NEW TRUCKS

2022 Hyundai Tucson N Line H-Trac review by Ben Lewis

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We recently tested the new Toyota 4Runner Sport model, an interesting blend of upgraded looks, but without the heavy-duty off-road bits that come on models like TRD Pro. It’s a trend, like the Honda Passport Trailsport – adding some sporty style without going overboard on performance gear, and here’s another take on that same formula, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson N Line. We previously tested the Tucson Limited, and were very impressed, so let’s see if the N Line keeps those good vibrations! Buff and Tough On the outside, Hyundai takes what was already one of the best-looking small SUV’s and …

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Road Test Review – 2022 Volvo XC60 T8 Recharge – The Perfect Balance Of Usability And Electrification?

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Electrification is rapidly becoming a production inevitability with more automakers pledging to have all-electric lineups in the next few years. However, it’s also well known that not everyone is willing to embrace the cord just yet. As such a middle ground is needed, and Volvo thinks its Recharge lineup of plug-in hybrid models strike the perfect balance, but does it really serve as the perfect entry point for green customers? We went for a spin in the 2022 Volvo XC60 T8 Recharge to see if it succeeds in doing just that.   XC60 Recharge Strives To Create Perfect Balance When …

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Ford Takes Evolutionary Apporach With 2023 Super Duty, Debuts New V8 And Higher Levels Of Technology

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Ford promised that big changes were coming to the venerable Super Duty pickup for 2023. While the latest chapter in Super Duty Performance is more of an evolutionary update versus an outright revolution, Ford is not resting on its heels, especially as it tries to retain its sales crown against the Chevrolet Silverado and Ram Heavy-duty variants with the 2023 Ford Super Duty lineup.   New V8 Adds Newfound Punch To Base Models An immediate change that buyers will notice is that there is an all-new 6.8-liter gasoline V8 lurking under the hood of lower-grade Super Dutys. This V8 replaces …

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2022 Toyota 4Runner TRD Sport Review by Ben Lewis

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Is there any SUV more familiar than Toyota’s 4Runner? We’d say familiar and steadfast, too. Where other SUV’s have gone through the market swings, becoming more car like, swapping capability for comfort, living a soft life in the ‘burbs, the 4Runner has stayed true to form – a tough, capable, rugged, truck-based vehicle that’s proven to be nearly unbreakable over the years. But is this tough Toyota is behind the times? Well, a new-for-2022 TRD Sport model gives us an opportunity to get back in the saddle with one of our favorite rides. Handsome, Square-Jawed Looks On the outside, it …

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2022 Toyota Corolla Cross: Feeding America’s Crossover Hunger

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America is hungry for crossovers and this hunger is why the 2022 Corolla Cross exists. We aren’t exactly sure why Americans love crossovers so much. Maybe it’s the higher ride height for better visibility. Maybe it’s the higher ride height for ease of entry and exit. Or maybe it’s the higher ride height for ease of loading kids or gear into. What it is The 2022 Corolla Cross is exactly what it sounds like, a Corolla crossover. Basically Toyota has taken the Corolla, made it a wagon, and lifted it a couple of inches. This makes it a little more …

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Road Test Review – 2022 Toyota Tundra Platinum – Toyota Aims For The Luxury Benchmarks, Is It Enough?

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To say that the previous generation Toyota Tundra pickup was a relic from a bygone time was no understatement. With styling that dated all the way back to 2006 (when this author was in high school) and a one-size fits all V8 engine, the Tundra was an old-school model that was rapidly losing ground to many full-size rivals. That included the Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-150, and the Ram 1500, which all have received multiple updates and smaller engines to appeal to a more fuel-conscious consumer base. The 2022 Tundra finally pushes the Tundra into the modern age, but is it …

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Mullen Buys Controlling Interest In Bollinger Motors, Restarts B1 & B2 Programs

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In a surprise move, Mullen Automotive has revealed that it has bought a majority stake in rival Bollinger Motors and also announced that it has big plans for Bollinger as the EV startup attempts to expand its presence rapidly amidst rapid change and legislative laws that passed.   Mullen’s Move The Ultimate Surprise When we say Mullen’s move came out of left field, we mean it, with this author out on another assignment when the news came off the wire. Mullen’s investment in Bollinger reflects the grand plans that the firm has for its new acquisition, with the company spending …

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Jeep Wagoneer S Adds Electrons To Iconic Moniker, Embraces New Shape And Compliments Wagoneer 4xe Model

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The Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models are the ultimate expressions of Jeep capability and luxury. We enjoyed our time with the Jeep Grand Wagoneer, but it’s no secret that, like their ancestors, fuel economy is not a strong suit. However, it would seem that Jeep is out to change all that, with the brand confirming that it has begun exploring the idea of an all-electric EV version with the all-new Grand Wagoneer S and the Grand Wagoneer 4xe.   Sleek Grand Wagoneer S Embraces Three Distinct Pillars Unlike the Recon, Jeep revealed that the Grand Wagoneer S name itself …

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Jeep Eyes The EV Wars With 2023 Recon, Small EV Promises Wrangler Capability In Tidy Compact Package

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Jeep’s 4xe day has begun, and the brand not only used the occasion to elaborate on its EV plans but also show the spearhead of this offensive with three all-new Jeep EVs that aim to shake the very foundation of Jeep to its core. While the Jeep Avenger will be a Europe-only offering, the off-road brand showed us one of two U.S.-bound models, the 2023 Jeep Recon.   Recon Provides Glimpse Into Trail Slaying Strategy The 2023 Recon was the surprise unveiling of 4xe day, and while it may look like an all-electric Wrangler replacement, Jeep assures us that it …

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Bollinger Motors Announces B4 EV Commercial Trucks, Will They Be Lightning In A Bottle For Company?

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Bollinger Motors is a company that has certainly seen its fair share of ups and downs over the past few years. When we last heard from Bollinger, they announced that they were ending development of the B1 pickup and B2 SUV models while also doubling down on the commercial vehicle segment. Bollinger has so far been reluctant to reveal full details of what that means for consumers, but recently, the company offered a small glimmer of what this could mean with he reveal of their all-new lineup of B4 commercial chassis cab models.   Cab Forward For An All EV …

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2022 Lexus NX 450h+ Luxury Review by Ben Lewis

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We recently tested the all-new Lexus NX 350 and we very impressed. OK, so we know it’s heavily based on the new Toyota RAV4, but that’s fine with us, the updated RAV4 was a major step forward for one of the best-selling small SUVs of all time. And our favorite RAV was the RAV4 Prime with over 300 horsepower and 0-60 in under 6 seconds. It’s one of the fastest vehicles in the Toyota fleet! So, while we loved the NX 350, we were really waiting for the NX 450h+ which would be using the same muscular running gear as …

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2022 Chrysler Pacifica Limited AWD The Ultimate Utility Vehicle

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Minivans have long been looked down upon as a vehicle for mom’s to take their kids to soccer in. However, a minivan is possibly the most useful vehicle ever made, and the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Limited AWD has the most utility of any vehicle on the market. What are you talking about? Hear me out! The Pacifica has stow and go seating, making it super easy to transition between passengers and cargo. Even when the seats are up there is a ton of cargo under the floor where the seats stow. It gets great fuel mileage, especially if you get …

