The move to vehicle electrification is coming in steps with manufacturers such as Hyundai choosing hybrids as part of the transition. For 2022, the compact Hyundai Tucson crossover is all new. This year, it gains standard and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle variants, models that blend power with efficiency to deliver … Read more
The Audi Q5 is a handsome SUV, one that effectively blends styling, performance, and luxury. All models come with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine while one grade adds an electric motor to form a plug-in hybrid. Like its German competitors, pricing is divided by grade with further divisions by trim. Consumers … Read more
Model year updates typically allow manufacturers to extend the lifespan of a particular model by several years. That’s exactly what was accomplished with the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan, a compact crossover utility vehicle with room for up to seven. Updated exterior styling, an overhauled interior, and upgraded technologies chart the changes. … Read more
The automotive market is largely split between mainstream and luxury vehicles, with ultra-luxury and exotic models sprinkled in. But there is a gray area some manufacturers exploit, a premium middle ground that combines elements from the main choices. In the Hyundai Palisade, we have a conventional model with opulent aspirations, … Read more
The road to electrification is paved with pricey and, in some cases, ugly models. Yes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but there is no excuse for new Tesla models that look so dull. Fortunately, some manufacturers realize that one important aspect of convincing consumers to adopt EVs … Read more
Crossovers continue to dominate the market as car models disappear. Hyundai is no exception as the tiny Accent and sporty Veloster N go away for 2023 with the likelihood the Sonata sedan will soon follow. Among the crossovers gaining market share is the subcompact Hyundai Kona, a model imbued with … Read more
A half-century has passed since the first Z-Series model arrived. The original Datsun 240Z was in direct response to the Toyota 2000GT and other performance models of that day. Over the years, the model changed, and the nameplate is now Nissan. For 2023, a new Nissan Z model arrives, a … Read more
Full-size sport utility vehicles remain a popular choice for large families, businesses, and sporting enthusiasts. New or updated models from Jeep and Toyota give consumers much to consider, along with mainstay versions from Ford and GM. For 2022, the Ford Expedition receives a styling update along with tech and performance … Read more
In 2015 Hyundai decided to spin off its Genesis line to form a new luxury division. The Genesis marque led off with three sedans, followed by three utility vehicles, filling out its promised six-vehicle model line. The latest model is the 2023 Genesis GV60, a compact utility vehicle with room … Read more
For 25 years the Lexus LX coexisted with the Toyota Land Cruiser with the former based heavily on the latter. But that all changed this year as a new LX launches this luxury SUV’s fourth generation, while the Land Cruiser is no longer available in the U.S. The decision is … Read more
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact crossover SUV, a model available in standard, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid configurations. It now outsells the midsize Camry sedan and compact Corolla sedan and hatchback and is one of the best-selling vehicles in America. With such a strong nameplate driving sales, the automaker is … Read more
If you are considering the Hyundai Ioniq 5 electric vehicle, you are in company with an untold number of Americans who are in shock over gas prices. For some individuals, an EV was far from a priority until now. But with fill-ups costing $75, $90, to well over $100, pain … Read more
Infiniti has a new QX60 for 2022, a model that finds its place in a crowded segment. This midsize, seven-passenger luxury utility vehicle is back after one-year hiatus. It features a new design from bumper to bumper, an overhauled interior, and an improved powertrain. It scores well on all things … Read more
It is not that often when a new vehicle surprises us, but the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander has. All-new and launching its fourth generation, the latest Outlander is stylish, roomy, and efficient, representing a marked improvement over the previous version. Until this model appeared, we would not have seriously considered the … Read more
