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New York Times contributor and Emmy Award-winning automotive journalist Tom Voelk looks at all things cars.
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Like the first-generation Hyundai Kona, gen two is available with gas and all-electric powertrains. Bigger, roomier, more refined and quicker to charge now, Kona Electric should be more appealing to more buyers. Make sure you buy the right model though since the SE’s battery and motor are different. Tom checks out a loaded $42,440 Limited model at an event in Monterey, CA. He figures the sweet spot is the SEL that retails for some four grand less. Tom attended a Hyundai event for this review and spent limited time with the Kona Electric. He opinions remain his own.
Premium vehicles are all about sophistication. It’s a good argument for the BMW i5, a fully electric 5 Series. Packed with tech, refinement and a dollop of Ultimate Driving Machine dynamics, electrification might be the best way to experience the 5 Series (though ICE and PHEV version are available). People admiring the design may be oblivious it’s missing a gas powertrain. It’s just that subtle. And no trips to the gas station. Tom Voelk checks out a rear-wheel drive eDrive40 model.
Want enthusiast grade driving dynamics at a reasonable price? Hyundai offers bang-for-the-buck with the Elantra N. Upgraded for 2024, there are some real changes that make it a better car, things like improved brakes and forged aluminum alloy wheels. And at just under $35,000 it’s fully loaded with grippy sport seats, adjustable suspension and Bose sound. And yes, there’s a 6-speed manual. Tom Voelk checks it out on an autocross course at WeatherTech Laguna Seca. Tom attended a Hyundai sponsored even for the review. Opinions are his own. Accuracy is important.
Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 N is equipped with N Drift Optimizer. In the hands of N Brand Vice President JooN Park, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 tires are shown no mercy. Watch as he obliterates the rear rubber in short order. For now, full driving impressions of the IONIQ 5 N are under embargo, but I’ll be sharing my experience at Weather Tech Laguna Seca soon. A hint? It’s a must see. Subscribe and click notifications so you don’t miss it.
Is F-150 is too big? Maverick too small? The new 2024 Ford Ranger is a tiny bit larger than the outgoing model and that adds big benefits. 4-foot-wide material sheets load between the wheel wells. The cabin gets a more inviting look. It has the smoothest turbocharged 4-cylinder engine in its class. It goes down the road in a relaxed manner (due in part to its mid-sized form factor). Tom Voelk checks out a well-equipped XLT 4x4.
Want fun, affordability and practicality from your next ride? The Mazda3 enters the chat. Starting at $25,400, the Carbon Turbo is the sweet spot at 33 grand, adding turbocharged power and all-wheel drive. It’s roomy enough to handle a small family and engaging enough to entertain enthusiastic drivers. Plus, the Carbon Editions are easy to buy (if only because there are no color or option choices). Tom Voelk drives the sedan (and really there are plenty of 4-door choices).
Kia’s Carnival has always offered space and comfort. The refreshed 2025 model adds something big- a hybrid powertrain for significantly better efficiency. How does it stack up against the hybrids in Toyota Sienna and Chrysler Pacifica? Tom Voelk travels to Detroit, MI for a first look at the top trim SX Prestige trim. Kia brought Tom to Michigan for this preview. His opinions remain his own.
The new Kia K4 sedan is a lot more than a Forte with a name change. Available in the fall of 2025, it gets dramatic new sheetmetal and a powerful turbocharged 4-cylinder. How does it compare to Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Mazda3, Subaru Impreza and Volkswagen Jetta? Tom Voelk travels to Detroit, MI to preview the top trim GT-Line Turbo model.
With a bladder busting range of 440 miles, the impressive 2024 Chevy Silverado EV RST packs a punch. It's all here- Fast 350kW charging, dual motor 4WD, 0-60 in 4.5 seconds, four wheel steering, air suspension, vehicle-to-home power ability and Super Cruise. Quiet, comfortable and surprisingly nimble there's a lot to like... so long as you have $96,500 to spare for a pickup truck. Tom Voelk and John Voelcker team up and spend a day with the Silverado EV. They have some thoughts to share, especially about the new interface. Tom attended a press event sponsored by General Motors. Opinions remain stubbornly his. CORRECTION- The interface screen is 17.7 inches, not 17.1 if that makes a difference in your purchasing decision.
EVs cost less to operate, fuel at home and can be fun to drive. Chevrolet adds something radical with the new Equinox EV- normalcy. It’s a compact SUV with loads of room and 319 miles of reach, practically eliminating range anxiety. Can Chevy appeal to the masses? It just might with a starting price of $35,000 before any tax credits. Tom Voelk teams up with Car and Driver contributing editor John Voelcker in Detroit, MI to find out. They drive a mid-level front-wheel drive 2LT with Super Cruise and check out life without Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Tom attended a GM sponsored event to produce this video. His opinions remain true.
