Driven Car Reviews

All New 2024 Lexus TX Is A Premium 3-Row Family Workhorse

To get the family over the river and through the woods, the 3-row Lexus TX will get the job done with a premium attitude. Available in three models (350, 500h Hybrid and 550h+ PHEV), it seats up to seven. And yes, adults can sit in the wayback. Built on the same platform as Toyota Grand Highlander, the TX is assembled in Indiana. Tom Voelk checks out the entire lineup in Austin, Texas and finds there are some key differences between each powertrain.   Lexus provided transportation and lo...

GMC Canyon AT4X Is A Deep And Capable Machine

For heading out into the wilderness (and making sure you come back) the GMC Canyon AT4X is ready to rumble right out of the box. It starts with extra ground clearance and underbody protection, 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler tires, upgraded front and rear e-locker differentials plus Multimatic DSSV dampers. Add nearly every technology and feature GMC offers and you get a rugged truck that never makes its owner to walk out of the woods. This does come at a cost though. Tom Voelk takes a loaded AT4X...

Toyota GR Corolla Is The Corolla Your Mother Warned You About

“Performance Corolla” is an oxymoron up there with “jumbo shrimp”, but the GR Corolla is not part of the Marvel alternative multiverse. It’s real, and loads of fun. Starting at just $36,995 with shipping from the specialized factory in Japan, the GR is a performance bargain. 300 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and structural improvements all help to make it the most potent Corolla to date. And the Gazoo Racing visuals get attention… not always welcome. Tom Voelk checks out a Circuit edition tha...

Buick Envista Has The Style, Practicality And Affordability

Suffering from the sticker shock? Maybe you’d really rather drive a Buick. Seriously. The new Envista has style, practicality, and a price tag that will impress.  It’s not a high-performance machine but for people looking for solid transportation without a budget brand badge, Buick offers a lot of value here. Tom Voelk drives a mid-tier Sport Touring model optioned up with sunroof, heated seats and steering wheel plus an upgraded rear suspension.

2024 Subaru Impreza RS Is Affordable And Practical Fun

All-wheel drive grip doesn’t have to break the bank. The Subaru Impreza starts at just over $24,000 so there’s no need to skimp on Fido’s food. The new RS model gets a sport-tuned suspension, unique interior and most importantly, a more powerful 2.5-liter 4-cylinder. Tom Voelk checks out a fully optioned model in Oasis Blue and finds it frisky and affordable fun, as long as you don’t crave a manual transmission.

On The Trail With The New 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road

Many Tacoma owners push their trucks in the wilderness. The all-new 2024 Toyota Tacoma Off Road has enhancements that make it a better trail companion. 33-inch off road-oriented tires on 17-inch wheels, large front brakes, Bilstein monotube remote reservoir shocks and an optional sway bar disconnect. Tom Voelk checks out a pre-production unit near Malibu, CA with off road driving instructor Matt Frohlich on a course that’s tougher than it looks (cameras never show how severe terrain is). N...

All-New 2024 Toyota Tacoma SR5 Adds Refinement And Ditches The V6

It's been a long since since there’s been an all-new Tacoma. Generation four is quite the change. It gets a choice of bed and cabin sizes, a fully-boxed frame, multi-link rear suspension on many models plus new i-FORCE turbocharged 4-cylinder engines. The segment’s 500-pound gorilla is a better truck in every way. But how does it stack up to Chevy Colorado, Ford Ranger, Honda Ridgeline, Jeep Gladiator, GMC Canyon, and Nissan Frontier? Tom Voelk travels to Malibu, CA to check out a Tacoma SR5...

2024 Toyota Crown Signia and Camry Revealed. Bring On The Hybrids!

Toyota has unveiled the 9th generation Camry and the new Crown Signia. The big news for Camry is, it’s strictly hybrid going forward. All models will be available with either front or all-wheel drive. It gets updated design front and rear plus a more inviting cabin. The Crown Signia is an SUV-like machine that replaces the Venza. It might remind people of Volvo’s XC 70 Cross Country and the Mercedes-Benz E Class All-Terrain. It is also strictly hybrid, and only comes with all wheel drive. Cr...

2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally Is Ready To Get Down And Dirty

The new ­­2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally is what happens when a Mach-E GT wants to play in the dirt. With extra shielding underneath and a new raised suspension that includes MagneRide shocks, the Rally should eat up your favorite forest service roads. Plus, it gets more sustained power, something that was a bit controversial with the GT. Tom Voelk previews the Rally that should start at around $65,000 when it arrives in early 2024.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX Gets Stylish Updates Inside and Out

The small Encore crossover has been Buick’s best-selling car for years now. The 2024 Encore GX (the smaller non-GX model is discontinued) gets the brand’s new face from the Wildcat concept vehicle, a new instrument panel and the reimagined Tri-Shield logo. Is this enough to temp buyers away from mainstream competitors like Mazda CX-30, Honda HR-V or Kia Seltos (or even spendy rigs like Audi Q3, BMW X1, Mercedes GLA or Volvo XC 40)? Tom Voelk checks out a mid-level trim Sport Touring model wi...