If cars could talk, the Kia Sorento would have plenty to say. Introduced in 2003, the Sorento originally occupied the white space between compact and midsize utility vehicles. As this crossover aged and was replaced by subsequent generations, the Sorento gradually grew and transformed into a bona fide three-row midsize … Read more
The Sonata N-Line showcases its performance chops. Are comfort and power mutually exclusive? Thankfully, no. We expect an extra bit of kick in grand tourers and of course in sports cars. But the midsize, mainstream sedan is usually geared toward efficiency and comfort than performance and drivability. Fortunately, some manufacturers … Read more
The push for electrification continues unabated. But with the way certain news sources report, it is simple to think that this is what is going on in the world of autos today. Certainly, the market is much more complex than that with a host of traditionally powered models much available. … Read more
The 2022 Subaru WRX is a compact, performance all-wheel-drive machine. This year launches the fifth generation of the WRX, bringing with it a larger engine and an available adaptive suspension system. What is not coming back, at least not in gas-powered form, is the range-topping STI. 2022 Subaru WRX Overview … Read more
If you are in the market for a new vehicle, chances are you have a utility in mind — SUV, truck, or van. Americans have overwhelmingly shown their preference for models that go beyond the standard four doors and a trunk. Mazda has the segment well covered, as it offers … Read more
Until the late 1960s and early 1970s, Japanese vehicles were not much of a threat in the U.S. market. At that time, the Big Three domestic manufacturers dominated, with General Motors, the Ford Motor Company, and the Chrysler Corporation battling it out. Sure, Volkswagen had a place at the table … Read more
Finding any new vehicle for under $20,000 is almost impossible these days. Higher prices and expanded tech and safety equipment are among the reasons why. That the Hyundai Venue can still be had for far less than the average cost of a vehicle is one thing. That it is a … Read more
The Ford Maverick reopens an old segment. Who would have ever thought we’d see a new compact pickup truck sold in America? Few people, that is for sure. Well, two new models arrived this year, one from Hyundai and the other from Ford. Unlike the previous models, though, these are … Read more
The Ford Bronco takes on the Jeep Wrangler. It has been decades since we last saw a Bronco SUV, particularly a small one. But for 2022, the Ford Bronco is back, an all-new model that was initially launched in 1966. This four-wheel-drive SUV possesses the off-road chops one would expect … Read more
We have long kept our eyes on Mazda, one of the smallest of the remaining Japanese automakers. Mazda has grown its brand over the years, thanks to styling flair, quality materials, and reliability. Did we say that they are also fun to drive? In the crushingly competitive compact crossover sport … Read more
This week’s ride is the Kia Stinger, a midsize rear-wheel-drive sedan-like model with a liftgate. That is a fancy term for a hatchback, a derisive moniker for those who recall the forgettable hatches of the 1970s. Instead, the Stinger is much more like the Audi A5 Sportback in design, if … Read more
The 2022 Toyota Corolla soldiers on in the shrinking compact car segment. More than a half-century has passed, and the Toyota Corolla is one of the most recognized models in the world. In the U.S. market, sedan and hatchback versions are available, as is a hybrid. The Corolla remains a … Read more
The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe gains an XRT trim with blacked-out touches. A few years back, Hyundai trailed its competitors in rolling out crossover models. But within a few years, it filled out its product line and updated its ongoing utility vehicle models, including the midsize, two-row Santa Fe. Now … Read more
The Nissan Altima is your crossover alternative. Shoppers looking for a new ride that combines value, room, tech, and safety features might consider the Nissan Altima. This midsize, five-passenger sedan offers a solid alternative to crossover utility vehicles (which Nissan offers in abundance) and at a price point below $30,000. … Read more
The VW Golf R is back and better than ever. Not since 2019 have we seen a Golf R, the ultimate expression in subcompact hatchback prowess from Volkswagen. This model along with the GTI is all that’s left of the Golf product line for the U.S. market as VW pivots … Read more
GMC’s off-road Canyon AT4 proves itself. The GMC Canyon is a midsize pickup truck and a strong alternative to the larger GMC Sierra 1500. The current-generation model was introduced in 2015 and has received several updates since. A new model is in the offing for next year, but the 2022 … Read more