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Road Test Review – 2022 Maserati Levante Trofeo – Ferrari Power In A Maserati Badged Designer Suit

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A Maserati is a rare treat, an Italian-themed slice of perfection that’s supposed to show that you made it in the high-paced society that we all live in. That said, it’s no secret that the marque has had a turbulent history recently, especially in the decades before it ended up in the fold of the juggernaut now known as Stellantis. Maserati has greatly benefitted from this arraignment and even used it to help prepare its first-ever SUV model, the Levante. While lesser Levantes are known for coddling occupants in world-class comfort, the Trofeo model serves to satiate buyers looking for …

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GMC Uses Woodward To Tease Hummer EV SUV, Tries To Troll Ford In The Process

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The 2022 Woodward Dream Cruise was filled with plenty of highlight moments, but one that might have flown under the radar for some was the surprise appearance of the GMC Hummer EV SUV, which slinked its way down Woodward during the early evening hours and provided us a good look at the EV in a more urban-focused setting.   Hummer EV SUV Takes The Top Off For Maximum Fun While GMC was a few minutes late in its attempt to steal the spotlight from Ford and the seventh-generation Mustang, the SUV’s appearance still managed to turn some heads on the …

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Ford Teams Up With Jay Leno And Walmart To Recreate Sam Walton’s F Series Truck In Lightning Form

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The 2022 Woodward Dream Cruise might’ve had a soggy end to the festivities due to rain squalls in the area, but before the heavens unleashed buckets of rain, the sun and blue skies held out long enough for celebrity and everyone’s favorite car enthusiast Jay Leno to unveil a brand new Ford F-150 Lightning project truck that not only pays homage to Sam Walton’s original F-150 pickup but also celebrates a collaboration between the star and Walmart.   F-150 Lightning Paying Homage To Frugality Of A Classic   Walmart is a robust shopping juggernaut these days, but it can be …

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Acura Precision EV Is Stylish Preview Of Brand’s SUV Future, Shines At Monterey

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Monterey Car Week is kicking into full gear and per usual multiple automakers are preparing wild concept vehicles to display on these hallowed grounds. One of these firms is Acura which used the occasion to formally reveal the Precision EV concept in what could be the eventual shape of things to come for the luxury brand.   Precision EV Provides Slightly Hazy Preview Of SUV Styling Acura was quick to point out that the Precision EV is not meant to be a formal preview of an upcoming model, but is instead a styling exercise that shows what Acura designers are …

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Dodge Calls Upon The Swarm With 2023 Dodge Hornet, Will Shape Dodge’s Next Chapter

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As mentioned yesterday, Dodge is killing off the bulk of its V8s after 2023, but what will serve as the next chapter in Dodge’s performance ambitions? The performance brand has given us a glimpse of this future with the all-new 2023 Dodge Hornet, which is supposed to shake up the way we think about SUVs and Dodge as a whole.   Tonale Underpinnings With Unique Hornet DNA As we suspected, the Hornet is a reskinned version of the Alfa Romeo Tonale. But unlike other reskin jobs we have seen, the Hornet’s is more than a mere copy and paste job …

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2023 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 Bison Ups The Ante In The Off-Road Wars

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When Chevrolet first collaborated with American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) we got to see the Colorado ZR2 Bison which had the Tacoma TRD Pro firmly in its crosshairs. But while that model was a nice treat, we always wondered what would happen if AEV were allowed to apply their craft to the bigger Silverado? We finally got the answer with Chevrolet unveiling the 2023 ZR2 Bison.   ZR2 Bison, Bigger And More Capable Than Ever Chevrolet and AEV used a stock Silverado ZR2 as the base for their creation and while the changes here are not quite as radical as those …

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Dodge Reverses Course On Durango Hellcat, Confirms That World’s Most Powerful SUV To Return In 2023

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The clouds of electrification may be on the horizon, but that’s not stopping Dodge from retiring its current lineup of Hemi/Hellcat V8s with a bang instead of a somber whimper. Dodge had plenty of announcements today, and while some of them will be covered here in the next few days, fans of the Durango Hellcat (especially those that missed the boat the first time around) will have one final opportunity to get the world’s most powerful SUV for their driveway with the brand confirming that it will be returning for 2023.   Durango Hellcat Demand And High Sales Swayed Dodge’s …

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Ford Adds 60’s Inspired Heritage Editions To Bronco, Bronco Sport For 2023,

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The Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport have proven to be a popular duet of SUVs for buyers. Both models have seen strong sales and while the bigger Bronco had a rough launch, the smaller Sport picked up the slack and helped lay out the foundation for success. With Bronco Day 2022 upon us, Ford chose to celebrate the occasion by unveiling special Heritage Edition versions of the Bronco and the Bronco Sport.   Bronco Heritage Editions Exude 1960s Spirit At first glance, the two SUVs might seem to be trying to reignite the retro fad that once burned brightly in …

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2023 GMC Canyon Is Bigger And Brawnier Than Ever, AT4X Aims To Find Nowhere

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When the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado was unveiled, we were curious to see how what the folks at GMC had up their sleeve with the 2023 GMC Canyon. The previous generation Canyon was a capable truck but one that was hobbled by tamer exterior design, and lower sales when compared to its counterpart the Chevrolet Colorado. GMC is out to change all that with the unveiling of the 2023 GMC Canyon which takes things in a wilder yet more refined direction with the all-new AT4X model.   Canyon AT4X Brings New Firepower To The Off-Road Pickup Wars It’s no secret that …

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2023 GMC Canyon – 3 Things You Can Expect From GMC’s Revamped Mid-Size Truck

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The 2023 GMC Canyon will be making its debut in only a couple days, but what can buyers expect from the revamped Canyon especially as it aims to add new depth to GMC’s sales charts. Here’s three things that you can expect from the 2023 GMC Canyon   Canyon Will Have A Stronger Resemblance To Big Brother Sierra With the price of full-size trucks like its corporate cousin the Sierra going up considerably over the past few years, the Canyon’s role in GMC’s sales machine will be more important than ever. As such, look for this Canyon to embrace more …

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Honda Teases 2023 Pilot TrailSport, Promises Big Things Are Coming

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Honda’s TrailSport lineup is out to show that the Japanese automaker can blaze a trail off the beaten path when called to do so. The new trim level has proven to be popular with customers with the Ridgeline and Passport TrailSport models all boasting strong sales from buyers looking for an edgier Honda for their driveways. However, there’s one final missing link in the family, and Honda has chosen to rectify this with the newly updated 2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport.   Pilot Brings Family Commuting To The Harshest Of Trails Honda’s lone teaser image is about as vague as it …

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2022 Honda Passport TrailSport Review by Ben Lewis

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Let’s play a game. If we say name an outdoorsy off-road manufacturer, what would you say? Jeep? Land Rover? Toyota? How about Honda? Probably not. But that’s no fault of the vehicles, but one of perception. Honda has been making some tough, capable all-terrain vehicles for some time, but they haven’t been making a lot of noise about them. Well, that’s about to change with the all-new 2022 Honda Passport TrailSport. Ready to get some mud on your boots? Let’s go! Toughed-up Looks We were already fans of the current Passport, a big and comfy, capable 5-spassenger SUV. For 2022, …

