The quest for the perfect gift intensifies with the arrival of the holidays. This year, why not think big and surprise your loved ones with two of the most exciting vehicles on the market? Enter the Genesis GV80 and the Dodge Ram Laramie—two extraordinary gifts that cater to different tastes but share a common thread of excellence. The GV80 embodies luxury and sophistication, offering a serene driving experience wrapped in elegant design, while the Ram Laramie stands as a testament to rugged capability and versatility, perfect for those who appreciate power and practicality. Whether it’s a taste of opulence or a sturdy companion for adventures, these two vehicles promise to make this Christmas unforgettable. Let’s jump into what makes each of these vehicles a standout choice!
2025 Dodge Ram Laramie 4x4
Interior Features:
Step inside, and the 2025 Ram Laramie offers a cabin that marries functionality with sophistication. The centerpiece is a striking 12-inch touchscreen that delivers crisp and clear visuals, enhancing the vehicle’s tech-forward appeal.
Music lovers will appreciate the premium sound system, featuring high-quality Alpine speakers and an amplifier that ensures every journey is accompanied by superb audio. The interior is adorned with various luxurious options, including soft Natura leather.
Driving Experience:
Driving the Ram 1500 feels more akin to piloting a large crossover than a traditional pickup. Thanks to its five-link coil spring rear suspension, ride quality is extraordinarily smooth, enhancing handling and trailer control. The smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission adds to the overall driving experience.
The two variants of the Hurricane inline-six engine are where the real excitement lies. The standard output delivers power early but doesn’t sustain it at higher RPMs. In contrast, the high-output version takes a moment longer to spool but delivers an exhilarating performance once it does. With a long, meaty torque curve, this engine is a joy to rev, providing a thrilling experience for those who appreciate performance. Towing capacity reaches a maximum of 11,580 pounds, ensuring the Ram 1500 remains a formidable workhorse.
Conclusion:
In summary, the 2025 Dodge Ram Laramie 4x4 and its Ram 1500 counterparts represent the pinnacle of luxury and performance in the full-size pickup segment. The new Hurricane engine ensures that even without the Hemi V8, the Ram delivers a powerful and exhilarating driving experience. With an interior that pays meticulous attention to detail and boasts top-tier technology, the 2025 Ram Laramie is undeniably a standout choice for any truck enthusiast. Whether you're looking for a reliable workhorse or a luxurious ride, this truck is worth considering for your next adventure on the road.
2025 Genesis GV80
For 2025 Genesis GV80 continues to set the benchmark in the mid-size luxury SUV market, blending opulence, cutting-edge technology, and impressive performance in a stunning world-class package. As the flagship SUV from Genesis, the GV80 is designed to compete with premium rivals while offering exceptional value. For 2025, the GV80 introduces a mild refresh to both its exterior and interior, enhancing its already luxurious appeal and reinforcing its reputation as a serious contender in the segment.
This year’s GV80 carries forward its distinctive and elegant design, characterized by a bold front grille, signature quad LED headlights, and a sleek profile. The long hood, flowing roofline, and wide stance give the GV80 a commanding presence on the road. The rear of the SUV is equally eye-catching, with signature split taillights and a clean, minimalist design that reinforces the vehicle’s sophisticated aesthetic. The available 22-inch wheels and chrome accents add to its luxurious appeal, making the GV80 the most striking SUV in its class.
Driving Experience:
The 2025 Genesis GV80 offers two powertrain options, delivering a balance of power and refinement. While the base engine is a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. This week’s press model is perfect for those seeking more power. The available 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 bumps up to an impressive 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque, making the GV80 a more dynamic performer, especially when paired with its all-wheel-drive system. Suspension is tuned for comfort, yet it still offers entertaining handling for a vehicle in this category, making the GV80 both a comfortable cruiser and a confident performer on the twisties.
Standard safety technologies include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. This trim-level test vehicle also offers more advanced features like a 360-degree camera and Genesis’ Highway Driving Assist, which provides semi-autonomous driving capabilities.
INTERIOR
Inside, the 2025 GV80’s cabin is a showcase of luxury, craftsmanship, and modern technology. The spacious interior is wrapped in high-quality materials, including leather upholstery, real wood trim, and metal accents. The front seats are both plush and supportive, offering heating, ventilation, and massaging options for comfort. Passengers in the back seat are also treated to gracious legroom and upper-end amenities like heated seats and climate control.
The heart of the interior is a large 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which integrates navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium Lexicon audio system. The digital instrument cluster and head-up display (HUD) further enhance the tech-forward feel of the cabin. The GV80 also offers a suite of optional features, including a panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, and a rear-seat entertainment system, ensuring that the GV80 can be configured to meet the needs of even the most discerning of buyers.
SUMMARY
The 2025 Genesis GV80 is a well-rounded luxury SUV that combines bold styling, a luxurious interior, and powerful performance in a package that stands out in a crowded segment. Its refined driving dynamics, advanced technology, and comprehensive safety features make it a top choice for those looking for a premium midsize SUV. With competitive pricing, a strong list of standard features, and the option to add further customization, the GV80 remains one of the best value propositions in the luxury SUV market.
A special thank you to DeMontrand in Conroe and Genesis of Spring for graciously providing vehicles for us to test.
The Ram delivers a powerful and exhilarating driving experience. With an interior that pays meticulous attention to detail and boasts top-tier technology, the 2025 Ram Laramie is undeniably a standout choice.
Its refined driving dynamics, advanced technology, and comprehensive safety features make it a top choice for those looking for a premium midsize SUV.