For most consumers, vehicles serve as extensions of their personalities and passions. Those who crave speed and excitement typically choose sports cars, while those prioritizing family needs opt for spacious crossovers and minivans.
But what about individuals with active lifestyles? The needs of these adventurous individuals differ significantly from those of suburban homebodies, and as such, their vehicles must be reliable, versatile, and capable.
Active lifestyles are not exclusive to the wealthy, so the automotive industry produces vehicles across a broad range of price points.
One essential feature that every adventurous person requires from their car or truck is utility. Whether it’s for camping, hiking, water sports, climbing, or any other outdoor activity, almost every adventure involves hauling equipment.
Another critical factor for those living an off-the-beaten-path lifestyle is having a vehicle with off-road capability. While not everyone needs a purpose-built 4×4, all-wheel drive can provide the confidence needed to explore the great outdoors.
With these factors in mind, here’s our list of the best vehicles for active lifestyles.
MINI Cooper Countryman
You may find it surprising to see a MINI listed among vehicles that prioritize high ride heights and utility, but the Cooper Countryman offers ample cargo space and a roomy interior, along with the option for all-wheel drive.
Although it’s still classified as a subcompact vehicle, the Countryman’s rounded design maximizes cabin volume, making it suitable for nearly all types of trips, except for the most expansive adventures.
Under the hood of the MINI Cooper Countryman, you’ll find a 1.6-liter inline 4-cylinder engine that generates 121 horsepower. For those seeking more power, the S model boosts output to 208 horsepower.
The standard transmission is a 6-speed manual, with an automatic transmission available as an upgrade.
Standard features include automatic air conditioning, 17-inch aluminum wheels, cruise control, ABS, driveline traction control, and electronic stability control. The starting price for the MINI Cooper Countryman is $22,750.
The 2025 MINI Countryman arrives as a fully redesigned compact crossover SUV, offering seating for five and a blend of quirky charm with practical enhancements.
This latest Countryman marks the beginning of the model’s third generation and represents a major step forward for MINI in terms of size, technology, and utility.
It’s larger than its predecessor, providing increased room for passengers, pets, and cargo. Turbocharged engines ensure quick acceleration, and overall ride quality is noticeably improved.
An all-electric version is also available, delivering an estimated range of 212 miles, which will appeal to eco-conscious drivers. Inside, the cabin showcases MINI’s signature playful design with clever material choices.
While there’s plenty to admire, the new Countryman does fall short in one notable area: driving excitement. According to initial impressions, the 2025 model lacks the engaging dynamics that once set MINI apart. Additional drawbacks include sluggish touchscreen responsiveness and a limited electric range.
On the tech front, MINI has made significant upgrades. The infotainment system is centered around a circular touchscreen designed to evoke the oversized speedometers of vintage MINIs.
Standard features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, integrated Spotify, and a digital voice assistant—personified by a British dog named Spike, though you can customize this.
There’s even AirConsole tech that lets users turn their smartphones into video game controllers for in-car gaming. Safety technology also sees improvements, with more refined features and the addition of hands-free driving assistance for speeds under 37 mph.
For those considering costs, estimates for the 2025 MINI Countryman S ALL4 Signature Plus are based on 15,000 miles per year (55% city, 45% highway) and a fuel cost of $3.90 per gallon of premium in North Dakota. This brings the monthly fuel cost to approximately $177, slightly above the $161 average for compact SUVs.
As for competition, MINI positions the Countryman as a stylish alternative to entry-level luxury SUVs like the Audi Q3, Q4 E-tron, Mercedes-Benz GLB and EQB, and Volvo XC40 and EX40. The performance-oriented John Cooper Works trim competes with the likes of the BMW X1 M35i and Mercedes-AMG GLB 35.
All4 trim equipped with the Iconic equipment package and the Favoured Style appearance bundle. This setup offers a strong balance of style, performance, and value.
For those seeking an even smoother ride and better handling, the adaptive suspension option is also worth considering. All in all, the 2025 MINI Countryman delivers more space, better tech, and solid performance, even if it has moved a bit further from the brand’s enthusiast roots.