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2023 Mazda CX-50 Meridian Edition Hits The Order Books, Highlights Broader Price Increase

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The Mazda CX-50 is perhaps one of the most interesting SUV entries that we have seen in recent years. It’s a rugged trail runner but it still has enough sporty style and west coast substance to look good on any designers sketchpad. It’s driving manners certainly impressed us both in California as well as our home turf. However, the one flavor of CX-50 that has proven to be elusive is the Meridian Edition. This version promised to turn the volume up a notch in many regards and was promoted as an upgrade over lesser models. Mazda has ended it’s radio …

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2022 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro Review: The King of Reliability

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Last time Toyota did a major update to the 4Runner was in 2010. Despite the Tacoma getting a new engine in 2016, the 4Runner keeps the venerable 4.0-liter V6. There is a reason for this that we will cover later. Overview Outside the 2022 4Runner TRD Pro Rather than focus on the over a decade old design, let’s talk about the unique features of the TRD Pro. For starters the 2022 4Runner TRD Pro comes with all the features that are on the TRD Off-Road Trim. In addition, the TRD Pro adds a TRD roof rack up top, ¼” thick …

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2023 Ford Maverick Tremor Brings Trail Ready Fun To Ford’s Value Friendly Urban Truck

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When we reviewed the Ford Maverick recently, we highlighted all the things that it had going for it, including its impressive fuel economy as well as some of the ingenious features Ford engineered into the truck (like the tailgate-mounted bottle opener.) However, the one significant flaw is that the Maverick wasn’t able to flex its muscles out on the open trail, with the hybrid model being limited to front-wheel drive and the all-wheel drive model not having enough rugged bits to make it a good trail runner. Ford has changed that with the 2023 Ford Maverick Tremor, which takes things …

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Road Test Review – 2022 F-150 Lightning – Electrcity Adds New Angle To Ford’s Best Seller

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The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning is arguably one of the most highly anticipated EVs in recent memory. While it was beaten to production by the Rivian R1T, Ford is still in a position to make a splash in the EV pickup wars, especially since the Tesla Cybertruck has still not entered production despite repeated promises by Elon Musk and Tesla representatives. But does the Lightning give the F-150 the perfect opportunity to dominate another pickup market niche, or is it an evolutionary dead end for an icon?   F-150 Lightning Styling Combines Familiarity With Slick Touches When you first lay …

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2023 Chevrolet Colorado Doubles Down On Four Cylinders, Debuts New Trail Boss Trim

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It has been eight years since we last got an updated Chevrolet Colorado model, and while the current generation is still a strong seller for Chevy, it’s no secret that it’s also aging, especially in the face of updated rivals like the Nissan Frontier and the Toyota Tacoma. Chevrolet has sought to change that in a big way with the unveiling of the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado, which aims to be a more potent offering for the new model year.   Colorado’s Crisper Styling Preps It For The Young Buyers  As mentioned, the Colorado’s styling was starting to noticeably age, and …

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Honda Teases Prologue EV SUV, Confirms 2024 Production Target

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GM has made waves with the recent unveilings of EV products like the Equinox EV, Blazer EV, and even the ultra-luxurious Celestiq EV. However, Honda’s efforts have long remained in the shadows despite inking a recent partnership with GM to co-develop EV models. That’s now changed, with the Japanese auto giant releasing the first teaser of its upcoming Prologue EV SUV.   Prologue Shaping Up To Be Important SUV Unlike some of Honda’s recent teaser efforts which had details about as sparse and wafer thin as a saltine cracker, this one is the equivalent of eating a hearty Fig Newton. …

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Titan XD Off-Pavement

2022 Nissan Titan XD Review: The In-Betweener

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Modern Nissan vehicles are overcoming past issues. The updated Armada, new Frontier, and the Z are great examples of this push for change. At the beginning of this changes was the Titan XD. Two years ago it was updated with a more premium interior and some exterior design features. Since then not much has changed. It is still powered by the excellent 5.6-liter V8 with 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. That power runs through a well tuned 9-speed automatic. Where does the 2022 Titan XD fit into the truck market? How the XD is Different When compared to …

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2022 Acura MDX Type S Advance Review by Ben Lewis

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Acura has been doing some great stuff lately. And one of the things that has really gotten our attention was the return of the Type S trim – Acura’s serious performance models for serious performance drivers. We recently tested the TLX Type S sedan and found it an impressive step up over the TLX A-Spec that we had lots of love for. Well, we’ve been in the 3-row MDX A-Spec SUV, so when Acura announced an MDX Type S, we jumped at the opportunity to test. Does Acura bring the same magic to their flagship SUV? Let’s take a look! …

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2023 Mazda CX-50 Turbo Premium Plus Review by Ben Lewis

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An all-new Mazda model is always a point of celebration for us. Whether it’s the 2-passenger MX-5 sports car or the three-row CX-9 crossover, the brand always manages to make the vehicle stylish and great fun to drive. So, we sort of set the bar high for the all-new CX-50 crossover. Is Mazda up to the task? Let’s find out! The Outdoorsy One The first look at the CX-50 is interesting, because, well, it doesn’t look like other Mazdas. But not in a bad way. When the manufacturer decided to design it – and this is for the US – …

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Road Test Review – 2022 Volvo C40 Recharge – Stylish CUV Trades Practicality For Good Looks

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There was a time when square and boxy styling defined many SUV and other utility offerings. Volvo was once considered a prominent player in this cube-themed world, thanks mainly to its lineup of estates. But as tastes have changed, the brutish slab-sided entries of yesteryear are rapidly being replaced by curvy rounded offerings aiming to achieve maximum fuel economy. Volvo is aware of the times and has been working on adding some curves to its lineup. That includes the 2022 Volvo C40 Recharge but does this EV have what it takes to be a good gateway into Volvo’s electrified future? …

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2024 Chevrolet Blazer Adds Electrified Tech To Iconic Nameplate, Will Join Equinox EV

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When Chevrolet announced that they would electrify the Blazer, we were curious to see how the brand would tackle this challenge head-on. Subsequent teaser images of the Blazer revealed that a very futuristic overhaul was in store but not much else about what lurked underneath the skin. That changes today with the unveiling of the 2024 Blazer EV. Blazer EV Reboots Sporty Intentions The ICE-powered Blazer was clearly inspired by the Chevrolet Camaro but this time around, the EV version goes off in a clearly different direction. The front fascia is bolder than it’s ICE counterpart and it comes adorned …

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2023 Ford Raptor R Brings The V8 Back To Off-Roaders, Why Ford Pulled The Trigger?

