SUVs

2022 Mazda CX-9 Carbon Edition Review by Ben Lewis

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We recently tested the Toyota Sienna minivan, and found the “Swagger Wagon” to still be in effect, a great vehicle. But for many, the word minivan has too many negative connotations. And that’s why we’ve seen a huge upsurge of three-row SUV’s, from the large and princely Kia Telluride and Hyundai Pallisade, to smaller models, where that 3rd row is pretty much for occasional use. And one of our favorites of the occasional 3rd row SUVs is the Mazda CX-9. It may give you bumped knees in row #3, but it gives you back so much more! Let’s take a …

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Mazda CX-60 Debuts With PHEV Performance, New Rear Wheel Drive Platform

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It wasn’t too long ago that Mazda teased the CX-60 SUV which is the next strategic piece in the company’s push towards enhancing its presence in the utility vehicle market. With the smaller CX-50 poised to make a splash in the U.S., the CX-60 is looking to achieve the same feat across the pond in European markets.   New CX-60 Platform Embraces Rear Wheel Drive The CX-60 is a bigger SUV offering and that extra size means a new platform with the CX-60 being the first of these new CX models to use an all-new rear-wheel-drive-focused platform. This platform has …

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2023 Cadillac Lyriq To Enter Official Production March 21st According To Report

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When we last saw the 2023 Cadillac Lyriq in person, it was during a visit to GM Tech Center where we were allowed to spend some time with Cadillac engineers and designers learning more about the futuristic CUV. But other than scattered sightings of evaluation mules undergoing shakedown tests on the roads dotting GM Tech Center (a short hop from our office) we haven’t heard much lately. However, a new report appears to put a final date on production with the first models expected to roll out later this month.   Tentative Production Date Sign Of Cadillac’s Scheduling Push Cadillac …

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Jeep Reveals 2022 Cherokee X, Also Announces Pricing Changes For Entire Trim Ladder

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With all the attention and the spotlight focused on the Grand Cherokee, Wrangler, and Wagoneer it can be easy to forget that Jeep also offers the smaller Cherokee and Compass SUVs. While the Compass is off exploring its slice of the beaten path, for now, Jeep revealed some new information on the 2022 Cherokee lineup including revised pricing across the board and an all-new X model.   Cherokee X Serves As New Rugged Value Focused Model Before we get into some of the pricing news that the brand released today, we might as well focus on the all-new X model. …

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Road Test Review – 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross – Updates Can’t Mask Middling Performance

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The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is a CUV that’s always had some form of an identity crisis. The Eclipse Cross has the exterior styling needed for it to be one of the boldest CUV entries in the market, but suffered from inconsistent presentation, especially with its performance and interior. Mitsubishi has made some updates to help give it a better presentation while also fixing some of the flaws that hobbled older models. But have the changes made the Eclipse Cross better?   A Nip and Tuck Adds Cohesion To Exterior Styling Mitsubishi stylists had alot on their plate when they were …

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Jeep Unveils First EV Model, Will Be Making Appearance Next Year To Take On Segment Benchmarks

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Stellantis promised to make waves when the firm revealed that it intended to launch a full-scale assault on the EV market with an army of BEV offerings. While we have seen a few of these models in concept form, Stellantis kept the production versions of these models largely out of the public eye. That’s starting to change though with the Jeep brand releasing a pair of images of its first production EV SUV.   Aiming For The Compact Segment The SUV in today’s images doesn’t have a name yet, but we can still dissect some of the goals that Jeep …

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Ford Releases Bronco Raptor And Everglades Pricing, Fun Comes At A Premium

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Ford made waves when they not only released the performance-focused Bronco Raptor, but also the overlapping ready Bronco Everglades. Both of these models put a different spin on the Bronco ownership experience, and they also offer a different mixture of off-road focused content. The one thing they do have in common however is pricing, with both models requiring customers to pay a premium to partake in the fun. We’ll look at both models individually and see how much you have to pay to sign on the dotted line.   Bronco Raptor Starts At $68k, Is The Wild One In The …

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2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness Review by Ben Lewis

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We recently tested the Subaru Outback Wilderness and loved the added capability and looks that the manufacturer gave its popular SUV/Wagon – doing what many owners have been doing for a while but giving it the factory goodness to raise it all to a new level. So, it only makes sense that Subie did the same idea to the popular Forester – so is it equally successful, even more successful, or maybe a marketing flop? Let’s take a look! The Wild Blue   The Forester Wilderness makes a strong first impression, thanks to our tester’s available exclusive Geyser Blue paint. …

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Road Test Review – 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line – Sporty Styling Hides Conservative Character

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The SUV wars have forced many automakers to rethink and change the way they approach certain segments of the SUV market. That has included Volkswagen which has shifted gears in its attempts to woo customers. It wasn’t too long ago that buyers could purchase a standard Golf hatchback, but the surging popularity of models like the Tiguan and the recently launched Volkswagen Taos forced the Golf to be a Europe only offering with the performance infused GTI and R models being the two sole remaining members of its species. The Tiguan in particular has become a key part of Volkswagen’s …

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Buick Teases EV Crossover, Finally Joins Ultium Parade

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GM’s revolutionary Ultium EV technology is shaping up to be a potent green-inspired powerhouse for the brand’s sales. However, while GMC, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and even the revived Hummer sub-brand have all gotten in on the act, a notable absence has been GM’s entry-level luxury brand Buick with the tri-shield brigade not mentioning anything about their EV offerings. Buick is changing that narrative though and released a teaser to help celebrate GM’s recent pair of Super Bowl ads while also potentially reviving the Electra nameplate.   Buick Promising Design Focused Offering With Electra We’re fans of all @GM EVs, but this …

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Overlanders Rejoice, Ford Reveals All New Bronco Everglades, Pushes Bronco In New Direction

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The dust may still be settling on Ford’s recent unveiling of the delightfully insane Bronco Raptor, but the Dearborn-based auto giant is not letting its foot off the gas pedal when it comes to new Bronco models. This time around, the company is shifting its focus towards the overlanding side of the off-road community with the all-new Bronco Everglades which is designed to maximize its potential in this category.   Bronco Everglades Puts On Its Diving Equipment The exterior styling of the Bronco Everglades retains the retro-inspired look that has come to define other Bronco models, but a prominent thing …

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Mazda Previews 2023 CX-60 CUV, Will Be Positioned Below Bigger CX Utilities

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Mazda has been on a mission to completely revamp its utility vehicle lineup with the company recently unveiling the CX-50 which is slotted above the CX-30 utility. The company is continuing to try and fill every gap possible in its attempts to maximize profits. While the company is still keeping a couple of them behind a veil of secrecy, Mazda chose to provide a glimpse of the next piece of the puzzle, the CX-60.   CX-60 Is Moving On Up The CX-60 continues Mazda’s push into bigger segment categories and is slotted above the CX-50. The lone image that Mazda …

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Alfa Romeo Finally Reveals 2023 Tonale CUV, Aims To Reinflate Alfa’s Sales Projections