Toyota Tacoma
While some of the vehicles on this list offer significant cargo space, there are thrill seekers who need even more room. For this reason, we’ve included two midsize trucks in our selection of 10 vehicles for active lifestyles.
The Toyota Tacoma has long been a dominant player in this segment, known for its dependable powertrain, rugged build, and off-road capabilities.
The 2016 Tacoma has been recently redesigned and is powered by a 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque.
For those seeking more performance, the 3.5-liter V6 engine delivers 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. Both engine options are paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.
When equipped with the larger engine, the Tacoma boasts a towing capacity of 6,800 pounds. The Tacoma is available in a variety of body styles, with prices starting at $23,660 for the base model.
A long-standing fixture—and arguably the central figure—of the mid-size pickup truck segment, the Toyota Tacoma has recently undergone a comprehensive and long-awaited redesign.
This overhaul has introduced a host of new features, enhanced off-road capability, and notable advantages over its rivals. The version discussed here is the nonhybrid variant, which is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers up to 278 horsepower.
Meanwhile, a separate hybrid version, reviewed independently, produces an impressive 326 horsepower. A newly available rear coil-spring suspension provides a smoother ride both on and off the pavement, and an improved seating position gives drivers better comfort and visibility.
Inside, the Tacoma’s interior reflects the truck’s bold, rugged exterior and integrates a suite of up-to-date technology. As is typical for Toyota, a wide array of cab styles, bed lengths, and trim levels are available.
However, the top-tier, most feature-rich trims are exclusive to the hybrid-powered models. The Tacoma competes with other freshly updated trucks like the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, and Ford Ranger, all of which give buyers several compelling alternatives in this segment.
For 2025, changes to the Tacoma are minimal, as this is only the second year of the current generation.
New updates include standard front tow hooks across all models and an upgrade to the auxiliary switches, which now support up to 95 amps—up from the previous 30-amp capacity. Additionally, the Terra paint color is now available on all TRD trims, expanding visual customization options for buyers.
Pricing for the 2025 Toyota Tacoma starts at $33,085 and tops out at $43,295 depending on trim level and options. The SR base model begins at $33,085, while various configurations of the SR, SR5, TRD PreRunner, TRD Sport, and TRD Off-Road models fill out the rest of the lineup.
The sweet spot in the range is the SR5 trim, which includes the 278-hp version of the turbocharged engine, 17-inch aluminum wheels, blind-spot monitoring, fog lights, integrated bed tie-downs, push-button start, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
For those who favor a more rugged aesthetic and real off-road capability, the TRD Off-Road model stands out. It recently held its own in a head-to-head comparison with the Chevy Colorado ZR2, showing just how capable it is when the pavement ends.
Under the hood, every nonhybrid Tacoma is equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. This engine comes in two configurations and is paired with either an eight-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission. Buyers can opt for rear-wheel or four-wheel drive.
The base 228-hp version is reserved for the entry-level SR model, while all other trims benefit from the more robust i-Force versions that deliver up to 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque.
Though all Tacomas retain their traditional body-on-frame structure, suspension setups vary. The SR, SR5 extended cab, and TRD PreRunner use leaf-spring rear suspensions, while other trims receive upgraded coil springs.
Our experience driving the nonhybrid Tacoma revealed a truck that’s significantly more refined on-road than before, particularly in trims with the new coil springs, which noticeably improve ride quality over the outdated leaf-spring setup.
Around town, the powertrain delivers strong acceleration, and highway maneuvers like merging and passing are handled with ease. Still, the Tacoma’s true strength lies off the beaten path, where off-road models are equipped with specialized hardware that makes them extremely capable in rugged terrain.
Also Read: 10 Vehicles With Best Long-Term Fuel Economy That Save You Money Year After Year
Chevrolet Colorado
The newest and most formidable competitor to the Tacoma is Chevrolet’s Colorado pickup. Stylish, capable, and competitively priced, the Colorado is an ideal choice for active individuals who value the practicality and extra utility provided by a truck bed.
