Carl Malek

Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com. Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.

Road Test Review – 2024 Toyota Corolla FX – Compact Style

by

The Toyota Corolla and the art of expressive styling have not exactly had a good relationship. The Corolla was always known as a function-focused vehicle with styling often being cast aside for conformity and practicality. Toyota is out to change that and while the GR Corolla is a recent exception to this rule, the rest of the Corolla lineup still didn’t have a true style package to appeal to younger buyers. The company is out to change that with the all-new FX package which adds bigger wheels and other minor styling touches to the Corolla sedan in an attempt to …

Keep reading

Road Test Review – 2025 Mazda CX-5 Carbon Edition

by

The Mazda CX-5 might feel like it’s being pushed out of the spotlight with the CX-50 and the bigger CX-90 filling the niches that it was once asked to fill by itself. However, the CX-5 is still a strong seller for Mazda and the CUV even has a strong following of customers who have stuck with the model despite broader changes in Mazda’s lineup. Mazda has decided to reward this loyalty with the 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Carbon Edition. Carbon models are typically known for injecting more style into a Mazda model but with the CX-5 potentially facing the …

Keep reading

Road Test Review – 2024 Lexus NX 350h Luxury AWD

by

The venerable Lexus NX has been through its fair share of ups and downs but ultimately, it always manages to come up with a good run of good fortune with the compact CUV meant to give Lexus a middle-rung player slotted between the smaller UX and the iconic RX. Some would say that the NX is starting to lose its edge and that it’s starting to get soft around the edges. But is that the case? We wanted to find out. Lexus NX is still the sharpest member of the family The Lexus NX was designed to be stylish and …

Keep reading

Road Test Review – 2024 Mazda CX-50 Turbo Meridian Edition

by

The Mazda CX-50 has rapidly emerged as a key player in Mazda’s SUV strategy. While the bigger CX-90 often steals the spotlight due to its bigger size and segment-blurring luxury, the smaller CX-50 stands out for its strong value game which allows it to be a near-perfect balance of luxury, value, and capability.  Mazda is hoping the CX-50 Turbo Meridian Edition will be able to deliver some of the flagship luxury that’s missing from the model but is it still missing something that prevents it from being truly perfect? We were eager to find out. Meridian Edition adds flash to …

Keep reading

Road Test Update – 2025 Toyota GR Corolla Premium – It’s Still Fun

by

The Toyota GR Corolla was the answer to a question that many asked, what would happen if you took an average Corolla hatchback and threw everything at it in an attempt to make it faster, sharper, and rowdier than any Corolla that came before it? The answer is the GR Corolla a spunky three-cylinder powered monster designed to slay track days and make the art of driving fun again. Toyota had a strong start in sales with the Corolla proving to be popular with the first wave of buyers who pre-ordered the hot-to-trot Toyota for their garage. However, the company …

Keep reading

Road Test Review – 2025 Toyota Tundra TRD Rally

by

Toyota’s Tundra pickup is striving to be like the smaller Tacoma when it comes to offering more for its buyers. The Tundra has an impressive roster of trims at its disposal and like the Tacoma, the Tundra is attempting to appeal to many niches of the pickup market as it attempts to stay relevant against established rivals from Ram, Ford, and Chevrolet. For 2025, Toyota is bringing a number of new updates to the rig including an all-new TRD Rally package for buyers who want a pinch of something special in their Toyota purchase and want more performance in their …

Keep reading

Road Test Review – 2025 Toyota Sienna Platinum

by

Toyota’s Sienna minivan has always been a favorite among family buyers. While the van’s exterior styling continues to be controversial, there’s no denying that it still continues to offer an impressive amount of practicality to go along with its all-hybrid powertrain lineup. However, what if you’re looking to add more luxury to your family vehicle experience but don’t want to move up into a big SUV to do it? Toyota thinks it might have the answer with the 2025 Sienna Platinum which is attempting to push the envelope of luxury while maintaining the Sienna’s universal appeal. Is it all enough …

Keep reading

Fatal Xiaomi SU7 Crash Shines Spotlight on The Safety of Self-Driving Tech

by

Chinese firm Xiaomi is riding a wave of momentum and praise with the company’s EVs bringing the fight to Tesla in the Chinese market. Self-driving technology and other innovations have become two key pillars for the company but a fatal crash involving a key EV model is raising questions about some of these innovations and how the danger they could put customers in might overshadow these benefits. Crash raises troubling concerns for Xiaomi The crash in question took place back on March 29th and involved Xiamoi’s SU7 EV. The four-door was reportedly traveling on the Dezhou–Shangrao Expressway in Anhui Province …

