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ROAD TEST REVIEWS

2021 Toyota Corolla XSE Review by Ben Lewis

When you think about it, the Toyota Corolla is like a McDonald’s Hamburger. In car-land the Corolla is the best-selling nameplate ever, with over 46 million sold. (For those playing at home, Mickey D’s has sold over 300 Billion burgers.) And with that popularity comes a familiarity, a confidence – Toyota and McDonald’s know what they’re doing. And in both, you can tell that while they may constantly tweak and improve, they stick with a recipe they know that works. So, while other competitors come and go, sometimes being spicier and flashier, there’s a comfort in familiar brands. You know …

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2022 Subaru Forester Goes To The Gym, Debuts Chiseled New Styling In Japan Home Market

First launched back in 2018, the fight generation Subaru Forester was designed to help the hot-selling utility catch up to the times in terms of styling and technology. The Forester is a hot selling model for the Japanese automaker and has become a must-have transportation tool for many families. But it never hurts to stay fresh, and the company has unveiled the refreshed 2022 Forester in Japan.   Fine Tuning The Forester Essentials Compared to some of the other updates that we have seen with some of its rivals, the Forester’s suite of changes is relatively minor. The front fascia …

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2022 Lexus NX Goes For Maximum Styling, Debuts New 450h+ Model

The Lexus NX is the Japanese luxury brand’s entry for city-dwelling millennials and Gen Z buyers looking for a utility that not only delivers the goods in terms of luxury appointments but is also compact enough to zip its way through city streets. While the NX proved to be popular with buyers, Lexus admitted that the outgoing model wasn’t perfect and has attempted to fix all of its shortcomings with the 2022 NX.   Slicker Styling Aims To Turn More Heads And Project A Sportier Image The exterior styling of the outgoing NX was, for better or for worse, a …

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Road Test Review – 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo – Cute Ute Gains New Muscle For The New Model Year

When we first sampled the Mazda CX-30, it certainly came with a lot of promise and helped fill a void in Mazda‘s lineup. The one key problem was that the CX-30 lacked raw power, with the wheezy engine being a notable detriment to the CX-30. But Mazda isn’t one to rest on their laurels and wanted to give the 2021 CX-30 Turbo the chance to live up to the Japanese automaker’s legendary reputation for performance. It intends to do this by giving it a turbocharged alternative to its naturally aspirated ways, but is more boost the answer to its lagging …

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

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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Toyota Unveils 2022 Land Cruiser, Brings New Styling And Technology To Global Market

Out of all the major launches that automakers are preparing for 2021, one of the most important is undoubtedly the 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser. An off-roading icon and the counterculture T-shirt wearing equivalent to the cardigan-wearing Land Rover family. The current-generation Land Cruiser has been on the scene for several years now, but it’s starting to get long in the tooth, especially in the face of tightening fuel economy regulations and evolving rivals. As a result, Toyota has unveiled the 2022 model, bringing newfound vigor and new technology to the venerable full-size trail buster.    Bigger And Better Land Cruiser …

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2021 Volvo V60 T5 Cross Country Review by Ben Lewis

Long before the SUV craze, those who needed extra room and capability found their way into the station wagon. With extra load-carrying, up to three rows of seats, they were the workhorses of larger families. And of course, no discussion of wagons can go without mentioning Volvo. Since the 122 Amazon to the iconic 245 wagon, the Swedish carmakers lived on a blend of function, extreme durability, and anti-establishment chic. Later models became much more stylish, much quicker, but owning a Volvo wagon still puts you a tasteful distance from the mainstream. We like that. And we also like that …

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2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Fuel Numbers Appear, Poised To Shakeup Mid-Size Pickup Segment

Hyundai certainly turned plenty of heads when it unveiled the 2022 Santa Cruz pickup. The utility-focused Hyundai offered plenty of features for urban adventurers, but we still had questions about its fuel economy. The Korean auto giant has delivered the goods and confirmed that the Santa Cruz would be fighting toe to toe with rivals in this category.   Impressive Fuel Economy For A Non-Hybrid Offering The Santa Cruz is slated to go up against rivals like the Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Maverick, Toyota Tacoma, and the Honda Ridgeline, with fuel economy being a key pillar in this segment. While the …

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Bentley Continental GT3 Shoots For The Crown In Pikes Peak Challenge

The annual Pikes Peak hill climb event is fast approaching, and while the COVID-19 pandemic forced contenders to sit out the 2020 event in their garages, the 2021 event promises to continue its wild ways. Bentley is one of the teams competing in this year’s event and has prepared a special Continental GT3 to try and plant their bespoke flag at the event.    A Different Breed Of Continental The Continental GT3 might have originally started life as a luxury-filled coupe, but Bentley engineers have transformed the car into a potent track weapon, with the British luxury carmaker claiming that …

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2022 Buick Enclave Brings New Styling, Enhanced Standard Equipment To Buyers

When we last met the 2022 Buick Enclave, it was back in January when the brand slipped two photos of it to the assembled press during a broader event starring the smaller Buick Envision. The duet of pictures highlighted revamped exterior styling but did little to answer our questions surrounding the new interior. Nevertheless, Buick has lifted the veil of secrecy and has shed new light on what consumers can expect from Buick’s rebooted flagship.   Beauty Is In The Eye Of The Beholder One of the most significant changes that the Enclave received for 2022 is all-new exterior styling. …

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BMW Sheds New Light On 2022 i4 Performance And Specs, Shares New Pictures

It has been a while since we saw the i4 and the iX make their respective debuts. But while they certainly look very distinctive, BMW forced us to wait a bit to hear more information surrounding the duo, but the German luxury carmaker has finally relented and has revealed new details starting with the i4 electric sedan.   i4, An EV In 4-Series Clothing As the name and the basic exterior styling indicates, the i4 is a BMW 4-Series that does not give too much of its electrified disguise away when viewed at first glance. The i4 is very similar …

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Toyota Shows Off bZ4x Concept, Will Spawn New Model Family When It Goes On Sale

With all the buzz that Toyota generated from their marathon unveiling today, we saved the best for last. The company provided U.S. customers their first glimpse of the bZ4x concept while also confirming that the model will head to dealer showrooms in 2022.   bZ4x Signals Expansion Of Toyota EV Strategy Ok, we’ll admit, the bZ4x moniker is a mouthful of a word to pronounce, but we do like what we see when it comes to the concept itself. The exterior styling is futuristic but without going too overboard in its attempts to draw attention. The front fascia lacks a …

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2022 Toyota Supra A91-CF Embraces Weight Savings, Will Only Go To A Select Few

It has been a very busy day for Toyota, but with the 2022 model year now upon us, the company has literally thrown everything, but the kitchen sink out into the world to show buyers that it has plenty of thrills and chills in store for the new model year. Thankfully, Toyota has not forgotten about the Supra and has unleashed the all-new A91-CF, which blends rarity with weight-saving carbon fiber.   A91-CF, As Simple Of A Formula As You Can Get As the name implies, the 2022 Toyota Supra A91-CF Edition is a straightforward exercise, with the Supra receiving …

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Toyota Brings Fresh Updates to 2022 Tacoma TRD Pro And Trail Edition, More Capability For All

Toyota is preparing to make some big plays in the pickup segment as it seeks to steal a bigger slice of sales from the domestic big three. But while the 2022 Toyota Tundra full-size pickup is preparing for its time in the spotlight, the Japanese auto giant has revealed some big updates for the smaller Tacoma TRD Pro and the Tacoma Trail Edition.   A Tacoma Sized Appetizer Before The Main Course The Tacoma lineup as a whole was updated not too long ago, so you might be wondering what could be new for the 2022 model year? The answer …

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Toyota Expands Its CUV Footprint With 2022 Corolla Cross, Could It Be The End Of The CH-R?

