Energy Wheels: Closing 4 greatest agent autos close to the end line

Welcome to the Inman Energy Wheels bracket, the place your votes determine which automobile reigns supreme for actual property brokers on the go. In weekly rounds, we’ll pit prime automobiles in opposition to one another in a head-to-head battle, with the winners zooming ahead till we crown the last word trip for actual property professionals in September. From luxe to worth fashions, SUVs to Sunbelt-market convertibles, vote to your favorites.

The second week of voting whittled the sector of agent cars right down to 4 as we narrowed our choices in preparation for crowning the last word winner on Friday, Oct. 4. This week we noticed, as soon as once more, some squeakers alongside some overwhelming favorites, making the anticipation much more thrilling.

Which 2025 mannequin, coming quickly to a dealership close to you, has confirmed itself because the must-have agent auto on this 12 months’s competitors? Take a look at the small print for every automobile and select your Prime Two for subsequent week. Particulars come from Edmunds critiques and supplier descriptions.

Bracket 1: Hyundai Elantra vs. Toyota 4-Runner

Whether or not you’re a model new agent, procuring on a price range, or just extra inclined to spend your cash on property that go up in worth (like actual property) as an alternative of depreciating, the semi-finalist Hyundai Elantra is a good possibility. With a number of choices all clocking in at lower than the producer’s steered retail value of $29,000, you possibly can reap the benefits of the whole lot from primary to tricked-out.

From Edmunds:

Hyundai gave its compact sedan an intensive makeover final 12 months, so few modifications are in retailer for the 2025 Elantra. It continues to supply worth and selection, from the reasonably priced base SE to the upscale and environment friendly Hybrid Restricted and the track-tuned Elantra N.

However the Elantra’s magnificence goes deeper than its sharply creased pores and skin, gasoline financial system scores and efficiency numbers. It’s a technologically superior alternative in its section, providing extra spectacular infotainment and driver help techniques than you’ll discover in some luxurious automobiles. Past that, the sturdy package deal of normal possession advantages alone makes the Elantra worthy of a spot in your driveway.

Trim choices: SE, SEL, N Line and Restricted

Value

SE: $21,625 — Most reasonably priced possibility, offering primary options
SEL: $23,575 –Gives extra options for a slight value improve
N Line: $28,465 — Increased value resulting from its efficiency options and sportier design
Restricted: $27,065 — Most costly among the many non-performance trims

Inside options and luxury

SE: Fabric seating, handbook local weather management and a primary however purposeful inside
SEL: Twin-zone local weather management and a proximity key with push-button begin
N Line: Sportier touches — leather-based and material mixture seats, sport steering wheel and aluminum pedals
Restricted: Leather-based upholstery, an influence sunroof and heated and ventilated entrance seats

Gas effectivity

SE and SEL: Related gasoline effectivity –SE 36 mpg mixed; SEL 34 mpg mixed
Restricted: 34 mpg mixed gasoline effectivity
N Line: Barely decrease at round 31 mpg mixed because of the turbo engine

If you’re hauling garden indicators, staging equipment and a cellular workplace on wheels, there’s little doubt that extra is extra in the case of cargo area. However is it price it to you to pay round twice as a lot to your car — and gasoline up twice as usually? Solely you may make that dedication, but when an SUV is your choice, this fall’s Toyota 4Runner is a spectacular alternative.

From Edmunds:

The start of a brand new 4Runner is a uncommon factor — so uncommon, in truth, that we’ve been ready 5,311 days for the reason that launch of the fifth-generation 4Runner in 2009. Within the final twenty years, a photo voltaic eclipse has been extra frequent than a brand new 4Runner. However all that modifications Tuesday with the launch of the 2025 4Runner. It’s constructed on a brand-new platform, has totally different powertrain choices, and gives seven totally different trims to select from.

Value

SR5: $40,705 — Most reasonably priced possibility
SR5 Premium: $43,765 –Extra consolation options for a modest value improve
TRD Sport: 43,565 — Priced larger resulting from its efficiency enhancements
TRD Off-Highway: $44,550 — Priced larger resulting from its off-road functionality
TRD Off-Highway Premium: $47,130 — Provides extra luxurious options
Restricted: $49,940 — Among the many highest in value, designed for extra luxurious
TRD Professional: $55,170 –Most costly trim resulting from its excessive off-road functionality

Off-road functionality

SR5 and SR5 Premium: Succesful off-roaders however no specialised off-road options
TRD Sport: Has off-road functionality, however it’s extra targeted on on-road efficiency
TRD Off-Highway and TRD Off-Highway Premium: Critical off-road enhancements

