Valerie Menard

Valerie Menard is a freelance writer and published author with 16 years of reporting about the auto industry for Latino publications.

Sports Sedan Review: 2025 Hyundai Elantra N

Hyundai, Reviews No Responses »

Nov 232025

The Elantra may have been refreshed for 2024, but the new look is such a departure from the 2024 model that it could be called a redesign, and it’s a winner. Latino Traffic Report (LTR) recently tested the Elantra N, the sportiest Elantra in the lineup. For car buyers who have a need for speed but not the budget to buy a sports car, the N just might do.

The N utilizes the N Grin System (NGS), including a red NGS button below the steering wheel that injects super power for 20 seconds, and N shifters as well that infuse energy when needed. It’s got the engine rumble that you want on a sports sedan, plus a rear spoiler, and ventilated brake rotors.

The a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, developed specifically for the N, produces 276 horses and 289 lb.–ft. of torque. That may seem modest for a sports car but it’s almost double the power of the entry-level powertrain. It’s matched to an eight-speed dual clutch transmission.

Fuel economy is respectable. It averaged 26.7 mpg but it measured 31 mpg when it arrived so it can exceed the EPA estimated city/highway fuel economy of 20/27 mpg.

First launched in 2012, the N brand represents Hyundai’s high-performance vehicles or “everyday sports cars,” taking technology from Hyundai’s motorsport competition. Launched in 2021, the Elantra N completed the N lineup.

Inside the racing theme comes through with body-hugging front seats with suede inserts and an illuminated N on the headrest, digital effects flash along the 10.25-inch gauge cluster and 10.25-inch center infotainment screen and when the N-shifter is engaged, you see a ring of fire very similar to the Batmobile’s exhaust. The touchscreen also displays powertrain functions when in N-mode but it’s distracting and it would be preferable to keep your eyes on the road.

Located at the top of the lineup and in typical Hyundai fashion, the N comes loaded with bells and whistles, including Bose premium audio, a wireless phone charger, the blind spot warning system, and a proximity key with push button start among other features.

All adjustments, however, were manual, from the steering wheel to the front seat—up and down, forward and back and while the rear seat does fold flat, it’s a bench and not split 60/40, with a rear chassis brace between the bench and the trunk.

The N may not have the power of a true sports car but it’s certainly faster and sportier than most sedans plus it was nice to be able to get in and out of it with ease and carry more than just one bag of groceries.

As-tested pricing for the 2025 Elantra N came to $37,070.

Sí: The Elantra N provides sports car enthusiasts with a more affordable performance sedan, loaded with bells and whistles.

No: The manual seating controls detracted from its position at the top of the lineup.

Genesis Ramps Up Giving to Local Communities

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Oct 292025

ARTreach students showcase their artwork at Friends of North Richmond in Richmond, Texas, on Oct. 23, 2025. (Photo/Genesis)

Latino Traffic Report (LTR) has learned that the Genesis Inspiration Foundation donated $10,000 to ARTreach, a nonprofit based in Katy, Texas, as part of the carmaker’s efforts to champion education by investing in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) programs across Texas. Genesis Gives, the corporate social responsibility initiative of Genesis Motor America, also hosted a hands-on STEAM workshop for high school students at Cristo Rey Boys & Girls Club.

“Innovation begins with imagination,” said Brandon Ramirez, director, corporate social responsibility, Genesis Motor America, and board member, Genesis Inspiration Foundation. “Through our support of STEAM education in Texas, we’re proud to inspire students to be curious, think creatively, and dream big.”

ARTreach partners with under-resourced schools, social service agencies, and other nonprofits, to enrich youth education with the arts, improve self-esteem, and help children overcome life’s obstacles. This funding will help expand its community efforts, including a juvenile justice program that provides healthy alternatives through artistic expression and empowers at-risk youth to discover their talents and envision a brighter future.

Students at Cristo Rey Boy’s and Girl’s Club Creativity Lab.

At Cristo Rey Boys & Girls Club in Houston Genesis partnered with Child Creativity Lab to deliver an engaging STEAM workshop that introduced over 30 high school students to the world of automotive innovation. They explored the product development journey and experienced the all-electric Genesis GV60 firsthand. Students then applied their creativity by transforming everyday items into futuristic mobility concepts, blending imagination with sustainability.

Earlier this year, LTR learned that the Genesis Inspiration Foundation planned to award $3 million in grants to 83 youth arts organizations in 2025. Each year, Genesis Inspiration Foundation supports youth arts programming across the country to help improve access and promote creativity, particularly in under-resourced communities. In March of this year, Breakthrough Miami, a 2025 grant recipient, showcased their artwork at Ransom Everglades School in Miami.

