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Ripping Up California Coast in 2025 Hyundai Elantra N

Ripping Up California Coast in 2025 Hyundai Elantra N

America on the Road Oct 25, 2025 43 min
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About this episode

Exploring the 2025 Hyundai Elantra N, this episode dives into its performance capabilities and daily drivability, comparing it to the Nissan Altima. Co-host Matt DiLorenzo shares insights on the shifting electric vehicle landscape, discussing Ford's price cuts on the F-150 Lightning and GM's scaling back of EV production. The episode also highlights Jeep's new range-extended Grand Wagoneer and Lincoln's innovative 'forest meditation' feature in their luxury SUVs, making for a lively discussion on current automotive trends and technologies.

Technical Too Afraid to Ask
Concept

electric vehicle tax breaks

"...very different responses to the end of the electric vehicle tax breaks. We'll have the details for you."

Electric vehicle tax breaks are discounts or credits you can get when you buy an electric car. They help lower the overall cost of the car, making it cheaper for you to own one.

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Term

Range Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV)

"...an exciting new version of one of its most important vehicles. One is a Range Extended Electric Vehicle, or REEV, we'll tell you all about that, even what the heck that is coming up."

A Range Extended Electric Vehicle is an electric car that has a small gas engine to help charge the battery when it runs low. This means you can drive further without worrying about finding a charging station right away.

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Nissan Altima
LukaCali (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Nissan Altima

"... of the midsize passenger car market, the Nissan Altima. It doesn't get a lot of ink and a lot of attent..."

The Nissan Altima is a medium-sized car that many people use for commuting. It's known for being comfortable and saving on gas, even if it doesn't get as much attention as other cars.

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Hyundai Elantra
Crisco 1492 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Hyundai Elantra

"My test vehicle this week is a 2025 Hyundai Elantra N, and that was fun to drive, so you'll tell me about that, and we'll be speaking with Matt DiLorenzo about a lot of stuff."

The Hyundai Elantra N is a sportier version of the regular Elantra car. It's designed for people who want a fun driving experience, with a powerful engine and special features that make it handle better on the road.

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Ford F150 Lightning
UltraTech66 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Ford F150 Lightning

"I mean, Ford is lowering lightning prices for its F-150 lightning. At the same time, General Motors is cutting back its EV efforts..."

The Ford F-150 Lightning is an electric truck that is part of the F-150 lineup. The 2026 model has had its prices reduced to attract more buyers.

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Tesla Cybertruck
Alexander-93 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Tesla Cybertruck

"...eal. The lightning is still outselling the Tesla Cybertruck. I guess that's not so hard, because that's cert..."

The Tesla Cybertruck is a new electric truck that looks very different from regular trucks because of its sharp angles and metal body. It's designed to be strong and has cool technology inside, but it's still not as popular as some other trucks right now.

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Car

Ford Lightning STX

"The lightning STX starts at now at $63,000 or so, and it has a bigger battery. What's your take on that before we go on to what General Motors is doing, Matt?"

The Ford Lightning STX is an electric truck that can do many of the same things as a regular truck but without using gasoline. It has a bigger battery, which means it can go further on a single charge.

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Concept

electric vehicle (EV)

"Well, affordability has been the key issue with EVs all along. This is a natural response."

Electric vehicles, or EVs, are cars that run on electricity instead of gas. They are better for the environment and can save money on fuel costs.

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Term

$7,500 incentives

"The $7,500 incentives were helping to move EVs, and once that's gone, the shoppers have shown a little bit of reluctance."

The $7,500 incentives are discounts offered by the government to help people buy electric cars. This makes it cheaper for buyers to choose an electric vehicle instead of a regular one.

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Term

EV

"And I think the other part of it is bringing more affordable EVs to the market if they're going to have any sort of share."

An EV is a type of car that runs on electricity instead of gasoline. They can be charged at home or at charging stations.

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Company

General Motors

"General Motors taking a different approach to Ford Motor Company, citing weakening EV demand, go figure, changing federal policies."

General Motors is a big car company that makes many different brands of cars, including electric ones. They're working on making more affordable electric cars.

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Company

Ford Motor Company

"General Motors taking a different approach to Ford Motor Company, citing weakening EV demand, go figure, changing federal policies."

Ford is another large car company that makes a variety of vehicles, including electric cars. They are trying to keep up with the demand for electric vehicles.

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Term

$1.6 billion charge

"GM is scaling back its EV production, and they're going to take what they call in the accounting business a $1.6 billion charge right off."

A $1.6 billion charge is when a company decides to officially say that they lost a lot of money on something, which can affect how people view the company financially.

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Concept

ICE vehicles

"...the loosing of the emission standards, many of which were designed to put more pressure on ICE vehicles to make EVs more attractive. Not that that's gone away."