Keep reading

Road Test Review – 2025 Hyundai Palisade XRT – Holding The Fort

by

When Hyundai unveiled its XRT lineup of vehicles, the brand promised that the XRT badge would signal a more aggressive personality with some light pinches of trail-ready upgrades to make these vehicles better soft roaders. While the revamped Tucson, Ioniq 5, and Santa Cruz XRTs all reflect this practice in spades, the Palisade has always felt the odd man out. Does the 2025 XRT version still have what it takes to inject the Palisade with trailready spirit? XRT still has the buff looks At first glance, the XRT appears to have the looks to match the badge’s purpose with our …

Keep reading

2025 Cadillac Optiq Injects Compact Fun Into the EV Segment

by

Cadillac’s “IQ” lineup of EV vehicles is attempting to inject more vigor and buyers into the EV segment. While the 2025 Escalade IQ is attempting to win over ultra-wealthy buyers, Cadillac knows that it also has to appeal to other buying segments and some of the lower budgets that often come with them. This is the case with the 2025 Optiq which will be the new gateway model for the EV lineup moving -forward. But is the Optiq ready to bring the fight to a hotly contested CUV market while also continuing to deliver the tech and performance that buyers …

Keep reading

Road Test Review – 2025 Subaru Legacy Touring XT – Goodbye Old Friend

by

The Subaru Legacy is preparing to sing its final swan song as the venerable four-door prepares to exit the market in 2025. The Legacy is the latest casualty in a growing pool of axed sedan models as poor sales and a surge in SUV sales (in the Legacy’s case the Outback wagon was cannibalizing its sales) force automakers to rethink their sales strategies and put more of their resources into utility vehicle sales.  But the Legacy is still out to prove that even in its dying days, the four-door still has plenty to bring to the table and that customers …

Keep reading

Hyundai’s Ioniq 9 Is Going For EV Gold, Can It Meet Expectations?

by

With some of the ongoing flux that the EV market has been experiencing recently, it can be easy to forget that there are still several upcoming EVs that aim to bring sales bounty to their respective automakers. One of these is the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9, a family vehicle that attempts to bring more family buyers into the EV lifestyle. Hyundai has plenty riding on the shoulders of this model with the first Korean spec models making their way to dealerships in Korea. But what can buyers here in the U.S. expect when the Ioniq 9 eventually makes its way …

Keep reading

Road Test Review – 2025 Volkswagen Taos SEL – Updated and Eager To Please

by

Volkswagen’s Taos CUV had a tall order on its plate when it was asked to replace the iconic Golf in the U.S. a few years ago. The Taos was meant to appeal to urban dwellers and give VW an entry that would be a true gateway model while also allowing the Tiguan to move upmarket as well. The Taos has proven to be somewhat successful in that regard but the CUV also suffered from styling that was too bland and preferred to lurk in the shadows of the crowded CUV segment.  Volkswagen is now attempting to bring it into the …

Keep reading

Tariffs Poised To Smash U.S. Auto Industry As Mexico China, and Canada Respond With Sanctions

by

March 4th could go down as a historic date in U.S. history with President Donald Trump unleashing 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada while also beefing up existing tariffs on China. All three countries responded with matching trade sanctions and Canada promised the United States will regret their actions. But what will these tariffs mean for consumers and car buyers? Prices will surge The new tariffs on Mexico and Canada will cause prices to go up on a multitude of goods but while paying more for avocados or maple syrup at the grocery store will be one part of the …

Keep reading

Road Test Review – 2025 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited – Comfort & Efficency

by

The Hyundai Sonata is bringing a fresh perspective and a new attitude to the family sedan segment. It’s no secret that the segment as a whole has been withering on the vine with a growing pool of nameplates all being sacrificed to make room for CUV and SUV entries. The 2024 Sonata is one of the few entries left that’s continuing to bring the fight to rivals with a major redesign adding more depth to the four-door. Looks are a Sonata strong suit A potent selling point of the Hyundai Sonata is its exterior styling with the front end getting …

Keep reading

Hyundai”s Inster Promises Compact EV Versatility, Could It Work In The U.S.?

by

Hyundai is making it clear that it intends to grab a large slice of the EV market with its growing lineup of EV models including the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 as well as the recently launched Ioniq 9. While this trio of EVs is shaping up to be a potent force for Hyundai, one missing piece of the puzzle is the small Inster. Known as the Casper in some markets, the tiny EV is supposed to be a budget entry for buyers and is also currently a tempting slice of forbidden fruit for U.S. buyers. But could the Inster …