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Prior to today’s unveiling of the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R, the current Raptor model family was defined by its use of twin-turbocharged V6 engines with the 3.5 liter for the F-150 and the smaller 3.0 liter for the Bronco version. However, it can be easy to forget that a V8 once lurked under the hood of older Raptor models before the Blue Oval axed it for better fuel economy and less weight. So why did Ford reverse course and bring an eight-cylinder back into the fold? Read on to find out.   The Return Of The V8 Was Demanded …

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Ford Finally Brings The Fight To Ram TRX With 2023 Raptor R, 700 hp Monster Rewrites The Battle Lines

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For over a decade, the Ford F-150 Raptor has been one of the main players in the off-road segment, and for several years it was the undisputed leader before the Ram TRX, and its Hellcat V8-powered muscle ripped the performance benchmark away from the Raptor. But the folks at Dearborn weren’t keen on letting Ram be the king of the jungle for long and have unveiled the 2023 Ford Raptor R, which ups the ante for Raptor performance in a number of key areas. Raptor R Supercharges Trailbusting The bulk of the changes here on the Raptor are found under …

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Toyota Polishes Iconic Nameplate For 2023 Crown, Will Form New Family Of Offerings

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When Toyota axed the Avalon sedan a short while back, we were curious to see what the company had in store to fill the void that the aging four-door sedan left behind. The Japanese auto giant answered that question with the 2023 Crown, which not only aims to fill the shoes left by the Avalon but also create a new model sub-family within Toyota’s vehicle lineup too.   Toyota Pulls Automotive Swerve, Confirms Full Crown Family If you managed to stay up and catch Toyota of Japan’s late-night live stream reveal of the Crown (we sure did), you would’ve seen …

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2023 Honda CR-V Arrives Bigger And Better Than Ever, Sport Trim Goes Hybrid

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The Honda CR-V has always been the proverbial bread and butter model for Honda, with the current generation being in service since 2016. You would be hard-pressed to remember just how different a globe it was back then, especially with the notion of a pandemic being a borderline fantasy. Alot has changed in those six years, but the CR-V’s need to innovate hasn’t, which is why Honda chose to finally unveil the 2023 Honda CR-V as it seeks to gain the attention of more younger buyers in this hotly contested segment.   CR-V No Longer The Butt Of Jokes In …

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2023 GMC Sierra AT4X Raises The Off-Road Stakes, Beefier Than Ever

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GMC made waves when it launched the 2023 GMC Sierra. The revamped truck aimed to fix all of its interior woes while still updating other aspects of the Sierra formula that have made it a sales success for decades (this author grew up with a 1991 Bahama Blue-hued example.) The one question that remained unanswered was how the truck would fare in the rugged backwoods? GMC and American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) have finally delivered the answer with the 2023 GMC Sierra AT4X AEV Edition.   AT4X AEV Edition, Rugged And Ready For Work The moniker is a mouthful to say …

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Road Test Followup – 2023 Mazda CX-50 Premium Plus Turbo – A Bargain For All Of America?

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When we last met the 2023 Mazda CX-50 in the sun-kissed state of California, we put the SUV through its paces on mountain roads, trails, and even the coastal freeways that dotted our route. However, we were curious to see how the CX-50 could measure up on the opposite side of the country, especially in Michigan.   CX-50 Does A Color Reversal In our first outing, we traveled through California in an example that was slathered in Polymetal Grey Paint. This time, we got to see the Zircon Sand Metallic hue in person and when viewed in the sunny weather that …

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First Drive Review – 2023 Cadillac Lyriq RWD – The Harbringer Of Cadillac’s EV Future

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Remember back when Cadillac was once one of the pillars in the U.S. luxury car market? Back in the 1920s and 1930s owning a Cadillac was a sign that you made it in life and that you had the wallet needed to put one in your garage. Since then, Cadillac’s star has gone through its fair share of ups and downs as it strived to stand out from established German contenders, as well as upstart Japanese brands like Lexus and Acura. The brand is looking to change that with the 2023 Cadillac Lyriq which elevates Cadillac into a new realm …

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2022 Lexus UX 250h Review by Ben Lewis

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Have you looked at the price of gas lately? We have. And when we got our latest tester the Lexus UX 250h hybrid might just be the perfect answer for those who want luxury with a green (cash or environment) friendly ride. Is it worth your green? Let’s take a look. Lexus Looks While the UX is an “urban” vehicle, and the brand’s smallest crossover, it doesn’t come up short on design. From the front, you’ll get the familiar Lexus spindle grille. And like other models, it’s huge. Maybe we’re getting used to it, but the proportions don’t bother us …

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Brawny Chevrolet SIlverado ZR2 Bison Teased, Latest Fruit Of GM & AEV Partnership

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With the Ram TRX and the Ford F-150 Raptor duking it out in the high-performance off-road segment, Chevrolet’s Silverado ZR2 has contently preferred to go about business in its own unique way. Trading raw speed for backwoods prowess, the folks at Chevrolet have already seen strong demand for its bow tie badged bruiser. However, more power and more capability are the defining hallmarks of the segment, and Chevrolet has begun teasing the latest addition to the family, the Silverado ZR2 Bison.   Bigger ZR2 Bison Aiming For Bigger Prey For now, the only view of the truck that we get …

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2022 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4WD Review by Ben Lewis

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If we say Nissan Pathfinder, what do you think of? If you’ve been around for a long time, you might remember the original – a tough, truck-like vehicle (much like the original Toyota 4Runner) that won owners over with its rugged, go-anywhere ability and square-jawed looks. If you’re not of that vintage, you might have a less than rosy view of Nissan’s SUV. The most recent model when towards the family SUV, and while it was pleasant, it had some issues, and was generally viewed as somewhere between meh and OK. Well, there’s great news for Pathfinder fans, for 2022 …

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Honda Teases 2023 CR-V Interior, Confirms Big Changes Are Coming

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Honda has been on a roll lately in the way that it is updating core members of its model lineup. The recently unveiled HR-V compact SUV showed that the company was willing to use some of the core building blocks of the recently launched Civic sedan to add more commonality to their lineup while also injecting youthful vigor into the lines too. This has now extended to the CR-V with Honda confirming that the 2023 Honda CR-V is coming this summer.   CR-V Interior Promises To Be A Game Changer Honda’s wafer-thin press release didn’t reveal too many details about …

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Road Test Review – 2022 Land Rover Defender 90 V8 – Insanity In A Fine Leather Suit

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The 2022 Land Rover Defender V8 is the answer to a question that few asked. What would happen if you took the trail-ready Defender and infused a pinch of SVR magic into its off-road DNA? The very notion of such a thing may seem outright insane at first glance, but as we discovered, there’s more here than the sum of its parts.   Handsome Looks On A Short Wheelbase Add Depth To Defender The exterior styling of the Defender V8 will certainly draw plenty of stares though it won’t be because of any bright work or shouty exterior styling. Instead, …

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Road Test Review – 2022 Kia EV GT vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 – Which One Is Better?

