Like the first-generation Hyundai Kona, gen two is available with gas and all-electric powertrains. Bigger, roomier, more refined and quicker to charge now, Kona Electric should be more appealing to more buyers. Make sure you buy the right model though since the SE’s battery and motor are different. Tom checks out a loaded $42,440 Limited model at …

Premium vehicles are all about sophistication. It’s a good argument for the BMW i5, a fully electric 5 Series. Packed with tech, refinement and a dollop of Ultimate Driving Machine dynamics, electrification might be the best way to experience the 5 Series (though ICE and PHEV version are available). People admiring the design may be oblivious it’s …

Want enthusiast grade driving dynamics at a reasonable price? Hyundai offers bang-for-the-buck with the Elantra N. Upgraded for 2024, there are some real changes that make it a better car, things like improved brakes and forged aluminum alloy wheels. And at just under $35,000 it’s fully loaded with grippy sport seats, adjustable suspension and Bose…

Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 N is equipped with N Drift Optimizer. In the hands of N Brand Vice President JooN Park, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 tires are shown no mercy. Watch as he obliterates the rear rubber in short order. For now, full driving impressions of the IONIQ 5 N are under embargo, but I’ll be sharing my experience at Weather Tech Laguna Seca soon. A…

Is F-150 is too big? Maverick too small? The new 2024 Ford Ranger is a tiny bit larger than the outgoing model and that adds big benefits. 4-foot-wide material sheets load between the wheel wells. The cabin gets a more inviting look. It has the smoothest turbocharged 4-cylinder engine in its class. It goes down the road in a relaxed manner (due in …

Want fun, affordability and practicality from your next ride? The Mazda3 enters the chat. Starting at $25,400, the Carbon Turbo is the sweet spot at 33 grand, adding turbocharged power and all-wheel drive. It’s roomy enough to handle a small family and engaging enough to entertain enthusiastic drivers. Plus, the Carbon Editions are easy to buy (if …

Kia’s Carnival has always offered space and comfort. The refreshed 2025 model adds something big- a hybrid powertrain for significantly better efficiency. How does it stack up against the hybrids in Toyota Sienna and Chrysler Pacifica? Tom Voelk travels to Detroit, MI for a first look at the top trim SX Prestige trim. Kia brought Tom to Michigan fo…

The new Kia K4 sedan is a lot more than a Forte with a name change. Available in the fall of 2025, it gets dramatic new sheetmetal and a powerful turbocharged 4-cylinder. How does it compare to Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Mazda3, Subaru Impreza and Volkswagen Jetta? Tom Voelk travels to Detroit, MI to preview the top trim GT-Line Tu…

With a bladder busting range of 440 miles, the impressive 2024 Chevy Silverado EV RST packs a punch. It's all here- Fast 350kW charging, dual motor 4WD, 0-60 in 4.5 seconds, four wheel steering, air suspension, vehicle-to-home power ability and Super Cruise. Quiet, comfortable and surprisingly nimble there's a lot to like... so long as you have $96…

EVs cost less to operate, fuel at home and can be fun to drive. Chevrolet adds something radical with the new Equinox EV- normalcy. It’s a compact SUV with loads of room and 319 miles of reach, practically eliminating range anxiety. Can Chevy appeal to the masses? It just might with a starting price of $35,000 before any tax credits. Tom Voelk team…

I have finally installed 240V Level 2 charging at my home. What took so long? Well, my house is over 100 years old, the garage is detached, set into the side of a hill and made of concrete. So no matter how complex the job, it can be done! It's probably much easier for most people, but you might learn something here. For starters, don't skimp on th…

20 SUVs and pickups. 20 automotive writers. One grand prize winner. Now in its 30th year, Mudfest is a two-day competition put on by the Northwest Automotive Writers Association. Held at The Ridge Motorsports Park in Shelton, WA, NWAPA members judge on and off-road capability, value, features, cargo room, efficiency and technology. It's a tough job…

Love the Rivian look but find the R1S too large (or expensive)? The two-row R2 and even smaller R3 will right those wrongs. Rivian stopped by Seattle's University Village store to show off the upcoming R2 and sporty R3X. Expected sometime in 2026 with a range of at least 300 miles, the R2 has the luxury and features of R1S in a tidier package. R3X …

Typically, the formula for performance vehicles is to add power, stiffen the suspension and bolt on some sticky tires. Hyundai took things much further with the IONIQ 5 N, adding N e-Shift, N Active Sound +, N Grin Boost and more. Those Ns mean nothing to many now but they will soon. Deep and powerful, IONIQ 5 N has the potential to join the ranks …