Having had the opportunity to take the Colorado off-road, I can confidently say it’s ready for nearly any challenge.Under the hood of the Colorado is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 181 horsepower and 191 lb-ft of torque.
For those seeking more power, a 3.6-liter V6 gasoline engine and a 2.8-liter turbodiesel are also available, delivering up to 305 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, respectively.
The entry-level Colorado comes with a 6-speed manual transmission, while higher trim models are equipped with a 6-speed automatic. When equipped with the Duramax diesel engine, the Colorado has a towing capacity of up to 7,700 pounds. Prices for the Colorado start at $20,100.
Few vehicles have achieved the level of consistent recognition in our “Of the Year” programs like the Chevrolet Colorado.
The previous-generation version of this midsize pickup earned our top truck honors twice, and the latest iteration has continued that legacy, earning the title of 2024 Truck of the Year.
Unless your regular driving needs include towing more than 8,000 pounds or hauling over 1,600 pounds in the bed, this is one of the most well-rounded and enjoyable trucks available. The Colorado competes in the midsize pickup category alongside the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, and GMC Canyon.
Chevrolet introduced a fully redesigned Colorado for the 2023 model year, which brought fresh styling, upgraded powertrains, and a dramatically improved interior.
Notable additions last year included the rugged ZR2 Bison variant and the standardization of an 11.3-inch digital instrument cluster across the lineup.
For 2025, Chevy has dropped the entry-level LR2 Turbo engine, making the L3B TurboMax the sole powertrain option for the Colorado.
Any successor to a Truck of the Year winner comes under heavy scrutiny, but the third-generation Colorado more than lived up to expectations—so much so that we named it our 2024 Truck of the Year.
Even after our initial drive, it was easy to appreciate the new turbocharged four-cylinder engines, which deliver both ample torque and refinement, especially when producing 430 lb-ft.
Handling is another standout trait—the Colorado corners with agility and composure that belie its size and segment, feeling more like a smaller, lighter vehicle through tight turns.
Even the mid-tier LT trim provides a comfortable and well-equipped ride, though we would still like to see a low-range transfer case included. Some early builds had minor quality issues, but every Colorado impresses with its off-road capabilities.
The Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2 trims take that to the next level, with the ZR2 Bison model proving dominant in a comparison test against the Jeep Gladiator Mojave X and the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro.
Inside the cabin, quality is generally solid, though the rear seat could benefit from more space. While there are cost-cutting measures evident in a few places, they’re not immediately noticeable, and the Colorado does a good job concealing its budget-friendly aspects.
The large infotainment display and standard digital instrument cluster are especially impressive. Taken as a whole, the 2025 Chevrolet Colorado lineup is a modern, comfortable, and capable pickup that absolutely deserves its continued top-truck status.
All 2025 Colorado models now come equipped with a version of the same 2.7-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While rear-wheel drive is standard on most trims, four-wheel drive is available at an additional cost.
Previously, entry-level WT and LT models featured a lower-output version of the engine with 237 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. For 2025, that setup has been retired.
Now, every Colorado benefits from the high-output TurboMax configuration, delivering 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is rated at 19 mpg city and 23 mpg highway for RWD models.
Opting for 4WD brings that down to around 17/21 mpg, or as low as 16/16 mpg in the ZR2. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph ranges from 6.0 to 6.9 seconds depending on the trim level, making it one of the quicker options in the segment.
Jeep Renegade
The Jeep Renegade has introduced a wide range of buyers to the Jeep brand, offering a taste of the ruggedness found in its larger siblings, the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee, at a much lower price point.
As the most affordable vehicle on our list of 10 vehicles for active lifestyles, the Jeep Renegade is fun to drive, spacious, and fuel-efficient.
The Jeep Renegade Sport comes equipped with a 1.4-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 160 horsepower, and it is available with either a 6-speed manual or an automatic transmission.
Standard features on the Renegade include 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, side seat-mounted airbags, curtain airbags for the first and second rows, a driver knee airbag, an airbag occupancy sensor, 16-inch styled steel wheels, ABS, driveline traction control, electronic stability control, power windows, and power locks. The Renegade is priced starting at $17,995.