2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV is Speed, Grace and Technology

Electrification is perfect for luxury vehicles. The 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV adds performance and exclusivity to the premium experience. Dual motor 4MATIC all-wheel drive provides the traction to handle up to 677 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. And if 3.4 second 0-60 sprints aren’t enough, the Hyperscreen dashboard impresses even standing still.  Tom Voelk checks out a well-equipped model in Emerald Green Metallic and finds it’s a great way to move a family briskly if you don’t need to ...

Is The 2023 Chevy Colorado The State Of The Art In Mid-Sized Pickups?

The days of American brands falling short in the mid-sized pickup market are over and the new 2023 Chevrolet Colorado is proof. It’s handsome, capable, comfortable and powerful. Plus, it’s affordable. The Trail Boss model with standard 4WD and off-road suspension is less than $40,000.  Tom Voelk takes The Boss on road, off road, camping and exploring. Midsized trucks do some things better than full-sized rigs.   Special thanks to Ryan Douthit for providing footage and opinions for this r...

The 2023 BMW 760i xDrive Is Packed With Luxury and Tech

If you believe in lucky numbers, the 7th generation BMW 7-Series is a good omen. Available with three different drivetrains (including the all-electric i7) it’ll appeal to a wide number of buyers… so long as they’re wealthy. Tom Voelk checks out the 760i xDrive model that gets it’s oomph from a 4.4-liter twin turbocharged V8, plus an electric motor embedded into the 8-speed transmission since ICE 7-Series are 48V mild hybrids now. And then there’s the Rear Executive Lounge Seating which just...

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Can Slash Your Gas Bill

On paper, the Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid is what people want these days. It’s three-row SUV that will travel 38 miles on electric power so many owners can get by on a single tank of gas a year (seriously, I’ve done it). It also has a sure-footed all-wheel drive system dubbed Super All-Wheel Control with a rear-drive performance bias. And it just took home multiple trophies at the Mudfest SUV Competition. But, how does it stack up in the real world? Tom Voelk checks out a SEL Premium...

2023 Genesis Electrified GV70 Is Stealthy EV Goodness

The gas-powered GV70 is a well-regarded piece of transportation, but there are people that are still unaware of the Genesis brand.  Even those in-the-know might be surprised to find there’s a fully electric version. The Genesis Electrified GV70 doesn’t get the most elegant moniker. But its performance, handling, refinement and style deserve attention. Tom Voelk checks out a Prestige model in Savile Silver and finds it to be a compelling EV crossover. That’s if 236 miles of range works for yo...

Secrets of the Costco TP Trunk Test Revealed!

People have an awful lot of questions about my trunk measurement metric. Here's how it's done, why it's done, and what I do with all that toilet paper once I'm done. And yes, I've heard every joke and comment imaginable while wheeling out all that bath tissue into the parking lot. Special thanks to all the fine folks at Costco that make it all possible. It's a great group of people.

Best SUV Ever? 22 Vehicles Compete At Mudfest 2023 For The Title!

Looking for the best SUV, crossover or pickup? 22 vehicles compete for the title in Mudfest 2023, a two-day battle royale put on by the Northwest Automotive Press Association. There are categories for 2-row, 3-row, luxury, extreme capability, value, and for the first time, electrified. So we have you covered, from the $30,000 Subaru Crosstrek to the $452,000 Rolls-Royce Cullinan. Tom Voelk travels to The Ridge Motorsports Park in Shelton, WA to drive pickups and SUVs on-pavement and off to d...

2023 Compass Trailhawk Is A Better Oriented Jeep

With a new engine, transmission and suspension setup, the 2023 Jeep Compass is an improvement over the outgoing model. If you really, truly, honestly believe you’re going off-road, the more capable Trailhawk is the one to choose. It adds skid plates, a rock mode, some extra ground clearance and improved approach, breakover and departure angles. It’s more compact than competitors (positive for some, negative for others). But for taking on tough trails, Trailhawk is hard to beat in class.

2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Is An Elevated Way To Haul It All

As the name implies, the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander is, well, grander than Highlander classic. There’s more room, crisper design and with the Hybrid MAX powertrain, significantly more oomph. There’s seating for up to 8, and for the first time, adults are okay to ride in the wayback. All that and the price premium is easy to swallow. Its strong competition to Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, Chevy Traverse, Buick Enclave, Nissan Pathfinder and Volkswagen Atlas. Tom Voelk travels to the Big Is...