Cross a Mustang Mach-E with a Subaru WRX and you get the Rally. Ford starts with the updated performance bits of the 2024 GT, then adds an inch of lift, underbody protection, rally wheels with optimized tires and a Cessna sized wing. Perfect for getting to the trail head or running forest service roads at speed. Tom Voelk checks it out at DirtFish …

For good clean fun in the dirt, there’s nothing quite like the new 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally. And who better to demonstrate that than pro driver Vaughn Gitten Jr? Tom Voelk rides shotgun with JR on the back forty of DirtFish Rally School in Snoqualmie, WA to find out what 480 horsepower and 700 lb-ft of torque can do in the hands of a professi…

At last, there’s an all-new Toyota 4Runner! The 6th generation gets a Platinum and Trailhunter trims for the first time. The V6 is gone, replaced by a turbocharged 4-cylinder i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder making 278 horsepower or the i-FORCE MAX hybrid 4-cylinder with up to 326 horses. Both get 8-speed transmissions. If that sounds fami…

Hyundai’s all-electric Ioniq 6 has racked up dozens of awards and accolades. It’s fast, rides well, charges fast and sports daring Streamliner design. If you’re looking for a curvy EV with the most squares, this is your car. Tom Voelk snags one from Hyundai for a week for a full shakedown and finds it be one of the most enjoyable electric sedans on…

Cadillac is finally pumping out the all-electric Lyriq in volume and it could be the vehicle that makes people forget about tailfins, chrome, floaty chassis dynamics and Cimarron. Lyriq is handsome, comfortable, roomy, powerful, quiet and packed with tech. Tom Voelk checks out an AWD Sport 3 with Super Cruise and finds it to be a solid value with r…

ant a practical vehicle with a serious fun streak? Say ciao to the new Alfa Romeo Tonale. Plug it in and it’ll go 33 miles on electric power (that an easy 10,000 miles annually). Quick and agile, Tonale can take on up to 50 cubic feet of cargo. But it will be might familiar if you’ve visited a Dodge showroom lately. Tom Voelk checks out a top spec …

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is available with two engines. The Sport model unlocks the more powerful 2.5-liter boxer powertrain that’s found in the more expensive Limited and Wilderness versions. $2,800 more expensive than the Premium model, Sport adds kit that people want, making it the smart choice. Tom Voelk lays down his case on why this is the C…

Cadillac’s XT4 has been around since 2018 and is one of the premium brand’s most popular vehicles. For 2024 it gets new front and rear facias and a massive 33-inch screen borrowed from its all-electric sister Lyriq. It all helps elevate the entry level crossover to a more Cadillac-like vibe. And the Google-based interface is quick and responsive. I…

The biggest complaint about EVs is range. Volvo adds 31 miles of it to the 2024 version of the C40 Recharge. The trick? New more efficient motors. And for the first time in 25 years, Volvo offers a rear-wheel drive vehicle with the single motor version that’s rated to travel nearly 300 miles on a charge. Tom Voelk checks out an AWD twin motor Ultim…

Families have trusted the 3-row Honda Pilot to get groceries and shuttle the kids for over 20 years. Now it can take them farther into the wilderness. The Trailsport model gets the gear to tackle tough terrain- the suspension, tires, front stabilizer bar and Trail Torque Logic rear differential are all off-road oriented. Tom Voelk checks the Trails…

When loyal Subaru owners outgrow their Foresters and Outbacks, they can always move up to Ascent. It has the 3-rows of seating families crave, and being a Subaru, it comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The Onyx Edition Limited gets standard StarTex water-resistant seats, stitching that looks stolen from a Seahawks jersey and a very goo…

When the Audi e-tron hit the market in 2019 it was one of the only electric EVs on the market. For 2024 it gets a significant refresh with extra range, faster charging speed, improved driving dynamics and the Q8 prefix. Good thing because the competition never rests. It’s now going up against BMW iX, Cadillac Lyriq, Jaguar i-Pace, Lucid Gravity Mer…

The box is a mighty efficient package and not many vehicles are as square jawed as the new 3-row 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe. With it’s “box-that-it-came-in” design, it swallows up passengers and cargo with maximum efficiency. And Hyundai is gone wild with the letter H (you’ll see). Tom Voelk travels to Franklin, TN to check out a fully loaded AWD Callig…

It’s no unibody crossover. The capable body-on-frame Lexus GX 550 is all-new and ready to conquer tough terrain, tow up to 9,000 pounds or deliver a family of seven to the movies. The tough looking sheetmetal rides on a new fully boxed frame architecture that's shared with Tundra, Tacoma and big brother LX. The V8 is gone. Until the hybrid powertra…

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 o…

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 off…

“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 m…

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 Tourin…

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 pe…

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…

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 o…

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 stil…

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 explorin…

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…

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 i…

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 attentio…

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 poss…

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 th…

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’…

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 co…

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 polar…

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 w…

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…