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The Alfa Romeo Tonale has been a long-awaited and quite frankly overdue response to the rapid growth in the CUV segment. Alfa Romeo has long been limited to two models (the Giulia and the Stelvio) with the combined sales total of the two models in the U.S. lagging behind some of its luxury rivals. The Tonale aims to change all that and not only allows the Italian performance brand to offer a smaller utility offering, but also embraces the growing trend towards electrification too.   Tonale Packs Performance In Smaller Package The Tonale share some of its underpinnings with the …

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Maserati Celebrates Racing History With Trio Of MC Edition Models

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Maserati may make the bulk of its sales dollars in the luxury car market these days, but did you know that the Italian luxury brand also has had its fair share of success out on the track? If you didn’t it’s understandable with much of the company’s recent marketing focusing more on the comfort side of the coin versus its racing pedigree. Maserati is out to change that though and has unveiled a new crop of MC Edition models to remind the world of its racing pedigree.   A Trio Of MC Editions For Any Occassion For now, the Maserati …

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2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz 2.5T Limited review by Ben Lewis

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We were really excited to test the new Hyundai Santa Cruz. While and SUV-type vehicle with a truck bed isn’t a new idea, – the original Subaru Brat, the Subaru Baja and even the Honda Ridgeline – fit the bill, It seems like a great time for this kind of vehicle. So, let’s take a cruise in the Santa Cruz! What Today’s Truck is Wearing Well, let’s start with saying we love the looks. Built off the Tucson SUV platform, there are a lot of similarities – no problem there, that’s borrowing from one of Hyundai’s best designs. Up front …

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Aston Martin Unveils *707 hp DBX707, Mirrors Hellcat In Raw V8 Power

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When we had our opportunity to go behind the wheel of the Aston Martin DBX SUV last year, we were smitten with the 4.0 liter twin-turbocharged V8, and the 541 hp on hand made our tester an enjoyable family hauler to throw around the corners. While this amount of power is already very potent, the British sports car maker knows that a select few crave even more power. The company has answered their demands with the all-new DBX707.   Hellcat Matching Horsepower For The Jet Set When you look over what makes the DBX707 special, a prominent one is the …

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2023 Toyota Sequoia Rebuilt From The Ground Up, Hybrid Engine And New Technology Sharpen Its Focus

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When Toyota axed the Land Cruiser from the U.S. market, we had questions about how the company was going to keep some of those fans loyal to the brand while also giving the ancient Sequoia full-size SUV some much-needed updates to help it stay in the fight against full-size SUV benchmarks. It appears that the company is attacking the situation from both angles with the introduction of the all-new 2023 Toyota Sequoia.   Bigger, Badder, More Civilized Sequoia The Toyota Sequoia was in a very dire situation when Toyota chose to revamp it with the outgoing model being in production …

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Ford Builds Custom Pope Francis Edition Bronco, Will Cross The Block At Barrett Jackson

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The dust may just be settling on the recent unveiling of the 2022 Bronco Raptor but Ford is still working on other Bronco variants. With the Raptor slaying trails, the company chose to create a custom Pope Francis Edition Bronco to not only celebrate a slice of Bronco history but also benefit a good cause too.   A Papal Flavored Bronco The Bronco and the highest office of the catholic church became intertwined in 1979 when Pope John Paul II embarked on a trip to the U.S. which was the first such trek for a sitting pope. He toured many …

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Road Test Review – 2021 Mazda MX-30 – Mazda Enters The EV Wars, Misses The Memo On Range

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When Mazda crafted the MX-30 EV CUV, they wanted to achieve three key things with it. They wanted it to be a potent spearhead for their EV projects, a stylish family commuter, and a testbed to learn from. We recently had a chance to spend time with the MX-30, and while it does have some potential in a few categories, Mazda missed the mark in one essential category, range.   Eye Catching Suit Of Clothes Draws Plenty Of Attention Before we get into some of the other things that make the MX-30 stand out from rivals, we might as well …

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Ultra Luxury SUV Mega Comparision Round 2 – 2021 Aston Martin DBX vs 2021 Bentley Bentayga

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When we last checked in on our contenders in our inaugural Ultra Luxury SUV Mega Comparision test we saw the 2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS600 beat the 2021 BMW Alpina XB7 to advance into the semi-final round of our contest. With that out of the way it’s time to move into round 2 to see which SUV will join the Maybach in a final duel to decide which one will square off against the Rolls Royce Cullinan Black Badge. This time around it will be the 2021 Aston Martin DBX vs the 2021 Bentley Bentayga in a classic case of plucky underdog …

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2022 Ford Bronco Raptor vs The Default Bronco – What’s In A Transformation?

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The dust is still settling on the unveiling of the 2022 Ford Bronco, but while we had some fun comparing its value factor with its F-150 sibling, we wanted to do a deep dive under the skin and find out some of the critical differences that make it a Raptor and a league above its standard-issue cousin.   No V8, But Bronco Raptor Is Still A Beast Ford warned us a while back that the Bronco platform wouldn’t fit a V8 (we suspect most aftermarket tuners will try anyway), but the Bronco Raptor still has plenty of power to work …

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2021 Ford F-150 Raptor vs 2022 Bronco Raptor – Which One Is Right For Your Garage?

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The 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor is helping Ford expand the Raptor experience to SUV buyers while also adding some profits to Ford’s bottom line. But with the Ranger Raptor still not being offered in the U.S. we wanted to find out if the Bronco Raptor is a better purchase than the F-150 Raptor pickup, especially among certain customer groups.   Different Segments But Both Have The Same Mission At first glance, the idea of such a comparison may seem absurd on the surface with the F-150 firmly in the full-size pickup segment and the Bronco clearly in the SUV segment. …

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2022 Ford Bronco Raptor Brings Trailblazing Performance To The Outdoors, Expands Raptor Family

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The rugged Ford Bronco has been helping Ford reach new levels of sales success thanks to its combination of retro style and rugged capability. But while the Bronco is already a formidable beast in stock form, some buyers wondered what would happen if the Bronco received a healthy infusion of Raptor DNA? Ford is always up for a challenge and has unveiled the answer, the all-new 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor    Trailblazing Raptor Exterior Flexes Its Dino DNA The first major change that Bronco fans will notice is that while the core styling of the Bronco Raptor retains the basic …

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2022 Cadillac Escalade V Brings Performance To SUV Buyers, Makes Us Wait For More Details

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When Cadillac revealed that the 2022 Escalade V was thundering into the luxury SUV segment, we had plenty of questions about this luxury-lined boxing glove. Cadillac has heard our cries and has (kinda) unveiled the 2022 Escalade V.   Reworked Styling Our Best View Yet At Sporty Escalade V A big catch with today’s unveiling is that Cadillac prefers to keep the performance hardware a secret until this spring. But while we are forced to pick up our spilled milk and dropped slices of Kings Cake and wait longer, the luxury brand did deliver a consolation prize, a detailed look …

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Cadillac Teases Upcoming Escalade V, Promises Something Big For The Segment

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The Cadillac Escalade V has perhaps become the worst kept secret in the Metro Detroit area. The super SUV has been sighted multiple times in the Metro Detroit area and it promises to bring the Escalade into the luxury performance SUV category in a big way. Cadillac appears to be ready to spill the beans, with the company revealing that it will be formally unveiling the beefier Slade via an online event tomorrow.   Performance Thy Name Is Escalade V The teaser video Cadillac released all but confirms the existence of the Escalade V and while the 12-second long teaser …