Keep reading

Road Test Review – 2025 Toyota Crown Signia Limited – Green Luxury

by

When Toyota first introduced the Crown moniker to the U.S. it wanted to try and give buyers a unique offering that could stand out from the rest of the hybrid competition while also introducing buyers to a level of luxury that was once reserved for the Japanese market in recent years with these buyers getting the chance to experience a level of Toyota luxury that U.S. buyers would have had to otherwise go to Lexus for. The first Crown model was essentially a lifted sedan replacing the aging and relatively uninspired Avalon sedan and while this model was a good …

Keep reading

Road Test Review – 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric Limited

by

Hyundai is out to prove that EVs can be a viable part of its sales plans. The Ioniq 5, 6, and the upcoming Ioniq 9 are providing a glimpse into how the company intends to integrate these models into its broader vehicle lineup with technology and range leading the way. However, other models will also command their fair share of attention. One of these models is the 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric which is supposed to provide compact CUV buyers an electrified alternative in a segment of the market that’s still hotly contested.  Hyundai is hoping the Kona EV can continue …

Keep reading

Road Test Review – 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Limited

by

Hybrid vehicles are experiencing a second act as more automakers embrace the technology after seeing demand for EVs sink which forced them to change their plans for electrification with some of them abandoning plans for an all-electric vehicle lineup. Hyundai has been taking a calculated approach when it comes to green vehicles and while the company has focused heavily on EVs, hybrids also make up a growing part of their business with the Elantra being one of these green machines.  The compact is attempting to infuse hybrid fuel economy with a small comfortable package. But is all of this enough …

Keep reading

Road Test Double Review – 2025 Nissan Murano Platinum & Armada Platinum Reserve

by

Nissan was once considered to be an edgy firm with the Nissan Armada and Murano being the two lynchpins in the company’s attempts at being a bread-and-butter brand. However, both models suffered from a lack of updates with rivals in both of their segments using the company’s lapse as an opportunity to gain ground and ultimately eclipse Nissan with their own offerings. The company is not about to take that without a fight and has finally made updates to the Murano and Armada for 2025 with both models getting a long-awaited revamp to bring them back into the race. But …

Keep reading

Road Test Review – 2024 Nissan Ariya – Looking In From The Outside

by

The Nissan Ariya was supposed to be the company’s next crescendo in the EV market with the CUV following on the heels of the Nissan Leaf compact. The Ariya had the looks, the tech, and the moxie needed to be an edgy leader in the EV segment. However, things have not been going according to plan with the Ariya proving to be a slow seller with Nissan selling just over 13,000 of them during 2024. That’s a far cry from rivals like the Ford Mustang Mach-E though it’s also ironically a 122% increase in sales during the second half of …

Keep reading

Road Test Review – 2025 Nissan Altima SR – Stylish Sedan Has Quiet Personality

by

When it comes to identifying the proverbial bread-and-butter model in Nissan’s lineup, chances are good you will assume crossovers like the Rogue and the Kicks have the mantle. However, a third model also has this role but it doesn’t get as much attention as it deserves. This model is the 2025 Altima sedan with the Altima being Nissan’s enduring entry in the mid-size sedan segment. Age is starting to show its presence in the Altima but do the extra wrinkles prevent the Altima from standing out in a sedan segment where design has rapidly reasserted itself as a key tool …

Keep reading

Dodge Looking For “Badassadors” To Promote Vehicle Lineup

by

Dodge is out to prove that it’s still the gold standard for performance with the revamped Dodge Charger bringing the brand into the EV wars. However, in addition to its muscular performance, the brand is also known for occasionally going outside the box with some of its marketing efforts. That included 2022’s Chief Donut Maker campaign when the brand enlisted the help of skilled drivers to provide thrills and plenty of donuts for crowds at select events. This time, Dodge is looking for “badassadors” to represent the brand with Dodge officially kicking off the nationwide search at Barrett Jackson’s Scottsdale …

Keep reading

Road Test Review – 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross XSE Hybrid – The CUV For Any Budget?

by

The Toyota Corolla Cross was supposed to help the Corolla nameplate enter uncharted territory with the CUV attempting to lure in budget-minded utility buyers while also giving the Corolla lineup a broader presence in the marketplace. This seemingly simple strategy has helped give the Corolla Cross a strong start in sales with the hybrid model providing buyers an affordable gateway into the hybrid lifestyle. Is the 2025 Corolla Cross still rolling strong in the new model year? Corolla Cross is classic case of substance over style The exterior styling of the Corolla Cross continues to be a classic presentation of …