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Hyundai and Kia are both preparing for an EV-fueled future with the Kia EV6 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5. Both of these SUVs are eager to show off their green roots but go about it in different ways. But which one is best? We decided to follow up on Ben Lewis’s recent experience with the EV6 to see which one is indeed best?   Ioniq & EV6 Birds Of A Different Feather Both of these models share the same platform, but that doesn’t mean that things have devolved into a situation like the old Chevrolet Trailblazer and its myriad of …

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2022 Chevy Traverse RS: Rally Sport to its Roots

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Traverse RS Review When Chevy debuted Rally Sport in the 1960’s it was an appearance package. A Camaro SS could be ordered with the RS package, making it a Camaro SS/RS. The original RS package included hidden headlights, with vacuum activated covers that would slide out of the way when the headlights were turned on, unique tail lights, RS badging and bright trim, but no performance upgrades. 2022 Traverse RS Highlights Things take a different route for the 2022 Traverse RS. Instead of hidden headlights, there are LED lights low in the bumper with running lights up high. In place …

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2023 Hyundai Palisade Pricing Revealed, XRT Model Enters The Spotlight

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The Hyundai Palisade has rapidly become one of Hyundai’s best-selling SUV models. Its combination of size, luxury, and seating has made it resonate well with customers, and we were pleasantly surprised when the second-generation model made its appearance at the Chicago Auto Show. At the time, Hyundai wasn’t ready to discuss pricing, but the Korean auto giant is now dropping the goods on the hard numbers as well as the all-new XRT trim.   Rugged XRT Has Trails In Its Sights The XRT model follows the same basic theme that we have seen in some of its rivals, with Hyundai …

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Road Test Review – 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT – Can Electrons Replace Raw Power?

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The Ford Mustang Mach-E was a controversial move when Ford first unveiled it especially after it was revealed that it would use the name Mustang which would put it in the same corporate family as the iconic Mustang pony car. Fast forward to now, and that initial wave of skepticism has transformed into strong sales with the Mach-E rapidly becoming a sales leader for Ford. But the one thing that seemed to be missing at first was performance, with lower grade models lacking the spice to make them true performance models. The Mach-E GT aims to change that but can …

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Chevrolet Teases Blazer SS EV, Will Reveal More Details In July

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Chevrolet recently confirmed that the Equinox and Blazer SUVs would receive EV variants but while we have seen our fair share of images showcasing the smaller Equinox EV, its larger corporate partner in crime was camera shy and we didn’t see or hear much about it. That’s all changing though, with GM and Chevrolet not only confirming that it will be fully unveiled in July, but they were even kind enough to include a lone teaser image of the Blazer EV too.   Blazer EV, A Noticeable Departure From Tradition Like the Equinox EV, the Blazer EV goes off in …

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Road Test Review – 2022 Jaguar F-Pace S P340 AWD – This Cat’s Got Claws

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The Jaguar F-Pace has always stood out when it comes to its ability to be a practical family hauler and moonlight as an enthusiast sleeper pick when you have the chance to go down twistier sections of tarmac. The F-Pace has proven to be a sales hit for Jaguar, and its success even inspired the company to release the smaller E-Pace. That said, does the 2022 F-Pace still have the chops to hang with the segment’s best, or are its recent round of updates not enough to keep it from falling behind the pack?   F-Pace’s Callum Penned Lines Still …

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Honda Drops The Mic On 2023 Honda HR-V, Confirms Pricing Info Too

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Honda’s HR-V compact utility showed that the Japanese auto giant could play in the popular compact CUV segment but while its fuel economy was very impressive, the rest of it felt like it was meant to be a jack of all trades, being competent at everything but not standing out in any discernible way. Honda is not content with being merely competent in this hot-selling segment of the utility market anymore and has unveiled the bigger 2023 Honda HR-V and even confirmed official pricing as well.   Bigger Dimensions Create More Conventional HR-V Styling The biggest change that buyers will …

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2022 Mazda MX-30 review by Ben Lewis

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Ok, Mazda will be the first to admit, but they are late to the EV party. But as a small, independent automaker, we can see that there are only so much development dollars to go around. That said, while the MX-30 EV is their first product, there will be more hybrid/EV type vehicles coming. So how does Mazda’s first crack at an EV come out? Let’s see! Sporty Styling The first look is exciting. While it’s based on the CX-30 that we love, the look differently goes its own way. The MX-30 continues with the “Kodo” design philosophy, plus adds …

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2023 Lexus RX Is Greener Than Ever, Loses V6 For All Four Cylinder Lineup

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The Lexus RX has rapidly become one of the key lynchpins in Lexus’s sales machine thanks to its combination of style and versatility. However, it’s no secret that the current generation RX has also fallen behind the times thanks to dated infotainment and performance hardware. The luxury brand is out to deep-six that reputation with the all-new 2023 Lexus RX which aims to be leaner and better than ever. New Styling Puts RX In Bolder Direction A noticeable change for 2023 is the exterior styling which has undergone a radical transformation. A longer wheelbase forced Lexus to tweak the proportions …

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Land Rover Unveils 2023 Defender 130, Will Be Flagship For Moniker

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The Land Rover Defender is seeing a strong surge in sales ever since Land Rover resurrected the iconic moniker several years ago. But as the sales picture has become clearer, the need for more variants has emerged with the company formally unveiling the flagship model of the Defender lineup the all-new 2023 Defender 130 eight-passenger SUV.   Defender 130, A Reboot Within A Reboot The Defender 130 designation maybe a new thing for American consumers but it’s not the first time that Land Rover has used the 130 designation with the digits last being used to represent vintage pickup-based Defender …

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2022 Hyundai Kona Electric Limited Review by Ben Lewis

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Ok, maybe it’s the name but we always seem to be spending our holidays in Kona. The Hyundai Kona, that is. Last year we spent Xmas with the new 2022 Kona Limited, and now we’re spending Memorial Day with the Kona Electric. We’ve always been fans of the Kona – a very sporty small crossover, especially with the powerful 1.6-liter turbo engine. So, we wondered, would we still love it with a full EV powertrain? Let’s find out! Sporty but Unique At first glance, you know this is a Kona. That’s good, we love the expressive style, especially with the …

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2023 Honda CR-V Brings Fresher Looks, New Technology To Model

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Honda’s long-running CR-V SUV jas become a staple in Honda showrooms and sales, with the model being a potent sales force for the Japanese auto giant. While the model is still relatively fresh when it comes to how long it has been on the shelf, Honda knew that there was room for evolution, and it has released the first tease images of the 2023 CR-V, which adds detail and newfound crispness to the CR-V.   Subtle CR-V Updates Tell A Bigger Story   At first glance, the 2023 CR-V doesn’t deviate too much from what we have seen in the …

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GMC Takes Hummer EV SUV To Moab, Celebrates Key Step In Vehicle Testing

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GMC promised that it would take the art of capability and trail-busting performance seriously when we checked out the Hummer EV pickup in Arizona a short while back. The Hummer we drove certainly proved that it had the stuff to cover both urban commuting and trail conquering journeys but it also made us wonder about the SUV version. GMC revealed that this particular model is not getting any special treatment in its development and that the company is putting it through the same high level of testing that the pickup went through before it got into the hands of customers.   …

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Land Rover Teases Defender 130, More Length Means More Space For Adventure

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The Land Rover Defender lineup has been rapidly evolving with each new variant appealing to a distinct customer demographic. While the 110 version brings plenty of size and passenger room to occupants, Land Rover is preparing an even larger beast with a new teaser image confirming that a bigger 130 model is coming to showrooms.   Subtle Changes Keep Defender 130 Firmly In The Family The exterior styling here is mostly unchanged from what we have already seen in the 110 with the core exterior DNA carrying over mostly unchanged. The major change is in the length but while a …

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Honda Teases Prologue EV SUV, Points To Bold Direction For Honda And Its Dealerships