The Jeep Renegade is one of three compact SUVs offered by the iconic American brand that pioneered the concept of the sport utility vehicle. It sits between the smaller Jeep Avenger and the slightly larger Jeep Compass in the lineup.
Beneath its rugged exterior, the Renegade shares much of its engineering with the Fiat 500X—a result of the shared ownership between Jeep and Fiat. Both vehicles are manufactured at the same facility in Melfi, Italy.
Despite their mechanical similarities, you’d be hard-pressed to guess the connection just by looking at them. The Renegade boasts a boxier shape, higher ground clearance, and classic Jeep design cues such as the brand’s signature grille and tough, off-road-inspired aesthetics.
These attributes give it an edge in visual distinction, helping it stand out in a crowded and competitive small SUV segment—similar to how the retro styling of the Mini Countryman captures attention.
Still, the market for small SUVs is diverse and fiercely contested. If fuel economy is your priority, the Toyota Yaris Cross is worth considering.
For those seeking comfort and refinement, the Volkswagen T-Roc stands out. And if driving engagement is your main concern, the Ford Puma offers one of the most fun-to-drive experiences in the class.
The Jeep Renegade delivers eye-catching styling and a practical layout, but it falls short in refinement compared to many of its rivals. If spacious rear seats aren’t a priority, the Jeep Avenger might be the better choice thanks to its sleeker interior and more polished driving dynamics
When it comes to performance, the base engine in the Jeep Renegade is a 1.5-liter petrol unit enhanced by mild-hybrid technology, known as the e-Hybrid. It’s the recommended option in the lineup. Producing 128bhp, it achieves 0–62mph in around 10 seconds.
However, the engine’s unwillingness to rev freely gives it a strained and coarse character, making it feel like it’s laboring to move the Renegade’s heft.
The mild-hybrid setup does allow for brief moments of all-electric driving, such as when crawling through traffic or maneuvering in tight spots, but it primarily assists the petrol engine under normal driving conditions.
For those wanting more electric capability, the 4xe plug-in hybrid (PHEV) offers a better solution. This version uses a 1.3-liter petrol engine to drive the front wheels, while a 59bhp electric motor powers the rear, effectively giving the vehicle four-wheel drive.
The two power sources are linked by an 11.4kWh battery, which provides an official electric-only range of 26 miles—considerably less than the 38 miles offered by the Kia Niro PHEV or the 40 miles from the Toyota C-HR PHEV.
There are two PHEV trims available: the Overland, which produces a combined output of 237bhp, and the more off-road-oriented Trailhawk, which offers 187bhp.
In urban driving conditions using electric-only mode, the Trailhawk variant performs adequately, with enough energy for city commutes.
Light-footed drivers can even coax it up to motorway speeds without engaging the petrol engine. Once the engine does kick in, it delivers a respectable burst of power. However, between the two plug-in options, the more affordable Overland is the better pick.
Handling is not a strong point for the Renegade. It exhibits significant body roll in corners, much more than either the Ford Puma or the Jeep Avenger.
Steering is another weakness—it feels overly light and lacks precision, often leaving drivers second-guessing whether they’ve turned the wheel enough to make a corner.
Ride comfort is similarly disappointing. The Renegade struggles to absorb imperfections in the road, including potholes, speed bumps, and expansion joints—something the Skoda Kamiq manages with much more grace.
Wind noise is constant at higher speeds, thanks to the Renegade’s upright windshield and large mirrors, and the engine tends to drone under acceleration.
Both the e-Hybrid and the 4xe models use a six-speed automatic transmission. While shifts are generally smooth, the gearbox isn’t particularly decisive and often hesitates when choosing the appropriate gear for a given situation.
Those planning to venture off the beaten path may want to focus on the plug-in hybrid variants. These models offer four-wheel drive and slightly elevated ground clearance.
The Trailhawk trim, in particular, enhances off-road credentials with additional drive modes like Sport and Rock, plus added protection underneath in the form of skid plates for the suspension, gearbox, and fuel tank.