Toyota‘s CH-R CUV has had a rather rocky sales career, with this last remaining relic of Scion being eclipsed by some of its rivals. However, it would seem that Toyota is out to change the narrative and has unveiled the 2022 Corolla Cross, which will be coming to the U.S. for the first time.   Familiar Name Crosses The Pond While this is the first time U.S. buyers have laid their eyes on the Corolla Cross, the model has been an international exclusive for a while now, with the model debuting back in 2020. Like its global cousins, the U.S. …

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Kia Invites Customers To Feel The Sting With 2022 Stinger Scorpion Edition

When Kia first teased the 2022 Stinger Scorpion Edition, it made it clear that this particular Kia was supposed to be a noticeable step up over the rest of the Stinger lineup. At the time, Kia kept some details surrounding this sinister model to itself, but the Korean car giant has finally relented and has revealed all the details surrounding the apex predator in the Stinger family.   Blacked Out Styling Sharpens Scorpion Edition’s Focus As you would expect, the bulk of the Stinger’s core DNA is largely carried over to this model. However, the Scorpion Edition stands out by …

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2021 Infiniti QX80 Premium Select Review

Infiniti QX80 Premium Select 4wd The current generation Infiniti QX80 has been around for a decade now, yet it remains a strong seller for the brand. For 2021 improvements are minor, as is expected for year to year updates. The main focus for 2021 is more standard driver-assistance features. Exterior The exterior of the QX80 was last updated in 2018 and no major changes have taken place for the 2021 model year. It’s a sleek design that makes the massive SUV appear muscular and sporty. The Premium Select trim has dark chrome appearance features which work very well with the …

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2021 Mercedes AMG GLE 53 Coupe Review by Ben Lewis

So, here’s a challenge to many manufacturers – with SUV’s being so popular, how do you keep things fresh? One trend we’ve seen are the “coupe-like” SUV’s, which trade off some of the utility (and headroom) for a racy profile. It’s especially popular with the Europeans, with everything from VW’s Atlas Cross Sport to BMW’s X4 and X6. Mercedes won’t be left out either, so we’re now enjoying GLE Coupe. But with a coupe, you’re driven by passion, so we were especially excited to get our grabby little hands on an AMG GLE 53 Coupe. Big vehicle, larger-than-life performance. This …

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2022 Morgan Plus Six And Four Get Minor Updates, Focus On Improving Owner Experience

Not long ago, the Morgan Plus Six and Four were heavily updated to reflect Morgan’s newfound commitment to long-term sustainability, with the duo boasting several key updates to make them more competitive in their respective segments. But as they say, subtle evolution can bring out the best in anything, and the 2022 Plus Six and Four bring some new tweaks to help improve everyday livability for buyers.   Minor Design Revisions Sharpen Plus Four And Plus Six As mentioned, this is not a radical redesign, but the updates coming to both models are examples of how well the company listens to …

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McLaren Adds Windscreen To Elva, Slashes Final Production Total

The McLaren Elva was a wild take on a tried and true classic. What would happen if you took a modern McLaren with all the advantages of modern engineering and technology and transformed it into a retro-inspired speedster? The Elva seemed like the perfect analogy of this practice in action, but it soon ran into some teething problems. Originally limited to only 399 copies, the British supercar maker was forced to slash that figure twice, with that figure now standing at only 149 examples. McLaren knows that expanding the availability of the Elva is key and has unveiled an all-new …

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Jeep Releases Full Pricing For 2022 Wagoneer Lineup, Base Model Starts At $69,995, Grand Version Tops Out At $111K

When the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer made its splashy debut back in March, the off-road brand talked about creating the most luxurious model it has ever done while also reviving an icon at the same time. But like the Sumatran Tiger or the Snow Leopard, the big three-row Jeep disappeared from the broader radar with our appetite being somewhat satiated by occasional sightings in the wild (especially here in Metro Detroit.) But Jeep wants you to keep the Wagoneer family fresh in your mind and has unveiled the full pricing ladder for the Wagoneer family head of its dealership rollout, be …

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Ford Electrifies The Commercial Segment With 2022 F-150 Lightning Pro, Aims To Gradually Form All EV Commercial Fleet

When Ford unveiled the 2022 F-150 Lightning EV pickup, we still had a few unanswered questions that needed to be addressed. A prominent one was how the F-150 Lightning would fit into Ford’s booming commercial business. With many businesses and companies most likely not plunking down the near estimated $100,000 for a fully loaded Lightning Platnium, these firms needed an entry that could get the job done but without the sticker shock. The Dearborn auto giant has created a very potent answer with the 2022 F-150 Lightning Pro.   A Lightning That’s Sensibly Priced And Ready For The Work Site …

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2021 MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 Review by Ben Lewis

There have always been a percentage of people out there who love the MINI Cooper’s bulldog looks, cheeky attitude and British persona (although BMW has owned them since 2003)  but just found the diminutive hatch a little too small. And MINI has been busy bringing in a variety of models, including the Clubman – longer and wider – and the Countryman – taller and wider. We’ve always liked the Countryman, it adds just enough usability to function like a small SUV, but still has that MINI charm. MINI points out that it’s the first model with an exterior length of …

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Will 2022 F-150 Lightning Spur A Domestic EV Truck War? What We Could See From Stellantis In Regards To A Ram EV?