I have finally installed 240V Level 2 charging at my home. What took so long? Well, my house is over 100 years old, the garage is detached, set into the side of a hill and made of concrete. So no matter how complex the job, it can be done! It's probably much easier for most people, but you might learn something here. For starters, don't skimp on the charger (I ended up with a hardwired ChargePoint Home Flex). Unintended bonus? My wife is super happy how quickly her Chevy Volt charges now. It's a big update from 120V Level 1. Helpful links to buy ChargePoint Home Flex (FYI, I make no commission) ChargePoint- https://bit.ly/3TwZ1It Amazon- https://amzn.to/4cz3anR
Love the Rivian look but find the R1S too large (or expensive)? The two-row R2 and even smaller R3 will right those wrongs. Rivian stopped by Seattle's University Village store to show off the upcoming R2 and sporty R3X. Expected sometime in 2026 with a range of at least 300 miles, the R2 has the luxury and features of R1S in a tidier package. R3X is for those looking for something even smaller but want the clever Rivian touches. Tom Voelk previews the R2 and R3X with the help of Rivian's Kenneth Tsang.
20 SUVs and pickups. 20 automotive writers. One grand prize winner. Now in its 30th year, Mudfest is a two-day competition put on by the Northwest Automotive Writers Association. Held at The Ridge Motorsports Park in Shelton, WA, NWAPA members judge on and off-road capability, value, features, cargo room, efficiency and technology. It's a tough job, but someone has to do it. Thanks to The Ridge Motorsports Park, Alderbrook Lodge and Spa, member of NWAPA, and all of the manufacturers reps that traveled to Shelton, WA. Also, special thanks to the staff of Page One and DriveShop, Aaron Hansen, Erin Kemp, John Vincent, Nik Miles and Jim Redden for their hours of volunteer time. And a shout out to Martin Campbell, Tom Frisch and Doug Berger for additional photography
Typically, the formula for performance vehicles is to add power, stiffen the suspension and bolt on some sticky tires. Hyundai took things much further with the IONIQ 5 N, adding N e-Shift, N Active Sound +, N Grin Boost and more. Those Ns mean nothing to many now but they will soon. Deep and powerful, IONIQ 5 N has the potential to join the ranks of performance greats while doing double duty as a family hauler. Tom Voelk travels to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca to experience the all-electric 5 N with 221 miles of range and ultra-fast charging speed. Tom attended a Hyundai sponsored event to drive the IONIQ 5 N. Opinions remain his own.
Cross a Mustang Mach-E with a Subaru WRX and you get the Rally. Ford starts with the updated performance bits of the 2024 GT, then adds an inch of lift, underbody protection, rally wheels with optimized tires and a Cessna sized wing. Perfect for getting to the trail head or running forest service roads at speed. Tom Voelk checks it out at DirtFish Rally School in Snoqualmie, WA with head instructor Jack Harrison. Pay attention, Jack’s tips will make you a better driver. Tom attended a Ford sponsored event to produce this video. Opinions remain his own.
For good clean fun in the dirt, there’s nothing quite like the new 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally. And who better to demonstrate that than pro driver Vaughn Gitten Jr? Tom Voelk rides shotgun with JR on the back forty of DirtFish Rally School in Snoqualmie, WA to find out what 480 horsepower and 700 lb-ft of torque can do in the hands of a professional.
At last, there’s an all-new Toyota 4Runner! The 6th generation gets a Platinum and Trailhunter trims for the first time. The V6 is gone, replaced by a turbocharged 4-cylinder i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder making 278 horsepower or the i-FORCE MAX hybrid 4-cylinder with up to 326 horses. Both get 8-speed transmissions. If that sounds familiar, 4Runner is based on the same TNGA-F architecture as the new Tacoma pickup. The 2025 Toyota 4Runner should go on sale in the fall of 2024.
Cadillac is finally pumping out the all-electric Lyriq in volume and it could be the vehicle that makes people forget about tailfins, chrome, floaty chassis dynamics and Cimarron. Lyriq is handsome, comfortable, roomy, powerful, quiet and packed with tech. Tom Voelk checks out an AWD Sport 3 with Super Cruise and finds it to be a solid value with room for five full sized adults. Now about that wobbly charge port door…
Hyundai’s all-electric Ioniq 6 has racked up dozens of awards and accolades. It’s fast, rides well, charges fast and sports daring Streamliner design. If you’re looking for a curvy EV with the most squares, this is your car. Tom Voelk snags one from Hyundai for a week for a full shakedown and finds it be one of the most enjoyable electric sedans on the market.
ant a practical vehicle with a serious fun streak? Say ciao to the new Alfa Romeo Tonale. Plug it in and it’ll go 33 miles on electric power (that an easy 10,000 miles annually). Quick and agile, Tonale can take on up to 50 cubic feet of cargo. But it will be might familiar if you’ve visited a Dodge showroom lately. Tom Voelk checks out a top spec Tonale Veloce with eAWD (because it’s the only way Alfa makes it).
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doing the 2020 Kia telleride anytime soon?
448 GTB?