While everyone else was busy gawking at Lucid’s 828-horsepower electric beast or the carbon-fiber-hardened Mustang GTD, something sneakier happened: the return of the proudly American-built vehicle that actually makes sense for your driveway.

Q: What sets these cars apart?

Let’s start with the Lucid Gravity, built in Casa Grande, Arizona. It delivers the kind of specs that make even Tesla’s Plaid sound like a humble rental: 0–60 in 3.4 seconds, 450-mile range, and a 200-mile top-up in just 11 minutes. It also seats seven, hauls gear like a pickup, and feels more like a Scandinavian lounge inside than a tech demo. And it’s made, crucially, in the American Southwest—not some offshore island of tax breaks.

Then there’s Subaru, quietly dominating with two entries: the redesigned 2026 Outback, still proudly built in Indiana, and the new Trailseeker EV—Subaru’s second all-electric SUV, this one with proper off-road chops and symmetrical all-wheel drive. It may not shout, but it certainly climbs.

Q: How does this affect the average driver?

It brings sanity back to the showroom. For every six-figure EV with butterfly doors, there’s now a hybrid, gas, or electric SUV built for real life. The Honda Passport, for example, is assembled in Alabama and doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel. It just does everything well. Off-road? Yes. Commute? Sure. Haul four kids, a golden retriever, and a month’s worth of emotional baggage? You bet.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade, still earns its seat at the American table. With a new hybrid drivetrain promising 620 miles of range, it answers a question Americans didn’t ask out loud but were clearly thinking: “Can I stop worrying about charging every 30 minutes?” Add massage seats, all-terrain tires, and third-row safety that would make a Volvo nervous, and you’ve got one of the smartest long-haul family cars out there—even if it doesn’t carry a U.S. VIN.

Q: Is this all just marketing noise?

Not really. Amid the noise of overpromised EVs and underdelivered autonomy, it’s the real-world-ready vehicles making the biggest impression. Case in point: the Ramcharger, Ram’s extended-range EV pickup that manages to tow 14,000 pounds while still squeezing 690 miles out of a tank and battery combined. It’s assembled in Michigan and aimed squarely at the guy who’d rather climb a mountain than code an app.

Even VW, long associated with the autobahn, is going full Americana—just not in the way you’d expect. In 2024, they partnered with KONG and VCA Charities to create a VW-inspired dog toy that donates one to a shelter dog for every unit sold. Inspired by a dog chewing a VW Bus axle stop, it’s equal parts nostalgia, clever marketing, and genuine goodwill.

Q: So, what’s the takeaway here?

It’s not that America is winning some kind of manufacturing pissing contest—it’s that the country’s best vehicles now reflect what American drivers actually want: versatility, durability, and yes, a bit of indulgence. Whether you’re talking about a 540-hp Ram RHO, a tech-stuffed VW Tiguan, or a Mustang GTD that laps the Nürburgring in under seven minutes, these machines weren’t made just to be gawked at. They were made to be used.

Even better, they’re being built—many of them—by people who live in the same zip code as the people who’ll drive them.

The post The Real Story from the 2025 NY Auto Show appeared first on ROI TV.

“What sets this car apart?”

In a world where crossovers try to moonlight as luxury limos or Formula 1 rejects, the Forester Hybrid stays resolutely in its lane—specifically, the gravel one. It’s not flashy, not overly complicated, and certainly not pretending to be something it’s not. What it is, however, is ruthlessly functional.

It offers 106.6 cubic feet of passenger space, enough to fit kennels, coolers, and a pile of squeaky toys you swore had disappeared last year. The rear seats fold flat. The cargo space is low to the ground. And yes—your dog can hop in without tearing their ACL.

Subaru’s new hybrid setup combines a 2.5-liter flat-four boxer engine with two electric motors. Total output? 194 horsepower. Fuel economy? A border collie-chasing-tennis-balls 35 mpg. Range? 581 miles. You’ll tire out the kids before the tank runs dry.

But perhaps its biggest trick is what it doesn’t do: it doesn’t plug in. This isn’t one of those electrified prima donnas that requires a wall socket and a prayer. It self-charges while driving, like a responsible adult who brings their own Tupperware to work.

“How does this affect everyday drivers?”

Subaru has baked in its EyeSight safety suite as standard—emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and new automatic steering that behaves like a sheepdog herding inattentive drivers back into their lane. That’s not marketing fluff; it’s family protection with a steering wheel.

Then there’s the AWD. Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system and 8.7 inches of ground clearance aren’t there for Instagram; they’re for actual mud, actual snow, and that actual weekend you promised to go hiking (but secretly hope gets rained out).

Need to take the dog to the groomer? No problem. Need to take five dogs to the mountains? Also, no problem. The climate controls keep the pups cool, the animal-free upholstery wipes clean, and there’s even a rear seat reminder because some of us need a nudge to remember there’s a beagle in the back.

“Is this truly a game-changer or just hype?”

Here’s the twist: it’s not a game-changer. It’s a game-understander. The Forester Hybrid doesn’t innovate to stand out; it innovates to stay out of your way. It’s built like a good labrador—durable, dependable, and low-drama. Could it use more torque? Sure. Would a plug-in version be welcome? Absolutely. But at under $35,000, with more interior room than a RAV4, CR-V, or Escape hybrid, it’s hard to bark at that.

This is a car that doesn’t care about winning magazine awards—it cares about getting your dog to the great outdoors and back without so much as a whimper. And in a market filled with over-engineered nonsense, that’s practically revolutionary.

The post 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid appeared first on ROI TV.

Operation Frodo, an ambitious cross-country dog rescue, is proving that compassion can bridge even the fiercest rivalries. This isn’t your average road trip—it’s a life-changing odyssey involving abandoned dogs, snowy highways, and automakers working together in an unprecedented show of generosity.

