Plug-in power cuts emissions, boosts gas mileage for family SUV ... Nearly all automakers are now hybridizing their lineups, either with regular hybrid systems to extend gas mileage and mildly cut emissions, or with plug-ins that do more of both. No surprise then that Hyundai has dropped a plug-in hybrid system into its popular Santa... Continue Reading →
2023 Honda CR-V AWD Sport Touring
Top-selling CR-V adds length and hybrid power ... Adding a bit of length along with hybrid power to a top-selling compact crossover will likely boost its already strong sales, or so Honda suspects. They’re probably right. The Honda CR-V is already the segment’s sales leader and the latest refresh does nothing to hurt the sound... Continue Reading →
2023 Lexus LS 500h AWD
LS = Luxury Sedan (near perfect) with hybrid system ... No car is perfect, but the luxurious full-size Lexus LS 500h sedan wants to be, and edges closer to it with each iteration. The 2023 LS (Luxury Sedan one supposes) exhibits the usual stunning styling with its big grille that is a love it or... Continue Reading →
2023 Toyota Crown Platinum
Sedan melds luxury, looks with AWD and hybrid efficiency ... Those who remember the 1980 AMC Eagle (primarily Boomers), will recall it was a fine-looking wagon, but stood out because it rode higher than a standard wagon due to its AWD underpinnings. AMC’s trendsetting ways were rewarded briefly, but the look has persisted. Now all... Continue Reading →
Review: 2023 Toyota Sienna Platinum AWD Review
Sienna a praiseworthy hybrid hauler oozing luxury + AWD ... Minivans may be the smartest automotive vehicle design ever for families. Nothing is more comfortable or accommodating for packing in the offspring, grandparents, and all for around-towning or a cross-country outing. For that Toyota’s Sienna Platinum AWD is the most luxurious and yet practical conveyance... Continue Reading →
2023 Lexus ES300h F Sport
A hybrid luxury sedan priced almost like a family sedan ... Luxury and value go together a bit like peanut butter and caviar, at least in the car world. That’s to say, they don’t. Usually, luxury vehicles push nameplate and a few fancy doodads at a premium price. Folks wanting their image or reputation to... Continue Reading →
2023 Lexus RX 350 Limited
Restyled RX 350 still fills luxury SUV prescription, but ... Luxury and utility are ubiquitous with the Lexus RX 350, otherwise known as the unofficial soccer mom car of suburbia. This SUV that started out more as a tall wagon when introduced in the U.S. market in 1998 has been the best-selling luxury vehicle here... Continue Reading →
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe
Electric hybrid adds cost, but boosts fuel efficiency, smooths power ... When Jeep launched the Grand Cherokee 30 years ago it was among the first luxury sport-utility vehicles on the market that still was affordable (not a Rover) and capable of off-roading. Jeep continues to make its Grand Cherokee as off-road worthy as anything, including... Continue Reading →
Ford launches 2023 Escape, including hybrids, new ST-Line
ST-Line adds flare, hybrids stretch mileage, plus more electronics … Available early 2023, the hybrid Escape (left) and new ST-Line Elite Escape. Ford launched its refreshed Escape small SUV this morning touting new styling inside and out plus a sporty new ST-Line model and regular hybrid along with plug-in hybrid models. Naturally there are a... Continue Reading →
2022 Ford Maverick Lariat FWD
Ford returns to the compact pickup market with a hybrid ... Finally, finally, finally the nation’s leading truck maker has returned to the compact pickup market as Ford introduces the Maverick pickup. Oldtimers will recall the original Ford Maverick as an inexpensive compact car that did not distinguish itself, but this Maverick is gonna be... Continue Reading →