Students at Ransom Everglades School.

“Every child deserves to experience a quality education in the arts,” said Randy Parker, president and CEO, Genesis Motor North America. “At Genesis, we understand how impactful art is to young minds—nurturing creativity, providing an outlet for self-expression, and promoting academic success. Genesis Inspiration Foundation is proud to continue its investment in youth arts programming throughout the United States.”

Since 2018, Genesis Inspiration Foundation has supported youth arts education programs across the nation, with this year’s commitment bringing the foundation’s lifetime total giving to over $13 million. For every vehicle sold at a Genesis retailer, a portion goes to the Genesis Inspiration Foundation. With additional support from Genesis Motor America, the foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations. Partner organizations serve children in underserved communities through a wide array of art disciplines, including visual and performing arts, among others.

Young Audiences of Louisiana Genesis Inspiration Foundation Ceremony on Jan. 27, 2024 in New Orleans, LA. (Photo by Ryan Miller/Capture Imaging)

Off-road SUV Review: 2025 Toyota 4Runner Hybrid Trailhunter

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Oct 042025

Redesigned for 2025, the all-new Toyota 4Runner also comes with an all-new model, the Trailhunter. Latino Traffic Report (LTR) recently test drove the 4Runner Hybrid Trailhunter and it doubles down on the 4Runner’s off-road heritage.

As a member of the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) LTR’s editor has had many opportunities to drive the 4Runner on some challenging off-road courses at TAWA’s annual Truck Rodeo. The 4Runner stood out among other contenders for its comfortable ride, rock climbing, and off-road agility. While the most recent test drive did not afford an off-road test, this massive version of the nameplate, built specifically for off-road enthusiasts, inspired lots of confidence that it’s up to the task.

It’s 33-inch tires with 18-inch bronze finished wheels enhance road hugging while the Everest/mineral (teal) exterior color added visual appeal. The distinctive Trailhunter badge finished the look.

Mechanically, the Trailhunter is ready to climb, but climbing into it may take an extra effort for the vertically challenged. With a ground clearance of 10.1 inches, it sits on a high-strength boxed, steel-ladder frame and features a multi-link coil rear and double wishbone front suspension with the Stabilizer Bar Disconnect Mechanism that increases suspension articulation with the push of a button. Available off-road tech is standard on the Trailhunter, like the Multi-Terrain Monitor system that helps the driver see potential obstructions, an electronic locking rear differential, the Multi-Terrain Select system that offers a choice of Mud, Dirt, and Sand for targeted offroading, the next-generation CRAWL Control that acts as a low-speed, off-road cruise control, and Downhill Assist Control that limits the speed on tricky descents.

It’s powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter, four-cylinder hybrid powertrain with 326 horsepower and 465 lb.–ft. of torque paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission that can tow up to 6,000 pounds. Located on the passenger side A-pillar, the low-profile high-mount air intake did issue a hissing sound on the highway and the engine itself sounded a little like a diesel.

Inside, the dash, accented by the new 14-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch instrument panel, and gray SofTex seats with yellow stitching and piping all reflected a rugged theme. The second-row seats flipped up manually to improve access to the cargo area but they can also fold flat for a maximum 82.6 cubic feet of space.

Don’t expect good fuel economy, even on the hybrid. The EPA estimated fuel economy is 23 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 24 mpg on the highway but it averaged 17.7 mpg on the test drive and engaging the adaptive radar cruise control took more effort than it should.

This distinctive and super loaded Trailhunter comes at a cost that will single out true off-road enthusiasts. Pricing for the 2025 4Runner starts at $42,220 but the as-tested price came to $69,893.

Sí: The 2025 Trailhunter is well-equipped to function as intended, especially offroad.

No: Don’t expect impressive fuel economy, even on a hybrid, and its sticker price might be a shocker.

Sports Car Review: 2025 Toyota GR Supra 3.0 Premium

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Sep 162025

The Toyota Supra rejoined the Toyota lineup in 2019 as the 2020 GR Supra and Latino Traffic Report (LTR) got the chance to review it then and two years later. This month, a third GR Supra arrived for a test drive, the 2025 3.0 Premium. It reaffirmed itself as Toyota’s halo car.