Subaru Crosstrek
For those who are not fond of the Outback’s design, the Subaru Crosstrek offers an excellent alternative. With standard all-wheel drive, a rugged body, and renowned reliability, the Crosstrek stands out from more conventional crossover competitors.
The Crosstrek is powered by a 2.0-liter boxer 4-cylinder engine that produces 148 horsepower, offering a slight increase in power compared to last year’s model.
The base version comes equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission and includes standard features such as 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, side seat-mounted airbags, curtain airbags for both the first and second rows, a driver knee airbag, an airbag occupancy sensor, air conditioning, 17-inch aluminum wheels, ABS, driveline traction control, and cruise control. The Subaru Crosstrek starts at a price of $21,595.
His enthusiasm for cars is deeply rooted—he learned to drive in his father’s C4 Chevrolet Corvette and now owns his grandfather’s 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG.
The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek is the brand’s most compact and affordable SUV, but don’t let its size fool you—it’s also one of the most versatile. It handles daily commuting duties with comfort and composure while offering legitimate off-road capability, especially in rougher terrain.
After a full redesign in 2024, the Crosstrek enters 2025 with minimal changes. The most notable update is to the Premium trim, which now receives the Crosstrek’s more powerful engine and gains hill descent control for better traction in tricky conditions.
Among its advantages, the Crosstrek comes with standard all-wheel drive and delivers impressive fuel economy. Its interior is simple and spacious, and it’s more capable off-road than most rivals in the subcompact SUV segment.
That said, the base engine’s acceleration is underwhelming, the cabin can get noisy at highway speeds, and both storage and cargo space fall short compared to some competitors. Its tech features also feel somewhat outdated.
Fuel cost estimates for the 2025 Crosstrek, based on 15,000 miles per year and average gas prices in North Dakota, come to around $130 per month—considerably lower than the $161 monthly average for compact SUVs. That makes it an appealing option for budget-conscious drivers looking for efficiency and all-weather performance.
With 8.7 inches of ground clearance and standard AWD, the Crosstrek is well-suited for off-pavement adventures.
The Wilderness trim takes that capability even further, with 9.3 inches of clearance, underbody skid plates, all-terrain tires, and a reinforced roof rack designed to handle overlanding tents. These features make it an especially attractive option for outdoor enthusiasts or drivers who regularly face challenging road conditions.
When it comes to rivals, few subcompact SUVs can match the Crosstrek’s combination of versatility and off-road skill. If you’re seeking even more rugged performance, consider upsizing to the Ford Bronco Sport or Jeep Wrangler—both excel off-road but lack the Crosstrek’s on-road manners.
For those prioritizing urban comfort and handling, the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Mazda CX-30, and Volkswagen Taos are worth a look. Additionally, Subaru’s own Forester—completely redesigned for 2025—is a great alternative that offers more space while retaining the brand’s core strengths.
Overall, the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek delivers a compelling package for drivers who need everyday practicality with weekend-ready toughness. It may not lead in every category, but its balance of affordability, efficiency, and capability makes it one of the more well-rounded choices in its class.
5 Cars That Can’t Keep Up With Active Lifestyle
Not every car is built for the hustle of an adventurous, on-the-go life. Whether you’re hitting trails on the weekend, loading up for a spontaneous road trip, or juggling outdoor gear with a packed schedule, some vehicles simply fall short.
From cramped cargo space to weak performance in unpredictable conditions, these cars can end up being more of a hassle than a help. In this article, we’re calling out five models that struggle to keep pace with drivers who live life in motion.
If your lifestyle demands more than just point-A-to-B transport, these are the cars you might want to leave off your list.
Volkswagen Jetta
While the Volkswagen Jetta remains a popular choice, it has lost some of its appeal over the years and may not be worth the price you’d pay to get one for your teenager.
Reliability poses a major concern, as the Jetta is known for recurring mechanical issues and expensive repairs, making it a less practical option.
According to RepairPal, the Jetta ranks 21st out of 36 compact cars in terms of reliability and is associated with higher-than-average maintenance expenses.