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We have heard Honda and GM talk about their newly minted venture to help expand the reach and availability of the Ultium battery platform. However, things didn;t move much beyond that point with a lack of solid images balancing out the bold talk. Honda is slowly putting an end to that though and has released a lone teaser image of the Honda Prologue EV SUV which will be the first fruit of the alliance.   Prologue Promises To Be Dynamic Offering While Honda’s image is currently a computerized rendering there’s still alot to dissect here when you look at the …

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Cadillac Lyriq RWD, AWD, Pricing Revealed, Free Charging Option Included

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The Cadillac Lyriq promised to have pricing that would reflect its status as the brand’s first-ever EV offering and in an announcement that was released early this morning, Cadillac delivered the goods confirming Lyriq pricing and other details   Lyriq Will Not Bust Your Wallet A notable detail here is pricing with a base RWD Lyriq starting at $62,990 which is $3,000 more than what the Debut Edition asked for when those models were announced. However, buyers will have a bigger supply pool of models and the standard model will still deliver 312 miles of driving range between charges. In …

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2022 Subaru Ascent Onyx Review by Ben Lewis

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You’ve read our rave reviews of the Subaru Outback. And our equally positive test of the Subaru Forester. You get all fizzy over the Subie driving experience. Heck, you even love their commercials with the dogs. (We love those too). Except you need more room. Like 3 rows of seats room. What to do? Well, you could drive some other brand and be the person in the SUV with the long face, or you can go for Subaru Ascent with three rows of Subaru goodness. But is a 3-row Sube still a Sube? Let’s find out. Big, but definitely Subaru …

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2022 Blazer Feature Image

2022 Chevrolet Blazer RS AWD Review: Rally Sport Goes Off-Pavement

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2022 Chevy Blazer RS: When Rally Sport Makes a Difference The 2022 Blazer RS is the only RS trimmed crossover from Chevy that gets performance upgrades. In the case of the Blazer there is a dual clutch rear differential that can torque vector. Oddly enough this dual clutch feature can also essentially lock the rear axle shafts together for excellent off-pavement traction. 2022 Blazer RS Exterior For 2022 Chevy has added Nitro Yellow and Blue Glow to the color lineup of the Blazer. Our tester was adorned in the very bright Nitro Yellow. Many manufacturers are offering distinct new colors …

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Cadillac Confirms Blackwing Engine For Escalade-V, $149k Sticker Price

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When we last saw the 2023 Cadillac Escalade-V it was a classic case of Cadillac reps giving us half the picture with the Escalade shining in the spotlight but without any information regarding what kind of engine would be under the hood of the souped-up utility. Cadillac claimed that this month would be when we get all of the answers, and it turns out the wait was worth it with the Escalade-V being the first Cadillac to receive hardware from the Blackwing performance sedan lineup.   Escalade-v Flaps Its Wings For Performance With the V moniker, it was initially safe …

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2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Is Crisper And Greener Than Ever

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It wasn’t too long ago that we saw the bigger 2022 Land Rover Range Rover make its debut with the reworked luxury SUV shaking up how Range Rover loyalists envisioned style and luxury. Land Rover has just revealed its second act with the all-new 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, which is sleeker, smarter, and even greener than ever before.   Range Rover Sport Takes A Different Approach To Style The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport still has a mouthful of a name, but like other Range Rover Sport models, the exterior styling is still a unique exercise. The …

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2023 Honda Odyssey Pitches LX Trim For All-New Sport Trim, Adds Other Updates

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The 2023 Honda Odyssey is proof that Honda knows how to make a good bestseller. Having received a more extensive suite of updates a short while ago, Honda is leaving things largely unchanged for the 2023 model year, but new trims and a newly introduced scheduled maintenance program aim to keep things fresh for a while longer until the Odyssey gets more extensive updates.   Sport Trim Adds Sinister Vibes To Family Hauling Odyssey A notable change here for 2023 is that the Odyssey gets an all-new Sport trim to help appeal to those that want more excitement in their …

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2023 Bentley Bentayga Elevates Luxury Game For Buyers, Debuts New Airline Seats

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When it comes to the world of flagship offerings, Bentley has been notably absent from the game ever since the Mulsanne left production a few years ago. The Bentayga SUV was considered by some to be the new flagship, but it lacked some of the opulent details to help it truly embrace the role. Bentley has fixed that issue and has unveiled the all-new 2023 Bentayga Extended Wheelbase model that adds more room and luxury to the Bentayga experience.   More Chrome And Style Define This Bentayga The exterior styling of the EWB may look the same as any other …

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2023 Kia Soul Gets New Updates, Pitches Turbo Model

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The Kia Soul has proven to be a winner for Kia in terms of sales with the 2023 model enhancing the design and technology for buyers in its latest round of updates. However, this has come at a cost, with Kia confirming that the spicy turbo model is getting the ax in 2023.    Slight Tweaks Maintain Core Soul Essentials Unlike other mid-cycle updates, the Soul’s takes a lighter approach when it comes to its exterior updates. The front fascia has the most noticeable improvements with the headlights being larger than before while the lower lights appear to have vanished. …

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Brabus Crawler Take G-Class To New Level Of Capability, Only 15 Will be Produced (High Resolution Photo Gallery))

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Brabus and the Mercedes G-Class go together like peanut butter and jelly on a sandwich with the German tuning company producing some wild G-Class-based creations over the past several decades. However, the firm appears to have perhaps found a way to outdo even some of its crazier creations with the all-new Brabus Crawler which pushes things into uncharted territory.   Brabus Crawler Goes All Out In Rock Crawling Mission At first glance, the Brabus Crawler looks like the end result of spending too much time with a metal cutting saw, but this is more than a chopped-up G-CLass and there’s …

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2021 Hyundai Venue Denim Review by Ben Lewis

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When we first tested the Hyundai Venue, we commented on how the small affordable SUV, with models like the Toyota C-HR and Honda HR-V had come of age. Wow, with the rise in prices everywhere, the bulging gas bills, etc.…we feel like we should have been on the psychic network. So, it felt like a good time to look again at one of the best small vehicles for the buck, the Hyundai Venue crossover/SUV. Style to Make You Smile The Venue first strikes you with its size. 5 inches shorter than the Kona crossover, it looks perfect for duking it …

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2023 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate Blurs Boundaries With Cadillac, Adds New Luxuries

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When the Denali Ultimate line first appeared on the Sierra, it signified GMC’s ambition of expanding the sales grip of its hot-selling Denali lineup. Boasting more standard equipment and luxury than a standard model, Ultimate models are a noticeable upgrade over their slightly tamer cousins. With the Sierra Denali Ultimate riding a wave of momentum, the brand has revealed the second member of the Ultimate lineup the 2023 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate.   An Escalade In GMC Clothing   Looking at the exterior of the 2023 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate, the changes here may not seem obvious at first glance. …

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Comparison Test – 2022 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum vs 2022 Mazda CX-9 Signature

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The quest for family vehicle sales dominance has rapidly become the number one priority for many automakers with the SUV and CUV segments bearing the brunt of sales demand from consumers. However, consumer expectations of what they want from a large three-row utility and what it should have has grown from over 20 years ago with tech and fuel economy becoming key requirements. The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder and the 2022 Mazda CX-9 are two entries trying to lure in more families, but while they each have a different way of doing it, we wanted to find out which one is …

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Bentley Teases Brand New Mystery Model, Will Debut It On May 10th

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Bentley is coming off the heels of a strong sales year with the British automaker delivering over 14,000 vehicles to customers last year. That’s a 31 percent increase and the company revealed that it’s just getting started in its long-term plans with a new teaser pointing at an all-new model which will make its debut on May 10th.   A Mystery For Now But More Luxury Is A Plus Bentley also released a lone teaser image in its announcement and it appears to be a shadowy look at the driver’s side door panel. Warm purple-hued ambient lights highlight the door …

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Climbing Machine

Chevy’s 2022 Colorado ZR2 is Still Great!