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Production B2 alt rear angle

Bollinger Motors Postpones Production Of Consumer Spec B1 and B2 Models, Will Focus On Commercial Offerings

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The story of Bollinger Motors has been one that we have been following almost from the beginning, with the EV upstart unveiling the B1 pickup and B2 SUV several years ago. The B1 and B2 were tailored towards the off-road market, with both models offering tremendous amounts of storage, rugged capability, and no-nonsense styling. However, it appears that changing market conditions have forced Bollinger to make a difficult decision, with the company revealing that it will postpone the production of consumer trucks and will instead shift to a commercial-only operation.   What Happened? While Bollinger’s announcement didn’t reveal too many …

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Honda Teases 2023 HR-V SUV, Joins Acura In Sharing Long Term Plans

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The road map to the future is full of twists and turns, and many automakers are preparing for a future where green vehicles are rapidly becoming a vital component of the broader sales sphere. Honda is no exception, and the Japanese auto giant has revealed that it not only plans to roll out a next-generation Honda HR-V SUV but also revealed that plug-in hybrid models are not in the final blueprint for both Honda and luxury brand Acura.   Next Generation HR-V Promises To Be Unique For North America The Honda HR-V has made a splash since it arrived on …

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2022 Kia Niro EV Review by Ben Lewis

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We’re all pretty familiar with makers like Tesla and RIVIAN, showcases of what EV vehicles can do. And while they are great vehicles, they are expensive. If you want to own the hearts and minds of regular folks, you’ll need something more affordable. Enter the Kia Niro EV. The Niro has been one Kia’s most popular crossovers for a while now, and being offered in Hybrid and plug-in Hybrid versions, it’s a showcase for advanced power tech. But is the full-on EV model the one to make you give up your need for gasoline? Let’s take a look. Modern and …

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Ford Scores Double Win In NACTOY Awards, EVs Shut Out For 2022

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When the 2021 NACTOY Awards took place last year, it was a very strong year for Ford with the American auto giant earning truck and utility of the year awards with the Ford F-150 and the Mustang Mach-E. The only category it missed out on is one that it doesn’t really compete in anymore, with Hyundai’s Elantra getting the nod for car of the year. The 2022 winners were announced at an APA event in Detroit and Ford once again sweeped the utility and truck categories with the Ford Bronco and Maverick pickup earning the top spots while the Honda …

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Road Test Review – 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport – The Ultimate Tool For Cyclists?

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When it came to making a more athletic-looking crossover, Volkswagen seemingly followed the proven formula with the Atlas Cross Sport. Chopping the roof off and transforming the blocky Atlas into a sportier offering by honing it into a coupe-like shape proved to be a popular move, especially with SUV buyers. We wanted to see how it fared as an adventure-minded vehicle and embarked on a series of adventure-themed challenges, including some tailored towards cyclists. How did it manage in the end?   Exterior Styling Has Adventure Baked Into Its DNA While the exterior styling of our bright red tester will …

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VinFast Unveils All Electric Lineup, Will Build U.S. Battery Plant

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Vietnam-based VinFast made a splash at CES 2022 when the company not only revealed its full lineup of EV vehicles but also confirmed that it will be building a battery cell plant in the U.S. which will not only help bring new jobs but also allow VinFast to secure a key step in its ongoing efforts towards entering the U.S. market.    A Gasoline Free VinFast A big slice of news that the company revealed right out the gate is that the young company will have a lineup free of gasoline-powered models by the end of the year. VinFast (part …

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Chevrolet Previews Equinox EV, Promises $30k Starting Price

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Amid all the news surrounding the unveiling of the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV pickup, GM CEO Mary Barra also confirmed that the company will be releasing an electrified version of both the Chevrolet Blazer and the Equinox EV which will bring Ultium electrification tech to two of Chevrolet’s most popular SUV models.   Equinox EV Goes Bold With Exterior Design While the Blazer EV had stage fright and preferred to keep its exterior design away from the cameras, GM chose to release a few images of the Equinox EV during its virtual CES conference today. The exterior styling here goes …

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2022 Mazda CX-30 Brings Pricing Changes, AWD, And Carbon Fiber Edition

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A short while back, Mazda revealed that all the models in its CX family would come with standard all-wheel-drive and will help make Mazda’s lineup of utilities more capable on less traveled terrain. But it has been a while since we heard anything new, and we’re glad to hear further information on the 2022 Mazda CX-30, which brings some recent changes to buyers for 2022.   CX-30 Brings All-Wheel Drive For Everyone As mentioned, a significant change for 2022 is that all CX-30 models will now have standard all-wheel-drive with the base front-wheel-drive layout being pitched in the process (turbo …

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Rolls Royce Cullinan Black And Bright Editions Pay Homage To Moscow, Display Wild Colors

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Rolls Royce is never a stranger whne it comes to producing special edition versions of its models, and we have seen the British ultra-luxury automaker embark on a number of diffrent themes over the years. This time, Rolls Royce has chosen to pay tribute to the night skies of Moscow, Russia with the all new Black and Bright Collection Cullinan.   Russia Is Key Market For Rolls Royce While the city that was once the cradle of communisim and the Cold War might not seem like a key market for the company at first glance, modern Russia has become a …

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Road Test Review – 2021 Toyota 4Runner Venture Edition – Not Quite TRD Grade But An Interesting Detour

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It has been over a decade since the current generation Toyota 4Runner made its debut. The spunky 4Runner has always been a potent sales force for Toyota, and not only has it greatly benefitted from the recent surge in SUV demand, but it has also even managed to blunt encroachment by EV offerings. But it’s no secret that the 4Runner is also aging and that it’s up against a fresher crop of rivals. Can it still be a new face, or is it time for it to slink off to retirement?   Unchanged 4Runner Canvas Flaunts Its Wrinkles With Pride …

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2022 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD review by Ben Lewis

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Well, we’re spending the holidays in Kona. No, not the balmy town on the Big Island of Hawaii (we wish) but something nearly as fun – the heavily revised 2022 Hyundai Kona. It’s long been one of our favorite small SUV’s – especially if you pony up for the turbocharged model. So, does it remain a vacation from other sleepy small SUVs? Let’s take a look. Go For the Bold The exterior has gotten a major freshening, and while we were frankly pretty happy with previous design, we’ve got no complaints with the new duds. Up front, a larger split …

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Road Test Review – 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL – Bigger, Better, Is It Finally Worth It?

