Western Automotive Journalists 'Best of the Bay' 2025 - Choosing the Best!
The Western Automotive Journalists 'Best of the Bay' is a chance for a collection of journalists (now called content creators) to get together, drive new cars, rank them, and declare the winners of specific categories.
It is difficult to rank vehicles based on short drives (about 40 minutes per vehicle), but you do get a general feel. After all, we are professionals.
This year, instead of grouping by sedan, SUV, EV, etc., the vehicles were grouped by price. There is so much overlap in type; this made more sense. The three categories were "Under $50,000," "Under $75,000," and "Over $75,000." The prices are a sign of the times.
The winners have not been announced yet, but here are the contestants listed alphabetically with their listed prices. Prices may change so always check the car company's websites.
2025 Acura ADX A-Spec AWD - $45,950
Think of the ADX as the baby Acura SUV. It's powered by a 190 hp, 1.5-liter 4-cylinder. Well built, and a good size for me. Acura (Honda) builds excellent cars and the ADX did not disappoint.
2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale Veloce AWD - $48,130
Absolutely the most gorgeous paint - Verde Fangio Metallic (of course, it is very expensive, $2,200!). Alfa is all about performance, even in a SUV. It's 2.0-liter, turbo 4-cylinder is rated at 268 hp. It is quick and fast, it has huge brakes, and a decent ride. The only complaint I had is that the paddle shifters are too big; they block access to the turn signal stalk.
Want a real kick-ass Battery Electric Vehicle? This is it. Normally I'm more concerned with range for an EV, but this is different. EPA says there is 241 miles of range, but really this EV is all about GO! 0-60 in 3.3 seconds. The styling is pretty wild, there is a front "wing," the interior is all about driving. Even on a drizzly day I couldn't help but grin when driving it. Most loved the sound machine that made the Charger Daytona sound like it had a big V8 (and other sounds), I prefer stealth mode.
2026 Genesis GV60 Performance AWD - $74,020
If you want a luxury, electric SUV/sedan you can't go wrong with the Genesis GV60. It's got decent range - 252 miles - and it is Genesis nice.
2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Prestige AWD - $72,225
I prefer the twin-turbo, 3.5-liter, V6 GV70. It is not as quick as the GV60 EV, but I guess I'm just a gasaholic. Whenever I get into a Genesis, any Genesis, I just shake my head and wonder how the heck they came so far in such a short time.
2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite - $53,900
Honda is proud of the fact that the Passport Trailsport Elite is off-road capable. Me? I don't care. I do like the looks, and I love the non-hybrid, 3.5-liter V6. It isn't the most powerful V6 but it is smooth and flexible. It is simply a nice SUV.
2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 AWD Calligraphy Design - $77,040
If you're looking for a really nice, 3-row, AWD, all-electric, large SUV this may be for you. It has a range of 311 miles, and it is just gorgeous.
2025 Jeep Wagoneer S Limited 4XE - $71,790
Jeep. The name means so much, not just here in the U.S.A. but worldwide. The Wagooner has a long history of being a vehicle of choice for rural aristocracy. Even so it was always a little rough around the edges. No more. This Wagoneer S Limited 4XE is on par with others in this price range. It has a range of 294 miles.
The only complaint I have with the EV6 GT AWD is the Yacht Blue Matte finish. I like paint that shines. They style borders on quirky but settles on cutting edge. The range is a little short in my estimate (231 miles). To make up for the short range, it will get you there very rapidly as you'd expect from a car with 641 hp. when the little yellow button is pushed. That really is neck-snapping.
The Hybrid Kia Sportage brings you back to earth, to everyday use. The competition in this class is tough - Sportage holds its own. Kia's formula seems to be "build competent vehicles well," and they succeed. Attention to detail makes the Sportage a strong contender.
2025 Lexus LX 700h Ultra Luxury - $141,350
I'm often torn in different directions by large, luxury SUVs. No matter how they tweak the suspension, I'm always aware that it is a truck. The LX 700h's cabin is one of the poshest places to spend some time on the road. I have this vehicle for a week, so I'll have a full report in a week or so.
Lucid builds one of the most beautiful cars available. A 2026 Lucid Air Sapphire is one of the quickest sedans going; 0-60 in 1.89 seconds. This is not that car. The Touring crawls to 60 in a leisurely 3.4 seconds, yet it has a range of 431 miles.
I think the Subaru rep was disappointed when I said the Solterra was/is a perfectly good EV. I didn't mean it as a put down. I may love a really fast car, but when I plunk down hard earned cash I want a good, reliable vehicle, one that will last at least ten years. That's what Subaru is known for.
Back in September I drove this 4Runner for a week. I loved it. I still do. I'm not an SUV guy but for some reason I could see myself in a new 4Runner.
We voted and Jeff (a joke) is going to tally the votes. When they are announced, I'll update this post.
To the car companies that were not present - shame on you. WAJ put on one heck of an event. There were truly no bad cars. In fact I'd say every car I drove was great. I've been doing this for a long time, and I've driven some real dogs. No more. Thanks to all the companies that did participate. You rock!
Comments