Luxury and value seldom intersect, but there are a few exceptions. The Lexus ES 300h is an exception as this large front-wheel-drive sedan can be had for under $50,000. Moreover, it comes well equipped and offers a hybrid variant, the latter our recent weekly test driver. 2023 Lexus ES Review … Read more
The Toyota Highlander is a three-row, midsize crossover utility vehicle with room for seven or eight. It’s the crossover complement to the Toyota Sienna van, with both models ideal for growing families. The Highlander Hybrid is the fuel efficiency champ in this segment, matching the hybrid-only Sienna with a combined … Read more
If the Toyota Sequoia is a mystery to you, then you’re in strong company. Last updated in 2008, this full-size SUV is all-new for 2023. Certainly, 15 years is a long time between updates, which explains why the Sequoia does not ring a bell with some. But thanks to an … Read more
If Toyota creates an all-new product, a hybrid is certain to follow, right? It almost seems that way. Ever since the Prius rolled out in the late 1990s and was followed by hybrid variants of other Toyota models, it is almost a given that a gas-electric version follows. But there … Read more
If your product launched a segment and still dominates it, how do you maintain that position? That’s a challenge Lexus faces with its midsize RX crossover, a model introduced in 1998. The RX has done exceedingly well for the brand, with a record 115,230 units sold in 2021. That means … Read more
How do you mark 25 years for one of your most enduring models? By developing a commemorative edition and limiting its availability, that is how. In this case, the Toyota Sienna has reached its 25th anniversary and that’s quite a milestone in a segment some wrote off years ago. Introduced … 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
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
The Chevrolet Corvette is America’s sports car and our love affair with this machine remains strong after nearly seven decades. Come 2023, an electrified version of the famed two-seater arrives, launching a sea change for this iconic model. Gas models will continue, but a hybrid will precede an all-electric version … 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
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
An all-new Toyota Sequoia is on its way this summer. This third-generation model is redesigned for the 2023 model year. The latest Sequoia will showcase a twin-turbocharged V6 hybrid arrangement as standard equipment. Initially revealed on the Tundra, this hybrid makes 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. Known internally … 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
With the launch of its all-new Tundra pickup truck model in 2022, Toyota made it clear that it was staying put in a segment dominated by domestic manufacturers. The third-generation Toyota Tundra is here, a more formidable competitor than before. But the one thing the Tundra has lacked is a … 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
The Sportage is Kia’s longest-running nameplate, a compact crossover sport utility vehicle. It is also one of the brand’s most popular models, arriving stateside for the 1995 model year. This small vehicle seats five, comes with standard front-wheel drive, and offers available all-wheel drive. It is also one of the … 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
It has been 15 years since we last saw an all-new Toyota Tundra, but the wait is almost over. Before the year is out, production of the third-generation 2022 Tundra will commence. The new model represents an end of an era, at least for Toyota, as it replaces its V8 … 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
After what seemed like months of waiting, Toyota has taken the wraps off the 2022 Tundra. The Tundra is this brand’s full-size pickup truck and we had not seen a new one since 2007. A 2014 refresh and a few other changes during the intervening years helped sales remain steady, … Read more
Rumor: A plug-in hybrid Lexus UC may be under development The rumors first surfaced in late June and only became stronger through the extended Independence Day weekend. When we learned that Lexus might develop a version of the Toyota 86, which itself is derived from the Subaru BRZ, that … Read more
Ford goes crossover with its all-new small Maverick truck. Ford’s worst-kept rumor is now a reality. Or at least the automaker has confirmed what we knew was coming. Today, the automaker introduced the all-new 2022 Ford Maverick compact pickup truck, the smallest model of its kind in America. Notably, the … Read more
A hybrid stop as Lamborghini goes electric. Eventually. If you are an automaker, the operative word today is “electrification.” At this point, nearly every automaker has announced its plans or is already in transition. The movement to an all-electric fleet will not happen in a matter of years. Instead, it … Read more
Hyundai ups its game in the midsize crossover utility segment. From top to bottom, Hyundai’s product line is far different than the one we saw just five years ago. Updated and overhauled models, new segments, and a long list of powertrain, tech, and safety improvements are transforming this brand. There … Read more
The Toyota Sienna is hybrid-only as it starts its fourth generation. The minivan segment is shrinking, but the remaining players are committed as they regularly introduce new or improved models. For instance, the Chrysler Pacifica offers a plug-in hybrid, the Kia Carnival replaces the Sedona with a crossover look, and … Read more
Plus a few Sonata features we would love to see changed. Among midsize sedan models, the Hyundai Sonata offers one of the roomiest interiors of all. It sports a premium visage, lovely patinas, and in top-trim models, it brings out various luxury elements. Although crossovers are easily outselling sedans, the … Read more
The all-new Tucson adds a pair of hybrid variants. An all-new Hyundai Tucson arrives in the coming weeks, launching the fourth generation for this compact crossover utility vehicle. The new model is important to Hyundai as it helps the brand maintain a toehold in a hot segment. For 2022, the … Read more
The most efficient compact crossover thanks to hybrid technology. Compact SUVs are the new family vehicle. With room for five, they’re ideal for small families. The Toyota RAV4 fits this category perfectly, by offering gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid variants of this popular model. Indeed, the RAV4 is so popular … Read more
The Venza nameplate returns. This time it’s a hybrid-only crossover. The Toyota Venza most certainly was not a popular model during its original 2009-2015 run, but it fulfilled its mission as the brand’s lone wagon-like crossover utility vehicle. Like the Chrysler Pacifica before it and the Honda Accord Crosstour that … Read more
Averaging 55 mpg is this model’s modus operandi. The Hyundai Ioniq is a tale of three models, namely hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and pure-electric variants. All three are front-wheel-drive compact hatchbacks with room for five. Introduced in 2017, the 2020 model features several changes, including new front and rear bumpers, a … Read more