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2022 Chevy Colorado ZR2: End of a Generation Chevy needs to update the Colorado, and they know that. The 2022 Colorado ZR2 is the last year of this generation before the newer, more efficient, more powerful version arrives. Outside the 2022 Colorado ZR2 In an automotive world that mostly exists in grayscale, and red, this Bright Blue Metallic ZR2 pops. From any angle a ZR2 is easily distinguished from other Colorado and Canyon trim levels. From the front, the bumper has very large clearance cuts so the tires have better access to the terrain. This also takes away the mounting …

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2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Launches Into Production, Three Things You Should Know

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The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning has had a long road going through development, but at last, Ford has formally begun production of the F-150 Lightning and celebrated the occasion with a massive launch event at the company’s hometown of Dearborn, Michigan. The Lightning promises to bring some innovations to consumers, and here are three key things you should know about the Ford F-150 Lightning.   F-150 Lightning Supercharging Ford’s EV Plans The F-150 Lightning will begin production at Ford’s all-new Rouge Electric Vehicle Center, located within the massive Rouge plant complex. The Electric Vehicle Center took 19 months for Ford …

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Road Test Review – 2021 Toyota Highlander Bronze Edition – Does Art Make The Highlander Better?

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The Toyota Highlander is an SUV entry that largely follows the same script that has come to define many others in its segment. It’s large, has the ability to haul up to three rows of passengers, and has doubled down on its attempts to be a fuel miser with an available hybrid equipped four-cylinder. These things individually are all good traits, but we won’t be shocked if they failed to make the Highlander ring a bell in your memory bank. The Japanese auto giant thinks it might have just the thing with the all-new Highlander Bronze Edition, but is this …

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Road Test Review – 2022 Genesis GV70 Sport Prestige, Filling Out Genesis’s Luxury Utility Footprint

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When we had our chance to drive the Genesis GV80 awhile back, it appeared to signal a shift in Genesis’s plans for the luxury market, with the Korean upstart focusing more on utilities and crossovers after initially starting its launch with two sedan models. The GV80 is still a very good luxury SUV, but Genesis knows that it has to gradually move towards smaller segments and embraces a sportier lifestyle in order to expand its sales footprint. The 2022 GV70 is a step towards this goal, but is it the perfect complement to the GV80?   Sharper GV70 Styling Points …

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Lincoln’s Star Concept Is Wild Preview Of Lincolns Future, Promises To Shock The World

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Luxury is usually an early sign of where technology, comfort, and even culture is heading with many luxury brands usually being the first to embrace new technology and trends. That said, Lincoln’s all gasoline lineup might seem like a jarring counter blow especially since Cadillac is preparing to launch the first wave of Lyriq EVs into the marketplace. Lincoln is looking to change all that though and has unveiled a sneak preview into these plans, the Lincoln Star Concept Lincoln Star Has Showcar Flair The exterior styling of the Star is a pure show car, and while the Aviator resemblance …

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Lexus Shoots For The All-Electric Future With All-New 2023 RZ 450e Luxury CUV

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Lexus was one of the early pioneers in the world of green technology and made a massive profit on its early gamble of embracing hybrid technology for many of its models. However, progress is always marching forward, and Lexus is hoping to catch lightning in a bottle twice and has formally unveiled the 2023 Lexus RZ 450e crossover.   The Third Piece In Toyota’s Triple Play The RZ joins the already unveiled Toyota BZ4x and the Subaru Solterra in the ranks, and while the UX300e is technically the first all-electric Lexus offering, the RZ 450e is the first EV that …

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Road Test Review – 2022 Ford Maverick XLT Hybrid FWD – Shifting The Green Balance In Mid-Size Pickups

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Ford’s bold plan of being a pure SUV and pickup company (Mustang excluded, of course) generated its fair share of criticism and faced a test courtesy of surging gas prices. But despite all of this, Ford is still generating massive profits and is rocketing towards an all-electric future. The Ford F-150 and the Ranger pickups are two vital cogs in the company’s broader sales machine. However, the family still had room for a smaller offering, and Ford has delivered the goods with the all-new Ford Maverick. But can the Maverick be the urban-entric truck offering that will allow the company …

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Ram 1500 BEV Concept To Appear Later This Year, Promises To Shakeup Segment

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The Ford F-150 Lightning, Rivian R1T, and the GMC Hummer EV have all made their way to the marketplace for consumers. However, a continuing absence has been the Ram BEV pickup. We have seen our fair share of teaser images and an elaborate EV day hosted by Stellantis revealed some preliminary details about the truck. However, we have not seen a physical representation of the model in the flesh as of yet, but that’s changing according to a new report.   Ram BEV To Make Concept Appearance Later This Year The report follows up on an interview that Automotive News …

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2023 GMC Canyon AT4X Will Be A Darling Of Summer, What Buyers Can Expect?

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It wasn’t too long ago that we traveled out to Arizona to check out the 2022 Hummer EV Edition 1. But amid all the festivities, we were also given a glimpse into the future, with GMC reps providing an early glimpse of the 2023 GMC Canyon AT4X. The AT4X will be breaking new ground for GMC in the mid-size segment, but what can buyers expect when this rugged Canyon makes its way to showrooms?   Rugged Styling But Turned Up A Notch GMC has so far only released one teaser image of the Canyon AT4X for now, but it does …

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2022 Kia Sorento PHEV SX-Prestige AWD review by Ben Lewis

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Like we’ve noted before, the Kia Sorento has one big problem – it lives in the shadow of its big brother the Telluride. Ok, the Telly does deserve the acclaim it’s a great 3-row SUV that looks, goes and performs just how you’d want a big SUV to. But the Sorento has a lot going for it, too. In fact, while it’s smaller, it still serves up 3 rows of seats, and we’d argue it’s a more advanced vehicle, first being offered in a Hybrid model, and now with a new for ’22 PHEV plug-in hybrid variant. And with the …

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Road Test Review – 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz – Hyundai’s First Pickup Goes For The Lifestyle Crowd

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Hyundai, making pickup trucks? When Hyundai announced that it was making a pickup entry, we were admittedly skeptical, especially considering that the Korean car giant had never made a conventional pickup offering up to this point. Hyundai thinks it’s on to something with the Santa Cruz, and when we had the chance to briefly sample it in Ann Arbor, it certainly made an excellent first impression. But how would it do with more prolonged exposure? We were keen to find out.   Sport Adventure Vehicle Motif Defines Santa Cruz We called out Hyundai back then for asserting that the Santa …

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First Ride – VinFast VF 8 – Does It Live Up To The Hype?