Gas Effectivity

16/19/17 (Metropolis/Freeway/Mixed MPG) throughout all Toyota 4-Runner trims

Inside and luxury options

SR5: Fabric seats, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and primary security options
SR5 Premium: Artificial leather-based seats, heated entrance seats and an upgraded audio system
TRD Sport: Artificial leather-trimmed seats and distinctive inside accents
TRD Off-Highway and TRD Off-Highway Premium: Identical primary options because the SR5 and SR5 Premium, respectively, however with extra off-road tech
Restricted: Most luxurious trim providing leather-based seats, a premium JBL sound system, dual-zone local weather management and extra tech and luxury options. This trim is targeted extra on luxurious than off-roading, although it nonetheless comes with some off-road functionality
TRD Professional: Combines rugged off-road functionality with enhanced inside options, together with TRD Professional leather-based upholstery and distinctive TRD badging and accents

Bracket 2: Lexus ES vs. BMW 5-Sequence

Consolation, reliability and quiet luxurious are hallmarks of the Lexus model, with a spread of kinds and options that make it a simple possibility for anybody an upscale car alternative. From sporty to extremely lux, you’re positive to seek out your self and your purchasers arriving in type while you select a Lexus ES.

From Edmunds:

The ES 350 gives ample energy, surprisingly good dealing with, and Lexus’ hallmark give attention to consolation and serenity. Some rival German sedans could be sportier, however the ES stays certainly one of in the present day’s greatest all-around performers.

Trim choices: ES 250, ES 350, ES 300h (hybrid) — Luxurious, Extremely Luxurious and Sport Designs

Value

ES 250: $43,215 –Most reasonably priced because of the smaller engine and fewer luxurious options
ES 350: $43,215 — Identical pricing however extra energy than the ES 250
ES 300h: $44,615 — Typically priced equally to the ES 350 however gives financial savings in gasoline prices
Luxurious and Extremely Luxurious trims: Ranges from $48,385 to $53,505 — Increased-end, extra premium options improve the value considerably
F Sport: Ranges from $47,800 to $49,000 — Provides sport-focused options and often sits between the bottom and luxurious trims when it comes to pricing

Gas effectivity

ES 250, Luxurious, Extremely Luxurious and F Sport — 25/34/28 mpg (metropolis/freeway/mixed)
ES 350, Luxurious & Extremely Luxurious — 22/32/26 mpg (metropolis/freeway/mixed)
ES 300h and Luxurious: 43/44/44 mpg (metropolis/freeway/mixed)
F Sport: ES 350 22/31/25 (metropolis/freeway/mixed)

Inside options

Customary Options: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, dual-zone local weather management, power-adjustable seats, and a premium audio system
Luxurious & Extremely Luxurious Trims: Upgrades embody perforated leather-based upholstery, wooden trim, heated and ventilated entrance seats and a panoramic sunroof
F Sport: Provides sporty touches like bolstered seats, aluminum pedals and sportier suspension tuning for a extra dynamic driving expertise.

The eighth iteration of the BMW 5-Sequence makes this a real traditional amongst luxurious sedans, synonymous with all the perfect connotations of German engineering and high-end efficiency autos. A spread of premium supplies and luxury options even within the base mannequin make this the peak of sophistication whereas optionally available all-wheel drive retains you protected and safe throughout hostile street situations.

From Edmunds:

Since its inception, the BMW 5 Sequence has been a midsize luxurious sedan with a aptitude for efficiency. Prior to now, the 5 Sequence’ engine vary has spanned from a cheap turbocharged four-cylinder model to the fire-breathing, all-wheel-drive sports activities car-crushing M5. In an period the place an increasing number of sedans are being changed by SUVs, BMW’s investments within the 5 Sequence make it clear the automaker nonetheless sees worth in a reliable, luxurious sedan.

When the 5 Sequence was redesigned for the 2024 mannequin 12 months, a plug-in hybrid variant was conspicuous in its absence. For 2025, BMW will treatment that with the brand new 550e xDrive.

Trim choices: BMW 530i, 530i xDrive and 540i xDrive (Core Fashions)

Value

530i: $58,200 — Most reasonably priced trim
530i xDrive: $60,500 — Priced barely larger resulting from its plug-in hybrid system
540i xDrive: $65,200 — Costlier, reflecting the added energy and luxurious

Luxurious and luxury options

530i: Customary leather-based upholstery, 14.9-inch curved touchscreen, heated entrance seats and ambient lighting.
530i xDrive: All options of the 530i — All-wheel drive for enhanced traction, sound insulation for a quieter trip and optional upgraded seats for enhanced luxurious
540i xDrive: Premium supplies — Upgraded leather-based choices, and enhanced seat consolation options like ventilated seats and multi-way energy changes

Gas effectivity

530i: Respectable gasoline effectivity for its class, round 31 mpg mixed
530i xDrive 30 mpg mixed
540i xDive: Barely decrease gasoline financial system than the 530i because of the bigger engine, however nonetheless environment friendly for its efficiency round 28 mpg mixed