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning is certainly generating a lot of buzz for Ford, with the electrified EV pickup already generating a massive amount of interest for the Blue Oval. But it also got us thinking as well, could the Lightning start a new front in the broader war between the Detroit automakers? Also, what could we expect out of Stellantis and Ram? We did some digging, and here’s what we found out.   Auburn Hills Is Watching…And Biding Its Time With Ford’s announcement and Chevrolet rumored to be preparing an electrified Silverado in response, it should come as no …

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Ford Reveals That Interest In 2022 Lightning Surpassed Expectations, Over 20,000 Pre-Orders Already Logged

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lighting generated a massive amount of buzz when it made its debut last night at Ford’s world headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan. With 300 miles of range and an estimated performance figure of well over 500 horsepower, the Lightning looks like it will be a sure-fire hit for Ford. But how well did it resonate with buyers? As it turned out, the initial demand for Lightning far surpassed the company’s expectations, according to a new round of statements.   Shocking Demand A Good Sign For Newest F-150 Variant To provide a brief recap, Ford CEO Jim Farley …

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Ford Sends Strong Message To Tesla With 2022 F-150 Lightning, Promises To Shake Up The Segment

The Ford F-Series lineup has been America’s best-selling pickup for 44 years (F-150 Lightning, too) and has also served as an engineering benchmark for the segment as a whole. But while the F-150 has truly gone into some very interesting directions in its attempts to maintain its sales dominance, the one frontier that the F-150 has never ventured into is the world of pure EVs. While the recently launched F-150 hybrid is a good stepping stone for the model, entries like the Tesla Cybertruck and the Rivian R1T prove that EV pickups could be a profitable venture for companies. Ford …

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Kia Raises Its Green Vehicle Game With 2022 EV6, Performance And Economy Are In Balance Here

Kia recently revealed that it aims to transform into a green-centric brand, with the 2022 EV6 playing a very prominent role in that regard. While the international market got its first glimpse of the futuristic EV back in March, U.S. buyers were left wondering whether it would be coming to the U.S> or not? Kia has answered that question with the Time Square unveiling of the U.S. version of the 2022 Kia EV6.   EV6 Is A Potent Offering No Matter Where It’s Sold When we last saw the EV6, it was making its debut in its Korean home market, …

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2021 BMW 540i xDrive Review by Ben Lewis

SUVs, SUVs, everywhere. With SUV/SAV/Crossovers pretty much the standard for family transport, it’s easy to forget that the Europeans like Audi, BMW and Mercedes made their name here with sedans. Some were 2-doors, some 4-doors, even wagons! But for a long time, the epitome of luxury was the 4-door premium sedan. And at the head of that class for enthusiasts has always been the BMW 5-series. Mercedes were ultra-luxury, but a little staid. Audi technically advanced but a bit spartan. The Bimmer though, that was a driver’s car. So now we have the 2021 540i, the 7th generation 5-er, with …

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McLaren Gets In On The Gulf Livery Act, Unveils Custom 720S That Was Painted In 20 Days

The iconic Gulf Oil Livery paint scheme has seen its fair share of uses on a wide swath of vehicles. From bespoke supercars to even something as functional as an F-150 pickup, the powder blue/orange paint scheme has proven to be a very adaptable color scheme. The latest automaker to jump into the act is McLaren, with the British supercar company unveiling a special 720S entering the Gulf lifestyle.   Seeing Is Believing The 720S in question celebrates the recently renewed partnership between McLaren and Gulf Oil, with the 720S being the road-going counterpart to the track-only MCL35M Formula 1 …

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Road Test Review – 2021 Bentley Flying Spur – The Pinnacle of Luxury?

While the four-door sedan as we know it has certainly faded from importance when looked at the broader scope of things, it can still draw the right amount of attention, especially when it comes with the right mixture of luxury, style, and technology. Bentley may be focused on enhancing its position in the utility market with the 2021 Bentayga. Still, it also wants to make sure that fans know it has not forgotten about the stately sedans and coupes that helped make the British ultra-luxury carmaker into an icon that continually pushes the envelope of luxury and technology. The 2021 Bentley …

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2021 Chrysler Pacifica Limited Video Review

2021 Chrysler Pacifica Limited AWD The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica is always one of the top, if not number 1, selling minivans in the US each year. Why do people love it so much? Check out our video below to find out! 2021 Pacifica Pricing The Pacifica Limited AWD that we tested had a base price of $48,390. With the limited being a very well equipped trim, it was only equipped with one option, the S Appearance Package for $295. Add in the $1,495 destination charge and the total comes to $50,180. Interestingly enough this puts the Limited AWD model right …

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2021 KIA Sorento Hybrid EX Review by Ben Lewis

We recently tested the 2021 Kia Telluride, and noted how for the past years, the Korean manufacturer has been on a roll, creating many exciting, desirable and affordable vehicles. Now we have an all-new, 3-row Sorento, which competes in one of the hottest SUV segments. Can Kia hit another one out of the park? Let’s see. Good Looking! Well if first impressions are the most important, the 2021 Sorento is off to a great start. The front end is recognizably Kia with the familiar “Tiger Nose” grill, although now the shape is more subtle, as it is framed by LED …

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Car-Revs-Daily First Look – 2021 McLaren Artura and Elva – Double The Style & Double The Fun

Getting a two-pair hand in a poker game can be a very advantageous turn of fortune in certain situations, and it also manages to add some extra angles to the game. In the case of McLaren, that means having a few new jewels for customers to choose from when they visit their local showroom. We recently had the chance to spend some brief time with both the recently unveiled McLaren Artura and the wild and delightfully insane McLaren Elva, which aims to utilize their strengths to help expand McLaren’s supercar ambitions. Artura: A Hybrid In Wolf’s Clothing The McLaren Artura …

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Ford Goes To The Backwoods With 2021 Explorer Timberline

The Ford Explorer is rapidly morphing into a jack of all trades. While the Explorer has always had this trait for the duration of its life, it’s hard to argue that things really accelerated when the current generation Explorer appeared. The recently launched King Ranch model offered a very compelling luxury alternative in the lineup, but what if your a buyer that does not need all the frills and instead prefers something that can bring the fight to the Jeep Cherokee as well as the recently unveiled Outback Wilderness. Ford is keenly aware of this and has unleashed an all-new …

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Road Test Review – 2021 Aston Martin DBX – One Small Step For SUVs, One Giant Leap For Aston?

The allure of SUV sales is a potent perfume, and it’s slowly drawing in more companies. This includes those that might have otherwise been known for producing purely car-based lineups. Bentley, Lamborghini, and even Rolls Royce have all thrown their collective hats in the ring, eager to seize a slice of this new frontier for themselves. Aston Martin might have been a bit late to the party, but it intends to place its battle flag on the segment with the 2021 Aston Martin DBX. But can the DBX stem the sales decay that once defined the brand while also putting …

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Towing with the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Platinum – Review

Cadillac Escalade Platinum GM has updated their large SUV platforms which include the Tahoe/Suburban, Yukon/XL, and Escalade/ESV. We had a chance to tow two different travel trailers a total of 500 miles with the Escalade Premium. This was done on a road trip to Capitol Reef National Park in Central Utah. The Escalade Platinum model we tested was equipped with the 6.2-liter V8. Specs On GM pickup trucks and large SUVs, they provide a sticker, usually on the B pillar behind the driver’s door, with towing information. All manufacturers should take note, as this is much better information than can …

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2021 Kia Telluride SX V6 AWD Review by Ben Lewis

When we first tested the Telluride in 2019 we said Kia was on a roll. And honestly, that was the tip of the iceberg – everything from the fun Forte GT sedan and Soul SUV to the new K5 have wowed us. So, when we had the opportunity to re-visit the full-size 3-row SUV that really has been one of the brand’s biggest (figuratively and literally) success stories, we were thrilled. Was Big. Now Big and Bad. The big truck has had few changes for 2021, which is fine – this is one of the most handsome vehicles in its …

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Road Test Review – 2021 Cadillac Escalade Platinum – The Perfect Escalade?