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When we last saw the Mitsubishi Outlander, it was a few years ago; it reflected the dire shape that Mitsubishi was in at the time. The company suffered from declining sales and the lingering effects of a fuel economy scandal that revealed that it falsified fuel economy ratings for several of its models. The resulting fallout saw the company enter an alliance with Nissan, which helped it avoid complete collapse. However, it also helped the company revamp its model lineup, and the first to benefit from the part sharing was the all-new 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander. The Outlander was once considered …

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2022 Acura RDX A-SPEC ADVANCE Review by Ben Lewis

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2 years ago, we reviewed the then all-new RDX and were mightily impressed with both the SUV, but also direction the brand had been going. This was before the massive upgrade we saw on the TLX, and the introduction of the soon-coming, Integra 4-door. But if you thought Acura would catch a breather, you’re wrong. We’ve just tested the 2022 model, and there are significant upgrades all around. Re-test one of our favorites? You bet! Bolder = Better The RDX was one of the first to get a hunk of love from the brand’s new design language, taking what was …

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Ultra Luxury SUV Mega Comparision Round 1 – 2021 Alpina XB7 vs 2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS600

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Ever wondered which ultra-luxury SUV would reign supreme in an all-out comparison battle? Typically we would use this time of the year to reflect on 2021 and give you our picks for the best and worst cars of the year. But with the Michigan office receiving a bountiful supply of ultra-luxury SUVs to review, we decided to do something unique. Over the next few days, we will be doing a three-part comparison challenge. The rules are simple, each of our four contenders (Aston Martin DBX, Bentley Bentayga, Alpina XB7, and The Mercedes-Maybach GLS600) will go head to head in comparison …

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Ford Bronco Sport Becomes First Production Vehicle To Use Ocean Plastic

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An increasing number of automakers are using recycled plastics in their automobiles as part of broader goals of reducing their environmental impact. Ford is one of the companies that has embarked on this initiative, but the company revealed that it’s taking a step that no other automaker has done before, and that’s using recycled ocean plastic in production vehicles, with the Bronco Sport SUV taking the lead.   Small Part In Bronco Sport Represents Major Engineering Milestone The parts that Ford is talking about are not large visually obvious pieces like bumpers, panels, or even interior pieces. Instead, they are …

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Hyundai Tucson Next SUV To Get XRT Treatment, Gains Rugged Style

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As they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and that’s especially true when it comes to some of the styling packages that Hyundai has cooked up for its SUVs over the past few years. When we last saw the XRT edition, it was being modeled by the Hyundai Santa Fe, and it was meant to help give the large family hauler a more rugged look. Hyundai has decided to spread the love and has given the hot-selling Tucson the XRT treatment for the new model year.   Reading The Same Script If some elements of the Tucson’s …

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Honda Tweaks Passport Pricing For 2022, Base Model Gone And Price Increases

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Honda has released pricing for the 2022 Passport lineup and it appears that the cost of entry is about to go up. However, this is more than just a simple price increase and is in fact a response to current sales demands as Honda prepares to ratchet up its online presence.   Base Passport Trim Axed For More Equipment Unlike some other price increases that we have seen in recent years, Honda’s is not a traditional one and instead involves the axing of the base Sport model. The elimination of the Sport model means that the base trim is now …

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2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited Review by Ben Lewis

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The compact SUV segment remains on fire, even if dealers are scrambling to find inventory to sell, and some are packing ridiculous markups on the sticker. And Outside of a few full-size pickup trucks, the number one selling vehicle is the RAV4. So, we know Toyota knows what it’s doing, and it’s also probably in the crosshairs of every other carmaker. We recently tested the new Hyundai Tucson, Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5 and they all are excellent, and none of them are standing still, with everything from small changes to all-new vehicles being touted in front of buyers to …

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2022 Ford Bronco Raptor Goes For Muddy Stroll In New Video

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When we last saw the upcoming Ford Bronco Raptor, Ford reps released a few still images of the Raptor chilling at an undisclosed off-road track. But while we welcomed the minimal amount of camouflage, there’s no substitute for raw video footage of this beefed-up Bronco slogging its way through the muck. Thankfully, Ford (via Bronco Nation) has delivered the goods and has now released a teaser video that offers a dynamic glimpse into some of the Bronco Raptor’s capabilities.   Turbocharging Will Highlight Trail Adventures The nearly three-minute video helps shine a spotlight on some of the Bronco Raptor’s finer …

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Lexus Teases RZ BEV Crossover, Will Share Platform With Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra

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The Toyota bZ4X and the Subaru Solterra are two pieces of a broader green vehicle puzzle as Toyota aims to expand its green vehicle operations far beyond the existing Prius brand. But Lexus was always conspicuously absent when it came to what they would bring to the table. Lexus has finally raised its voice and has revealed a brief teaser video documenting the RZ BEV, which will help complete a three-piece sales strategy for Toyota.   Angular Styling Will be Built On Familiar Underpinnings The brief video Lexus released didn’t reveal too much of the BEV, with a bright glare …

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2022 Hyundai Kona N Pricing Announced, Will Start At $36,650

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Hyundai promised to keep the upcoming Kona N a juicy value-focused play for CUV buyers looking to add some track-ready capability to their daily commute. We have learned other details surrounding the Kona N but pricing remained an elusive slice of information, until now. Hyundai confirmed final pricing for the 2022 Kona N and it appears that they have kept their promise.   Kona N Firmly In $30,000 Range, Will Be Unique CUV Offering A big selling point of any Kona is the combination of value and features that come packed into it. It appears that the N model follows …

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Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe

2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe Review

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The Plug In Hybrid Wrangler With the market moving away from fossil fuels, Jeep has brought us the Wrangler Rubicon 4xe as an excellent stepping stone to an electric future. Be sure to scroll to the bottom to check out the videos. Outside Outside of the Rubicon 4xe we find all of the features on a standard Rubicon. However, many of those features come in a different accent. Starting from the front, we can see blue colored accents on the recovery points and on the hood decal. While the headlights are a traditional round shape, they are modern LED’s that …

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2022 Buick Envision Avenir FWD review by Ben Lewis

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So, when someone asks us about what’s hot in compact-size SUVs, they’re probably expecting us to mention Audi or BMW. Maybe Acura. Or Kia, they’re on a roll…It’s fun to see the looks on their face when we say Buick. Maybe you have that same look on your face? Well, you shouldn’t, because there’s an all-new Buick Envision, and it is one gorgeous SUV, inside and out. Let’s take a look. Bold and Buick This is simply one of the most handsome compact SUVs out there. Up front there’s a mesh grille unique to our top-of-the-line Avenir trim, that surrounds …

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Road Test Review – 2021 Santa Fe Hybrid Limited (AWD) – A Good Hybrid Family Option?

