Driven Car Reviews

2026 Jeep Cherokee Is Back... as a Hybrid

Built on Stellantis' new STLA Large platform, the all-new Cherokee is now hybrid-only. My how it's grown! It's aiming squarely at heavy hitters like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Honda CR-V Hybrid, Hyundai Tucson, and Kia Sportage. With standard all-wheel drive, significantly improved fuel economy, and a smooth hybrid system, it's clearly targeting mainstream buyers—not just off-road enthusiasts. And it's very roomy.

The 2026 Trailseeker is the Perfect Subaru For High Gas Prices

The new Subaru Trailseeker has Outback practicality, EV efficiency, and enough off-road credibility to handle the forest service roads you and your dog will point it at. In this full review, I break it all down- performance, range, charging, interior tech, and how it compares to its twin—the Toyota bZ Woodland. Yes, they share a lot. But Trailseeker might be the smarter buy. With standard AWD (hey, it's a Subaru), 375 horsepower and a starting price under $46,000 (about the same price as an Outback), this is the quickest Subaru you can buy right now. But is it the best one for everyday drivers? If you're considering an EV but still want Subaru practicality (and room for the dog), this might be the one to watch.

The Hyundai IONIQ 6 N Turns it Up to 11

Hyundai has made it official- the IONIQ 6 N is coming to the North American market in late spring / early summer of 2026. Is it one better than the legendary 5N? There's certainly reason to believe that. 6N gets upgraded performance electronics and a new suspension for a lower center of gravity. Plus it's more aerodynamic. Tom Voelk travels to Hyundai Design North America in Irvine, CA to talk to Hyundai's Michael Evanoff to discover what's different when it comes to the high-performance IONIQ 6N.  Hyundai provided travel to California for this video.

2026 Chevy Traverse Z71- Big Space. Big Tech. 4-Cylinder Engine?

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse competes in crowded 3-row family SUV segment. It goes up against heavy hitters like Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Toyota Grand Highlander, Hyundai Palisade, and the upcoming second generation Kia Telluride. Traverse delivers huge space, solid comfort, good tech, and the option of GM's excellent Super Cruise. There is that turbo 4-cylinder sound though. In this review, I cover the off-road flavored Z71 that lands at $57K as tested. Here are positives, drawbacks, real-world comfort, cargo room, tow ratings, and whether the turbo-four delivers enough grunt (and grace) for a big family hauler.

Hyundai Crater

Honda Prelude is Back With a Retro Name and a Forward Attitude

After missing in action for over two decades, Honda Prelude returns as a performance 2+2 with a hybrid powertrain. Scheduled to hit showrooms in late 2025, the 2026 Prelude gets Civic Type R's dual-axis strut front suspension, four-piston Brembo aluminum front calipers, and an adaptive suspension. Linear Shift Control simulates cog swaps plus there's a new S+ Shift mode. Tom Voelk previews Honda's grand touring-oriented sport hybrid.

2026 Cadillac Escalade IQ is All-Electric Luxury Done The American Way

There's nothing quite like the 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQ. Fully electric, it slays range anxiety with an EPA-rated range of 460 miles and can take on 100 miles of travel in just 10 minutes. Efficient? No. The IQ achieves its mission the good old fashioned American way- throw a lot of resources at it (the pack is rated at 205kWh for starters). It's large, it's heavy and it's polarizing. But darned if it isn't impressive. Tom Voelk checks out a Premium Sport trim dipped in Deep Space Metallic paint and Harbor Blue cabin. At 155 grand as tested it's a pricey machine, but easily half the price of a Celestiq for the glass half full crowd.

First Look! The All-New 2027 Second Generation Kia Telluride!

Hard to believe it's been some six years since the Kia Telluride hit the scene. Apparently internally, it's been known as the "Selluride" since it's such a hot commodity, dealers can't keep them in stock, even though production has been increased every year since it's launch. It's been a huge win for Kia and has helped to reset the brand's image. So gen two is very important. 

All New 2026 Nissan Leaf is Improved in Every Way

The Nissan Leaf was an EV pioneer but it's been long in the tooth for years. The all-new third generation is improved in every way with up to 303 miles of range, faster charging speed and a liquid cooled battery pack. Plus NACS! It's affordable, starting at under $30,000. Tom Voelk and Autoblog's Cole Attisha check out a loaded Platinum + trim with features found only on premium vehicles just a few years ago. It's not overly fast, but it is a quiet comfortable cruiser with new found style.       

Best Vehicles of 2025! The Driven Top 11 List!