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VinFast has rapidly become the new darling of the EV segment. This is thanks partly to the strong support from the VinGroup parent company and some of the automotive talent that the company has managed to recruit to its ranks. But can VinFast do what Chinese firms failed to do and bring an affordable EV alternative to consumers? We were eager to find out and made our way to the EV Test Track at the New York Auto Show to go for a ride inside the VF 8 to get a small taste of what’s in store for consumers when …

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Equinox RS

2022 Chevy Equinox RS Drive and Off-Pavement Review

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2022 Chevy Equinox RS The Chevy Equinox RS is a new trim for 2022. Chevy introduced the RS  in the Camaro in the late 1960’s. RS stands for Rally Sport, and debuted as an appearance package that could be added onto any other trim level Camaro. It included hideaway headlights, reverse lights, and other trim pieces. Following that history, the Equinox RS is very much an appearance trim without any performance upgrades. However, instead of a standalone package it is a separate trim level. Outside the Equinox RS Separating the RS from other trim levels are some unique features. It …

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First Ride – INDI EV Indi One – Is It The Ultimate Gamer Station?

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When INDI EV was founded back in 2017, the basic formula seemed to be a very promising one: make a futuristic EV that would deliver the goods on mileage and enhance connectivity. INDI made a splash this week when they kicked off pre-ordering for the Indi One during NYIAS press days. But is it worth the sum of its parts?   First Ride Gives Mixed Impression To find out, we made the trek down to the EV test track (after a brief stop at INDI’s booth) to have our chance to ride in the futuristic crossover. The exterior styling of …

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VinFast Reveals VF 9 and VF 8 Pricing, Details Battery Lease Plans

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    Vietnamese company VinFast is eager to prove that it can do what the Chinese automakers promised but could never deliver (bring affordable EVs to our shores.) The firm is very serious about this and, on the heels of an IPO and confirmation of its first North American plant, has now confirmed pricing for the VF 8 and its corporate sibling, the VF 9.   A VinFast For Any Taste The VF 8 and the VF 9 are very distinctive offerings, and they will make each appeal to unique customer niches. The smaller 8 is, the sportier-looking one and …

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Bigger And Turbocharged, Jeep Unveils Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer L Models

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When we had our chance to get behind the wheel of the Jeep Grand Wagoneer, we immediately fell in love with the sheer amount of luxury and capability that this rolling penthouse brought to the table. However, fuel economy was a spectre that prominently hung over it. Jeep has not only addressed that gremlin but also added more space with the all-new Grand Wagoneer and Wagoneer L models.   Stand Back; There’s A Hurricane Coming Through The 2023 Wagoneer family is bringing more to buyers, including a brand new engine. Dubbed the Hurricane, Jeep claims that the new turbocharged inline-six …

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2021 Land Rover Defender 90 First Edition Review by Ben Lewis

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So, we road test a lot of different vehicles. And some of them are very expensive, status-y models, and it’s no surprise that you get an interesting range of responses. Often times with the pricey ones, you get pushback, the anti-snobbism. So, it’s interesting when you have a vehicle that’s a luxury brand, loaded with status, yet everyone seems to love it. Case in point – our 2021 Land Rover Defender 90. It’s a charmer. Lovable Looks Well, the first thing that bowls people over is the Defender’s design. Our 2-door 90 model looks like a giant Tonka Toy – …

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Road Test Review – 2022 Toyota Venza Limited – A Reboot That Embraces The Green Side Of Life

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When We last saw the Toyota Venza it was a much different offering. Designed to be a comfortable crossover for empty nesters, the Venza’s sales reflected this with that version performing well below Toyota’s expectations of 75,000 to 100,000 sales per year. However, going full circle can sometimes be a good thing and Toyota is aiming to achieve just that with the 2022 Venza. This iteration of the Venza appears to have alot of the core attributes down, but are they all enough to finally make it a sales winner? Venza Styling Goes In Radical But More Aerodynamic Direction The …

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Road Test Review – 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor – Is It Still The King Of The Mountain?

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The off-road pickup segment has seen a renewed resurgence in recent years both in demand and in performance, with many of these trail-ready offerings offering more performance than ever before. The truck that’s often credited with launching this revolution is the Ford F-150 Raptor. Originally created in borderline secrecy deep in the bowels of the Ford Motor Company, the Raptor has rapidly become one of the strongest sellers in the F-150 family and has rapidly emerged as a potent benchmark for all that came after it. Ford gave the model some updates for the 2021 model year, but with the …

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2022 Lexus NX 350 F SPORT Handling AWD review by Ben Lewis

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We’re always happy to test a new Lexus – but a little like Forrest Gump’s box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get. Sometimes they are just lovely, refined vehicles that you’d be happy for your grandparents to toddle around town in. But lately, Toyota’s luxury division has been messing with us – throwing some Jalapeno poppers into our box of creamy nougats. The IS 350 and IS 500 are both jaw-droppers – thrilling to drive, stunning to look at, proof that Lexus is ready to take on the world’s best and give them a good stomping. …

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Ford Details 2023 Bronco Raptor’s Digital Cluster, Confirms Drive Mode Animations

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The 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor received alot of buzz for injecting a massive amount of fun and capability into the Bronco’s already impressive foundation. But amid all the noise generated by its bigger engine and screengrabs of it jumping the dunes, not too much attention was given to the Raptor model’s digital instrument cluster. Turns out, there’s alot more going on here than we realized, and Ford detailed some of the digital details in a release earlier today.   A New View On Bronco Performance At first glance, the images in the gallery below seem to follow the same typical …

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First Drive Review – 2022 GMC Hummer EV Edition 1 Pickup – Supercharging GM’s Ultium Ambitions

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The pages of history are quickly turning at General Motors. It wasn’t too long ago that the idea of a pure EV offering from GM would’ve been seen as laughable never mind one with the Hummer badge dubbed the Edition 1. In those days, Hummer was known for two things, delivering the goods on off-road capability, and laughably low fuel economy. But the times have changed, and GM has brought back the Hummer moniker (as a sub-brand this time) to not only spearhead its assault on the EV market but also storm the pickup segment as the world’s first “supertruck.” …

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Volta Confirms First “Volta Hub” Facility, Paves Way For EV Adoption

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Volta Trucks has been making waves in the commercial truck market. While the bulk of their efforts have been mostly confined to Europe, the company is still confident that electrification in the commercial segment will be the new way forward, and has launched the first Volta Service Hub location in Paris, France.   Follows On The Heels Of Volta Zero Trials This latest announcement comes as Volta is preparing for the first consumer evaluations of the Volta Zero which are slated to begin in the middle of next year. These trucks will see duty in a wide variety of settings, but all …

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2022 Toyota Corolla Cross review by Ben Lewis

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This may come as no surprise to you, but the best-selling nameplate in history is Corolla. Yep, Toyota has been making them for over 50 years, and selling them like crazy the whole time. So, with the ever-continuing growth of small SUVs, it seems only natural that the carmaker would combine an SUV with the Corolla name. Welcome to the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross! Stylish but mainstream Two things strike you about the Corolla Cross. First of all, while it is stylish, there is nothing that screams Toyota or Corolla about it. We guess Corolla buyers aren’t the kind to …

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