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If you were to ask a passerby what company is best known for hybrid SUVs? The chances are good that most respondents will say Toyota and typically leave others like Hyundai in the back of their minds. While Hyundai has made great strides in enhancing its green-vehicle presence with models like the Ioniq hybrid lineup, their SUVs have been late to the party when it comes to hybrid technology. But the firm is aiming to change that and has done so in many ways, including models like the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Limited. But does an infusion of hybrid …

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GMC Hummer EV Pickup Gets 329 Miles Of Range, Rolls Out In December

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The GMC Hummer EV is arguably one of the most hotly-anticipated EV offerings of 2023. But other than sightings of various prototypes and an initial virtual unveiling that GMC did last year, we were left wondering about some of the more essential items, including formal range between charges. Thankfully, GMC Vice President Duncan Aldred helped shed some new light on the matter during a conference call with assembled media earlier today.   Hummer EV Slated To Get 329 Miles Of Range An essential slice of information that came out of today’s phone call is that the Hummer EV can achieve …

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BMW x5 45e

2021 BMW X5 45e Review

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The Plug In Hybrid X5 The X5 has been a big hit worldwide since its inception and now the plug in hybrid BMW X5 45e is adding another aspect to the lineup. Outside To the untrained eye, there isn’t much to obviously set the X5 45e apart from the rest of the X5 lineup.  Up front the kidney grille is just as large and in your face as on other X5’s. The lower bumper opening is also oversized with additional large vents on the outside edges. Everything about the front end is big. Newer to the US market are the …

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Mullen Five EV SUV

Mullen Unveils Mullen Five EV CUV, 325 Mile Range And 3.2 0 to 60 Time Could Create Potent Combination

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Amid all the debuts that occurred at the 2021 L.A. Auto Show, There are still some eager upstart firms seeking to make a name for themselves in the broader electric vehicle segment. One of these firms is Mullen, with the Southern California company using the 2021 L.A. Auto Show to introduce the all-new Mullen Five EV crossover.   Big Numbers And Value Pricing, Can They Pull It Off? Like a few other newcomers in the EV segment, Mullen is playing the tried and true tune of promising big performance that can be had at a value price. In this case, …

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2023 Nissan Ariya To Have $47,950 Base MSRP, Nissan To Release Other Aryia Flavors Later

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When it comes to the Nissan Ariya EV, it may seem like the journey from concept to production reality has been one filled with many twists and turns (as well as a few COVID-19 related potholes along the way.) At last, the journey is now over, with Nissan not only revealing final U.S. pricing for the Ariya but also opening up reservations for the new model too.   Nissan Following GM Playbook In Regards To Ariya Ordering Look at the Ariya’s launch plans, and it appears that Nissan is borrowing a page or two from GM’s approach to things. GM …

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2022 Nissan Rogue Packs Turbo Power, Adds Updates For New Model Year

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The Nissan Rogue recently received a radical refresh for the 2021 model year that saw many aspects of the popular SUV benefit from some much-welcomed attention. But while the bulk of the SUV won praise, the carryover 2.5 liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder had about as much oomph as a bag of moldy cheese and was not a Rouge strong suit. Nissan is out to change that though introducing an all-new turbocharged model into the Rogue lineup.   Smaller Is Indeed Better At first glance, it might be hard to see where Nissan is going here with the new 1.5-liter three-cylinder …

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Road Test Review – 2021 Volvo XC90 T8 E-AWD Inscription – The Next Step In Volvo’s Green Future

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When it comes to large full-size luxury SUVs, few can hold a candle to the Volvo XC90. Despite debuting a few years ago, the XC90 is still one of the freshest luxury SUVs you can buy today and the perfect complement to the brand’s other models. But what would happen if you took some of the core essentials that made the SUV a hit with buyers and infused it with state-of-the-art electrification technology? That’s what we sought to find out when we recently spent some time with the Volvo XC90 T8 E-AWD Inscription.   Clean XC90 Exterior Styling Hides Electrified …

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2023 Mazda CX-50 Marks Key Step For Company, Brings Standard All-Wheel Drive And Will Incorporate Hybrid Variant

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When Mazda announced that it was going to double down on the utility market, we were intrigued. The Japanese auto giant was already in the midst of a shift towards utilities. Still, it had a lot of ground to make up in the face of rivals that already had a sizable headstart in prepping for the strong demand in utility models. One of the cogs of this broader sales machine is the CX series, and Mazda has now given us our first glimpse of what one would look like with the unveiling of the all-new 2023 Mazda CX-50.   CX-50 …

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Aston Martin DBX Debuts Straight Six Engine, Will Be Chinese Exclusive

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When we last drove the Aston Martin DBX, we fell in love with the delightful noises that emanated from its twin-turbocharged V8 and the way it managed to blur the line between a sports car and a sports utility vehicle when it came to going through the motions. However, we were curious to see how the DBX would accommodate smaller engines especially considering the company’s strong partnership with Mercedes-Benz. The world got a glimpse of this future today with the all-new DBX straight-six model.   Fewer Cylinders Means More DBX Fuel Economy Before we get into the details surrounding this …

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Subaru Solterra EV SUV Revealed Ahead Of L.A., Goes Beyond Badge Engineering

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Subaru has spent the past few months slowly teasing the all-new Solterra EV, the first all-electric offering that the company has produced while also solidifying its partnership with Toyota. The Solterra is making its debut at the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show, and the company has decided to release a few more photos of the EV ahead of its debut under the lights in L.A.   Toyota DNA Is Evident But Solterra Has Subaru Charm Too When you first look at the Solterra, its uncanny resemblance to the Toyota bZ4x is evident when you look at its exterior styling. While …

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2022 Hyundai Tucson Limited HTRAC review by Ben Lewis

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Here we are testing the all-new 2002 Hyundai Tucson, the vehicle that is the maker’s best-selling model globally, so it must be the standard bearer for the direction the company is going. And in the US, the compact SUV segment is huge as well. So, no pressure then, for the new model! But we have been consistently impressed with all the new Hyundais we’ve driven, from the full-size Pallisade SUV to the Elantra and Sonata sedans. Is the new Tucson ready to take on world? Let’s find out. Stunning Looks Well, if you’re going to make a good first impression, …

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Dodge Unveils 2022 Dodge Durango Mopar Edition, Hits Dealerships In 2022

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SEMA is typically associated with wild one-off concepts and is usually the one time in the year where engineers are only limited by their imaginations in creating a concept. Stellantis used the occasion to unveil a small army of concepts that cover a wide range of themes but were not necessarily green-lit for production. However, that’s not the case with the 2022 Dodge Durango Mopar Edition which adds some custom style to the Durango and will be available to buy in 2022.   Mopar Edition Durango Is Back In Black, Features Custom Touches The exterior changes here on the Mopar …

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Land Rover Reveals 2022 Range Rover SUV, Smoother Styling Blends Elegantly With New Technology

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It’s not often that a radically upgraded Range Rover enters the world, but Land Rover certainly knows how to make a splash when it does. The outgoing Range Rover performed its job well but criticized its exterior styling and some of its technology. Land Rover is out to the right those wrongs and has unveiled the 2022 Range Rover.   New Exterior Styling Smooths Out The Edges, Generates New Discussion One of the significant changes that’s coming to the 2022 Range Rover is also one of Land Rover’s biggest gambles, with the SUV now adopting a minimalist approach to exterior …

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2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid EX review by Ben Lewis

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If we say large Kia SUV, what do you say? You’d probably say “Telluride”.  And we can’t blame you, the rugged 3-row SUV has been a huge hit, and right now, many are commanding impressive amounts above sticker on the showroom floor. But there’s another 3-row Kia that should be on your radar as well – the all-new 2021 Kia Sorento. Does the Telly’s little brother live up to the family image? Let’s look. Bold Style This is the 4th generation Sorento, and like the Telluride and Carnival minivan, it is modern, crisp, and sporty. Designed by Kia’s California design …

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Ford Expedition Timberline Pricing Leaked, Reportedly Starts At $68,385