Automotive writer Tom Voelk drove over 100 vehicles in 2025. What are his favorites? These 11, a wide mix of cars, trucks, and SUVs with ICE, hybrid and EV powertrains. Here's Tom's year in review as he goes over what he enjoyed the most. Many of these are finalists for the North American Utility, Car and Truck of the Year Award. And many are affordable with nearly half available under $40,000 well equipped. Though a few crest well over $100K.

Jeep Cherokee is Back With Hybrid Power for 2026

It's been a few years since Cherokee cast a shadow in Jeep showrooms. Coming in late 2025, the 6th generation rights that wrong. Powered by a turbocharged 4-cylinder hybrid making 210 horsepower, it should average 37 miles on a gallon of gas. Bigger and roomier (30% more cargo room for starters) it gets a square-jawed design for those that loved the original look. Tom Voelk previews the 2026 Cherokee that looks to take on RAV4, CR-V, Tucson, and Sportage.

The Ford Maverick Lobo is Party up Front, Business in Back

If the mullet is business in front party in the back, the new 2025 Ford Maverick Lobo reverses that. It's a sportier version of Ford compact trucklette. The 4 ½ foot bed will help to get the chores done. For a good time on twisty roads Lobo gets a specially tuned suspension, dual clutch torque vectoring rear differential and specific Lobo drive mode for tight autocross courses. Tom Voelk checks out a well-equipped model that MSRPs for some $43K. Yeah, Maverick isn't the bargain it once was.  

2025 Polestar 3 is the SUV the Young Brand Needs

Fast, nimble and sleek, Polestar 3 is a much-needed addition to the 2 that's been Polestar's only real offering since 2020. Pricing starts at $68,900 for a rear-drive model with 350 miles of E.P.A.-rated range. Tom Voelk checks out a top spec dual-motor AWD Long Range version with the Plus and Performance Packs, retailing for $91,800 before any government tax incentives or Polestar spiffs (keep an eye out for generous enticements from Polestar). Thinking of an Acura ZDX, Audi Q6 e-tron, BMW iX, Cadillac Lyriq, Genesis GV60, Lexus RZ, Mercedes EQE or Porsche Macan EV? Put the 3 on your test drive list. Just make sure you're comfortable with the interface.

2026 Honda Passport TrailSport is the Real Deal

There are dozens of SUVs to choose from. Some coddle the family at the expense of off-road performance. Others can tackle Moab but punish drivers on the pavement heading there. The new 4th generation Honda Passport TrailSport is the sweet spot, offering traction on tough trails and comfort in the concrete canyons (you know, where most miles are driven). It's not an extreme boulder crawler but in many ways it's the goldilocks SUV. Tom Voelk and Martin Campbell take it on and off road and find it might be the perfect vehicle for family adventures.

2025 Toyota Crown Signia Limited Bumps Up Against Lexus

Cars are transportation, right? Getting from point A to B. They're also status symbols, pop culture icons, sculpture, engineering, plus environmental and political touchstones (as Elon is finding out). Crown Signia replaces Venza in Toyota's SUV portfolio, in the same way the Crown sedan nudged Avalon aside a few years back. Crown has been the Big T's premium machine going back to the 1950's, just absent from US roads since the 60's.   

The AFEELA is a Sony. And a Honda. With Some Help From Amazon.

Apple may have abandoned plans for an electric vehicle but Sony is forging ahead. Reservations for the Sony Honda Mobility AFEELA should begin in 2025 with deliveries expected in 2026. Powered by Amazon AWS cloud technology, AFEELA is stuffed with tech, both ADAS and entertainment. Options include music and movie streaming plus remote PlayStation gaming from your home PS5 (hey, it's a Sony). Tom Voelk gets a preview as it rolls through Seattle on a west coast tour. And learn where the AFEELA name comes from! This is a pre-production prototype, many things may change on production vehicle.

The Tesla Supercharger Network is Opening to All EVs. Here's How it Works.

For years, the Supercharger network was a singular reason to buy a Tesla over other brands of electric vehicles. With loads of locations and a reputation for reliability, it's been the charging provider to beat. Now Musk and Company are opening it up to other manufacturers like Ford, GM, Hyundai, and Kia. Tom Voelk loads the Tesla app into his phone and takes the new Volvo EX30 to a Supercharger station to check out the experience. Adapters are needed (unless you're at a Magic Dock terminal). Tom uses a Lectron NACS to CCS Vortex Electric Vehicle Adapter that's rated to 500 Amps / 1,000V. He also explores the Level 2 Tesla Destination Chargers found at hotels and restaurants using the Lectron Tesla to J1772 EV Charging Adapter. FYI, you'll need both to cover your bases.   Tom originally purchased these adapters for personal use. Afterwards, Lectron reached out and provided sample units for testing.

