Comparison Tests

2022 Toyota Corolla Cross review by Ben Lewis

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

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2022 BMW M240i xDrive review by Ben Lewis

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There are a lot of BMW models out there. A lot. But if we had to pick just one as a fave, we’d be leaning towards the 2-series coupe. Why? Well, call us old school, but the 2 reminds us most of the brand’s roots, from the early 1600-2002, to the 1-series, to the previous 2-series. Close coupled, personal with loads of performance and personality – and at the lower end of the price spectrum for the brand. So, when we heard there was an all-new 2-series, we were thrilled to get the opportunity to test one. Does it stay …

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2021Honda Accord 2.0T Sport review by Ben Lewis

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You know, we’re always happy when we’re testing a Honda Accord. It’s like having a good friend come to visit. Yes, there’s plenty of time to talk about what’s new and exciting, but there’s also a lot of good feelings from the length of time you’ve known each other. And it’s not just us – the Accord is the best-selling car of the last 50 years. So, what’s been going on with our trusted friend? Let’s find out! Fresh Face The current Accord was already quite handsome, but we really like the upgrades they’ve made to keep Honda’s flagship sedan …

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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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2022 Toyota Sienna XLE review by Ben Lewis

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Minivans always seem to be a topic of discussion. We know many a SUV driver who wouldn’t be caught dead in one. And we know many minivan drivers who wouldn’t own anything else. Part of this is a hangover from the early days of the little van, being a very functional box, but really be devoid of any style. Toyota’s Sienna has always been a fine product, and in the previous generation, the “Swagger Wagon” add campaign gave some needed cache to the vehicle. Introduced last year, an all-new Sienna takes a major step in style, performance, and technology – …

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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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2022 Acura TLX Type S Review by Ben Lewis

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We loved the all-new Acura TLX A-Spec we tested recently. Acura has been on a roll lately, and the TLX is now bigger, badder, and is the whole package when it comes to style, performance and technology. But like the Kia K5 – also a sweetheart of a sport sedan – the manufacturer waited to introduce a more powerful, more driver focused version. In this case, the TLX Type S – bringing the performance Type S moniker back after many years of hibernation. So, with Honda’s luxury division building a TLX to thrill like never before, we were excited to …

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2022 Honda Civic Sport Touring Hatchback Review by Ben Lewis

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We recently tested the all-new 2022 Honda Civic sedan and loved it. Classy and upgraded inside out with great performance. What’s not to love? So, Honda tells us they now have a new hatchback model, with more utility and – hold on to your hats – an available manual transmission! Time for another road test. Haven’t We Met Before? The hatchback is a near-twin to the sedan – no problem there, we like the sedan’s grown-up look. Like the sedan, the front end has a very Accord-like look, with a prominent forward grille, featuring LED headlights with a cool signature …

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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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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 Subaru BRZ Limited review by Ben Lewis

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For enthusiasts on a budget, one of the most awaited new sports cars is the 2022 Subaru BRZ, and it’s twin the 2022 Toyota GR86.  It’s easy to see why, the original BRZ and then-named Toyota FR-S, came out in 2013 and were aimed directly at drivers with a front-engine, rear drive powertrain, a low-slung Subaru boxer powerplant, an equally low-slung design, a superb driving experience and a very reasonable price. Think of it as a Miata competitor with a permanent metal roof, a hatchback with two tiny rear seats, and you get the picture. But the little coupe punches …

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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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2021 Lexus RC 350 F SPORT review by Ben Lewis

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We recently tested and loved the all-new Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance, with a massively powerful and sonorous 5.0-liter V8. It was a fantastic sport sedan. But maybe you like the svelte lines of a coupe. And don’t really need all that power, but still want something quick and sporty – and with all that luxury and goodness of Toyota’s premium division? Well have we got a car for you! The Lexus RC 350 F SPORT. Let’s take a look. Sporty, Smooth and Sophisticated The RC has been with us for several years now, yet it still turns head …

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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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2022 Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance review by Ben Lewis

