Jeep reigns at 2025 Best of the Bay

Western Automotive Journalists a diverse group of broadcasters writers editors photographers and videographers started about years ago Members meet throughout the year to discuss the always-changing industry An annual gathering to assess new vehicles is an automotive equivalent of speed dating The occasion was rebranded in as Best of the Bay The latest third edition hosted by the Sheraton Sonoma Wine Country Petaluma included brands judges and vehicles During a two-day itinerary reporters drove each of the vehicles in -minute sessions on a loop lesson that encompassed a section of highway as well as urban and rural roads Weather conditions included sunny blue skies overcast gloom and light rain Mud reigned during specific mild off-road photo shoots As occurred in previous years the reviewers and their media outlets were as varied as the vehicles How would a syndicated columnist and representative from National Populace Radio rate a Dodge Charger Daytona -door EV sedan What would a weekly general interest automotive columnist from the San Jose Mercury think of the Subaru Solterra EV The two reviewers and their colleagues discussed the various vehicles during social time But the final fun of the gathering was the anonymous voting on departure morning Best of the Best awards were selected in five categories Under Under Over Best Device and Best Overall Certainly the renowned device expert likely had opinions far different from a writer focused on high performance and with vast racecar knowledge Then again maybe not Staff from Page One Automotive and Drive Shop the Bay Area fleet and event management companies and several carmakers populace relations representatives provided aid and industry insights While only about percent of the automobile brands sold in the United States was represented at Best of the Bay the sample crossed multiple segments The Under group included the Acura ADX Alfa Romeo Tonale Kia Sportage Hybrid and Subaru Solterra EV The Under selection included the Genesis GV EV Genesis GV Honda Passport Movement Jeep Wagoneer S EV Kia EV EV and Toyota Runner The Over group featured the Dodge Charger Daytona EV Hyundai Ioniq EV Lexus h and Lucid Air Touring EV Nine of the vehicles were either electric or hybrid vehicles and were sport utility vehicles The least expensive was the Kia Sportage Hybrid The Lexus LX h was the bulk expensive While several vehicles had previously been reviewed in this column driving the selection was a reminder of two increasingly true industry traits Electric vehicles still comprise a small percentage of the country s bicycle sales But the segment has drastically changed the expectations of acceleration Quicker doesn t mean unsafe Rather it provides a more efficient way to avoid driving predicaments What s equally apparent is the improving design and material quality in bus interiors Basic designs and hard plastics were once the norm and acceptable Custom fabrics seating dynamics and forwarding-thinking motifs are now prevalent Who knew a Jeep Wagoneer could be described as elegant and equipped with a symphonic-level McIntosh sound system The Best of the Bay winners this year were Subaru Solterra EV Best Under Jeep Wagoneer S EV Best Under Dodge Charger Daytona EV Best Over Dodge Charger Kia EV Best Innovation In the Hyundai Ioniq EV SUV was voted the best overall motorcycle Last year the Lucid Air Pure received the top honor And this year the Jeep Wagoneer S EV received the Best Overall prize One judge me commented A top-notch car with comfort upscale appointments and a -mile range Road trip Let s go James Raia a syndicated automotive columnist in Sacramento also contributes business lifestyle and sports content to several print and online publications E-mail james jamesraia com