ICE vehicles are cars that run on traditional fuels like gas or diesel, as opposed to electric cars that use batteries.

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Hummer
UltraTech66 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Hummer

"...GM's strategy was kind of, they were way into the high end with the Hummer and a lot of the Cadillacs."

Hummer is a type of big, tough truck or SUV that is known for being able to drive off-road and handle rough terrain.

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Jeep Grand Wagoneer
Kahvilokki (CC0)
Car

Jeep Grand Wagoneer

"Let's talk about this Grand Wagoneer from Jeep. They've just rolled this out..."

The Jeep Grand Wagoneer is a large SUV known for its luxury and off-road abilities. It's a modern version of a classic Jeep model.

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Part

3.6 liter V6 engine

"...combines the 3.6 liter gasoline engine, the V6 engine, kind of the longstanding gasoline engine..."

The 3.6 liter V6 engine is a type of engine with six cylinders arranged in a V shape. It's known for being powerful yet efficient.

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Term

horsepower

"...to get a total of 647 horsepower, 500 miles of total range."

Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. The more horsepower, the faster and stronger the vehicle can be.

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Term

range extended vehicles

"But what's your take on these range extended vehicles that are using the gasoline engine to drive a generator, essentially, and not driving the wheels?"

Range extended vehicles are a type of hybrid car that can use both gas and electricity. They have a gas engine that helps charge the battery, so you can drive longer distances without worrying about running out of battery.

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Term

diesel electric locomotive

"If I can just put gas in this RV EV, then I'm just basically, it's like me driving, you know, a diesel electric locomotive, because that's what they"

A diesel electric locomotive is a train that runs on diesel fuel but uses that fuel to create electricity to power its engines. It's a mix of diesel and electric technology.

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Term

plug-in hybrid

"Do you have a plug in hybrid? I do, and I plug it in."

A plug-in hybrid is a car that can use both gasoline and electricity. You can charge it by plugging it into a power outlet, which helps it drive longer distances on electricity alone before using gas.

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Term

twin-turbo

"They're also going to have a three liter hurricane equipped with twin turbo six cylinder engine in the grand wagon here, 420 horsepower."

A twin-turbo engine has two turbochargers that help the engine produce more power. This means the car can go faster and perform better without using more fuel than a regular engine.

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Term

battery price per kilowatt hour

"...I just haven't seen the battery price per kilowatt hour drop to where it's competitive with gas."

Battery price per kilowatt hour is how much it costs to store energy in an electric vehicle's battery. If this price goes down, electric cars become cheaper and more appealing compared to gas cars.

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Term

forest meditation

"Lincoln has rolled out its latest high end feature. It's called forest meditation."

Forest meditation is a new feature in some Lincoln vehicles that helps create a peaceful and relaxing environment, using sounds and visuals from nature.

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Lincoln Navigator
Kevauto (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Lincoln Navigator

"...n case traffic jams weren't peaceful enough, your navigator or nautilus can transform it into a full on fore..."

The Lincoln Navigator is a big luxury SUV that has a lot of space and fancy features. It's great for families and people who want a comfortable ride.

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Lincoln Nautilus
Dinkun Chen (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Lincoln Nautilus

"... jams weren't peaceful enough, your navigator or nautilus can transform it into a full on forest sanctuary ..."

The Lincoln Nautilus is a comfortable luxury SUV that has a lot of space and nice features. It's a good choice for people who want a smooth and relaxing ride.

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Term

12.3 inch center touchscreen

"It's got the bigger 12.3 inch center touchscreen, you know, nicer interior. It's just really a pleasant car to drive."

A 12.3 inch center touchscreen is a big screen in the middle of the car's dashboard that you can touch to control things like music and navigation. Bigger screens usually make it easier to use these features.

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Toyota Camrys
S5A-0043 (CC BY 2.0)
Car

Toyota Camrys

"These days, all Camrys are hybrids. This is America on the Road named B..."

The Toyota Camry is a popular car that many people drive because it's dependable and easy to use. Recently, all Camrys have become hybrids, which means they use both gas and electricity to save on fuel.

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Term

adaptive cruise control

"...you get things like adaptive cruise control. And, you know, all these cars offer a lot of the same driver assists..."

Adaptive cruise control helps your car keep a safe distance from the car in front of you by automatically speeding up or slowing down. It makes highway driving easier by doing some of the work for you.

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Term

surround view camera

"...you can get a great surround view camera, which really helps with parking and maneuvering in tight spots..."

A surround view camera shows you a full view of what's around your car, like a bird's-eye view. It helps you park and avoid obstacles when you're in tight spots.