Progress can be a potent symbol of just how far one has come in one development. A case in point is the 2021 Cadillac Escalade which is the most promising version of Cadillac‘s full-size luxury SUV. But it wasn’t too long ago that the model started as nothing more than a lightly dressed-up GMC Yukon with a Cadillac badge. The Escalade rapidly cleaned up its act and is now a segment benchmark. But the rest of the competition is evolving too, and we wanted to know. Can the 2021 Escalade evolve enough to not only retain its status in the …

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Honda Goes Digital With 2022 Civic, More Power And Better Interior Highlight Changes

It may seem hard to believe, but the Honda Civic has been around for 11 consecutive iterations, with each one building the model into a world-beating benchmark that’s still the favorite target of rivals. Honda claims that this iteration embraces a new philosophy with the company is touting a “Man-Maximum, Machine – Minimum” philosophy that defines the new Civic. But does it really help transform the Civic into a new form?   Simplicity Helps Craft A New Design The outgoing Civic was certainly an aggressive-looking model, but we will admit that it also managed to look like an overly elaborate …

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Audi Gives More Power To 2022 Audi R8 RWD, Highlights Changes For Other RS models

Big updates are in store for Audi‘s red hot lineup of RS performance cars, with the string of updates being spearheaded by the Audi R8. Audi promises some welcome changes for eager enthusiasts, and at first glance, it seems that they will all do their part towards making this special lineup of vehicles an even better performance buy.   More Power Is In Store For The 2022 Audi R8 It wasn’t too long ago that the rear-wheel-drive version of the R8 became an official mass-produced R8 variant (it was a limited release prior.) This flavor of R8 is lighter and …

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2021 VW Arteon 2.0T SEL Premium R-Line Review by Ben Lewis

It’s got to be tough to be a brand like Audi. First of all, you’ve got Mercedes and BMW always gunning for you. And then, brands like Lexus. And the excellent Acura TLX we tested – another upstart. And then, you have to worry about your sibling…in this case the recently refreshed 2021 VW Arteon. Does VW’s handsome luxury flagship have what it takes to lure buyers out of those fancy, shiny dealerships? Let’s see. Simply Gorgeous You don’t see a lot of Arteons – frankly the brand is busy selling lots of SUV’s and churning up interest in their …

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Rolls Royce Phantom Oribe Embraces Pottery, Celebrates Collaboration With Hermes

When it comes to covering all the details, it’s hard to argue that anyone can top Rolls Royce and some of the energy they put into making their cars special pieces of automotive jewelry. This is particularly true regarding its Bespoke division, which helps create special one-off customizations for a very elite club of wealthy one-percenters that manage to shine even above the established pool of the world’s elite. Their latest creation is the Rolls Royce Phantom Oribe. While we have seen Bespoke tackle some exciting builds, this particular example takes things in a very interesting albeit creative direction.   …

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2021 Ford F-150 Brings New Smart Scale Technology And Smart Hitch System To Buyers

The 2021 Ford F-150 has rapidly become a worthy successor to the outgoing model thanks to reworked styling inside and out and the clever solutions that it brings to various aspects of the job site. But like all of us, an automobile can occasionally learn a new trick or two while on duty, and Ford has revealed that the F-150 will be getting some new technology aimed at making towing easier for buyers.   Smart Scale System Throws Its Weight Around A big change that owners will notice is what Ford calls the “Onboard Scales” system. The way it works …

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Performance For The Whole Family, Hyundai Unveils 2022 Kona N, Promises To Take Fun To The N’th Degree

When we first had the chance to sample the Veloster N, we fell in love with its simple mixture of performance, style, and value. However, we will admit that a spunky three-door hatchback is not the most practical choice in the world for many performance buyers. Hyundai understands this and has formally unveiled the 2022 Kona N, which aims to shock the system in the CUV market.   Taking Performance To The N’th Degree To say that the Kona N is a disruptor in the segment will be a very massive understatement, with the Kona N perhaps being one of …

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2022 Mini JCW Lineup Adds New Dampers And Styling For Customers To Enjoy

It wasn’t too long ago that Mini released the goods on the 2022 Mini Cooper Hardtop and Convertible lineup, promising that the duo was getting some welcome updates for the 2022 model year. Notably missing absent from the party were the JCW versions, with Mini reps only revealing that they were also going to get some updates of their own. At last, Mini has shown the world what the 2022 JCW models have in store for consumers, and it appears that these spunky track slayers will have enough new stuff to please even the pickiest of Mini loyalists.   Adaptive …

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

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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Volkswagen Releases Official Pricing For 2022 Taos, Starts At $24,190

The compact SUV market is exploding in popularity right now, with many new entries emerging on the scene to tale their respective slice of the broader sales pie. Volkswagen is poised to make a surgical strike on the segment with the 2022 Taos. While it has been a while since its unveiling, Volkswagen has formally revealed pricing for the Taos, and it’s clear that it’s aiming to put the squeeze on some of its rivals.   Making A Name For Itself The 2022 Taos is replacing the Golf lineup here in the U.S. (enthusiasts can still buy the GTI and …

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Cadillac Unveils Production 2023 Lyriq, Keeps Show Car Flair And Technology

When we got our first glimpse at the 2023 Cadillac Lyriq, it was a pure concept, and Cadillac representatives made it clear that there was still work that needed to be done to make it production-ready. The exterior styling was obviously focused on drawing stares, and the lack of side mirrors would have certainly drawn the attention of the nearest NHTSA official. But after a short wait, Cadillac has finally unveiled the production version, which retains a lot of the show car mystique but with some minor changes to help the formula work better.   Lyriq Exterior Styling Still Looks …

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2021 Acura TLX SH-AWD A-Spec Review by Ben Lewis

Here’s a term: Brand-lag – when a manufacturer is making big strides, but it takes a while for the word to get out. A perfect example, we recently tested the Kia K5, loved it recommended it to friends, and were surprised to hear “Hyundai and Kia? Oh, I wouldn’t get near one of those.” Where you been the last few years? Their new stuff is great. Acura is sort of in the same boat.  In the last few years though, Acura has really stepped up their game – we enjoyed the little ILX sedan, the sporty new RDX, and the …

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2022 Mercedes EQB Is The GLB’s EV Brother, Mixes Utility With Zero Emissions Driving

Mercedes’s EQ brand aims to shake up the electric vehicle segment, and the company knows that for EQ to succeed through its growing pains, it needs more models to reach out to a wider swath of buyers. While the EQS flagship sedan is a glitzy showpiece of technology, SUVs are currently the must-have commodity. EQ will achieve this with their latest utility offering, the 2022 EQB EV SUV.   GLB Heritage With EQ Styling The EQB is closely related to the GLB SUV, and as a result, the EQ version shares some of its most basic body lines with its …

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Aston Martin Debuts Pastel Collection, Limited To California Market

Summer is rapidly approaching and that means adding some lighter colors into your closet to help prepare for the sunnier side of the year. But what if you want to add some extra color to your garage and have the checkbook required to do it? If this is you and you happen to live in California Aston Martin might just have a fashionable solution to your summertime fashion worries with an all-new Pastel paint collection.   Five Flavors of Summer Style The infusion of color comes courtesy of Aston Martin of Newport Beach (one of the biggest Aston dealerships in …

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2022 Jeep Wagoneer vs 2021 Chevrolet Suburban Consumer Comparision – Which One Would You Pick?