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We recently tested the 2021 Lexus IS 350 F SPORT and were frankly wowed by the enhancements to the looks and performance, taking a really good car and making it great. And it reinforced all the talk from Lexus and Toyota being serious about performance was the real deal. How real? Well Lexus has slapped the gorgeous naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter V8 from the luscious LC IS 500 in the IS sedan, creating a new trim – F SPORT Performance – which is above F SPORT but below F models. Ok, a little confusing, but it sounds like a marriage made in …

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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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2022 MINI Cooper Hardtop 2 Door Review by Ben Lewis

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Porsche used to have an ad campaign that said, “There is no substitute”. But when you look at a lot of the company’s latest SUV’s and the like, well…there are plenty of substitutes. No, we think if you want something really unique – and somewhat affordable – you look at the MINI. We were especially excited to drive the base model, 3-door hatchback. For 2022, the MINIs have gotten a new look and some added features to keep things fresh, and we like the idea of getting into the brand’s most affordable model. Let’s Motor! (Ok, that’s their ad campaign). …

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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 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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2021 Mazda CX-5 Signature vs 2021 Ford Escape Titanium – Which Mass Market Luxury SUV Is Best?

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Luxury, it seems, is becoming more of a factor in the world of utility vehicles. Once considered a backburner item in the minds of mainstream utility buyers, the ability to have more coddling features has rapidly morphed into a key SUV keystone. But which SUV can play the role of value-focused luxury entry best? To find out, we picked two SUVs (the 2021 Ford Escape Titanium and the 2021 Mazda CX-5 Signature) and put them through a battery of tests to try and find out which one reigns supreme? Both have benefited from minor updates since their last battle, and …

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Car-Revs-Daily Comparision Test – 2021 Hyundai Sonata Limited – The Best Value Sedan?

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With SUVs and other utility vehicles rapidly taking center stage in the automotive world, it can be easy to forget that the traditional mid-size sedan market is still a potent battlefield where nameplates come and go, and the ones that survive have to work extra hard to make a name for themselves. That’s the case with the 2021 Hyundai Sonata lineup, which aims to steal the spotlight from the likes of the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord. But is the Sonata ahead of the pack in terms of delivering the right blend of equipment, style, and value? To find …

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2020 Mazda MX-5 Club Comparison Review: Supra vs MX-5 who wins?

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The 2020 Mazda MX-5 has always been a very interesting entry for Mazda. It serves as a very budget friendly option for those looking to enter the sports car segment and it has been a value focused icon in the segment since its debut in the 1990s. During this period though the Toyota Supra was morphing into its most potent form and was a very potent performance car entry. However, volatile economic factors and currency exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the Yen forced the Supra to take a brief respite from production while the MX-5 continued on. But …

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2020 vs 2022 Kona what’s new and different?

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With Hyundai recently unveiling the heavily updated 2021 Kona for Europe (2022 for our market) its clear that Hyundai is still willing to walk the walk when it comes to making a compact CUV that has a combination of style, technology, and performance. But with the game tightening up in its segment, the Kona still needs to be on its A game to fend off new challengers. Hyundai has done just that with the 2022 Kona. But while Hyundai unveiled it for the European market, it still serves as a glimpse to whats in store for U.S. customers. We recently …

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What changes are in store for the 2021 Lexus IS? We compare old vs new to find out

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When Lexus took the veil off of the 2021 Lexus IS, it certainly appeared to be a noticeable improvement over the outgoing model which was really starting to show its age, and was falling behind rivals in a number of categories. But what can buyers expect in terms of changes, and is the new model indeed better than the outgoing IS? To find out, we spent some time behind the wheel of a 2020 model, and it certainly answered alot of our burning questions.   Fresh Styling Rules The Day: One of the most obvious changes that buyers will notice …

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Comparision Battle – 2020 Mazda CX-5 Signature vs 2020 Ford Escape Titanium

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Shopping for an SUV these days can be a very difficult endeavor for many buyers. There are a wide range of models, trims, and other items all vying to try and get your hard earned dollars when it comes time to sign on the dotted line. While the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has certainly put a crimp on new vehicle sales across the board, many of the local dealerships we visited in Metro Detroit have reported steady SUV and CUV sales. We decided to compare the 2020 Mazda CX-5 Signature and the 2020 Ford Escape Titanium to see how they would …

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Scalpel or Hammer?

