Edmunds: These five vehicles are hidden automotive gems
There are some new cars that many shoppers tend to overlook even though they have a lot to offer. These hidden gems boast a special combination of attractive qualities and can potentially make excellent choices for savvy folks who want their ride to stand out from the sea of mainstream vehicles. Certain slower-selling cars don't get the respect they deserve, whether due to styling, the type of vehicle, or brand image. Edmunds explores five hidden gems and the wow factor that makes them shine. Our choices are ordered by starting price, including destination fees.
Hyundai Ioniq 6
The Ioniq 6 is an electric sedan that does almost everything right. It's sporty and fun to drive, yet it's also comfortable and has a smooth ride over rough dips and potholes. Inside, you'll find a well-built interior that's easy to use. The Ioniq 6 touts a long EPA-estimated range of up to 342 miles. It's also one of the quickest-charging EVs on the market when using a powerful fast-charging machine.
The electric Hyundai's drawbacks are mostly minor, with one big exception. Its styling isn't for everyone and attracts attention for good and bad reasons. However, the upcoming 2026 model has updated styling that's easier on the eyes.
Ioniq 6 starting price: $39,045
Honda Ridgeline
The Ridgeline could be an ideal truck for you depending on your priorities. If you plan on frequently towing heavy loads and tackling serious off-road trails, then other midsize trucks like the Ford Ranger would be a better fit. But if not, you should consider the Ridgeline. It's more comfortable, has more passenger room and handles better than its rivals.
The Ridgeline's towing capacity is certainly good enough for most uses, such as pulling a small camper trailer or toy hauler. It also has clever features like a lockable in-bed trunk and a tailgate that folds down or swings to the side. Its bed is large enough for 4-foot-wide plywood sheets without resting them on the wheelwells.
Ridgeline starting price: $41,600
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Mitsubishi doesn't sell as many vehicles as giant brands like Chevrolet or Toyota. But the Outlander PHEV is surprisingly capable and versatile. It's a plug-in hybrid SUV that offers three rows of seating and standard all-wheel drive. If you charge regularly, trips to the gas station will be rare thanks to the Outlander PHEV's lengthy 38-mile electric range. When the battery runs low, you'll get a respectable 26 mpg combined.
With the third row folded down, the Outlander PHEV offers lots of cargo space. When it's up, you'll have room for seven passengers, but the third row is only large enough for kids. Its starting price isn't low because it's a plug-in hybrid, but the Mitsubishi comes well equipped, and the top SEL trim level is quite luxurious.
2025 Outlander PHEV starting price: $42,040
Toyota Crown
The Crown is a relatively new Toyota that turns heads with its distinctive design. Its styling is similar to a sedan's, but the Crown has a raised ride height that's more like a crossover SUV's. Oh, and it's a hybrid too. The base engine is a fuel sipper that gets an EPA-estimated 41 mpg combined. The optional Hybrid Max engine produces an impressive 340 horsepower for quick acceleration, but fuel economy dips to 30 mpg combined.
Inside, the Crown has a pleasing interior with large display screens, spacious seating and a comfortable ride. But all this comes at a cost. The Crown is pricey for a non-luxury hybrid sedan, especially the top Platinum trim that has the Hybrid Max engine.
2025 Crown starting price: $42,575
Genesis G90
The G90 has everything you want in a large, lavish sedan except for brand cachet. Genesis is still relatively new in the luxury world, but its vehicles, especially the flagship G90, shouldn't be overlooked. This South Korean sedan touts style, power, exceptional comfort, and an opulent cabin with superb fit and finish. Some rivals offer the same but require an arm and a leg for payment. And you're mistaken if you think the G90 skimps on features.
The top 3.5T E-Supercharger version doesn't offer any optional features because it comes equipped with many features, including many that usually cost thousands more than they would on a luxury rival. The most notable ones include front and rear massaging seats, a 26-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, a massive package of advanced driver aids, and an air suspension that scans the road ahead so it can adjust to road imperfections.
Starting price: $91,050
Monday Mornings
The latest local business news and a lookahead to the coming week.
Edmunds says
You'll be bucking the trend by purchasing one of these hidden gems. And because they're all highly rated by Edmunds, you'll also own a top-notch vehicle that could provide a rewarding experience.
____
This story was provided to The Associated Press by the automotive website Edmunds.