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Term

ProPilot Assist

"...their version is called pro pilot assist, which, you know,..."

ProPilot Assist is a feature from Nissan that helps you drive by keeping your car at a set speed and helping it stay in the lane. It's like having a little extra help on the highway.

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Term

SR trim

"I mean, all the powertrains are the same, essentially. There is an SR trim that looks kind of cooler."

The SR trim is a special version of a car that usually has extra features or a cooler look compared to the standard model. It's designed to attract buyers who want something a bit more stylish.

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Term

paddle shifters

"And as paddle shifters, larger wheels, maybe a bit firmer suspension. So that's that's cool."

Paddle shifters are buttons or levers on the steering wheel that let you change gears in a car without using a clutch pedal. They make it easier to drive faster and have more control over the car's speed.

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Term

Apple CarPlay

"...you get things like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, you know,..."

Apple CarPlay lets you use your iPhone in your car. You can see apps, make calls, and get directions on the car's screen, making it easier to stay connected while driving.

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Term

Android Auto

"...you get things like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, you know,..."

Android Auto lets you connect your Android phone to your car. You can use apps and get directions on the car's screen, making it easier to use your phone while driving.

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Honda Civic
MercurySable99 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Honda Civic

"...les that happen to be in this segment. The Honda Civic Si and Type R, among them, the Volkswagen GTI. F..."

The Honda Civic is a small car that many people like because it's fun to drive and gets good gas mileage. There are special versions called the Civic Si and Type R that are even faster and sportier.

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Volkswagen Jetta
Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Volkswagen Jetta

"... in a highly competitive segment with things like Jetta, GLI, the Civics."

The Volkswagen Jetta is a small car that many people like because it's well-made and fun to drive. It's a good choice for everyday use and gets decent gas mileage.

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Hyundai Sonata
Benespit (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Hyundai Sonata

"...d automatic transmission that you might find in a sonata. Yeah. And it's not supposed to be."

The Hyundai Sonata is a medium-sized car that looks nice and is comfortable to drive. It's a good option for people who want a reliable car with modern features.

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Audi A5
Alexander-93 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Audi A5

"...but let me tell you what the contenders are. The Audi A5, the Dodge Charger, the new Honda Prelude, comin..."

The Audi A5 is a fancy car that looks really nice and drives smoothly. It's known for being comfortable and having cool features that make driving more enjoyable.

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Honda Prelude
Riley from Christchurch, New Zealand (CC BY 2.0)
Car

Honda Prelude

"...e. The Audi A5, the Dodge Charger, the new Honda Prelude, coming back after a long, long absence, the Kia..."
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Dodge Charger
Ermell (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Dodge Charger

"... what the contenders are. The Audi A5, the Dodge Charger, the new Honda Prelude, coming back after a long..."
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Kia K4
Kevauto (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Kia K4

"...ude, coming back after a long, long absence, the Kia K4 hatchback, Mercedes-Benz CLA, and the Nissan Sen..."

The Kia K4 is a small hatchback car that is coming back after being gone for a while. It's designed to be practical and stylish for everyday driving.

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Mercedes-Benz Mercedesbenz Cla
Dinkun Chen (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Mercedes-Benz Mercedesbenz Cla

"coming back after a long, long absence, the Kia K4 hatchback, Mercedes-Benz CLA, and the Nissan Sentra. I mean, that's a mixed bag, right?"

The Mercedes-Benz CLA is a small luxury car that looks really stylish and has a lot of high-tech features. It's a good choice for people who want a fancy car that stands out.

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Nissan Sentra
LukaCali (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Nissan Sentra

"... K4 hatchback, Mercedes-Benz CLA, and the Nissan Sentra. I mean, that's a mixed bag, right?"
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Ford Maverick
dave_7 from Lethbridge, Canada (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Car

Ford Maverick

"...eally new there. There's like the F-150 and Ford Maverick. They have this new Lobo version."

The Ford Maverick is a small truck that people can use for work or everyday tasks. It's affordable and even comes with a version that uses less gas by being a hybrid.

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Ford Lobo
Anonymousfox36 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Ford Lobo

"... the F-150 and Ford Maverick. They have this new Lobo version. And then the Ram has the 1,500 and a 2,..."

The Ford Lobo is a truck that's similar to the Ford F-150 but is sold in Mexico. It's known for being strong and useful for different kinds of work.

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Ram 1500
Kevauto (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Ram 1500

"They have this new Lobo version. And then the Ram has the 1,500 and a 2,500 with new engines. And then we get the..."

The Ram 1500 is a big truck that can carry heavy loads and is great for work or towing. It's comfortable to drive and has a lot of modern technology inside.

