For some owners, a plug-in hybrid is the best of all worlds. There’s electric range to cover the commutes, switch to gasoline for easy long road trips. The 3rd generation Prius Prime (based on the 5th gen Prius Hybrid) is a significant upgrade. At up to 44 miles of EV driving, it has significantly more gas-free range, it’s noticeably quicker and is a swan to the outgoing ugly duckling. Tom Voelk travels to a Toyota event in Carlsbad, California to check out a well-equipped XSE Premium in...

Can’t decide between a Henry Moore sculpture and transportation? The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 is art you can drive. The Streamliner design is one of the most aerodynamics silhouettes on the road, as low as .22 Cd. Look past the curves and arcs and you’ll see squares within squares. And since it’s built on the E-GMP platform with its 800V architecture, it juices quickly at DC fast charge station. With E.P.A. rated range as high as 361 miles, you might not need to very often. Tom Voelk travels to...

The all-electric Nissan Ariya is a big leap forward from it’s first EV, the LEAF. Competing with Tesla Model Y, Mustang Mach-E, Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Volkswagen ID.4, Ariya has something they lack- e-4ORCE. It’s not an algebra formula. The dual-motor, all-wheel drive e-4ORCE system uses torque vectoring, rear-wheel recuperation independent from the front, and a bunch of other dynamics to tame body movements. It offers a more comfortable ride quality and helps reduce motion sickness in...

SUVs and crossovers are in demand these days, but wagons make a whole lot of sense. Especially if it’s the Volvo V60 Cross Country. It runs with the B5 mild hybrid system, it’s easy to load and even easier to drive. Plus it will tackle a lot of tough terrain, even if owners are too timid try it. If you want a useful, capable vehicle with the best seats you can buy, this Swede is worth a look. Tom Voelk checks out a fully-equipped Ultimate model in upgraded Onyx Black paint that MSRPs for...

Is the Lucid Air the most advanced EV money can buy? It’s certainly the most efficient. It also has the fastest charge speed if you travel often. And the EPA-rated range of 516 miles is the best in the business. Add mid-century modern design inside and out plus 3 second 0-60 sprints and it all adds up to an amazing automotive experience with ground breaking technology. But no automobile is perfect. Tom Voelk checks out a Lucid Air Grand Touring with dual motor power in Stellar White with...

Escalade is Cadillac’s halo vehicle bringing in the brand’s youngest and wealthiest buyers. For the first time ever it’s getting the V treatment, which means it goes faster and handles better. Can a 6,200 pound body-on-frame SUV be enjoyable to drive? Yes. And if you can’t stand your neighbors and leave home early in the morning, the exhaust note is sure send the message, loud and clear. Tom Voelk drives the Escalade-V hard and goes through copious amounts of premium gasoline. As tested, in...

What’s in a name? Plenty when it’s Integra. Acura ditched the moniker at the turn of the century. Now that it’s back, can it live up to the lofty expectations that were largely set by the Type-R? Well, for starters, there’s a 6-speed manual and adaptive dampers (though you’ll need to spring for the fully loaded A-Spec to get those). It’s a modern take on an Acura classic. Tom Voelk checks out a loaded A-Spec in Liquid Carbon Metallic that MSRPs for $38,095 with destination.

It would seem that hybrid king Toyota has pushed back against battery electric vehicles. But it does make a BEV- the bZ4X. With a range of up to 252 miles, it’s available in front and all-wheel drive. How does it drive? Tom Voelk drives a front-wheel drive Limited model and finds it to be a solid performer with an excellent driving dynamic. Charging speed and curve? That might be the deal breaker for those that travel long distances.

An all-new Sequoia doesn’t come around all that often. The third generation has a few surprises. For starters, it packs a hybrid powertrain with a 10-speed transmission. And the TRD Pro model gets forged-aluminum wheels wearing 33-inch all- terrain tires, extra underbody protection and an off-road tuned suspension with Fox internal bypass coil-overs. And in Solar Octane paint, it will show up all traffic cones everywhere. Tom Voelk takes the TRD Pro on pavement and off-road to see if it can...

It’s no secret that buyers have migrated to crossovers and SUVs. Now it seems like people want a little more machismo from their machines, even if it’s just looks. Nissan adds a little extra bravado to the Pathfinder with the Rock Creek model. It adds extra ground clearance, a heavy-duty roof rack, all-terrain rubber, an off-road suspension and a bunch more stuff. Even more power from the V6 engine. Tom Voelk takes it off road, on rock, that’s near a creek (get it) to see if it really...

The Chevrolet Bolt is a great electric vehicle with some 250 miles of range at a starting price of $26,600. The slightly larger EUV model can now be had in Redline trim. Is it just stripes and wheels or does it add some bolt to the Bolt? Tom Voelk checks out a fully loaded Premier Redline in Silver Flare Metallic that retails for less than $38K before any state or federal tax incentives. And that’s equipped with the true handsfree Super Cruise system. There is that pokey DC fast charge rate...

