimedia touchscreen, and that's where you're going to find your navigation and all your infotainment systems."
A multimedia touchscreen is a screen in the car that you can touch to control things like maps and music. It makes it easier to use different features while driving.
A multimedia touchscreen is a display interface in vehicles that allows users to control various functions such as navigation, audio, and vehicle settings through touch commands. These systems often integrate with smartphones and other devices for enhanced functionality.
wireless charger
"It's got a wireless charger on it. I will say though, the wireless charger, if you're driving, there's nothing really to hold your phone in place..."
A wireless charger is a device in the car that lets you charge your phone without plugging it in. You just place your phone on it, and it charges automatically if your phone supports it.
A wireless charger in a vehicle allows you to charge compatible devices without needing to plug them in. It uses electromagnetic fields to transfer energy between the charger and the device, making it convenient for users.
USB-C ports
"It's got plenty of USB-C ports, it's got a wireless charger on it."
USB-C ports are special connections in cars that let you charge your phone or connect devices. They are newer and work faster than older types of USB connections.
USB-C ports are a type of connection used for charging and data transfer. They are reversible and can provide faster charging and data speeds compared to older USB types, making them increasingly common in modern vehicles.
four-cylinder 2.5-liter flat-four-boxer motor
"And up under the hood is a four-cylinder 2.5-liter, flat-four-boxer type motor with two electric motor generators."
A four-cylinder 2.5-liter flat-four-boxer motor is a type of engine that has four cylinders arranged in a flat shape. This design helps the car handle better because it keeps the weight low.
A four-cylinder 2.5-liter flat-four-boxer engine is a type of internal combustion engine where the cylinders are arranged horizontally in two opposing rows. This design helps lower the center of gravity and can improve handling and stability in vehicles.
horsepower
"Now, combined, it puts out 194 horsepower up from 180 on the regular gasoline-only engine."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. More horsepower usually means a car can go faster and accelerate better.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement that indicates the power output of an engine. It helps to determine how fast a vehicle can accelerate and how much work it can perform.
CVT
"It is still backed by a CVT, but it does have a six-speed manual mode on it that I kind of didn't mess with much."
CVT means Continuously Variable Transmission. It's a special kind of automatic transmission that helps the car run smoothly and use less fuel by changing gears without the usual steps.
CVT stands for Continuously Variable Transmission, which is a type of automatic transmission that can change seamlessly through a continuous range of gear ratios. This allows for smoother acceleration and improved fuel efficiency compared to traditional automatic transmissions.
tow rating
"It has a tow rating of 1,500 pounds. MPG in the city, the EPA says you should look for about 35, highway 34."
Tow rating tells you how much weight a car can pull safely. If you want to use your car to tow things like trailers, this number is important to know.
Tow rating refers to the maximum weight a vehicle can safely tow. This rating is important for drivers who plan to use their vehicle for hauling trailers, boats, or other heavy loads.
MPG
"MPG in the city, the EPA says you should look for about 35, highway 34."
MPG means miles per gallon. It tells you how far a car can go using just one gallon of gas. The higher the number, the better the car is at saving fuel.
MPG stands for miles per gallon, a measure of how far a vehicle can travel on one gallon of fuel. Higher MPG ratings indicate better fuel efficiency, which can save money on gas.
Mazda Cx50
"...you can go look at the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid, $35,499 to start."
The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is a type of car that uses both a gasoline engine and an electric motor to save fuel and reduce emissions.
The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is a compact SUV that combines Mazda's sporty design with hybrid technology for improved fuel efficiency.
Honda Crvs
"...the CR-V's got a hybrid that starts at $3,645."
The Honda CR-V Hybrid is a car that uses both gas and electric power to help it use less fuel and be better for the environment.
The Honda CR-V Hybrid is a hybrid version of Honda's popular CR-V compact SUV, offering a balance of space, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
Kia Sportage
"...The key is Sportage as a hybrid. That's $30,185."
The Kia Sportage Hybrid is a type of SUV that runs on both gasoline and electricity, making it more fuel-efficient than regular SUVs.
The Kia Sportage Hybrid is a compact SUV that features hybrid technology, providing a combination of performance and fuel efficiency.
Toyota Rav4
"Toyota's even got a RAV4 Hybrid. So there's lots of things to look at, particularly in that small SUV."
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a type of SUV that uses both gas and electricity to run, making it more efficient and better for the environment than regular gas-only SUVs.
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a fuel-efficient version of the popular RAV4 compact SUV, combining a gasoline engine with an electric motor for improved fuel economy and reduced emissions.
Gulf Coast Auto Shield
"Well, why not let Gulf Coast Auto Shield protect it? Houstonian John Gray invites you to his state-of-the-art facility..."
Gulf Coast Auto Shield is a business that helps keep your car looking great by offering services like paint protection and window tinting.
Gulf Coast Auto Shield is a company that specializes in automotive protection services, including paint protection and window tinting. They focus on preserving the appearance and integrity of vehicles.
radar detector
"How about a professionally installed radar detector? Gulf Coast Auto Shield does that too."
A radar detector is a gadget that helps drivers know when police are checking for speeding. It can beep or light up to warn you to slow down.
