Test Drives and First Impressions: Inside the Washington Automotive Press Association’s 2025 Fall Rally

Every fall, the Washington Automotive Press Association (WAPA) brings together journalists and automakers for the highly anticipated WAPA Fall Rally. This year’s rally, held at The Woodlands at Homestead in Davidsonville, Maryland, proved why it remains a must-attend for any automotive writer or influencer. With crisp fall air, early sunshine, and a lineup of 2025 and 2026 models waiting to be driven, it was the perfect setting to get behind the wheel of what’s next.

The rally gathered a full roster of manufacturers — from Lexus, Acura, and Genesis to Subaru, Jeep, Dodge, and more — each eager to show off their latest innovations. Between conversations with brand reps, quick walkarounds, and drive-outs, there was no shortage of vehicles to experience. I didn’t make it through them all this time (a good problem to have), but I left already looking forward to the next rally to catch up on what I missed.

Lexus LC 500: Pure Indulgence on Four Wheels

Let’s start with the showstopper — the 2025 Lexus LC 500 Convertible. As someone who’s owned five Lexus vehicles over the years, I’ll admit I have a soft spot for the brand. But even with that bias, this car blew me away.

The model I tested carried an MSRP of about $110,979, and it felt every bit worth it. Powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine paired with Lexus’s hybrid EV system, it delivers a silky 471 horsepower and a driving experience that’s as smooth as it is thrilling. The retractable soft top operates almost silently, stowing neatly into the rear compartment while still leaving space for a small weekend bag — a thoughtful touch in a segment where trunk space often disappears entirely.

Inside, it’s all refinement and comfort: buttery soft leather, ventilated seats with 12-way adjustability, a Mark Levinson Audio System, and a head-up display that keeps everything in sight without distraction. The wind deflector made top-down cruising nearly wind-free — at 50 mph my hair barely moved. Add seat heaters and climate control set to 84°, and you’ve got convertible season extended well into autumn.
It’s a head-turner, no question — one that even earned me my first construction-site catcall in decades. But more than that, it’s a reminder of how Lexus continues to blend craftsmanship, power, and polish into something genuinely emotional to drive.

Lexus GX 550 Luxury: Big, Bold, and Beautiful

From sleek sports luxury to rugged elegance, the Lexus GX 550 Luxury proved to be a commanding presence. It’s the kind of SUV that makes you feel confident the moment you climb in — helped, of course, by the power-retractable running boards that greet you like a celebrity.

Under the hood sits a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 generating 349 horsepower, matched to a 10-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive. Inside, it’s designed for comfort and convenience, featuring massaging front seats, heated second-row captain’s chairs, and a massive 14-inch touchscreen ready for Lexus’s connected services.

Everything about the GX 550 is about comfort meeting capability — from the ball mount and roof rails for towing and gear to 22-inch alloy wheels that elevate you above the traffic. It’s the kind of luxury SUV that feels equally at home on a pass in Blue Ridge Mountains or at the Galleria shopping center.

Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness: Ready for Adventure

After climbing out of the Lexus LC 500, almost anything would’ve felt grounded — but the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness still managed to make its mark. It’s rugged, practical, and exactly what Subaru fans love about the brand.

This model features a 2.5-liter BOXER engine with 180 horsepower, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, and 9.3 inches of ground clearance — plenty for light off-roading or winter driving. The X-MODE traction control (with settings for snow, dirt, and mud) makes it capable without overcomplicating things.

Inside, it’s all about utility: water-resistant StarTex upholstery, durable materials, and intuitive tech like an 11.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. At around $35,810 as tested, it feels built for everyday adventure — not flashy, but honest. The kind of car you don’t mind getting a little dirty.

 

Genesis GV60: Futuristic Comfort Meets Everyday Style

I’ve been curious about Genesis for a while, and the 2026 GV60 finally gave me a chance to see what all the buzz is about. With a starting MSRP of around $52,500, it’s a compelling entry into the electric crossover segment.

