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
CUV/SUV
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
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
The 2023 Toyota Highlander, Now With a Turbo
For the 2023 Toyota Highlander, the V6 is dead. Toyota has replaced it with the 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder from the Lexus NX and RX. Power levels are good, and since it's a Toyota it should be reliable. But, was the swap worth it and will the Toyota faithful accept a boosted engine in their next family … [Read more...] about The 2023 Toyota Highlander, Now With a Turbo
The Trax is Back – 2024 Chevrolet Trax First Look
The new 2024 Chevrolet Trax is an attractive and inexpensive small crossover for shoppers that don't want to spend over $25,000 but are looking for more interior room and snazzier screens than are available in the Trailblazer. Just don't look for AWD, because it's not available... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p83yK5Q0nM8&ab_channel=AlexonAutos The Chevy Trax has … [Read more...] about The Trax is Back – 2024 Chevrolet Trax First Look
2023 (Jeep) Grand Wagoneer L – L is for Longer
Sad that the Jeep Wagoneer just wasn't big enough? Fear not, there's now a stretched Wagoneer L for you. They've added about a foot of length to the already ginormous SUV, almost all of which goes to the cargo area. Looking for more legroom, however? Check out the Cadillac Escalade ESV instead, because this third row doesn't move in the stretch process. Also on offer is an … [Read more...] about 2023 (Jeep) Grand Wagoneer L – L is for Longer
2022 Hyundai Kona Electric: SEL or Limited?
One of the older electric cars currently on sale (though not nearly as long in the tooth as the oldest Teslas), the Hyundai Kona Electric no longer qualifies for the $7,500 Federal EV tax credit due to changes implemented by the new Inflation Reduction Act. While this legislation does encourage economic growth and development here at home, it also puts solid electric cars like … [Read more...] about 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric: SEL or Limited?