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The Ford Expedition Timberline fired a warning shot at the Jeep Wagoneer when it debuted at the 2021 Motor Bella extravaganza in Detroit. While a mini monsoon prevented us from getting to know it better, Ford is confident that this flavor of Expedition will be a good Jeep rival. However, pricing information remained elusive. But thanks to a report from Ford Authority, it appears that Ford has covered all angles when it comes to dethroning the Wagoneer.   Trail Ready Fun That Stays Under $70k Ford Authority claims that it gathered its findings from sources “familiar with the 2022 Expedition …

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Honda Unveils Rally Bred Passport SUV, Will Compete In American Rally Association

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It wasn’t too long ago that Honda focused on promoting reliability, practicality, and value with its utility vehicle lineup. While this certainly catered to a wide swath of buyers, that meant putting things such as off-road capability, trail readiness, and fun on the backburner. Thankfully, the Japanese auto giant is finally changing its tune on those latter three and has put a greater emphasis on promoting them to consumers. That includes the growing TrailSport lineup, but Honda promises these models are just the first act in a broader show. We got to see a slice of this on the motorsport …

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2022 Lexus LX600 Is A Land Cruiser In A Tux, Will Be Coming To The U.S. Market

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Toyota soured the mood of many of its U.S. fans when it revealed that the next-generation Toyota Land Cruiser was not coming to the U.S. due to evolving segment needs (as well as sluggish sales.) While that particular off-roading icon is not coming to the U.S, luxury brand Lexus has delivered a very potent consolation prize and revealed that the 2022 Lexus LX600 would be coming stateside.   A Land Cruiser In Platform Only, an LX600 In All The Right Places With the venerable Toyota Land Cruiser serving as its core basis, it should come as no surprise that the …

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Ford Expedition Timberline Off-Grid Concept Goes Extra Mile For Trail Ready Capability

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The recently unveiled 2022 Ford Expedition Timberline aimed to bring extra off-road capability to the large family hauler while also jumpstarting the Timberline sub-brand. But with a high-ranking Jeep rep going on record to throw shade at the Timberline’s trail credentials, it appears that Ford wanted to set the record straight and has unveiled the Ford Expedition Timberline Off-Grid concept.    Beefier Styling Adds Butch Vibes To Expedition Off-Grid Concept In addition to perhaps silencing Jeep’s online trolling, the Expedition Off-Grid is also designed to cater to the growing trend of more off-road buyers embracing the overland lifestyle. The concept …

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2022 VW Taos SEL FWD review by Ben Lewis

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We recently tested the all-new VW ID.4 EV SUV and came away impressed. VW is on a roll. So, we were equally excited to test the all-new Taos, their smallest SUV that slots below the Tiguan. And since the automaker no longer is going to sell a Golf TSI hatchback, the Taos is your go-to for affordable and capable VW-ness. Let’s see if VW has another hit, or a sophomore slump. Family Resemblance Well, the exterior is clearly VW. And in the case of Taos, it’s a big player – it is almost as large as its big brother Tiguan, …

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Electrification Coming To Grand Cherokee, Jeep Confirms 4xe Model And Confirms Other 2022 Grand Cherokee Details

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When we last saw the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, it was in its stretched L form, which brought three-row seating to the GC for the first time, made the Dodge Durango instantly irrelevant, and promised to be the best one ever made by Jeep. However, the giant elephant missing in the room was the standard-sized Grand Cherokee with Jeep repeatedly saying that it was still undergoing development. Thankfully, the wait is almost over, with Jeep confirming that it will be unveiling the short-wheelbase version and the 4xe model on September 29th.   A Return To Form For Jeep’s Bread And …

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Ford Confirms Rumored Bronco Raptor Model, Will Appear In 2022

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We should’ve known that Ford would have a huge surprise in its bag of tricks when we listened eagerly to the brand’s announcement of the 2022 Expedition lineup. What seemed like the typical conclusion of a press conference diverted in an exciting direction when Ford reps revealed that not only is the 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor a production reality. But that we wouldn’t have to wait very long for it either, with the beefed-up Bronco expected to make its appearance sometime in 2022. Brief Teaser Provides A Literal Glimpse Of The Bronco Raptor And Not Much Else While our glimpse …

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2021 Audi Q5 55 TFSI e quattro review by Ben Lewis

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We recently tested the all-new VW ID.4 EV and loved a lot about it. But there’s part of us that still loves the sound and feel of a good old gas engine. Is there a best of both world’s vehicle? Well, we just tested the Audi Q5 plug-in hybrid to find out if we can have our EV thrills and conventional engine cake all in one bite. Let’s look. Fresh Face For 2021 Audi has freshened the looks of what was already a handsome SUV. Up front, you’ll see the octagonal Singleframe grille is thinner and wider, with taller side …

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Ford Unveils Refreshed 2022 Expedition, New Trim Levels And Technology Form Bulk Of Changes

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The current generation Ford Expedition is entering its fourth model year of service. But while the big utility is still a top go to for family buyers, some aspects of its game were starting to age badly in the face of relentless competition. Ford has taken note, and has given the family hauler a light refresh for 2022 that aims to sharpen its resolve while also allowing it to stay on the curve with rivals like the Chevrolet Suburban and the Jeep Wagoneer family.   Light Exterior Refresh Nips And Tucks The Expedition’s Functionality At first glance, the exterior revisions …

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Road Test Review – 2021 Hyundai Venue Denim – As Capable And Value Filled As A Pair Of Slick Jeans

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The sport utility market seems to be at its breaking point when it comes to the sheer number of offerings that are available in the market today. From big to small, it’s apparent that the world’s automakers are trying to fill every possible niche in the battle for SUV dominance. The Hyundai Venue is one of those that are trying to make its mark in the compact SUV segment. But does the Venue still have what it takes to bring it to competitors looking to trounce it on value? And why does our tester look like a pair of blue …

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Ford Brings Green To Crimefighting With Creation Of Mach-E GT Police Interceptor Concept, Will Enter MSP Trials

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Fighting crime is tricky for many police departments, and it’s natural to assume that electrification and green motoring might not fit into the script at first glance. However, while the bulk of the spotlight is focused on creating EV entries for the civilian market, Ford wanted to cover all angles and unveiled an all-new Mach-E Police Interceptor, which will be spending some time with the Michigan State Police Department.   Mustang Mach-E Will Have Very Formidable Shoes To Fill The latest Mach-E Police Interceptor concept will have two sets of shoes to fill if it gets full approval for police …

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2021 VW ID.4 PRO S review by Ben Lewis

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We really admire VW. After the Dieselgate trauma, the brand was really on the ropes, especially here in the U.S. We wouldn’t have been surprised if the German brand would have pulled out of the US market. But they didn’t. Instead, the fixed what was wrong with the Diesels, and started building exciting new models, like the all-new GTI and the Jetta GLI. VW also threw itself into being one of the leaders in EV tech. The first offering we saw was the E-Golf that we really enjoyed, but like many other carmakers, it was taking an existing vehicle and …

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Mazda Unveils Updated 2022 CX-5, Tweaked Styling Promises To Elevate Elegance And Sportiness