The GV60’s crystal ball gear selector, 27-inch LED display, and digital rearview mirror immediately give it a futuristic vibe. The cabin feels open and tech-forward, yet still comfortable. The seats offered massage functionality and multiple adjustment points — a nice luxury in this price range.

That said, the ride was bit more ridged and less quiet than expected, and call me fussy, but I noticed storage space around the driver’s seat was tight – no good place for my sunglasses case or clutch wallet. But as for what’s important under the hood, the 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 (offering 349 horsepower) delivered solid power. For my first Genesis test drive, I came away impressed — particularly with the thoughtful technology and unique design flourishes.

 

Acura ADX: A Balanced Compact Crossover

The 2025 Acura ADX, priced around $44,000, fits neatly into the growing small SUV market. It benefits from Acura’s precision engineering, offering solid steering and a responsive feel that makes even everyday drives engaging.

The tech layout takes some getting used to — the infotainment screen sits high and somewhat separate from the dash, almost like an aftermarket add-on — but the integrated driver display behind the steering wheel was sharp and functional, showing navigation and even album art for the music playing. Android Auto and Google Maps integration worked seamlessly. It’s not flashy, but it’s a confident, well-built crossover with a touch of Acura pedigree baked in.

Jeep Wagoneer S: Electric Luxury with a Punch

Next came a fascinating first: the all-electric 2026 Jeep Wagoneer S Limited 4xe. It’s sleek, tech-laden, and powerful. The numbers alone are staggering: 600 horsepower, 617 lb-ft of torque, and 0–60 mph in 3.4 seconds, with a 300-mile range.

Inside, it’s a statement piece. LED lighting glows softly in customizable colors (the model I drove had a stunning violet hue), and even the metal trim is elegantly scored with an argyle pattern. One feature I was not crazy about was the small door release button hidden under the window controls, which I found hard to find. Other details were very pleasing. The cabin is spacious and plush, the square steering wheel surprisingly comfortable, and the sound system spectacular — bass you feel, not just hear.

It’s a true fusion of performance and luxury, and a sign of where Jeep is heading in the EV era.

Dodge Charger Scat Pack: The Muscle Car, Reimagined

To wrap up the day, I saved the powerhouse: the 2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack. Known as the world’s most powerful muscle car, it’s now offered in both coupe and sedan forms — both sharing the same bold, widebody styling.

The new Charger delivers not just raw power, but surprising refinement. It’s quieter than expected, with a shock-absorbent ride and a driver-focused interior illuminated by ambient LED accents. The four-door design cleverly hides a rear hatch, opening to a massive 38.5 cubic feet of cargo space — something no previous Charger could claim.

It’s both a nod to Dodge’s heritage and a leap toward practicality, and it still delivers the kind of exhilaration that presses you firmly into the seat on acceleration.

Shifting Gears to Two Wheels

As my day at the rally came to a close, I stopped by the Honda motorcycle tent, where I got to channel my inner biker — at least for a few minutes. I didn’t ride, but I did sit on a couple of the bikes and, if I’m being honest, looked pretty cool doing it. While there, I also had the chance to test out the Schuberth C4 Pro Carbon helmet, which combines lightweight comfort with serious tech. It comes equipped with pre-installed speakers, a microphone, and integrated antennae designed to accommodate the SC1 communication system — which I feel is a must-have for chatting with fellow riders on the road.

In the Rearview Mirror

With so many vehicles on hand — from Mazda’s new CX-50 Hybrid and Kia’s Sorento PHEV to Polestar’s 3 Performance Pack and the Ford F-150 Lightning — one day wasn’t nearly enough to experience them all. But that’s part of the beauty of the WAPA Fall Rally: it’s not just a showcase, it’s a sampler of what’s ahead in the world of automotive design and innovation.

As always, the event was a reminder of why fall is such a thrilling season for car lovers — and why I’ll be counting down the days until the next rally to see (and drive) what else is new.