The Supra has evolved over the years, adding a four-cylinder version and increasing power on the six-cylinder to its current level in 2021, and most significantly, offering a six-speed manual transmission option in 2023. It’s still available today, the four-cylinder, however, is not, but the model tested by LTR came with an eight-speed automatic transmission matched to the twin turbo, six-cylinder inline engine that can produce 382 horsepower, 368 lb.–ft. of torque and a zero-to-60 mph acceleration of 3.9 seconds. It’s that kind of acceleration that automatically generates a smile. The automatic transmission also comes with paddle shifters on the steering column for added sportiness, especially on a curvy road like Austin’s FM 2222.

Versatility and convenience are the Achilles Heel to a sports car, e.g. it’s cramped, there’s little storage, it’s hard to get in and out of (even in 2020 when I was a bit younger), and setting the presets for radio and Sirius XM wasn’t intuitive. But it is FUN TO DRIVE and with a sports car, that what matters most, plus it’s a head-turner.

Besides its power, like a sports car, the Supra sits on a stiff ride, specifically a double joint-type MacPherson front and multi-link independent rear suspension. Additional adjustments come from the Adaptative Variable Suspension, selecting the Sport mode, or engaging the Individual settings to fine tune it even more. Steering is tight and responsive.

The test model also came with hazelnut Alcantara leather seating and accents on the steering wheel, which was an improvement on the all-black interiors of the models that were tested previously.

While the design has remained largely the same, in an if-it-ain’t-broke-don’t-fix-it way, there have been come enhancements and if you’re looking for a sports car, the Supra lives up to its legend. But you better hurry; 2026 will be the last model year.

To mark its adiós, Toyota will introduce the GR Supra MkV Final Edition. To wear the GR badge, a vehicle must pass through rigorous testing by Toyota GAZOO Racing engineers. The final edition will come closest to embracing that racing heritage with chasis and suspension modifications, improved cornering, and a strengthened front stabilizer.

Pricing for the 2025 Supra starts at $58,695. The as-tested price came to $61,930.

Sí: The 2025 GR Supra captures its sporty heritage with impressive acceleration and handling that makes it fun to drive.

No: Like most sports cars, it’s cramped, hard to get in and out of, and has limited cargo room.

Eight Most Visited Museums in Spain, Plus One

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Aug 042025

Prado Museum.

Tourists may have become a nuisance at the Louvre, but apparently not at Spanish museums. For this happy traveler, a sojourn abroad must include at least one museum on any itinerary. The Spanish Ministry of Tourism has made planning a little simpler by compiling a list of the eight most-visited museums in Spain. Latino Traffic Report has added one more to the list, the Picasso Museum in Málaga. It may not have made the list of the most-visited, but set in the city of the artist’s birth and housed in the elegant Buenavista Palace (right), it’s certainly worth considering. While the collection is not exclusive to works by Picasso, it will feature the artist in Picasso: Memory and Desire, November 13, 2025–April 11, 2026.

According to Tourespaña, museums and cultural spaces in Spain have reached record-breaking visitor numbers for the century. The data reflects a significant increase in visitors, driven by a varied range of exhibitions and growing interest in historical-artistic heritage. The three most important museums in Madrid (Prado, Reina Sofia, and Thyssen-Bornemisza), which are privately managed but receive support from the Ministry of Culture, reached almost 6 million.

Prado Museum. This museum in Madrid is one of the most important art galleries in the world, presenting works by Velázquez, Goya, Bosch, Rubens, and Titian. Its key pieces include Las Meninas, The Garden of Earthly Delights by Hieronymus Bosch (below), and The Naked Maja.

Reina Sofia Museum. Specializing in contemporary and modern art, its most iconic work is Picasso’s Guernica (above), alongside pieces by Dalí, Miró, and other 20th-century artists.

Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. This private collection is made up of over 1,000 works, ranging from the 13th to the 20th century. It complements the Prado and Reina Sofia with pieces by Van Gogh, Hopper, Caravaggio, and Kandinsky.

Located in Madrid, the Royal Collections Gallery, next to the Royal Palace and inaugurated in 2023, this museum (below) houses a selection of works of art, tapestries, furniture, and historical objects belonging to the Spanish Crown. The collection includes pieces by Velázquez, Goya, Caravaggio, and Bosch, as well as armor and royal carriages.

National Archaeological Museum. This museum in the capital was founded in 1867 and houses one of the most important archaeological collections in Spain, with pieces ranging from prehistoric times to the 19th century. Highlights include the Lady of Elche, the Lady of Baza, and the Treasure of Guarrazar.

