Driven Car Reviews
Tom Voelk
Updated 2 days agoNew York Times contributor and Emmy Award-winning automotive journalist Tom Voelk looks at all things cars.
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Episodes (106)
2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Is An Elevated Way To Haul It All
As the name implies, the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander is, well, grander than Highlander classic. There's more room, crisper design and with the Hybrid MAX powertrain, significantly more oomph. There's seating for up to 8, and for the first time, adults are okay to ride in the wayback. All that and the price premium is easy to swallow. Its strong competition to Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, Chevy Traverse, Buick Enclave, Nissan Pathfinder and Volkswagen Atlas. Tom Voelk travels to the Big Island of Hawaii to check out all three powertrains.
The 2023 BMW XM Is A Rorschach Test On Wheels
People will either love the 2023 BMW XM or loath it. For sure, it's a grin a minute from behind the wheel. It's a dedicated M vehicle, not an M variant like M3 or M5. Plus it's a plug-in hybrid SUV that can be kind to the environment. But the gas-side is a thirsty twin-turbocharged V8 and the lofty price tag will disappoint those who find the polarizing exterior appealing. Tom Voelk checks out the tech and performance of this high output PHEV and talks to the good folks of Seattle about the design… and finds some surprising responses.
2024 Ford Ranger First Look (And Yes, There's A Raptor Now)
The 2024 Ford Ranger is coming this fall but you can check it out inside and out now. Tom Voelk offers a preview of the next-generation mid-sized pickup that gets a Raptor version for the first time in the US. In the XL, XLT and Lariat models, choose between a 2.3-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder with 270 horsepower or the optional 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 with 315 HP. The Raptor gets a 3-liter V6 with 405 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque and a different advanced four-wheel-drive system. There's all sort of tech too.
Hands On With The All-New 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro, Trailhunter, TRD Sport and Limited
It's been a very long time since Toyota has introduced an all-new Tacoma. At a special sneak preview on the big island of Hawaii, Toyota offered up a first look at the all-new (and it really is all-new) 2024 Tacoma. Here's your first look at TRD Pro, Limited, SR5 Sport and the new Trailhunter for those looking to overland. It will be available with two powertrains including the i-Force MAX hybrid. And Toyota has heard your requests for a better seating position. Sheldon Brown, the chief engineer offers up tons of information on what changes, and just as important, what doesn't. Toyota provided transportation and lodging for this first look at the 2024 Toyota Tacoma.
The 2024 RZ 450e is the Lexus of Electric SUVs
It took time but Lexus has a new battery electric, the RZ 450e. Built on the e-TNGA platform found under the Bz4X, it's strictly an all-wheel drive machine (that's the DIRECT4 badge) with torque vectoring. It's stuffed with Lexus creature comforts and technology too. Electrification is perfect for the brand's mission. How does it work in the real world? Tom Voelk checks out the driving dynamics, design, features and, of course range and charging speed. He drives a Premium model with the following options- Technology Package, Digital Rear View Mirror, optional 20-inch wheels that lower the EPA rated range to an estimated 196 miles.
The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid 2023 Gets Things Done With More Refinement
The Honda CR-V has always been a family favorite, the all-new 6th generation is ready to take the brood on their next adventure. The big news? There's a new hybrid powertrain with more powerful electric motors that are mounted side-by-side now. Available in front or all-wheel drive, it's EPA rated as high as 40 MPG average. Tom Voelk checks out the Sport Touring model to see if it can get that kind of efficiency.