When we last checked in on the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer lineup, we put it side by side with the Ford Expedition to see how the Wagoneer would do in a figurative matchup amongst customers. While we still have to wait a while to experience it formally, we wanted to go ahead and do a small sequel. Still, this time pitting the revived icon against the Chevrolet Suburban to see which would stand out in the battle to grab the attention of family buyers.   Wagoneer Styling Has A Leg Up On The Bow Tie Brigade Looking at the exterior styling …

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2021 Kia Sorento X-Line AWD Review by Matt Barnes

Kia Sorento X-Line AWD The Kia Sorento is now on its 4th generation and has been given a major update for 2021. Oddly enough it competes in the same class as the Telluride despite being noticeably smaller. Kia sent us a top dog Sorento X-Line to review for a week. Exterior Outside, Kia has done an excellent job with styling the new Sorento. It is more chiseled and aggressive than before, but not boxy and off-road looking like the Telluride. Up front, the blacked-out grill is large and attractive with a “KIA” lettering logo. Future models will have updated emblems, …

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2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS Debuts, Packs 478 Mile Range And Slick Hyperscreen Technology

The Tesla Model S showed the world that a luxury EV sedan could be desirable and luxurious. Tesla’s achievement served as a springboard for countless other firms, and these days the pool of competitors has grown considerably. One notable absence was Mercedes-Benz, with the iconic German luxury brand taking its time to make a Model S competitor. But after nine years, the three-pointed star has unveiled its long-awaited contender, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS, which aims to raise the bar and finally bring the fight to Tesla.   EQS, It’s A Looker While the bulk of the attention will be focused …

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2020 Audi Q7 55 TFSI Review by Ben Lewis

When we used to go to movie theaters (and we can’t wait to go back!) they had a selection of sizes on the popcorn, and we liked the largest one – mostly because they unapologetically put the motto “Big is More” right on the tub. Yes, a tub. And the same is true of SUV’s – big is more. And if you need three rows of Audi SUV goodness, you can stop right here at the beautiful Q7. With some major improvements for the new Q7, it’s more than before. Let’s take a look. Big and Beautiful This is a …

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Hyundai Enters The Pickup Wars With 2022 Santa Cruz, Goes On Sale This Summer

When Hyundai first teased the world in 2015 with the Santa Cruz concept, it was the first indication that Hyundai studied the pickup segment. Back then, the company neither confirmed nor denied that the swanky show truck was entering production. Fast forward to 2021, and Hyundai confirmed that the Santa Cruz is entering production with the first units going on sale this summer.   Santa Cruz Blurs The Segment Just don’t call it a pickup in front of Hyundai reps who prefer you call it a “Sport Adventure Vehicle.” That’s a clever way of ruffling BMW’s feathers, and it also …

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Hyundai Teases Kona N, Confirms More Will Be Revealed April 27th

Long teased and the subject of numerous rumors around the world, Hyundai revealed that it plans to pull the cover off of the 2022 Kona N on April 27th with the Kona’s appearance also serving as a launching point for some of the sub-brand’s other upcoming models too as it looks to become a legit competition to the likes of the M, and AMG models.   2022 Kona N Promises To Be A Potent Hauler Before we pull out the crystal ball on N’s other models we might as well focus on the present and talk about the 2022 Kona …

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Mazda MX-30 Makes U.S. Debut, Will Go On Sale In California This Fall

Electrification is rapidly becoming a crucial technology in the automotive industry, with more companies offering EV vehicles. Mazda was a notable exception, with the firm preferring to focus on traditional ICE vehicles. But that’s now beginning to change with the arrival of the MX-30. The MX-30 is Mazda’s first foray into the electrified CUV market and originally made its appearance in the international market. But the 2022 MX-30 is now ready for its U.S. debut, and it aims to change the way consumers think about electrified CUVs.   MX-30 Design Packs Several Surprises For the moment, the MX-30 will only …

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Road Test Review – 2021 Toyota Sienna Platinum – The Perfect Hybrid Minivan?

The Toyota Sienna was in a bit of a pickle before it was redesigned for 2021. It was a capable minivan, but it suffered from having frumpy exterior styling, forgettable performance hardware, and rapidly aging interior technology. Toyota is out to change that for 2021 and has unveiled an all-new Sienna that aims to draw more attention to itself and bring it closer to traditional SUVs. We’ll understand if you’re still trying to process the latter item. Still, with the recently launched Kia Carnival embracing its SUV side, it’s apparent that this is rapidly becoming a new sales trend in …

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Road Test Review – 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium – What’s In A Name?

When Ford first announced that it was creating an electrified version of the Ford Mustang, the world held its breath, waiting to see what Ford had up its sleeve. What ensued was perhaps one of the most controversial and yet hotly-anticipated unveilings ever, with the 2021 Mach-E appearing as a futuristic all-electric CUV. This, in turn, started a fierce debate over whether it could indeed be considered a true Mustang and whether the Mach-E was riding on the credibility of a legendary muscle car to achieve its aims. The Mach-E’s stay here in the office proved to be a very …

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Road Test Review – 2021 Lexus RX 350 F-Sport – New Technology And Tweaks Spice Up Family Hauler

Keeping things fresh can be hard in the automotive industry, especially if you’re a car company. Lexus designers faced this prospect when they went about updating the venerable Lexus RX SUV for 2021. The RX lineup is the bread and butter for Lexus’s coffers, and as a result, it’s essential to retain the core fundamentals that Lexus buyers love about the RX while making enough changes to help it stay fresh. Did Lexus succeed? We were keen and eager to find out.   Aging Exterior Styling Losing Ground To Rivals The exterior styling of the 2021 Lexus RX 350 is …

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2021 Lexus UX 200 F SPORT Review by Ben Lewis

In marketing terms, UX is the shorthand for “User Experience”. So, it seems a natural question, does Lexus’ smallest Crossover/SUV give you the user experience luxury buyers expect? Let’s take a look. Familiar Sporty Style Look at the UX and you can see the family resemblance with the larger NX and RX crossovers. That’s a good thing – Lexus has really crafted its own style now, and these vehicles are modern and sporty with sharp angles and aggressive lines. Like our recent review of the Lexus ES250 AWD, the front end has that massive spindle grille, but like the ES, …

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Ford Explorer Platinum Gains RWD Variant For 2021, Also Goes Green With Hybrid Model

With the 2021 Enthusiast ST stealing the show in regards to the Explorer’s 2021 updates, Ford wanted to ensure that no stone was left unturned and has revealed that the range-topping Explorer Platinum will also receive some new additions for 2021 with the trim now adding a rear-wheel-drive option and even a hybrid flavored model for fuel-conscious buyers.   Rear Wheel Drive For The Jet Set Sets Explorer Platinum Apart In its base form, the $54,480 Explorer Platinum is a very potent statement of luxury with perforated leather seats, warm wood accents, and standard all-wheel-drive to buyers looking to have …