Consumer Reports places it at the very bottom 16 out of 16 for compact cars, assigning it a reliability score of just 24 out of 100.
Volkswagen’s Jetta has followed a consistent formula since its introduction, delivering an affordable entry point into a capable compact four-door sedan that comfortably seats four—and occasionally squeezes in a fifth when needed.
While the Jetta GLI serves as the lineup’s performance-oriented variant, the standard Jetta continues to represent strong value across most trims, especially now that the regular Golf hatchback is no longer available in the U.S.
The compact sedan segment has shrunk, but rivals like the Honda Civic and Mazda 3 continue to bring competition—with the Mazda 3 even offering the added benefit of available all-wheel drive.
That said, the Jetta stands out in its own right thanks to nimble handling and the composed feel of a compact sedan with subtle sporting aspirations rooted in its German lineage.
All non-GLI Jettas are powered by a familiar 158-horsepower turbocharged inline-four engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Unfortunately, the six-speed manual transmission once offered on lower trims has now been reserved exclusively for the sportier GLI.
Chevrolet Bolt
Even though a new Bolt model is anticipated for 2025, GM ended production of both the Chevy Bolt and Bolt EUV at the close of 2023.
Despite a relatively affordable starting price of around $27,000 and an appealing driving range of 259 miles, these vehicles were plagued by numerous recalls, including reports of battery defects that led to fires.
The Chevrolet Bolt EV is a compact all-electric hatchback that continues to be one of the most accessible and widely favored electric vehicles on the market. For the 2022 model year, Chevrolet has introduced a series of enhancements aimed at boosting the car’s overall appeal.
Among the updates are more supportive front seats, a completely redesigned interior, and refreshed exterior styling that, in our opinion, comes across as less awkward than before.
Standard safety equipment now includes features like forward collision warning and lane keeping assist. Additionally, optional equipment includes blind-spot monitoring, a 360-degree camera system, and—at long last—adaptive cruise control.
However, GM’s advanced Super Cruise system, which enables hands-free driving on designated highways, remains unavailable on the Bolt EV hatchback, though it can be equipped on the larger Chevrolet Bolt EUV crossover.
Mechanically, the Bolt EV retains the same electric powertrain that delivers an EPA-estimated 259 miles of range on a full charge. In our own testing, it actually exceeded expectations slightly, reaching 278 miles. That’s an impressive amount of range given its price point.
For 2022, Chevrolet has also improved the Bolt’s charging capabilities, allowing it to charge more quickly when using a 240-volt power source. However, to make the most of this upgrade at home, you’ll likely need to install a dedicated Level 2 charging station.
Land Rover Range Rover
Renowned for its tough four-wheel-drive vehicles, Land Rovers are often driven hard.
For the Range Rover, you can expect to pay an average of $735 in annual repair costs during the first year, with total maintenance and repair expenses reaching approximately $18,228 over the first 10 years of ownership.
Reliability has been a significant concern, with RepairPal ranking Land Rover 31st out of 32 among all car brands, and Consumer Reports naming Land Rover the second worst brand overall, placing it just above Jeep.
The Range Rover is offered with four powertrain options, beginning with the P400, which features a turbocharged inline-six engine paired with a 48-volt hybrid system, producing 395 horsepower.
In our initial test drive, this engine delivered a smooth and refined experience, providing sufficient power to move the large Range Rover effortlessly.
For those seeking more power, Land Rover offers the P530, a 523-hp twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine, which enhances the vehicle’s performance and increases its towing capacity to 8,200 pounds. There’s also a 542-hp plug-in hybrid option, the P550e, available only for short-wheelbase models.
At the top of the range, the SV variant comes with a 606-hp V8 engine, referred to as the P615. The Range Rover offers a comfortable ride, especially in Comfort mode, where the adjustable air suspension allows it to glide smoothly over the road.
Switching to Dynamic mode firms up the suspension a bit, though the primary focus remains on comfort. As expected, the Range Rover is also equipped with impressive off-road capabilities as standard.
Rivian R1T
Although Consumer Reports assigned the R1T a reliability score of 22 out of 100 for 2024, reviews on the site have been generally favorable, and this Rivian boasts enough battery capacity to deliver an estimated 400 miles on a single charge.