It’s been a while since the Lexus LX has been totally revamped. The all-new LX 600 is more powerful, better planted and runs with an all-new architecture with roots shared with the Tundra pickup. And there’s a new Ultra Luxury model that offers those in back massaging seats and entertainment choices. It’s not without its compromises though. Tom Voelk checks the top-of-the line model in Nori Green and finds the $130K price tag… ultra. Note- This is a 2022 model, 2023 LX 600s are pretty much...

It’s quicker, handles better, delivers up to 57 miles per gallon and you won’t feel the need to drive wearing a disguise. The 2023 Toyota Prius is better in almost every way and not by just a small amount. And the svelte design language is something you’ll see more of out of Toyota. Tom Voelk travels to San Diego, CA for a deep dive into the all-new 5th generation Prius. He teams up with Ryan Douthit from Driving Sports TV to check out the ugly duckling that has become a swan. They drive an...

I get to drive a lot of vehicles, some 80 in 2022. These 11 are the ones that I think are worth looking at, the cars and trucks that are a great combination of value, features, design and capability. The ground rules- each one needs to be less than $100K or so reasonably optioned (that means no GMC Hummer EV or Porsche Taycans, which are terrific in what they do). I choose from a wide variety of categories that people actually buy, so not everything is a performance car. Check it out and see...

Three-row SUVs and crossovers offer families loads of flexibility and space. That’s great, until it’s time to fuel up. The all-wheel drive Toyota Highland Hybrid is rated by the EPA to get 35 miles per gallon in both city and highway driving. Does it? Tom Voelk takes a Bronze Edition model round trip from Seattle, WA to Bend, OR to see if it’s possible (and if it’s comfortable).

The second-generation Kia Niro can be had as a fully electric vehicle with a solid range of 253 miles. It’s got style to put a smile on your face when walking up to it. And it’s a practical hatchback (though the Kia marketing team wants you to see it as an SUV). But no car is perfect and Niro is up against cars that charge faster and cost less. Tom Voelk checks out a top trim Wave model just outside of San Diego, CA and finds it to be quiet and comfortable.

It looks like the GLB but the EQB300 delivers more of a Mercedes experience. That’s because the EQB is fully electric. It keeps the same utility as the gas-powered model but adds a smooth and substantial dynamic. Is it less expensive than the GLB? Does it meet the EPA rated range of 243 miles? Will it beat a Tesla Model S Plaid? Tom Voelk checks out the EQB300 4MATIC and answers those questions, and many more.

The wildly popular Telluride 3-row SUV has become Kia’s flagship model. 2023 models get a mid-cycle refresh with the expected nip and tuck on the nose and tail. But it’s two new models that will get extra track- X-Line and X-Pro. Both get a rugged look that’ll be the envy of the cul-de-sac plus a smidge more off-road capability. X-Pro goes the extra mile on the forest service road with all-terrain tires and upgraded cooling for better towing. Tom Voelk teams up with Edmunds’ Brian Wong to...

The Cadillac XT4 Sport is a compact crossover positioned against Audi Q3, BMW X1, and Mercedes GLB. All of them are entry level premium vehicles. The American competes better than you might imagine, it just depends on what you want out of your vehicle. Tom Voelk checks out a loaded AWD Sport model with self-parking (which works pretty darn well). There is that as-tested price of $58K though…

Hyundai’s Palisade is a 3-row SUV with room for everyone and a price that’s just right. In fact, the all-new XRT model costs less than the average vehicle and comes standard with seating for 7, lots of advanced electronic safety tech and navigation-based smart cruise. Tom Voelk checks out the XRT model equipped with all-wheel drive and finds it to be a comfortable hauler that will handle kids, dogs and all the equipment that goes with them.

The new Land Rover Defender 110 is rough, tough and leading man handsome. With the new 518 horsepower 5-liter supercharged V8 it adds power and a baritone voice that’s hard to resist. Tom Voelk drives a decked out 110 model because that’s the only way you can get buy one, fully loaded (it can be had in the 90 as well). Beware, it doesn’t come cheap, and it’s a thirsty machine.

The second-generation Kia Niro can be had as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid with 33 miles of electric range, and a full EV. The 2023 model is more efficient, more stylish and more tech savvy. And it starts at under $28,000 (yes, with shipping). Tom Voelk travels to San Diego, CA to check out the tech and find out why there’s wall paper inside the cabin.

The all-electric Genesis GV60 is the brand’s first electric vehicle built on a dedicated EV architecture. It has a completely different vibe than platform sharing Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6. Quick, quiet, nimble and packed with tech features, the Performance will get you where you’re going in unique Genesis style (that not everyone’s going to love). Tom tests a Performance model in Uyuni White and a Torrent Navy interior that retails for $69,560… if you can even buy it where you live. It's...

Americans (and the rest of the world) love the practicality of SUVs and crossovers. The 2023 Audi A6 Allroad has that plus the performance of a sport sedan since it’s a wagon. And since everyone and their mother is driving SUVs, the Allroad makes a style statement. Tom Voelk checks out a well-equipped Prestige model that goes for nearly $82K. Pro tip- the base Premium model has nearly all the “Audiness” you need.