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The Mazda CX-5 is one of the few in the utility vehicle segment that has managed to nail the perfect balance of sport-inspired performance and value-focused luxury that can actually blur the line between mainstream and luxury when equipped properly. But even the ultimate jack of all trades needs to be refreshed once in a while, and the company has unveiled the updated 2022 CX-5, which follows closely on the heels of its recently unveiled Chinese market cousin.   Subtle Evolution Focuses On The Essentials The exterior styling of the 2022 CX-5 shares a lot of its basic traits with …

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Toyota Announces Official 2022 Corolla Cross Pricing, Sales Start In October

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The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross was initially an international market-only model, but the Japanese car giant unveiled the U.S. spec version of the model back in June. We had some questions about where the Corolla Cross would fit in the company’s utility lineup. Still, the Japanese auto giant has dropped a hint with Toyota reps revealing the official pricing ladder for the Corolla Cross before it goes on sale in October.   Value-Conscious And Proud Of It The Corolla Cross helps Toyota fill a budget-sized void in its crossover lineup. Base models start at $23,410 when you include the $1,215 …

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2022 Toyota 4Runner Debuts Wild Lime Rush Color, Adds New Model And Safety Tech Too

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The Toyota 4Runner has been a rugged off-road warrior for Toyota over the years. While the current generation 4Runner is long overdue for a redesign, the current generation model is still a popular choice among off-roaders. The Japanese auto giant has revealed some notable updates coming to the 4Runner for the 2022 model year.   Lime Rush Adds Boldness To Color Pallette   A big change that many buyers might notice on the TRD Pro model is the all-new Lime Rush exterior color. This hue first made its appearance on the Tacoma TRD Pro, and the vivid green is one …

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Cadillac Aims Higher With 2023 Cadillac Lyriq, Musical Moniker Is More Than A Gimmick

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When Cadillac unveiled the 2023 Lyriq EV SUV, it promised that the model would elevate the levels of luxury that a Cadilac model could provide while also serving as an elegant example of its Ultium technology in action. The Lyriq certainly appears to have the goods to pull it off and it even looks elegant in pictures, but how does it measure up in the real world? Cadillac invited us to GM Tech Center to spend some time with the Lyriq in-person to see some of its inner workings in person.   Near Production Exterior Radiates With Lighting, State Of …

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Road Test Review – 2021 Rolls Royce Cullinan Black Badge – Rolls Makes A Performance SUV And The World Takes Notice

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Rolls Royce is rolling the dice in the SUV segment with the 2021 Rolls Royce Cullinan Black Badge. When The Cullinan first appeared in 2019, it rewrote the definition of the pinnacle in luxury automobiles. It wasn’t long ago that owning a Phantom or even a Ghost sedan signified that you made it in the world. Still, with SUV demand rising globally, the British ultra-luxury carmaker knew it had to adapt to rapidly changing times. Our initial taste of the Cullinan was brief, with our 30-minute encounter doing little to answer how the large SUV would fare in long-term ownership. …

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2021 Honda CR-V 1.5T AWD Touring review by Ben Lewis

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Sometimes you wonder about something that’s a best-seller. Are they really good, and everybody knows about it? Like all those Marvel movies. Or maybe they’re just cheap and convenient. Like convenience store coffee from the pot that’s been there since the Clinton administration. So, here we have the 2021 Honda CR-V, Honda’s best-selling vehicle, and one of the best-selling vehicles of any kind. But what do those numbers really mean? Is this a superhero you can cheer for, or a nasty cup of joe that’s going to take a whole lot of sweeteners to get down? Let’s look. Clean and …

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Road Test Review – 2021 BMW Alpina XB7 – An X7 M In A Fine Velvet Suit

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BMW usually has a pretty consistent game plan when it comes to making performance models. It’s willing to sprinkle the vaunted M badge on all kinds of models, but it leaves the largest models (X7 and 7-Series) alone. Those models get a special trip to BMW tuner Alpina where they are transformed into exceptional performance luxury specials. Alpina is making history in 2021 by unleashing the Alpina XB7 onto American shores for the first time. But can Alpina’s first U.S. bound SUV entry to shake up the ultra-luxury performance SUV segment? Alpina Exterior Touches Transform XB7 The BMW X7 is …

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Whoops, Subaru Canada Unveils Beefier Forester Wilderness Model Early

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The Subaru Forester has managed to carve a very compelling niche for itself in the utility vehicle market. With a combination of quality, capability, and in recent years, standard equipment, the Forester has always risen to the occasion time and time again. But there’s always room for growth, and thanks to an ill-timed reveal by Subaru of Canada, we now get to see that the Forester will be the latest Subaru model to earn the Wilderness badge for the new model year.   Forester Bulks Up In Wilderness Trim While Subaru’s plans for an epic surprise rapidly turned into dust …

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Subaru Teases 2023 Solterra EV, Latest Fruit Of Partnership With Toyota

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The Toyota bZ4x teased a glimpse into what an electrified future could look like at Toyota. It would come with a very odd moniker and also bring some slick green vehicle technology to green vehicle buyers. With the Japanese auto giant’s partnership with Subaru going well, it should come as no shock to hear that Subaru will be getting a version of their own. It lurked in the shadows for a while, but Subaru finally released the first teaser images of the upcoming Solterra EV SUV.   Exterior Styling Is 100% Subaru. Before we dive deep into what makes the …

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2022 Kia Niro Hybrid Gets Revamped Badge, Tweaked Pricing Ladder

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As a wise man once said, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” It appears that the folks at Kia took this lesson to heart when it came to the 2022 Kia Niro and as a result, it appears to be fundamentally unchanged from the outgoing model. However, look closer and you’ll see that Kia made some minor revisions to the Niro which allow it to march in unison with the rest of the updated Kia lineup.   New Badging Is Sole Update In 2022 Niro When we said minor revisions, we’re not kidding in that regards with Kia designers …

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Hyundai Releases 2022 Kona Pricing, Base Model Starts At $23,375

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Hyundai promised bigger and better things from the 2022 Hyundai Kona when the Korean car giant first unveiled it some time ago. We got to see all the changes that Hyundai made to the exterior and the interior of the revamped compact CUV while also learning that a fire-breathing Kona N would also be joining the family for performance-seeking buyers (this author included.) But amid all the extra horsepower and technology, Hyundai forgot to disclose just how much of your hard-earned money would be needed to add a Kona to your garage? The wait is over on that, with Hyundai …

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2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Review by Ben Lewis

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We’ve been looking forward to the review of the Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo for some time. As part of the Mazda 3 chassis family, we’ve enjoyed the Mazda 3 Sedan and Mazda 3 hatchback immensely. And when Mazda started squeezing the 250-horsepower 2.5-liter, turbo 4-cylinder in these models (as well as the CX-5), we have hoped for a thrill machine like the old MazdaSpeed 3. Close, but no cigar. While the turbo motor does make these mounts quite quick, it seems that Mazda was leaning much more towards sophistication. Nice cars. But they didn’t get your blood up. Well, we …

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Comparison Battle – 2021 Ford Bronco Manual vs Bronco Automatic – Which Flavor Of Bronco Is Best?