A radar detector is a device used in vehicles to detect if the speed of the vehicle is being monitored by law enforcement using a radar gun. It alerts the driver to slow down to avoid speeding tickets.
hot rods
"You can actually start a collection with hot rods and cars for under 10 grand. So there's a market out there."
Hot rods are cars that have been changed to go faster and look cooler. They're usually older American cars that people like to fix up and make unique.
Hot rods are modified cars, typically American, that have been enhanced for performance and style. They often feature powerful engines and custom bodywork, reflecting the owner's personal taste.
muffler
"If you're unsure where to begin, start with a muffler."
A muffler is a part of the car that makes it quieter when the engine is running. It helps reduce the loud sounds that come from the exhaust.
A muffler is a component of a car's exhaust system that reduces noise produced by the engine. It helps to control sound levels and can also affect the vehicle's performance.
numbers matching
"Got to have the paperwork. Yep. Numbers matching the whole line. It's all originals."
'Numbers matching' means that the important parts of a car, like the engine, are the same ones that were in it when it was first made. This is important for people who collect cars because it makes the car more valuable and original.
'Numbers matching' refers to a vehicle's original components, such as the engine and transmission, having the same identification numbers as those recorded when the car was manufactured. This is crucial for collectors as it significantly enhances a car's value and authenticity.
Mercury Cougars
"If you're, I like the Novas, the Cougars."
The Mercury Cougar is a car that was made by Mercury, a brand of Ford. It started out as a fancier version of the Mustang and was popular for its looks and speed.
The Mercury Cougar is a car that was produced by Mercury from 1967 to 2002. It was originally designed as a luxury version of the Ford Mustang and is known for its stylish design and performance.
Chevrolet Novas
"And that's the point of it. If you're, I like the Novas, the Cougars. You know, the Torinos, things like ..."
Pontiac Torinos
"...'re, I like the Novas, the Cougars. You know, the Torinos, things like that. That would be something that y..."
The Pontiac Torino is an older muscle car that people loved for its speed and cool design. It's a classic car that many collectors and fans still admire today.
The Pontiac Torino is a classic American muscle car produced in the late 1960s and early 1970s, known for its powerful engines and sporty design. It has a dedicated following among classic car enthusiasts and is often celebrated for its performance and style.
Chevrolet Corvettes
"Other guys do the Ferraris. You know, you've got Corvettes. How much money you got?"
The Chevrolet Corvette is a fast and stylish sports car that many people love. It's famous for being powerful and is often compared to much more expensive cars from Europe, which makes it a popular choice for car enthusiasts.
The Chevrolet Corvette is an iconic American sports car known for its high performance and distinctive design. It has a rich history dating back to 1953 and is often seen as a more affordable alternative to European supercars, making it a popular topic in automotive discussions.
Kia EV6
"I'm going to do a review now of the 2025 Kia EV6."
The Kia EV6 is a new electric car from Kia that looks modern and has a lot of technology. The 2025 version is expected to be even better with more features.
The Kia EV6 is an all-electric crossover SUV that debuted in 2021, known for its modern design, advanced technology, and impressive range. The 2025 model continues to build on these features, offering a blend of performance and practicality.
electric motor
"It's an electric motor with 225 horsepower and 258 pound feet of torque with a direct drive automatic transmission."
An electric motor is what makes electric cars move. Instead of using gasoline, it runs on electricity, making it different from regular cars that have engines that burn fuel.
An electric motor is a device that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy, used in electric vehicles to propel the car without the need for traditional internal combustion engines.
Smart Drive Electric
"There's no transmission. There's direct drive electric motors. Toe rating, 2700 pounds, which kind of su..."
The Smart Electric Drive is a tiny car that runs on electricity instead of gas, making it great for driving around the city. It's easy to park and helps reduce pollution.
The Smart Electric Drive is a compact electric vehicle designed for urban driving, known for its small size and maneuverability. It offers a practical solution for city dwellers looking for an eco-friendly transportation option.
Hyundai Ionic
"Base model price, 42.9. Competitors, Hyundai Ionic 5 for 35,000, Chevy Equinox EV for 35.1, and the ..."
Nissan Aria
"... 5 for 35,000, Chevy Equinox EV for 35.1, and the Nissan Aria for 39.7. Next week, the Ford Expedition."
The Nissan Ariya is a new electric SUV that runs on batteries instead of gas. It's designed to be roomy and has a lot of modern features, making it a good option for people looking for an electric car.
The Nissan Ariya is an all-electric crossover SUV that showcases Nissan's commitment to electric mobility with its sleek design and advanced technology features. It offers a spacious interior and a competitive range, making it a strong contender in the growing electric vehicle market.
Tata Motors Aria
"...35,000, Chevy Equinox EV for 35.1, and the Nissan Aria for 39.7. Next week, the Ford Expedition."
Ford Expedition
"...and the Nissan Aria for 39.7. Next week, the Ford Expedition. If the area is not being produced anymore."
The Ford Expedition is a large SUV that can carry a lot of people and their stuff. It's great for families or anyone who needs extra space and power for things like towing trailers.
The Ford Expedition is a full-size SUV that offers spacious seating and strong towing capabilities, making it ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts. It has been a staple in Ford's lineup since the late 1990s and is known for its comfort and utility.
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