Western Automotive Journalists, a diverse group of broadcasters, writers, editors, photographers and videographers, started about 30 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 2023 as Best of the Bay. The recent third edition, hosted by the Sheraton Sonoma Wine Country Petaluma, included 12 brands, 13 judges and 14 vehicles.
During a two-day itinerary, reporters drove each of the vehicles in 40-minute sessions on a loop course 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 some 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 Public Radio rate a 2026 Dodge Charger Daytona 4-door EV sedan? What would a weekly general interest automotive columnist from the San Jose Mercury think of the 2026 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 $50,000, Under $75,000, Over $75,000, Best Technology and Best Overall.
Certainly, the renowned technology 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’ public relations representatives provided support and industry insights.
While only about 25 percent of the vehicle brands sold in the United States was represented at Best of the Bay, the sample crossed multiple segments.
The Under $50,000 group included: the 2025 Acura ADX, 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale, 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid and 2026 Subaru Solterra EV.
The Under $75,000 selection included the 2026 Genesis GV60 EV, 2026 Genesis GV70, 2026 Honda Passport Transport, 2025 Jeep Wagoneer S EV, 2025 Kia EV6 EV and 2025 Toyota 4Runner.
The Over $75,000 group featured the 2026 Dodge Charger Daytona EV; 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 EV; 2025 Lexus 700h and 2026 Lucid Air Touring EV.
Nine of the vehicles were either electric or hybrid vehicles and 12 were sport utility vehicles. The least expensive was the Kia Sportage Hybrid ($41,985). The Lexus LX 700h ($141,350) was the most 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 vehicle 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 vehicle 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: 2026 Subaru Solterra EV (Best Under $50,000); 2025 Jeep Wagoneer S EV (Best Under $75,000); 2026 Dodge Charger Daytona EV (Best Over $75,000), 2026 Dodge Charger/2025 Kia EV6 (Best Innovation).
In 2023, the 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV SUV was voted the best overall vehicle. Last year, the 2025 Lucid Air Pure received the top honor. And this year, the 2025 Jeep Wagoneer S EV received the Best Overall prize.
One judge (me) commented: “A top-notch vehicle, with comfort, upscale appointments and a 300-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: [email protected].