Altamira National Museum. This museum dedicated to prehistory and cave art is located in Santillana del Mar (Cantabria) and houses an exact replica of the Altamira Cave (below), known as the “Sistine Chapel of Quaternary Art” for its paintings of bison, deer, and horses dated to over 15,000 years ago. It is a leading figure in the research and conservation of Paleolithic art.

Sephardic Museum. Dedicated to the history and culture of the Jewish people in Spain, and in particular to the Sephardic community, it is based in El Tránsito Synagogue, in Toledo. This space is located in a 14th-century building presenting some of the most impressive Mudejar decorations in the country. The collection includes manuscripts, liturgical objects, Hebrew inscriptions, and pieces that tell the story of Jewish presence in the Iberian peninsula before their expulsion in 1492.

The Pietá by Gregorio Fernández.

National Sculpture Museum. This museum located in Valladolid specializes in Spanish sculpture, with a large collection of pieces from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. The main building is located in The College of San Gregorio, an Isabelline-Gothic style building. Its sculptures of Gregorio Fernández and Alonso Berruguete are not to be missed.

For more information about these and other museums, click here.

VW Recalls Certain Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport and ID.4 Models

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Jun 302025

2024 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport.

2024 ID.4.

Latino Traffic Report has learned that the Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, and 2023-2024 ID.4 vehicles. The recall will affect eight models. Certain bolts on the chassis, brake system and/or suspension (such as bolts for certain cross member, engine mount, control arm, subframe, rear brake carrier, etc.) of affected vehicles may not have been correctly tightened during the manufacturing process.

Dealers will replace the bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 22, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen’s number for this recall is 42HX. Owners may also reference the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) case file: NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V434000 for more information.

Toyota to Partner with Latin GRAMMY Winning Singer-Songwriter, Ela Taubert

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May 312025

Latino Traffic Report has learned that Toyota just announced a year-long partnership with Colombian pop phenom, Ela Taubert, who recently released her highly acclaimed debut album ‘Preguntas A Las 11:11’. The dynamic collaboration aims to redefine the journey of music discovery for young fans while providing a genuine connection with Toyota’s commitment to supporting emerging artists on their road to success.The partnership will engage with Toyota fans and provide them with opportunities to experience Taubert’s music that mixes melodic pop and Latin sounds. To help access to her music throughout the year, Toyota will serve as the presenting sponsor of her much anticipated international tour, with U.S. tour stops to be announced soon.

“Our partnership with Ela Taubert is an exhilarating step forward in our commitment to innovation and cultural connection,” said Dedra DeLilli, vice president marketing communications, Toyota. “We are thrilled to be joining her on this blossoming musical path to bring an immersive music experience that resonates with the passions of the next generation.”

Most recently, Taubert joined Toyota at the Sueños Music Festival, as the featured artist performing a special set at the Toyota Music Den (TMD), an intimate experiential space giving fans a front row seat to some of the most talented emerging artists. Held in Chicago, Illinois, other artists joining the lineup at the TMD included Latin boy band sensation, DND (Do Not Disturb) from Miami, California singer/songwriter Eddie Zuko, Venezuelan artist Kobi Cantillo, and DJs Gio Sandz, Chava and Latin EDM DJ and producer 2Deep.

Along with the music stage, the TMD space featured numerous fan activities, including vehicle interactions—showcasing the Land Cruiser and Prius Prime plug-in—that bring music to life and include fan favorite giveaways.

Taubert’s music will continue to be featured in other Toyota projects this year. She will appear on Sounds of the Road, presented by Toyota and SiriusXM, an exclusive performance and interview series featuring emerging and established artists. Her episode, launching later this year, will be in Spanish and the first time the series features a Latin artist.

Fans can view exclusive content from Sueños and stay in the loop of the exciting partnership and upcoming tour by following Toyota Latino on Instagram and Facebook.

Yaris Here, Yaris There, Yaris Everywhere!

Used Car Diary Comments Off

Apr 182025

This little Yaris lives in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

ODO 231,988

I get a little thrill when I see another Yaris on the road. It reconfirms the confidence I have in my 2007 Bunny and that like the Energizer mascot, she’s gonna keep going and going—more than 230,000 miles and still counting! I see them on the road locally everyday, but I recently spotted a Bunny doppelganger in a more exotic locale, Puerto Rico (above). Such a treat to own a reliable and fuel efficient (34 average mpg the last time I did the math) form of transportation, and she’s super cute too.