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Cadillac Escalade
Baron Maddock (CC BY 4.0)
Car

Cadillac Escalade

"...I say all these. Acura ADX Audi Q5, the Cadillac Escalade iQ, the Cadillac Optic, the Cadillac Vistic, the..."
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Audi Q5
Berthold Werner (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Car

Audi Q5

"...e a big breath before I say all these. Acura ADX Audi Q5, the Cadillac Escalade iQ, the Cadillac Optic, t..."

The Audi Q5 is a nice SUV that feels luxurious inside and drives really well. It's a good choice for people who want a comfortable and stylish vehicle.

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Honda Passport
IFCAR (Public domain)
Car

Honda Passport

"...tic, the Ford Expedition, the Genesis GV70, Honda Passport, Hyundai Ionic 9, Hyundai Palisade, Jeep Cheroke..."
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Ford Expedition
Noah Wulf (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Ford Expedition

"...he Cadillac Optic, the Cadillac Vistic, the Ford Expedition, the Genesis GV70, Honda Passport, Hyundai Ionic..."
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Genesis GV70
Dinkun Chen (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Genesis GV70

"...Cadillac Vistic, the Ford Expedition, the Genesis GV70, Honda Passport, Hyundai Ionic 9, Hyundai Palisa..."
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Hyundai Genesis
Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Hyundai Genesis

"...c, the Cadillac Vistic, the Ford Expedition, the Genesis GV70, Honda Passport, Hyundai Ionic 9, Hyundai P..."

The Hyundai Genesis is a fancy car that feels very comfortable and has lots of high-tech features. It's a good option for people who want a luxury car without spending too much money.

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Hyundai Palisade
Benespit (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Hyundai Palisade

"...s GV70, Honda Passport, Hyundai Ionic 9, Hyundai Palisade, Jeep Cherokee, the Lucid Gravity. Wow. Finally ..."
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Hyundai Ionic
TTTNIS (CC0)
Car

Hyundai Ionic

"...rd Expedition, the Genesis GV70, Honda Passport, Hyundai Ionic 9, Hyundai Palisade, Jeep Cherokee, the Lucid Gra..."

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a new electric car that looks cool and has a lot of space inside. It's great for people who want to drive without using gas and can charge quickly.

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Lucid Gravity
Matti Blume (CC BY-SA)
Car

Lucid Gravity

"...nic 9, Hyundai Palisade, Jeep Cherokee, the Lucid Gravity. Wow. Finally coming into this group."
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Jeep Cherokee
Mr.choppers (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Car

Jeep Cherokee

"...assport, Hyundai Ionic 9, Hyundai Palisade, Jeep Cherokee, the Lucid Gravity. Wow. Finally coming into thi..."
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Nissan Leaf
EurovisionNim (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Nissan Leaf

".... Finally coming into this group. The new Nissan Leaf that we've talked about on a prior show, the Pole..."
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Polestar 4
JustAnotherCarDesigner (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Polestar 4

"...Leaf that we've talked about on a prior show, the Polestar 4, the Subaru Forester Hybrid, the Toyota 4Runner."

The Polestar 4 is a new electric SUV that is made to be both stylish and good for the environment. It's part of a trend where more people are driving electric cars.

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Toyota 4Runner
IFCAR (Public domain)
Car

Toyota 4Runner

"...lestar 4, the Subaru Forester Hybrid, the Toyota 4Runner. I'm going to drive that momentarily here, and t..."

The Toyota 4Runner is a tough SUV that can go off-road and handle rough terrain. It's popular with people who like outdoor adventures and need a reliable vehicle.

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Toyota RAV4
TTTNIS (CC0)
Car

Toyota RAV4

"...ng to drive that momentarily here, and the Toyota RAV4 are also going to drive that very soon."

The Toyota RAV4 is a small SUV that many people like because it's reliable and has a lot of room inside. It's a great choice for families and those who need a versatile vehicle.

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Volkswagen Tiguan
Spurzem - Lothar Spurzem (CC BY-SA 2.0 de)
Car

Volkswagen Tiguan

"very soon. Volkswagen Tiguan, new version of that, and the Volvo EX30 that you..."

The Volkswagen Tiguan is a small SUV that has plenty of room inside and is comfortable to drive. It's a great option for families who need space for passengers and cargo.

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Kia EV9
Matti Blume (CC BY-SA)
Car

Kia EV9

"I think that the Ionic 9 is really kind of a cool EV-type vehicle, but we've already seen the EV-9 in the category do well. Again, when you're judging apples to apples, you have to ask yourself the question, what does the Ionic 9 bring to the table that the EV-9"

The Kia EV9 is a new electric SUV that is made to be good for the environment and has a lot of space inside. It's part of the trend of more people driving electric cars.

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