Keep reading

2025 Mazda3 Premium Plus Turbo Hatch Vs The 2025 Toyota GR Corolla – Which Is Best?

by

The hot hatch market is in an interesting state of flux. Performance CUVs are rapidly entering the territory once strongly held by icons like the Volkswagen GTI. However, the hot hatch is still alive and there are still models fighting for sales supremacy. Two of them are the Mazda3 Turbo hatch and the Toyota GR Corolla. Both of these hatchbacks are two of the best performance models you can get from a Japanese automaker but which one is the best? 2025 Mazda3 Premium Plus Turbo Hatch At first glance, it might be safe to assume that Mazda is applying a …

Keep reading

Road Test Review – 2024 Toyota GR86 Premium – Light Updates Polish A Potent Performance Gem

by

The Toyota GR86 (and its twin the Subaru BRZ) are the automotive equivalent of a love affair. The spunky Toyota blends a coupe shape with performance engineering to create a two-door that proves the affordable performance coupe is far from dead. The GR86 is also defying the odds in terms of sales with the coupe fighting for attention as SUVs and CUVs gradually intrude on its turf. There’s alot to like about this Toyota especially if you take a moment to look under the surface. GR86 has the looks that kill Toyota like alot of other automakers is choosing to …

Keep reading

Road Test Review 2025 Lexus NX 450h+ F Sport – Smaller Is Better

by

The Lexus RX lineup is universally considered to be the brand’s bread-and-butter model with the RX being tasked to be the volume seller. But what if you’re a buyer who wants something smaller but still craves a performance hybrid experience? The Lexus NX is looking to fit the bill with the model even getting a PHEV hybrid model to help please performance SUV buyers. But is the 2025 Lexus NX 450h+ the perfect answer to this need or is it a few steps shy of perfection? Sharper styling puts NX above big brother RX The exterior styling of the Lexus …

Keep reading

Road Test Review – 2025 Hyundai Tucson XRT AWD – It’s Missing Something

by

Hyundai’s XRT brand is supposed to help the Korean automaker embrace its wild side. While these models are not meant to take on the rugged Rubicon trail or rock crawl with Jeeps, they are supposed to provide an option for buyers that need to occasionally make a trek into the backwoods to reach a cottage or even a remote campsite. The XRTs have proven to be popular with customers and this popularity has even inspired the company to bring the package to the Ioniq 5 EV. But what if you’re looking for a more traditional SUV for your XRT fix …

Keep reading

Road Test Review – 2024 Honda Prologue Elite – The Better Version Of The Blazer EV

by

The Honda Prologue and the Chevrolet Blazer EV were supposed to be two pieces of a broader EV strategy with the models (and the Acura ZDX) being the fruits of a partnership GM and HOnda had when it came to EV and the Ultium technology lurking underneath. However, the models had two very different paths to sales. While the Blazer appeared with quality issues that eventually forced a brief stop-sale order, the Prologue had a relatively trouble-free launch. Is the Prologue the best of both worlds? Prologue styling is clean and simple Unlike the Chevrolet Blazer EV, the Prologue’s exterior …

Keep reading

Road Test Review – 2025 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD – It’s Still Got It

by

The 2024 Hyundai Kona made a splash when it was redesigned back in 2024. The new model embraced a futuristic look that was simpler and also embraced Hyundai’s newfound love affair with pixels. However, the second-generation Kona had big shoes to fill with its predecessor being an impressive sales hit for the Korean car giant. With all the big changes that the Kona got for 2024, does its light suite of updates for 2025 help it retain its figurative spring in its step, Or has the magic faded away? 2025 Kona updates focus on the light side of life With …

Keep reading

Road Test Review – 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser 1958 Edition – The Icon Returns

by

Toyota’s Land Cruiser was long considered to be the best off-roader in Toyota’s arsenal. While the company did make a brief detour with the equally brief revival of the retro-inspired FJ Cruiser, the Land Cruiser was ultimately the model of choice for trail-seeking power warriors. However, by the time the outgoing Land Cruiser appeared on the scene, it seemed the company lost touch with customers. It was big, bloated, dated, and outrageously expensive by the time slumping sales prompted the company to pull the plug sparking considerable outrage from loyalists. However, it turned out this retirement would be short-lived with …