Bunny and Friends

Plug-in Hybrid Review: 2025 Mazda CX-70 PHEV

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Feb 112025

Some carmakers are all in when it comes to electric vehicles (EVs) while others prefer to offer as many fuel-efficient options as possible. Mazda appears to be in the latter camp, introducing the all-new 2025 CX-

70 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). Latino Traffic Report (LTR) recently tested the Premium Plus trim and as the name implies, this trim sits at the top of the CX-70 lineup and as such, comes loaded with fancy features and innovative technology.

The mid-size two-row crossover SUV squeezes between Mazda’s CX-50 and CX-90 models. A hybrid plug-in makes up one of seven available packages, including non-hybrid models, and helps stretch fuel economy. It can also tow up to 3,500 lbs.
True to its trim level, the test model came with maroon heated and cooled leather front seating, and heated rear seats, a panoramic sunroof, blind spot monitor, a leather dashboard with accent stitching, and a second-row that folded flat with the push of a button or remotely. The black handles on the exterior accented the Copper Metallic exterior nicely.
With two 12.3-inch displays enhancing the interior on the PHEV, the infotainment screen was a little plainer and the interface a little clunky, while the display on the instrument cluster was nicer to look at as well as informative.

Powered by a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine matched to an electric motor with a 17.8-kWh battery pack, the PHEV powertrain produces a combined 323 horsepower and 369 lb.–ft. of torque (with the recommended premium gasoline). It’s matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission and adds drive modes—Sport, Off-Road, Towing and EV—for better performance.

The EPA estimated fuel economy on the CX-70 PHEV is an average of 25 miles per gallon (MPG) but grows to 56 mpg with the added 26 miles of electric range. It achieved 28.4 mpg on the test drive but without the electric range—the standard charging chord, usable on a 120v outlet—was not included on the test model.

Oddly, the shift knob placed Park to the left which was a little counter intuitive. Normally Park sits at the top of the stack but that spot was taken by Reverse which may take a little getting used to, especially when parking.
Pricing for the 2025 CX-70 starts at $41,820. With a $450 charge for the exterior paint and extra features from the Plus package, the as-tested MSRP came to $59,275.

Sí: The CX-70 plug-in hybrid offers the convenience of an SUV with extra miles of electric range for better fuel economy and a handsome design inside and out.

No: The infotainment system, especially setting presets, wasn’t intuitive.

Premium Hybrid Review: 2025 Lexus UX 300h

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Feb 032025

Electric vehicles may grab headlines but hybrids continue to appeal to consumers. According to a Jan. 3, 2025 Reuters report, while EV sales lagged in 2024, “U.S. new-car sales in 2024 continued to rise from their pandemic lows, bolstered by replenished inventories, higher incentives, and surging demand for hybrid vehicles.”

Luxury hybrids are very much in the mix and that includes Lexus. The automaker introduced the UXh in 2018 as a hybrid-only model. Updated for 2025, the new 300h is the first Lexus powered by the fifth-generation hybrid powertrain.

Latino Traffic Report recently tested Lexus’s sporty compact SUV, equipped with the F Sport package that elevates its new powertrain with 196 total system horsepower. Select the Sport S+ mode, one of four available, and the UXh really takes off and with a nice engine rumble taboot.

Replacing the UX 250h, the 300h is still a hybrid so one may also select the Eco mode for an EPA estimated fuel economy of 45 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway (Lexus hybrids tend to do better in stop-and-start traffic). The as-tested mpg came to 44.1 mpg.

Known for its glass-like exterior paint, Lexus bestows new colors on the 2025 UX 300h including Copper Crest that was featured on the test model. The 2025 model year also includes updated technology and safety features but the rear parking sensor was a little slow, pedestrians appeared before the sensor alarm was heard. Admittedly, driving experts will say, and rightly so, that it’s best to turn and look first before backing out, but safety tech like this should alert the driver in advance to more effectively serve as a preemptive warning.

The sporty theme continued on the inside with black bolstered seats with red accent stitching. New technology included shift by wire transmission, a vivid 12.3 touchscreen on the F Sport (the interface with Apple CarPlay was a little clunky), two Type C USB ports but luckily for those with older technology, a Type A USB in the center console was included as well. A 12V outlet, formerly used for a cigarette lighter, can also be employed for charging with the appropriate chord.

Only offered with a hybrid powertrain in the U.S., the 2025 UX 300h has a starting price of $37,490. The as-tested price came to $48,200.

Sí: The UX 300h offers impressive fuel economy in a sporty, fun package.

No: The parking sensor may need to be adjusted to provide a better preemptive warning.