From Overcrowded Shelters to Loving Homes

The journey begins in the Midwest, where abandoned and neglected dogs—often victims of post-hunting season or the overflow from puppy mills—end up in overcrowded shelters. In some states, hunters are still allowed to abandon their dogs after the season, leaving these facilities overwhelmed and under-resourced.

That’s where Operation Frodo steps in. This coalition of volunteers and rescue organizations is determined to give these dogs a second chance. Their mission? Transport 22 rescued dogs across the western U.S. to cities like Denver, Salt Lake City, Boise, Portland, and Seattle. Along the way, these dogs will be matched with foster families, adoption agencies, and forever homes eager to welcome them.

Automakers Join the Rescue

Here’s what makes this mission even more remarkable: automakers, usually fierce competitors, have come together to make it happen.

The convoy includes vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Genesis GV70, Subaru Forester, Kia Carnival, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Ford Explorer. Each one is tackling icy highways and rugged mountain passes, proving their reliability under extreme conditions. Select vehicles are equipped with Bridgestone winter tires to ensure every mile is as safe as it is impactful.

And the support doesn’t stop there:

• Nissan USA is covering fuel costs.
• Infiniti is helping with travel expenses.
• Volunteers are paying their own way to transport these pups to safety.
• A generous donation from car dealers Bob Jr. and Debbie Lanphere ensures the dogs have plenty of food for the journey.

It’s a heartwarming collaboration that transcends business competition, reminding us that kindness can unite even the most unlikely allies.

The Bigger Picture: Why Operation Frodo Matters

At its core, Operation Frodo was conceived to fund dedicated rescue vehicles, allowing organizations to focus their resources on the animals they work so hard to save. Thanks to Animal Rescue Rigs, this vision continues to thrive. By raising money for permanent rescue vehicles, they ensure shelters can allocate their funds where they’re needed most: the animals.

“This mission isn’t just about rescuing dogs—it’s about showing the power of unity,” said one volunteer. “Watching competitors come together for something bigger than themselves is nothing short of inspiring.”

The Unsung Heroes

Behind every successful mission are the incredible rescue organizations making it happen. Groups like Basset and Beagle Rescue of the Heartland, Cascade Beagle Rescue, Seattle Beagle Rescue, and Utah Beagle Rescue are the backbone of Operation Frodo. Their tireless work ensures every dog finds a safe, loving home, coordinating logistics that would challenge even seasoned event planners.

Some of the dogs will find homes along the way, handed off to local rescue groups like Utah Beagle Rescue. Others will travel all the way to Oregon and Washington, where adoptive families and foster homes are eagerly waiting to welcome them.

For many of these dogs, this journey marks the end of a life filled with fear and neglect—and the beginning of a life filled with love.

How You Can Help

Want to be part of this incredible journey? You don’t need to drive across the country to make a difference.

• Donate: Contributions to Animal Rescue Rigs or partner organizations help fund missions like this, covering food, medical care, and transport costs.
• Follow: Track the journey on social media with the hashtag #OperationFrodo2024. Every share, like, and comment helps spread the word and bring hope to these animals.

“This isn’t just about saving dogs—it’s about reminding us of what we’re capable of when we come together,” said a spokesperson. “Every mile driven, every dog rescued, and every home opened proves that kindness isn’t seasonal; it’s timeless.”

A Mission That Warms the Heart

As the holiday lights twinkle and the convoy makes its way west, Operation Frodo is more than a rescue mission—it’s a testament to the transformative power of compassion. It’s proof that when people unite for a common goal, lives change—for both the animals and the humans who save them.

Because, let’s face it, is there anything better than hitting the road with a beagle as your co-pilot?

The post Operation Frodo: The Heartwarming Journey of Beagles, Automakers, and Compassion appeared first on ROI TV.

What’s New? A Suspension with Dual Personality

The 2025 WRX tS features an STI-tuned suspension with electronically controlled dampers, allowing drivers to switch between Comfort, Normal, and Sport modes. Whether you’re cruising through city streets or tearing up the track, the WRX tS adjusts to your needs, making it a versatile choice.

Is It a True Performance Car?

Equipped with Brembo brakes with six-piston calipers and 19-inch Bridgestone Potenza tires, the WRX tS delivers on handling and braking power. But with a 0-60 mph time around five seconds, it’s more “balanced” than “brute force.” Active Torque Vectoring helps it carve corners with ease, prioritizing finesse over sheer speed.

Design Choices: Purist’s Delight or Practical Compromise?

In a nod to weight savings, Subaru chose to skip the moonroof, appealing to driving purists. They’ve also retained the classic 6-speed manual transmission, a rarity in today’s market, which is a nostalgic nod for manual enthusiasts.

Tech Meets Tradition

The WRX tS includes a 12.3-inch fully digital gauge cluster and Subaru’s STARLINK® system with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto, blending tech with practicality. Safety features like Subaru’s EyeSight® Driver Assist ensure that while the WRX tS feels wild, it hasn’t left safety behind.

Competitive Pricing in a Crowded Market

Priced at around $43,000, the WRX tS is more affordable than many European competitors, but it’s in a price range with some serious contenders. Subaru is betting that its mix of performance, safety, and technology will attract buyers who want a balanced approach to high-performance driving.

The Bottom Line: A Car for the Versatile Enthusiast

The 2025 Subaru WRX tS may not be the fastest or most extreme, but it’s a well-rounded package. For drivers seeking a bit of everything—performance, comfort, and practicality—the WRX tS delivers. Hitting dealerships in early 2025, the WRX tS is ready to straddle both worlds without compromise, a quintessential Subaru choice.

The post 2025 Subaru WRX tS: The Jack-of-All-Thrills, But Is It Master of Any? appeared first on ROI TV.