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2019 Acura NSX vs 2019 Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye If you’re like me, you might be anticipating a major life phase change. And as a car person, likely the next thing on your mind will be how this might positively affect your future stable. My current phase is one of “peak college”, let’s call it. Come autumn, three of my offspring will be chasing higher education. The title of this post does not represent which of my kids are shooting to become a doctor and which are aiming for trade school. But, instead, which car might anyone in anticipating that …

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Battle of the 2019 Jeep Cherokees – Trailhawk Vs Limited – By Matt Barnes

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A few months, back we had the chance to test drive the 2019 Jeep Cherokee Limited. We really enjoyed our time with the vehicle and you can read about it here. Recently, Jeep sent us the Trailhawk version of the 2019 Jeep Cherokee, with the same 3.2 liter V6 and 9 speed automatic transmission. This gave us a good opportunity to compare the two similarly equipped vehicles, costing within $200 of each other. Similarities Both 2019 Cherokees we tested came with: Adaptive cruise control Lane keep assist 9 speaker audio system with the 8.4 inch Uconnect and GPS setup Leather …

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Luxury Flagship Comparison – 1st Place – 2018 Cadillac CT6 Platinum – By Carl Malek

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When we first started this comparison series, three flagship luxury sedans entered the fray, but ultimately, only one emerged with the coveted first place slot. The 2018 Genesis G90 and the 2018 Lexus LS 500 F-Sport gave it there all in a wide range of categories, but in the end it, was ultimately the CT6 that had what it takes to emerge victorious. The exterior styling of our 2018 tester (2019 models arrive with updated styling elements) is the latest interpretation of Cadillac’s Art & Science language, and the execution is a bit jumbled. The front fascia is bold, but …

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Luxury Flagship Comparison – 2nd Place – 2018 Genesis G90 3.3T – By Carl Malek

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Genesis has certainly hit its stride over the past few years. Models like the G80 (a rebadged Hyundai Genesis) as well as the recently unveiled G70 sport sedan have helped the young luxury brand ascend to new heights since it was first introduced to the world in 2015. This surprising emergence, as well as the G90’s ambitions to topple luxury flagship benchmarks, helped it earn an invitation to our Luxury Flagship Comparison challenge to see if it could measure up to its two rivals the 2018 Lexus LS 500, and the Cadillac CT6. The exterior styling of our tester still …

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Luxury Flagship Comparison – 3rd Place – 2018 Lexus LS 500 F-Sport – By Carl Malek [Video]

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With the recent swath of new luxury flagship sedans that have entered the marketplace, it can be very difficult to find which one is indeed the best fit for you and your budget. This tough choice helped serve as inspiration for our inaugural three way international luxury car comparison test. We assembled three of the most popular luxury flagship sedans and drove them side by side to help find which one is indeed best. The German benchmarks (BMW 7-Series, Mercedes S-Class, and Audi A8) were excluded, and instead we focused our attention on two new players (the Genesis G90 3.3T …

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Road Test Comparision – 2019 Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design AWD Versus 2018 Jaguar E-Pace – By Carl Malek

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When the Volvo XC40 was first unveiled to the world, it not only represented Volvo’s first formal entry into the small luxury CUV ranks, but it also came with a whole host of bold promises including  youthful appeal, a budget friendly pricing ladder, as well as a revolutionary subscription service. But can the Volvo XC40 indeed be the one to fulfill these promises, while also still succeeding at its root mission in the CUV ranks at the same time? At first glance, the XC40 certainly has the aesthetic goods to back it up. While the exterior canvas is distinctively Swedish, …

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Comparo! 2018 Lexus RX350 vs RX350L Luxury – By Ben Lewis

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Now Trending It seems that no carmakers are immune to the latest trends. And here is the latest in crossover-dome, 3rd row seats in mid-size vehicles. It’s actually not a new idea, heck you could even get 3rd row seats in small SUV’s like the RAV4 for a while. Then we had a nice long run where mid-size vehicles were sensible 5-passenger models, and if you needed to seat 7 you got a larger SUV or even a minivan. And then, all of a sudden 3 row vehicles started coming back. Models like the new VW Tiguan, Land Rover Discovery …

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