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The 2021 Ford Bronco is shaping up to be a huge thorn in the side of the Jeep Wrangler. While the hardtop versions are currently being held back by the company to address lingering quality issues, the soft top models are slowly making their way into dealer lots. Along with the choice in tops, the Bronco also offers buyers either a seven-speed manual or an optional 10-speed automatic. This presented a very compelling question for us, which transmission choice is better? We were eager to find out.   Manual Equipped Bronco Does A Good Wrangler Impression While the crowded streets …

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2022 Ford Explorer ST-Line Brings Sporty Looks Without the Hardware

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Beauty, it seems, is sometimes in the eye of the beholder, and while having a performance-focused car is the dream of every enthusiast, sometimes the full package can be out of reach for buyers. Ford has thought of this with the ST-Line package, which brings the performance looks without the increased price of the associated hardware. This trim has been a staple in Europe, but it has had a decidedly subtler run in the U.S., with the axed Fiesta ST-Line and the recently launched Edge variant being the lone entries. But Explorer buyers will soon get in on the act …

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Car Shopping: What You Need to Know About Vehicle Depreciation

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When it comes to significant purchases, apart from a home, they don’t tend to get more significant than a new vehicle. However, unlike a home, a vehicle is a depreciating asset, which means that it will lose, not gain, value over time.    That’s why, if you’re planning to buy a new vehicle any time soon, you should know a bit more about depreciation and the factors that affect it.   What is vehicle depreciation? Vehicle depreciation normally refers to the drop in value between the time that you purchase the car and the time that you come to sell …

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Lincoln Brings Enhanced Luxury, Style, And Technology To 2022 Navigator, Debuts ActiveGlide Technology

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The Lincoln Navigator has arguably re-emerged as one of the biggest sales successes that the brand has seen in recent years. Once relegated to being a mere afterthought behind the Cadillac Escalade, the current generation Gator proved to be a solid full-size luxury SUV contender, and we even had the chance to take one for an adventure in northern Michigan a few years ago. But evolution is useful for any model, and Lincoln has given the 2022 Navigator some new tricks and improvements for the new model year.   A Nip And A Tuck Defines Navigator Exterior Updates The exterior …

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Ford Bronco Riptide Concept Hits The Sand, Is All About Summertime Fun

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When the Ford Bronco was revived, the Dearborn auto giant made it pretty clear that it aimed to take on the Jeep Wrangler in every possible sector of the off-road market. But while the launch has been hobbled by recent issues with the Bronco’s hardtop roof, the company is still eying a strong profit in offering custom accessories (long dominated by the fore-mentioned Wrangler.) Over 200 accessories have already been confirmed, but Ford has unveiled the all-new Bronco Riptide concept to help bring some of these options to life.   Stylish One-Off Has The Beach In Its Sights The Bronco …

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Road Test Review – 2021 Lexus NX 300h Black Line Edition – A Sporty Send Off Before The Next Gen Arrives

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Lexus is preparing a new iteration of the urban-centric NX CUV, but before that model arrives, the Japanese luxury giant has unleashed one last sporty surprise into the marketplace with the 2021 NX 300h Black Line Edition. Black Line Edition models blend sporty styling cues with an interior that puts distinction and refinement in the driver’s seat. The RX Black Line Edition has been a success for Lexus so far, but can some of this sales magic translate into a smaller CUV?   Black Line Edition Adds Depth To NX Range That depth starts on the exterior of the NX, …

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2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro Review by Ben Lewis

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We recently tested the Lexus GX460, and found its luxury, combined with impressive off-road equipment made it one of the most capable off-road luxury SUVs. Like the Lexus, the Toyota 4Runner finds itself in a specialist segment of the SUV market. Most buyers want car-like comforts, safety equipment and thoughtful utility. But actual go-for-it, extreme all-terrain capability is low on the list of people who will challenging the mall or Home Depot. A smaller group, though, still lives for what an SUV can do, where it can take you, and how it will get you back. For that crowd, Toyota …

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Kia Catches A Wave With Soul EV Boardmasters Edition, One-Off To Headline British Surfing Event

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Remember back when dune buggies and other beach-focused rides dominated the coastlines and beaches of the world? While the 1960s may be long gone, Kia wanted to try and channel some of these vibes into a vehicle that could not only be at home on the beach but also have the ability to plug in and charge. I thas done so with the Soul Boardmasters Edition, which will help organizers of the 2021 Boardmasters surfing competition in Cornwall, England. Suspension Lift Enhances Soul Concept’s Off-Road Capability An immediate change that buyers will notice when they look at the concept is …

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Road Test Review – 2022 Hyundai Tucson Limited – Radical Refresh Puts Tucson In Step With The Times

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When Hyundai revealed plans to radically update the Tucson, they had a hefty order on their hands. The Tucson is one of the most popular SUVs that the company sells, and Hyundai engineers knew that they couldn’t drop the ball when designing this latest chapter of the SUV. But does this futuristic SUV finally take the Tucson name into more premium territory? Or is it still a step short in accomplishing all of its objectives?   Futuristic Styling Pushes Tuscon’s Modern Design Into The Spotlight To find out, Hyundai allowed us to spend a few days with the Tucson, and …

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Lexus RX To Receive Black Line Edition Model For 2022, Will Join RXL In Offering Sporty Styling Package

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When Lexus first revealed that the RX lineup was to receive the Black Line Edition treatment, the package was originally limited to the RXL extended-wheelbase model, which is the company’s half-baked attempt at creating a three passenger CUV for minimal investment. That announcement left us wondering about the standard RX and whether the Black Line would migrate to that variant of RX? Lexus revealed that it’s bringing things full circle and will introduce the Black Line Edition to those models for 2022.   Darkened Styling Adds Substance To RX’s Styling This version follows the path set by other models equipped …

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2022 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL 2.5 S-AWC Review by Ben Lewis

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Who doesn’t love a good comeback story? The movies are full of them – our star gets knocked down, struggles, and makes an epic comeback. Well Mitsubishi is sort of like that. For a while with vehicles like the rugged Montero SUV, the high-performance 3000 GT and Eclipse and (heavenly halo, please) Evo rally-car for the street, it was a niche player with a big following. Sort of like Subaru is now, when you think of it. Then our hero got knocked to the ground. The models in the lineup were tame, and lack of funds meant that many of …

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Hyundai Unveils 2022 Santa Fe XRT, Appearance Package Adds Rugged Look To Family Hauler

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The current trend in the world of SUVs has seen many automakers add various styling touches to select models in an attempt to make them look more rugged and trail-ready. Typically that means splashes of black-colored trim and perhaps a few other minor tweaks to help make them look the part. Hyundai is the latest automaker to jump onto this trend and has unveiled the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT, which aims to blaze a trail of its own into this growing fad.   Santa Fe XRT Looks The Part The 2022 Santa Fe benefitted from a mid-cycle refresh last …

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Road Test Review – 2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS600 – Private Jet Luxury For The Open Road

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Ever wondered what would happen if you took a private jet, sliced off the wings, and infused all of its luxuries into a large SUV? The idea of a luxury-laden large SUV is nothing new. Still, ultra-luxury automakers’ current push into this once unoccupied space is a recent development with Bentley and Rolls-Royce all entering the fray. With these big British luxury names throwing their hats in the ring, it only fits that Mercedes-Benz wanted a slice of the pie for itself and has created the all-new 2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS600. But can this first-ever Maybach SUV lure buyers away from …

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