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
4-Door
2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid, Now With AWD
The Corolla Hybrid debuted for the 2020 model year as an answer to the question: what if I want a Toyota hybrid sedan/hatchback that doesn't look controversial on the outside but still gets up to 50 mpg and costs less than $30,000 when fully equipped? With an updated 1.8L hybrid powertrain and a new e-AWD option, the 2023 Corolla Hybrid now answers the question: can I do all of … [Read more...] about 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid, Now With AWD
2022 Mercedes-Benz S 580 4MATIC – The Ultimate Sedan
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has long been the showcase for the brand’s upcoming tech, and the new-for-2021 S is no different. That’s why I decided to get my hands on the 2022 S 580 4MATIC for a week. I don’t normally seek out ultra-luxury vehicles because, quite frankly, they don’t tend to sell well. With other car companies, the gadgets, gizmos, tech and styling introduced on … [Read more...] about 2022 Mercedes-Benz S 580 4MATIC – The Ultimate Sedan
2022 Mercedes EQS 580 Review: The Ultimate EV?
Think of the 2022 Mercedes Benz EQS not as an "electric S-Class" but an S-Class re-imagined for the 21st century. Interestingly this is also how the S-Class and EQS were engineered. The EQS and S-Class were designed side by side and share some of their electronic gadgets, but aside from a little software and some safety systems they share essentially nothing. The EQS rides … [Read more...] about 2022 Mercedes EQS 580 Review: The Ultimate EV?
2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Review: Not a 3-Row Rogue
If you thought the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander was just a three-row Nissan Rogue with a different skin, you'd be forgiven. Underpinned by the CMF-C/D platform from the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance parts bin and powered by the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder paired to a CVT, it's easy to think the Mitsubishi is just a reskin. Thankfully that's not the case because the Outlander … [Read more...] about 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Review: Not a 3-Row Rogue
2021 Hyundai Venue Denim Edition review: Style at a Value?
As the average transaction breaks past the $40,000 mark, new cars are starting to get out of the price zone of many consumers. Luckily some automakers have made sure that they still offer one or two models that offer modern accouterments at affordable prices. One of those vehicles is the 2021 Hyundai Venue. This small crossover effectively replaces the Accent hatchback in … [Read more...] about 2021 Hyundai Venue Denim Edition review: Style at a Value?
2021 Kia Rio Review: Ultimate Inexpensive Transportation?
If you're in the market for a subcompact car, your choices are slim. With the segment declining rapidly due to the crossover boom, there aren't many to choose from. The 2021 Kia Rio is one of the last entrants alongside the Hyundai Accent, Nissan Versa, Mitsubishi Mirage, and the soon-to-de-discontinued Chevrolet Spark. Those looking for a hatchback will see their choices … [Read more...] about 2021 Kia Rio Review: Ultimate Inexpensive Transportation?
Weekly News in Review: August 8 to 14
This week’s news sees lots of truck-related news, the return of a 90s icon, and Volkswagen has added more features to three of its vehicles for 2022. A new teaser for the upcoming 2022 Toyota Tundra has been getting a lot of news this week because it showed off the truck’s suspension. It appears Toyota has added leaf springs, which could result in improved performance on and … [Read more...] about Weekly News in Review: August 8 to 14
2021 Kia Telluride and 2021 Hyundai Palisade: Similarities and Differences
It's no secret that the 2021 Kia Telluride and 2021 Hyundai Palisade are mechanically identical. Both are on the same platform, they use a 3.8-liter V6 with 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, and they have an eight-speed automatic transmission. Even their optional AWD drive systems are eerily similar with the only difference being the availability of hill descent control on the … [Read more...] about 2021 Kia Telluride and 2021 Hyundai Palisade: Similarities and Differences
2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz First Drive: More Important Than You Think
Don't let the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz's compact size fool you because it's one of the most important models this year. Not only does it launch Hyundai's first pickup but it also revives the long-dormant compact truck segment, which it will share with the upcoming Ford Maverick. Think of the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz as a Tucson with a 4.5-foot bed in the back because it uses … [Read more...] about 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz First Drive: More Important Than You Think