The 2025 Volvo EX30 Twin Motor is Fast, Furious and Minimalistic

Looking for a compact machine to rule the city? Volvo's EX30 is the perfect tool. The brand might be known for safety, but the all-electric EX30 with Twin Motor power is a pocket rocket, the fastest accelerating Volvo ever. Built on Geely's Sustainable Experience Architecture (or SEA) it's E.P.A. rated at 253 miles as tested. Tom Voelk checks out a loaded Ultra Twin Motor model and finds a fun runabout that could use a few hard controls. Get used to saying "Hey Google". A lot. 

15 Vehicles. 15 Auto Writers. Which Car Wins 2025 NWAPA Drive Revolution?

Take 15 vehicles, 15 automotive writers and two days of testing and you have Drive Revolution. Put on by the Northwest Automotive Press Association (or NWAPA), it's a competition to find the best ICE, HEV and BEV vehicles. NWAPA members also vote on best value and choose the NWAPA Drive Revolution Vehicle of the Year. Here's the list of competitors- 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT 2026 Genesis GV60 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 Calligraphy Design 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy 2025 Jeep Wagoneer S Limited 2025 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX-Prestige AWD 2025 Lucid Air Pure 2025 Mazda MX-5 Club 2025 Polestar 3 Dual Motor 2025 Toyota GR Corolla Premium Plus 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Nightshade 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line 4MOTION 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz 1st Edition Special thanks to the manufacturers that took the time to bring their vehicles and representatives to Ilani Casino Resort in Ridgefield, WA. Special thanks to the staff of DriveShop and Page one for logistics and organization. A shout out to John Vincent, Nik Miles, J.R. Chocco, Bengt Halvorson and Kristen Brown for their support.

The 2026 Genesis GV70 is a Tough Competitor Updated

21 SUVs and Pickups, 1 Grand Prize Winner. Welcome to NWAPA Mudfest 2025!

Every year, Northwest Automotive Press Association members get together to hold Mudfest, the NW Activity Vehicle of the Year competition. It's a real world look at the kinds of vehicles people are buying today, not just crawling over rocks and trees. 19 automotive Northwest Automotive Press Association writers assembled at The Ridge Motorsports Park in Shelton, WA for two days of on-pavement and off-road evaluation. Check out the category winners and see which machine takes home the grand prize of NW Activity Vehicle of the Year!   Also, you'll want to watch to the very end…   Special thanks to Aaron Hanson, Erin Kemp, the staff of DriveShop and Page One Automotive, Connie Peters, Kristen Brown, J.R. Chocco, John Vincent, Jim Redden, Bengt Halvorson, Nik Miles, The Ridge Motorsports Park and Alderbrook Resort for their part in making Mudfest 2025 a huge success.

I Take Delivery of a CPO Porsche Taycan 4S. Here's What it's Like…

The Porsche dealership delivery experience is significantly different than picking up a Toyota. What's it like? Tom Voelk flies from Seattle to Ontario, CA to grab the keys to his new-to-him 2021 Porsche Taycan 4S to find out. Flying standby. Airport pickup. Touring the car for the first time. Checking out swag and aftermarket gear. Learning how to spec out and order a new Porsche. Setting up the apps and interface for the drive back to the Pacific Northwest. If you're thinking about pulling the trigger of just want to day dream about it, here's a taste.

Porsche Taycan 4S Road Trip LA to Seattle (Part Two)

Part two of Tom Voelk's road trip from Ontario, CA to Seattle begins at 10AM in Woodland, CA with the Taycan's range reading just 10 miles. With no overnight charging available, Tom puts his trust in the Porsche Intelligent Range Manager to steer him towards charging stations along the I5 corridor. How easy is it to navigate the infrastructure? Will Electrify America leave Tom stranded? How many Walmart bathrooms can a guy use? It's a $75K cinematic video months in the making.

Porsche Taycan 4S Los Angeles to Seattle Road Trip (Part One)

Think road tripping in an electric vehicle in 2025 is a gamble and charging takes too much time? Tom Voelk gets into his new (to him) 2021 CPO Porsche Taycan 4S in Ontario, CA and points it towards Seattle. Will full faith in the Porsche Intelligent Range Manager he hits charging stations along the I5 corridor. It's a $75K video months in the making! Will Electrify America deliver over 1,200 miles? Will Plug and Charge work? Will Tom find any decent food? All that, original music from Chadashi and more in Part 1.