The 2023 BMW XM Is A Rorschach Test On Wheels

People will either love the 2023 BMW XM or loath it. For sure, it’s a grin a minute from behind the wheel. It’s a dedicated M vehicle, not an M variant like M3 or M5. Plus it’s a plug-in hybrid SUV that can be kind to the environment. But the gas-side is a thirsty twin-turbocharged V8 and the lofty price tag will disappoint those who find the polarizing exterior appealing. Tom Voelk checks out the tech and performance of this high output PHEV and talks to the good folks of Seattle about the ...

Hands On With The All-New 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro, Trailhunter, TRD Sport and Limited

It’s been a very long time since Toyota has introduced an all-new Tacoma. At a special sneak preview on the big island of Hawaii, Toyota offered up a first look at the all-new (and it really is all-new) 2024 Tacoma. Here’s your first look at TRD Pro, Limited, SR5 Sport and the new Trailhunter for those looking to overland. It will be available with two powertrains including the i-Force MAX hybrid. And Toyota has heard your requests for a better seating position. Sheldon Brown, the chief engi...

2024 Ford Ranger First Look (And Yes, There’s A Raptor Now)

The 2024 Ford Ranger is coming this fall but you can check it out inside and out now. Tom Voelk offers a preview of the next-generation mid-sized pickup that gets a Raptor version for the first time in the US. In the XL, XLT and Lariat models, choose between a 2.3-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder with 270 horsepower or the optional 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 with 315 HP. The Raptor gets a 3-liter V6 with 405 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque and a different advanced four-wheel-drive system. There’s all sort of...

The 2024 RZ 450e is the Lexus of Electric SUVs

It took time but Lexus has a new battery electric, the RZ 450e. Built on the e-TNGA platform found under the Bz4X, it’s strictly an all-wheel drive machine (that’s the DIRECT4 badge) with torque vectoring. It's stuffed with Lexus creature comforts and technology too. Electrification is perfect for the brand’s mission. How does it work in the real world? Tom Voelk checks out the driving dynamics, design, features and, of course range and charging speed. He drives a Premium model with the foll...

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid 2023 Gets Things Done With More Refinement

The Honda CR-V has always been a family favorite, the all-new 6th generation is ready to take the brood on their next adventure. The big news? There’s a new hybrid powertrain with more powerful electric motors that are mounted side-by-side now. Available in front or all-wheel drive, it’s EPA rated as high as 40 MPG average. Tom Voelk checks out the Sport Touring model to see if it can get that kind of efficiency.

2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Is The Corolla Cross To Buy

If you think adding a hybrid powertrain to the Toyota Corolla Cross makes it even more of a slug, no. In fact, it shaves nearly 2 seconds off the 0-60 sprint. And then it adds significant efficiency, all-wheel drive and a smoother powertrain. In short, if Toyota’s small wagon-like crossover is on your shopping list, you’ll want the hybrid. Tom Voelk travels to Carlsberg, CA to get a first look at the new Corolla Cross Hybrid and chooses the base S model, because money is tight and this one M...

2023 Toyota Prius Prime Is An Optimized Plug-In Hybrid

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 Gua...

2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 AWD is Art You Can Drive

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 ...

Nissan Ariya e-4ORCE is Impressive EV Tech With Weird Spelling

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...

The 2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country Is More Capable Than You Might Think

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 $63...

Lucid Air Grand Touring is an EV With Style, Power and 516 Miles of Range

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 San...

2023 Cadillac Escalade-V is Loud, Proud, Surprisingly Nimble and Unsurprisingly Thirsty

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 ...

2023 Acura Integra A-Spec Is Back-To-The-Future Fun

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.

The All-Electric bZ4X Is A Pure EV Done The Toyota Way

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.

2023 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro Takes The Family Anywhere

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 ...

Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek Adds Toughness (But Not Too Much)

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 improv...

2023 Chevy Bolt EUV Redline- More Fun Or Fashion Statement?

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 ...

Does The Lexus LX 600 Live Up To Its Ultra Luxury Reputation?

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 t...

Kia EV6 GT Is A Fast And Furious Thriller (About That Range Though…)

The 2023 Toyota Prius Is A Fuel Sipper You’ll Want To Drive

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 ...

The Best Cars and Trucks I Drove in 2022. And Many Are Affordable. Really!

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...

Does The Toyota Highlander Hybrid AWD Really Get 35 MPG?

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).

2023 Kia Niro EV Has Range And Style. But Charging Speed?

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.

2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB300 4MATIC EV Is A Smoother Operator

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.

2023 Kia Telluride X-Pro Goes Beyond Suburbia

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 ch...

Can The Cadillac XT4 Sport AWD Take On The Europeans?

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…

2023 Hyundai Palisade XRT Affordably Hauls The Crew

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.

2023 Land Rover Defender 110 V8 Has Bark And Bite

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.

All-New 2023 Kia Niro Is Affordable Style and Efficiency

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.

2023 Genesis GV60 Performance Is EV Quick And Stuffed With Tech

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 ...

Audi A6 Allroad Hauls It All To The Campsite In Style

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.