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
Like the minivan, the sedan was supposed to have gone away. But on closer inspection, even the minivan has staying power. Both body styles are surviving the increasing onslaught of utility vehicles. But for the remaining players, at least in the sedan segment, millions of shoppers still prefer them. One … Read more
Spending a week or even a full day with a new model gives us a proper introduction to the vehicle. But when time is of the essence, sometimes there are only minutes available for a preview. That is exactly what happened during a near week-long press trip to Toyota’s headquarters … 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
The 2023 Lexus UXh receives updates; the gas-only model goes away. Lexus’ smallest crossover utility vehicle is going full hybrid for 2023. At least in the U.S. market. Beginning late this summer, the UX line becomes synonymous with hybrid only as it loses its gas-only model. The move follows what … Read more
Subaru Legacy is refreshed for 2023. Hooray for sedans! No, that isn’t an exclamation heard often, but it is the sentiment for some, including this writer. There is something about four doors, hugging the road, and a reasonable price that appeals to yours truly. Sedans, like minivans, are disappearing across … Read more
The consumer market has certainly changed in recent years and Toyota offers a strong example of that. For years, the Camry midsize sedan and Corolla compact sedan/hatchback were this company’s two top sellers. However, in recent years, the Toyota RAV4 is tops as buyers embrace crossover SUVs. Not only is … 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
Following on the heels of the Toyota brand, the Lexus marque will soon see its first full-electric model. Today, Lexus debuted the RZ 450e. Like other Lexus models, we simply drop the nomenclature after the first two letters. Unlike the other models, this one is fully electric. In other words, … 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
Grrrr! With the GR Corolla! The rumor mill suggested it, but it wasn’t until March came to an end that Toyota confirmed that the GR Corolla is, in fact, REAL. No, this is not some April Fool’s Day prank. The Corolla line is indeed expanding to accommodate a performance variant … 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
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
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
Mazda has a new model and this one was designed with the US market in mind. In January, Mazda rolled out the CX-50 from an Alabama assembly plant. This five-passenger, compact model updates the brand’s portfolio with a thoroughly modern and competitive utility vehicle. Mazda’s newest model is the first … Read more
The Maverick joins the Ranger and F-Series to fill out Ford’s truck line. The Ford Maverick is a compact pickup truck roughly the size of the original Ford Ranger. This car-based model has few direct challengers, therefore it is an unusual entry into the market. Now on sale, the Maverick … Read more
The Subaru Forester gains an off-road-worthy Wilderness edition. The Subaru Forester is a compact utility vehicle, one of four such models sold by this niche Japanese brand. Niche may not be a fair assessment, however as Subaru has a strong following in the U.S. market. The Forester was last fully … Read more
Aston Martin released their first-ever SUV, dubbed the Aston Martin DBX, in 2020. Like the Lamborghini Urus, questions greeted the DBX’s arrival, including why was it developed? Simply put, Aston Martin couldn’t pass on a chance at entering the hugely profitable SUV market, while extending its global presence. As it … Read more
An all-new electric vehicle model is on the way, with a spring 2022 arrival set. Dubbed the Toyota bZ4X, the latest vehicle joins a long list of electrified Toyota models. It is the first of a new line of fully electric vehicles slated for the North American and global markets, … Read more
It has been a long year of anticipation for fans of Ford’s newest pickup truck. No, we are not talking about the all-electric Lightning, which carries near-equal attention for enthusiasts. Rather, the current shiny object we are awaiting will debut first. And that is none other than the Ford Maverick … Read more
Electrification has come to the Hyundai Santa Fe line and that is a first for this midsize, five-passenger crossover sport utility vehicle. For 2021, the Santa Fe gains a conventional hybrid, followed by a plug-in hybrid for 2022. Together, the hybrids give customers much more to consider when comparing two-row … Read more
It has been nearly a quarter of a century since the Lexus RX appeared, a 1999 model that broke new ground. At the time, luxury utility vehicles were somewhat uncommon as mainstream models dominated. But Lexus saw an opening, particularly from customers who wanted something fancier than a Jeep Grand … Read more
What are the similarities and differences between all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive? When you look at the names, AWD (all-wheel drive) and 4WD (four-wheel drive) cars seem to be the same. But the differences are simple and quite a bit obvious when you learn a thing or two about what … Read more
The Volkswagen Taos is a sizable entry-level model. Volkswagen has a new crossover and it occupies the entry-level position once held by the VW Tiguan. The 2022 Volkswagen Taos is the latest utility vehicle from this German brand, a subcompact model with room for five. The VW Taos slots beneath … Read more
The Ford Motor Company is discontinuing the EcoSport, its smallest crossover utility vehicle. Built in India and introduced to the U.S. market in late 2017, the little SUV goes away as the automaker winds down its Indian manufacturing arm. The EcoSport is also built in Romania for the European market, … Read more
A Corolla Cross model for Toyota’s popular compact car range. The Corolla Cross is the latest model in the Corolla family, the first crossover utility vehicle to share the Corolla badge. The new model rolls out in October 2021 and will sit between the Toyota C-HR and the Toyota RAV4. … Read more
The Lexus ES delivers panache for an affordable price. The world of luxury models is a pricey one with customers easily paying $50,000 or more for their vehicle of choice. There are a few exceptions, but you must research carefully to find an exceptional deal. One strong exception is the … Read more