When Design Ages Well And Power Stays Loud

Continuing with our End of Year showcase...

Two SUVs, two philosophies, one clear question: what do you actually want from your daily driver? We put the 2025 Mazda CX-5 under the microscope to see why a design from 2017 still pulls buyers, then swing to the Dodge Durango’s 5.7 Hemi to explore how old-school power and modern tech can coexist in a three-row hauler. Along the way, we zoom in on steering feel, ride character, real-world fuel economy, towing confidence, and the pricing sweet spots that make these choices more interesting than a simple spec-sheet duel.

The CX-5 shows why restraint pays off: a clean exterior, a driver-first cabin, and a turbo four that makes a six-speed feel current. Yes, the infotainment system is dated, and second-row space isn’t class-leading, but the steering and chassis deliver a sports-sedan vibe that crossovers rarely match. We line it up against the CX-50, Honda CR-V, and Kia Sportage to map where style, value, and dynamics diverge—and where Mazda still wins on feel.

Then we climb into the Durango 20th Anniversary AWD and let the Hemi do the talking. With 360 hp, an eight-speed, stout towing capacity, and Uconnect 5, it’s a family rig that can tow the toys and still entertain on the highway. We unpack drive modes, run-flat manners, seat configurations, audio upgrades, and where it lands between midsize convenience and full-size presence. If you’re cross-shopping Telluride, CX-90, or Tahoe, you’ll get a clear sense of how the Durango threads the needle on performance and price.

To cap it off, we rank car batteries from worst to best—EverStart to Optima—dig into cold cranking amps, warranty realities, and why heat crushes lifespan. You’ll learn how to pick the right group size, when to step up in CCA, and the simple receipt trick that saves you money. Subscribe, share with a friend who’s shopping for an SUV or a battery upgrade, and tell us: are you team precision CX-5 or team Hemi Durango? Your take might be the tie-breaker.

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