Michael Cantu is a contributor at Edmunds.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Cision Canada
a day ago
- Cision Canada
Hyundai Motor Group Tops Rankings in 2025 IIHS Top Safety Awards
Hyundai Motor Group Earns 15 IIHS Top Safety Awards Across Hyundai, Kia and Genesis Brands Most TSP and TSP+ Ratings Among All Automotive Groups for Second Consecutive Year Recognized for Excellence in Rear Occupant Protection Under Stricter 2025 IIHS Criteria SEOUL, South Korea, June 20, 2025 /CNW/ -- Hyundai Motor Group (the Group) has reaffirmed its leadership in vehicle safety, achieving the highest number of models awarded in the 2025 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash test evaluations. A total of 15 models across Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Corporation and Genesis have earned either 2025 TOP SAFETY PICK (TSP) or TOP SAFETY PICK+ (TSP+) designation. This includes seven Hyundai models, five Genesis models, and three Kia models, marking the second consecutive year the Group has received the most IIHS safety awards. In the latest round of evaluations, the 2025 Hyundai ELANTRA, SONATA and 2025 Kia K4, were awarded the coveted TSP+ rating, joining existing models such as the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, KONA, TUCSON, and SANTA FE; the Genesis GV60, Electrified GV70, GV70, GV80; and the 2025 Kia EV9 and Telluride. The 2025 Genesis G90 currently holds a TSP rating. The IIHS enhanced its crash test criteria for 2025, introducing more stringent requirements for second-row occupant protection. In the updated moderate overlap front test, dummies representing 12-year-old children or small female passengers are placed in the rear seats to assess injury risk more realistically. To qualify for a TSP+ rating, vehicles must now earn a "good" rating in this test, while a rating of "acceptable" is required for TSP. To earn a 2025 TSP or TSP+ rating, vehicles must also: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is an independent, nonprofit scientific and educational organization dedicated to reducing deaths, injuries and property damage from motor vehicle crashes through research and evaluation and through education of consumers, policymakers and safety professionals. Its TSP and TSP+ ratings are widely cited in the North American auto industry by consumers, media and analysts alike.
Canada News.Net
a day ago
- Canada News.Net
Tariffs push Mitsubishi to raise U.S. vehicle prices by 2.1%
WASHINGTON, D.C.: Mitsubishi Motors is the latest automaker to raise prices in the United States, joining a growing list of car companies adjusting to higher costs triggered by new U.S. import tariffs. The Japanese carmaker said this week it will increase U.S. vehicle prices by an average of 2.1 percent, starting June 18. The move comes after President Donald Trump's administration imposed a 25 percent tariff in April on car imports from Japan and other nations — a decision that briefly halted Mitsubishi's U.S. deliveries. The company confirmed that shipments to dealers, which had been suspended at ports, resumed last week. "This is a direct result of our regular and ongoing review of pricing in order to ensure we are in line with segment expectations," Mitsubishi said in a statement. The company's U.S. sales have been climbing, with a strong performance in 2024 (110,000 units sold — up 26 percent from the previous year) and an 11 percent increase in the first quarter of 2025. Dealers have been informed that the suggested retail price increases won't affect vehicles already in showrooms. Mitsubishi also highlighted ongoing investment in new models and technologies, including updates to the 2025 Outlander, a new EV launch in the U.S., and a potential jointly developed vehicle with Nissan to be built domestically. In May 2025, other carmakers also responded to the tariff pressure: Subaru raised U.S. prices by up to $2,055 on some models, while Ford hiked prices by up to $2,000 on three vehicles produced in Mexico.
Japan Forward
3 days ago
- Japan Forward
Toyota Accelerates Hybrid Shift with Corolla and RAV4
Toyota Motor Corporation is accelerating its phase-out of gas engine vehicles for its flagship models in Japan. Starting in May, all four models in the popular Corolla series will transition to hybrid vehicles (HVs) with the launch of updated versions. The RAV4, a sport utility vehicle (SUV), is set for a full redesign by 2025. It will also no longer be available with a gasoline engine. Toyota's new SUV, RAV4 HVs emit less carbon dioxide than gasoline-powered cars and don't face the range limitations of electric vehicles, fueling a strong rise in demand. Toyota's global HV sales increased by 31.1% in FY 2023 and by 21.4% in FY 2024. This marks two consecutive years of double-digit growth. The four Corolla models that have discontinued gasoline-powered engines are the sedan Corolla, the station wagon Touring, the hatchback Sport, and the SUV Cross. Now in its sixth generation, the new RAV4 is the first model to exclude a gasoline-powered option. It's offered as a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid vehicle. (Read this report in Japanese .) Author: The Sankei Shimbun