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Ford Enhances Explorer ST Bang For The Buck With All New 2021 Enthusiast ST Package

The current generation Ford Explorer is proving to be a very profitable cash cow for the Dearborn-based automaker, with the recently launched King Ranch variant adding a new dimension of luxury to the model. However, the company is also listening to consumer feedback and is using the opportunity to address a potential roadblock for Explorer ST buyers, the price. It plans to achieve this with the introduction of the all-new Explorer Enthusiast ST.   Lowering The Cost Of Explorer ST Admission When the standard Explorer ST model appeared on the road, it promised to be a true performance offering for …

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2021 Ford Ranger Tremor Off-Road Review by Matt Barnes

2021 Ford Ranger Tremor New for 2021 is the Tremor package on the Ford Ranger. The Tremor includes everything the FX4 has, like Trail Control, Terrain Management, a locking rear differential, etc. On top of the FX4, the Tremor includes a steel bash plate, 0.8-inch lift, Fox 2.0 shocks with remote reservoirs, and 32-inch General Grabber ATX tires. Before the Tremor, the Ranger FX4 was the top dog off-roader in the Ranger lineup. What have all the upgrades of the Tremor done for real world performance improvements over the FX4? High Speed High speed off-road is clearly where the Tremor …

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Road Test Review – 2021 Genesis G80 Prestige – Can It Finally Dethrone The Germans?

The very notion of Korean design might seem like an established lexicon of premium fashion, but it wasn’t too long ago that it once was relegated to the background. That was also the case with Hyundai and Kia (Genesis was not a brand yet), with both brands being content with making budget-friendly but very plain automotive entries. But fast forward to 2021, and the scales have completely flipped. Genesis is rapidly becoming the lovable new kid in the luxury car landscape. K-Pop music is hot on the U.S. music charts, and Hyundai and Kia have made massive strides in design …

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Toyota Unveils 2022 GR 86, New Moniker Brings Welcome Updates To Entry Level Sports Offering

When the updated Subaru BRZ first made its appearance, it provided a glimpse into what was in store for the entry-level two-door that has served as the visual representation of the Japanese firm’s partnership with Toyota. The big question we were left with was what the Toyota 86 would look like. Leaked patent images from the porous Chinese patent office only shared one side of the story, and we wanted to see what the new 86 looked like in the flesh. After a brief wait, Toyota has provided the answer with the 2022 GR 86.   A New Identity and …

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2021 Lexus ES250 AWD Review by Ben Lewis

We still remember when Lexus launched in the US in 1990. It was a bold move – the Toyota company creating an upstart to take on the biggest luxury names in the market, including Mercedes and Cadillac. And its success is legendary, where it seems like Honda’s Acura, and Nissan’s Infiniti have never been able to quite get that cache. Why the history lesson? Well, there were two models when Lexus debuted, the LS400 and ES250. And now the ES250 name is back! So, if you’ve been waiting, your wishes have been fulfilled. Even more interesting, the ES250 is unique …

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GMC Goes Full Circle With Hummer EV SUV, Brings Zero Emissions To Family SUV

When GMC first unveiled the Hummer EV pickup, the brand neither confirmed nor denied plans were in the works for an SUV version. Fast forward to the 2021 March Madness tournament, and GMC officially confirmed that the Hummer SUV is for real and that it will be officially bringing the revived moniker full-circle in its quest to achieve true redemption in the eyes of a fuel-conscious world.   The Ultimate Zero Emissions Family Vehicle As the name and basic look imply, the 2024 Hummer EV SUV is the marriage of the truck’s EV technology with an SUV body. The exterior …

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Ford Leaves Its Mark At Easter Jeep Safari, Shows Off Five Custom Bronco Builds

The Easter Safari event has been one that has always been synonymous with Jeep and some of the wild custom creations that the off-road brand would show to eager attendees. Ford wants a slice of the action and has revealed its plans to invade the 2021 Easter Safari with five different custom Broncos that aim to show Jeep that it’s serious about bringing the fight to the brand in the quest to achieve true off-road supremacy.   RTR Leads The Charge To help facilitate this ambitious plan, Ford teamed up with RTR Vehicles (a firm better known for its Mustang-based …

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2021 Dodge Durango Hellcat Review by Matt Barnes

2021 Dodge Durango Hellcat Adding the Hellcat Durango to the list in Dodge’s 700+ horsepower stable, and dropping the Journey and Grand Caravan, Dodge now offers a hellcat in all of their current production vehicles. Exterior The exterior of the Hellcat Durango, as with the SRT, is subdued yet powerful. The hood contains two functional vents and a hood scoop. The bumper is more aggressive than the standard Durango, and a little lower. From the side the Hellcat Durango is very similar to other Durangos. However, there is a noticeable bulge in the hood, the splitter on the front bumper …

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2021 Toyota Venza Limited Review by Ben Lewis

Toyota likes to offer something for just about everybody. That’s what makes them consistently in the top two (sometimes 1st, sometimes 2nd to VW) manufacturers in the world. So, let’s say you have your heart set on a new SUV. Perhaps the RAV4 feels too small, and the Highlander too large. No worries! Introducing the all-new 2021 Toyota Venza, as they say in the three bears…this one’s just right. Sleek and Sophisticated One look and you know this isn’t your Auntie’s Venza! (That model went away in 2015). While the Venza shares a chassis with the RAV4, it looks entirely …

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2021 Mercedes AMG GLE63 S Review by Matt Barnes

2021 Mercedes AMG GLE63 S The Mercedes AMG GLE63 S lives in a market segment we don’t fully understand. What we do know, is that we love the absurdity of it. Exterior From the outside the GLE63 is a little deceiving. From some angles it appears much smaller than it actually is, but not from the front. The grill is large, but the gigantic outboard bumper openings are what really draw attention. With the massive Mercedes tri star emblem in the center of the grill, there is no question who makes the GLE. There are very bright LED headlights with …

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Bentley Unveils 2021 Continental GT Speed, Creates Wildest Version Yet

The Bentley Continental GT Speed has always been one of the fastest ultra-luxury cars that money can buy. A silky smooth W12 engine and timeless styling have always been enviable trademarks. But how can you make this inviting package even better? Bentley thinks it has the answer with the updated 2021 Continental GT Speed. Buckle in to hear all the latest details on this very special Continental.   Updated Exterior Styling Adds Depth, Bespoke Interior Captivates The GT Speed’s exterior styling retains much of the standard model’s core identity, but Bentley designers added more aggressive touches to make the GT …

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2021 Hyundai Elantra SEL Review by Ben Lewis

Everyone loves a good success story, and you’d certainly be hard pressed to find a better one than Hyundai. Back in 1986 the Korean maker came to the US with the Excel with an extremely durable yet otherwise forgettable Excel sedan. But much like the Japanese carmakers in the late 50’s and early 60’s, Hyundai paid its dues, worked hard, and constantly improved its products to become what it is today – a top brand, with a wide variety of vehicles, three brands (Kia and Genesis also part of the fam), and as we’ve said in many recent reviews, the …