Keep reading

Road Test Review – 2025 Toyota Crown Nightshade – This Crown Goes To The Darkside

by

Toyota has a hit on its hands with the all-new Toyota Crown. The Crown may look like a funky lifted sedan, but this Avalon replacement has proven to be a consistent player in Toyota’s sales portfolio thanks to its combination of luxury, performance, and simple styling. However, some have pointed out the Crown does not have a distinct personality which is a must for younger buyers. Toyota is attempting to inject more fun into the Crown with the all-new 2025 Crown Nightshade. But does this latest member of the Nightshade family have the spunk needed to help bring the Crown …

Keep reading

Road Test Review – 2024 Lexus ES350 F-Sport – Comfort Over Sportiness

by

The Lexus ES lineup has always been about providing buttery smooth comfort at a price that also projects a strong value to luxury consumers. With its Camry-based architecture, the ES is often the unsung hero in the luxury brand’s sales numbers with the ES preferring to let other models like the RX, LX, and even the LS shine in the limelight. Lexus has big plans for the ES but we wanted to see if the current generation ES can still hold down the fort for Lexus and continue to lure in its unique clientele of buyers. ES styling is aging …

Keep reading

Porsche 718 Sales See Boost As The Taycan Tanks

by

Porsche set a new sales record as the German sports car brand revealed it sold 76,157 units in 2024 with the brand seeing its sales increase even as the all-electric Taycan lineup continues to be the proverbial ball and chain in an otherwise strong sales performance. Porsche’s numbers might seem typical but some of the underlying details are not, and hint that loyalists are still flocking to traditional Porsche products. Soon to be axed 718 models see resurgence in sales The 718 Boxster and Cayman provided the bulk of the muscle for this strong surge in sales with demand for …

Keep reading

GTD Spirit of America Is Rolling Tribute To Speed

by

The Ford Mustang GTD is already slated to be a very rare sight out on the road with Ford planning to only produce a very small number of them before it ceases production. Ordering one is the equivalent of running through the gauntlet with Ford requiring potential buyers to not only pony up a large chunk of change to own one, but to also get approval from the company itself. Buyers still willing to go through these hoops were given a special visual treat during Ford’s press conference at the Detroit Auto Show with the unveiling of the Mustang GTD …

Keep reading

Mustang RTR Is An EcoBoost With The Soul of a Dark Horse

by

Ford had plenty of surprises when it invited journalists, content creators, and influencers to their press conference at the Detroit Auto Show. One of them was the all-new RTR Mustang, which was the surprise of the night and it also represents a new direction Ford is going in its attempts to bring Mustang performance into the hands of more buyers. RTR embraces EcoBoost engine The RTR arrived in bold fashion with RTR founder Vaugh Gitten Jr. doing slow-speed drifting and donuts for the assembled crowd. Unlike other RTR offerings, this one will not be an after-sale upfit, with the model …

Keep reading

Road Test Followup – 2024 Toyota Tacoma – Is It Still The Leader?

by

The current generation Toyota Tacoma is one of the most pickup entries in the market today. The truck is attempting to inject fresh vigor into the Tacoma nameplate after years of stagnation despite the best efforts of models like the TRD-PRO to distract observers from the lingering sense of staleness lurking underneath the surface. The truck is proving to be a strong seller but with Toyota going on cruise control for the truck’s 2025 updates, does the model still have what it takes to cement itself as the long-reigning leader of the mid-size pickup segment? Tacoma goes on cruise control …

Keep reading

Road Test Review – 2024 Subaru Outback Limited – Still The Rugged All Rounder

by

Three decades ago, Subaru took a traditional station wagon, jacked up the suspension and helped create the Outback which helped breathe new life into the station wagon while also blurring the line between it and the traditional SUV. The formula has also proven to be very popular with consumers and the Outback has risen to become one of Subaru’s top sellers. But is the 2024 Subaru Outback still a top seller even as it gradually drifts more into the dark side of SUV sales and some of the negative stereotypes that often accompany them? We wanted to find out. Unchanged …

Keep reading

Honda 0 Saloon and SUV Prototypes Preview In-House EVs

by

Honda is investing big in the world of electrification with the company making several key moves to expand its reach in the world of electrification. The company showed that it was prepared to make the leap with the Saloon and the Space Hub Concepts. The duo were very futuristic looking and showed some of the core building blocks that will define Honda’s new in-house EVs. The company is now showing the next step in these plans with new versions of the 0 Saloon and SUV concepts which take a step closer into full-scale production. Saloon looks stylish, SUV pushes the …

Keep reading