Although Kia's Niro is more expensive with a plug than without one, the plug-in hybrid is significantly less expensive than the Niro EV and has almost zero compromises. Range anxiety? Doesn't exist. Performance? It's zippier than the regular hybrid. Battery life? Likely better than the EV because of how the battery is used. Charge times? Who cares, you have a gas tank. On my … [Read more...] about Why You Should Really Consider a Plug-in Hybrid
Vehicle Type
2023 Mazda3 Hatchback Turbo AWD Review
The Mazda3 has a few controversial elements that, after a week behind the wheel with, I determined were actually pretty insignificant. The hatchback's design, the infotainment system, the torsion beam rear suspension – all points of contention for a lot of people out there. Styling may be subjective, but driving this car every day reveals that Mazda is truly on the right track … [Read more...] about 2023 Mazda3 Hatchback Turbo AWD Review
2022 Buick Envision Avenir Review
The Buick Envision may not be a household name, but I believe it is the most effective example of what a Buick should be considering its current lineup of crossovers. It has an elegant design, a good amount of space inside, and just enough power to satisfy those who may be coming from vehicles with V6s or higher-performing turbo 4-cylinders. This Avenir trim's interior is the … [Read more...] about 2022 Buick Envision Avenir Review
2023 Hyundai Tucson XRT Review
The 2023 Hyundai Tucson XRT is for shoppers who know they will never take their stylish two-row compact crossover any further than the dirt trail to Grandma's house in the forest. The XRT treatment provides them peace of mind that it will at least look like they can do the same things as a more hard-core off-road SUV. Beyond that reality, this is a competent and comfortable … [Read more...] about 2023 Hyundai Tucson XRT Review
Alex’s Take: The 2023 Civic Type R Is Honda’s Mid Life Crisis Hatch
The 2023 Civic Type Rawr (as it will always be known to me) may be more of a “hot sportback” than a “hot hatch” but it’s undeniably insane. 315 eager ponies are channeled thorough one of the best 6-speed manuals in America and sent to the ground via 265-width summer tires. What’s not to love? The front wheel drive only design? Let's talk about the Type R. Now don’t get … [Read more...] about Alex’s Take: The 2023 Civic Type R Is Honda’s Mid Life Crisis Hatch
2023 Honda Civic Type R First Drive
The Honda Civic Type R in its outgoing generation has widely been considered one of, if not the best front-wheel drive vehicles of all time. Honda engineered the hell out of it to make sure it exuded track-ready performance, handling and design, and it certainly had all three. 2017 was the first time North America got its hands on one, but now it's back for round two. The rest … [Read more...] about 2023 Honda Civic Type R First Drive
2023 Cadillac XT5 Sport Review
The Cadillac XT5 is front-wheel drive-based two-row luxury crossover that competes with the likes of the Lexus RX and Lincoln Nautilus. If you want to broaden that list, you could include things like the Genesis GV70, Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Acura RDX. Its size makes it hard to pin it down, as it falls right in the middle of something like a GV70 and GV80, … [Read more...] about 2023 Cadillac XT5 Sport Review
2023 Chevrolet Traverse High Country Review
The Chevrolet Traverse may be getting a little long in the tooth, but aside from its aging interior and lack of efficient powertrain offerings, it continues to be the most spacious offering in the three-row family crossover segment with an engine/transmission pairing that actually makes it enjoyable to drive. The High Country trim also comes up short when compared to the … [Read more...] about 2023 Chevrolet Traverse High Country Review
2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer Activ Review
The Chevrolet Trailblazer is not the body-on-frame large SUV it once was, and even the 'Activ' trim does nothing to really remedy that. If it's style and value you're after, the Activ trim does present itself as one of the better choices in the subcompact crossover segment. It is spacious, has all of the tech younger buyers are after, and comes infused with white- (or brown-) … [Read more...] about 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer Activ Review
2023 Toyota Crown First Drive
The Toyota Crown returns for 2023 as a family of vehicles that represents a more luxurious side of the brand, without treading on Lexus waters. Presented as a long, low-slung rear-wheel drive sedan (Crown Sedan), a sporty hatchback (Crown Sport), a more traditional station wagon type (Crown Estate), and a taller and funkier sedan (Crown Crossover), the latter is currently the … [Read more...] about 2023 Toyota Crown First Drive