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Last Surviving Allard P4 Comes Up For Auction In The UK, Product of Bizarre Lexus/Allard Collaboration

When it comes to Lexus, the company is usually pretty straightforward in its products, with the current lineup trying to make Lexus into a luxury brand that embraces its performance heritage. But the brand’s history is also marked by an occasional twist into intriguing projects that ultimately failed to gather momentum. One of these involved iconic British brand Allard and the last remaining fruit of this bizarre venture, the Allard P4, is primed to cross the auction block in England.   Allard a Retrospective The story of this unusual prototype requires us to go back in time to 1945 when …

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Road Test Review – 2021 Mazda3 Hatchback AWD – The Ultimate Winter Toy

Are you an enthusiast that’s been waiting for Subaru to release the updated WRX? While Subaru has so far been quiet about when it will do that, the folks at Mazda are hoping that you will perhaps embrace their alternative, the 2021 Mazda3 Turbo. This spirited Mazda has always been a favorite here at Car-Revs-Daily, and the company has finally mated the new engine to the 3’s all-wheel-drive system. But is this proverbial match in heaven a true four-season contender capable of bringing the fight to the Subaru? We were eager to find out.   Exterior Styling Still Has The …

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Jeep Wrangler Magneto Headlines Easter Jeep Safari, First Wrangler BEV Establishes Off-Road Chops

When Jeep first teased the Magneto, we had no idea what exactly Jeep had up its sleeve. FCA/Stellantis was always behind the eight ball when it came to developing battery technology, and we weren’t too sure if the Magneto would be a pure electric offering or if it would be some sort of hybrid offering. But as it turns out, Jeep engineers did have a green surprise and revealed that the Magneto will be the first BEV Wrangler ever made.   Electrifying The Trails For the moment, the Magneto exists as a one-off concept creation, but as the name implies, …

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Aston Martin Unveils Vantage F1 Edition, Pays Homage To F1 Safety Car

Aston Martin first dropped a hint that a spicier variant of the Vantage sports coupe was coming a few days ago, and while we initially assumed that it would be a revived version of the AMR model. We will give the company credit for throwing the site’s resident British car expert off the scent trail, with the company taking the wraps off of the all-new Vantage F1 Edition.   Safety Car Looks Hide Subtle Elegance As the name implies, this distinctly not AMR-flavored version of the Vantage is a homage to the original F1 Safety Car. The F1 Edition lifting …

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Spicier Aston Martin Vantage Teased, Will Debut Virtually March 22nd

It has been a little while since we heard anything from the Aston Martin Vantage. With all the attention currently focused on the DBX SUV, we wouldn’t blame the Vantage for feeling left out. But the folks at Aston have not forgotten about their hot-selling sports coupe and have teased what appears to be a spicier version which is set to make its debut on March 22nd. Swoopier and More Aggressive Aston Martin chose not to reveal too many details, and for now, we only have one lone shadowy teaser image to look at. However, some clues do emerge when …

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Road Test Review – 2021 Toyota Camry XSE Hybrid – Eco Warrior Brings Sportiness To Fuel Saving Mission

When the current generation Toyota Camry first arrived on the scene, the Japanese auto giant promised to bring fun back into the Camry’s bag of tricks. The Camry TRD that we tested a short while back on the west coast proved that the Camry had a wild side to exploit. But what if you’re an enthusiast that wants the sporty looks but without giving up the impressive fuel economy that Toyota’s hybrid lineup is known for? The company has heard your requests and has created the all-new 2021 Camry XSE Hybrid. But is it truly the best of both worlds? …

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2021 Mercedes AMG A35 4MATIC Review by Ben Lewis

Any enthusiast worth their salt knows AMG. The performance arm of Mercedes-Benz, it turns out some of the most powerful and desirable cars in the world. And to many, the pantheon of AMG products starts with handcrafted bi-turbo V8 screamers like the AMG C 63 S. A 503-hp rocket, it is an incredible piece of work. The problem is, starting at $76,200 and building from there, it’s breathing rarefied air few can afford. Which leaves many buyers scoping out older or CPO AMG products, just to get a foot (or dip a toe) in to the brand. But AMG also …

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Road Test Review – 2021 Lexus GX 460 Luxury – An Aging Veteran In A Digital World

The pace of change can be a tough mistress to keep up with sometimes. Technology has been on a nitrous-powered rocket as far as progress is concerned, with the amount of evolution here being very noticeable over the last few decades. But while some automakers have made the art of luring customers with the next big thing an art form. What if you’re a consumer that prefers to hang on to old technology and prefers to own a tool that’s reliable and proven? Lexus might have the thing you’re looking for with the 2021 Lexus GX 460. But can the …

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Kia Elevates The Sport Sedan Wars With 2022 Stinger, New Tech and Performance Upgrades Enhance Broader Fun Factor

When the Kia Stinger first appeared back in 2017 as an early 2018 release, many scoffed at Kia’s claims that it had built a contender that could go head to head with Germany’s best. But the sleek four-door proved to be a winner for Kia, and it rapidly transformed into one of the most exciting Kia offerings that the brand has ever produced. But we always welcome a good round of updates from time to time, and Kia has delivered the goods for the 2022 Stinger, which enhances many of the things we love about it while adding some new …

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2021 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Review and Snow Run By Matt Barnes

2021 Colorado ZR2 The dated Colorado receives a few minor updates for 2021. On the exterior, the ZR2 gets a revised facia and better visibility for the driver. The tow hooks up front have been painted red to make them easier to find. For the rear the tailgate now features a stamped “CHEVROLET” instead of the bow tie emblem. Inside the Colorado remains the same as in years past. The two Engine options remain the same for the ZR2. A diesel option with the 2.8-liter Duramax inline 4 that has 181 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque or the 3.6-liter …

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Kia Debuts All New EV6, First E-GMP Model For Company Shows New Styling Language

Back in 2007, Kia introduced what would ultimately become its signature design, the tiger-nose grille. The new front grille allowed Kia models equipped with it to look more assertive than their frumpy predecessors, and it also played a key role in catapulting Kia to its current levels of success. But after 13 years of loyal service, the Korean car brand is looking towards the future and will be moving on from this iconic design, with the all-new EV6 serving as a glimpse into what this new identity will look like.   Kia’s EV6 Moves Brand Into New Territory As mentioned, …

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2021 Chevrolet Tahoe Z71 Review by Matt Barnes

2021 Chevrolet Tahoe Z71 Chevy’s experience with full size SUVs runs deep. In fact, the oldest nameplate in automotive history is the Suburban. That said, the Tahoe Z71, being the Suburban’s slightly shorter sibling, has more pedigree behind it than nearly any other vehicle on the market. How does the latest model stack up to this incredible heritage? Exterior Despite being from the same GM trio, the Tahoe looks significantly different from its Yukon and Escalade siblings. The front end of the Z71 is clearly designed to be more rugged and off-road ready than other Tahoes. Starting from the bottom, …

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Jeep Wagoneer Family Vs Ford Expedition How Does It Measure Up?