Since the model has only been on the market for a few years, there is no long-term reliability data available yet. However, based on price alone, there’s little justification for purchasing an $80,000 electric vehicle for a newly licensed teenager.
Every 2025 Rivian R1T comes with all-wheel drive (AWD), but there are three motor configurations available. The dual-motor models can be equipped with the Standard, Large, or Max battery packs, while the quad-motor and new tri-motor variants are available only with the Max pack.
The Standard pack features a new lithium iron phosphate chemistry and offers up to 270 miles of range on a full charge.
The Max and Large battery packs have also been redesigned, providing range estimates of 420 and 330 miles, respectively. The Max pack represents an improvement of 20 miles compared to the previous version of the R1T.
Rivian claims that any 2025 R1T can recover up to 140 miles of range in around 20 minutes when connected to a Level 3 DC fast charger. Additionally, Rivian vehicles are compatible with Tesla’s Supercharger network.
The entry-level R1T is powered by a dual-motor setup that produces 533 horsepower and 610 lb-ft of torque, achieving a 0–60 mph time of about 4.5 seconds.
Upgrading to the Performance Dual-Motor configuration increases the output to 665 horsepower and 829 lb-ft of torque, which Rivian says brings the 0-60 mph time down to approximately 3.4 seconds.
Similar to Rivian’s upcoming R2 and R3 SUVs, the R1T is also available with a tri-motor configuration. This setup uses two motors in the rear and one motor in the front to deliver 850 horsepower and 1,103 lb-ft of torque. This version is expected to reach 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds.
For ultimate performance, the updated quad-motor R1T generates 1,025 horsepower and up to 1,198 lb-ft of torque in Launch Mode, an increase of 190 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque over the previous version.
Rivian believes this configuration can accelerate the R1T to 60 mph in under 2.5 seconds, shaving more than half a second off its previous time.
During our First Drive review, a pre-production quad-motor R1T completed a 0-60 mph run in 2.8 seconds on a drag strip. We’ll need to retest it under more controlled conditions and with our own precise testing equipment.
Hyundai Accent
We described the Hyundai Accent as “unforgettable,” citing its unusually slow acceleration. While that lack of speed might seem ideal for a teenage driver, the Accent is also considered one of the most dangerous and deadly vehicles on the road.
Even though it earned the title of IIHS Top Safety Pick in 2019, the Accent has a driver death rate nearly identical to that of the rear-wheel-drive Challenger variants, with 152 deaths per million registered vehicles.
The Accent is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 120 horsepower, which is sent to the front wheels via a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
This engine was introduced in 2020, and while we haven’t had the chance to test one yet, we expect its performance to be similar to the 2018 and 2019 models, which offered 130 horsepower. It’s evident that ride comfort is prioritized over sharp handling.
Despite this, the Accent remains lively, with its compact body easily maneuvering through corners, and it even offers a satisfying experience when pushed. The suspension does a decent job of smoothing out rough roads, though harsh impacts can send vibrations through the cabin.
As expected from a small car, the Accent delivers solid fuel economy, with its new four-cylinder engine providing a combined rating of 36 mpg.
We haven’t had the opportunity to conduct our real-world highway fuel-economy tests yet, but once we do, we’ll take it on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route and update this review with the results.
Inside, the Accent presents a mature, well-built interior, though it lacks the playful design of the Kia Rio or the rear-seat legroom offered by the Honda Fit, which provides almost six extra inches.
The interior design of the Accent is simple and straightforward, with no unnecessary frills. Both of our test cars featured a black interior, which, while well-constructed, gave off a more serious, businesslike vibe.
The optional beige interior, however, adds a touch of sophistication with two-tone tan and black seats, as well as a similar dual-tone treatment for the dashboard and door panels.
Despite being a sedan with less cargo space when the rear seats are in use, the Accent was able to accommodate more of our carry-on luggage than the hatchback-style Rio. In fact, with the rear seats folded, the Accent held only two fewer bags than the notably roomy Fit.