The dust is still settling off of Jeep‘s unveiling of the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer family. We went into depth on the duo here, but we wanted to dive deep and see how the Wagoneer and the Grand Wagoneer measure up against a key rival, the 2021 Ford Expedition. The big Ford is arguably one of the most popular family haulers in the market today and will undoubtedly be a potent measuring stick for the Wagoneer. Check out how the tale of the tape measures up below.   The War Of Styling Favors Wagoneer When it comes to aesthetics, we think …

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Jeep Unveils 2022 Grand Wagoneer & Wagoneer Models, Luxury Meshes With Proven Performance

It has been a long time coming, but Jeep has finally taken the veil off of the 2022 Grand Wagoneer and Wagoneer models. The duo signifies that the SUV brand is taking a serious approach to the full-size SUV market and is a grand departure from the failed Commander of the early 2000s. But buyers will be interested to know what the revived off-road icon is packing under the hood and some of the exotic luxury features that can be found inside the Grand Wagoneer? We have the answers, and here are some key things to know about Jeep’s rebooted …

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2021 Toyota Rav4 Prime XSE AWD Video Review by Matt Barnes

2021 Rav4 Prime Overview The Rav4 Prime is Toyota’s plug in hybrid version of the Rav4. It has the most horsepower and torque and is the quickest Rav4 we’ve tested. Our test model was a Rav4 Prime XSE AWD. The base price is $41,425, but our tester was nicely equipped with premium audio ($1,650), Weather Package (375), Special Color ($425), Premium Package ($3,765), and a few other minor things totaling $731. Throw in the $1,120 destination charge and the total MSRP of our tester was $49,461. The Rav4 Prime has impressive driving chacteristics and is fun to drive. We enjoyed …

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Ford Shows Off 2022 Super Duty, New Technology Highlights Minor Updates

Ford’s Super Duty lineup has been a long-serving lynchpin in the company’s sales machine due to their impressive capability and ability to bring the fight to rivals from Ram and Chevrolet. But some of the current generation Super Duty‘s core essentials haven’t changed too much since 2017 ( the trucks were mildly updated for 2020.) But that’s not stopping the company from continually improving this stout workhorse, and the firm has revealed the latest round of updates for 2022.   Bigger Screen Cement 2022 Super Duty Interior Changes A key change that Ford made for the 2021 Super Duty was …

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2021 Kia K5 GT Review by Ben Lewis

When we recently tested the all-new Kia K5 GT-Line, we came away hugely impressed – a great looking and driving car. We found the 1.6-liter, turbo 4-cylinder to have plenty of punch, but we did think some added juice would make this even more fun. And now we have the Kia K5 GT (not to be confused with the GT-Line) with a 290-horsepower, 2.5-liter, turbo four. Well, that got our attention! But should it get yours? Let’s take a look. Blue Thunder! Like our previous K5, the GT shares the platform with the new Hyundai Sonata (we recently tested the …

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2021 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo Debuts New Gravel Mode, Massive Sunroof

When Porsche first debuted the Taycan EV, it promised that more was in store for the moniker and that it would spawn its own lineup of variants. Porsche has delivered the goods and has unveiled the 2021 Taycan Cross Turismo, which brings elegant wagon styling and increased capability to the futuristic EV.   Wagon Shape Enhances Cross Turismo’s Flair The 2021 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo is not the first design-focused wagon entry that we have seen from Europe, but it’s perhaps the most futuristic-looking one that we have seen yet. The front fascia is typical Taycan, but Porsche designers have …

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2021 GMC Yukon Denali Review by Matt Barnes

2021 GMC Yukon Denali GM has always been the leader in full size SUV sales. With the introduction of the Suburban in 1935, they have more experience in the game that any other brand. For 2021 GM completely redesigned their full-size SUV lineup, including the Yukon Denali. Full disclosure: GMC sent us a 2021 GMC Yukon Denali with a full tank of gas for us to review. Exterior The first thing noticed on the exterior of the Denali is the massive mesh grill with bold GMC lettering. It’s bold and aggressive. The LED headlights bracketed with the daytime running lights …

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Porsche Goes Wild With Vividly Colored Taycan 4S, Will Be Auctioned For Charity

Porsche‘s futuristic Taycan EV is arguably one of the firm’s most ambitious offerings. It has sleek looks, an interior filled with technology, and an impressive suite of performance. But its silent exhaust note also makes it one of the stealthiest Porsches in the lineup, which might disappoint those hoping to hear the rowdy soundtrack of a flat-six engine. Porsche has found a rather interesting way to draw some more attention to it by creating an all-new Taycan art car that will be auctioned off for a good cause.   Porsche and Richard Phillips Collaborate Once Again For Taycan Creation The …

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2021 Renegade and Wrangler Islander Models Embrace Summer Vibes

The snow is melting and for many parts of the country, it’s getting a bit warmer. While summer is still a few months away, that didn’t stop Jeep from revealing its newest crop of special edition models the 2021 Renegade and Wrangler Islander models. Like other special edition models, this island-themed duo aims to bring younger buyers to showrooms while also adding some spice to the lineup at the same time.   Renegade Islander Catches Some Rays With Islander Package Before we get into the Wrangler, we might as well start things off with the tiny Renegade crossover which receives …

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2021 Durango R/T Tow N Go Video Review by Matt Barnes

2021 Durango R/T Tow N Go Review Dodge is a standout among manufacturers today. Offering gobs of power in a variety of vehicles with a stick it to the man attitude has made Dodge one of the few remaining companies willing to pay out fines for poor fuel economy to give the people what they want. The R/T Tow N Go is the performance oriented Durango for those who can’t justify the insanity of the SRT or Hellcat, but still want to have fun. It also gives the driver the possibility of towing a significant 8,700 pounds. Is the Durango …

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Road Test Review – 2020 Mazda CX-9 Signature – The Ultimate Signature of Luxury?

In a world where many CUVs appear to have been crafted out of soulless toasters and dryers, the 2020 Mazda CX-9 has emerged as a very vibrant exception to the rule. The exterior styling looks like it was lifted from a sports car, and the interior blurs the line between mainstream and luxury. But in a segment where the pool is rapidly becoming a very crowded place, Mazda’s biggest utility offering needs to be sharper than ever. But does it succeed in drawing attention to itself? Or does it miss the mark in other regards?   Sultry Exterior Styling Makes …

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Land Rover Ups The Insanity With All New 2022 Defender V8, Last Hurrah For Eight Cylinder Fun?

When we had the chance to review the revived Land Rover Defender, we liked how it managed to add a new twist to an endearing icon. But while the turbocharged mild-hybrid inline-six is a welcome slice of power, it was quite obvious that the platform was capable of handling much more power. Land Rover engineers have apparently heard our musings and unleashed the 2022 Land Rover Defender V8.   Muscular V8 Transforms The Defender V8 Into a Beast It’s not very often that we highlight the performance hardware first, but in this case, the Defender V8 is all about promoting …

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