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 ..read more

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 ..read more

What’s in a name? Plenty when it’s Integra. Acura ditched the moniker at the turn of the century. Now that it’s back, can it live up to the lofty expectations that were largely set by the Type-R? Well, for starters, there’s a 6-speed manual and adaptive dampers (though you’ll need to spring for the fully loaded A-Spec to get those). It’s a modern take on an Acura classic. Tom Voelk checks out a loaded A-Spec in Liquid Carbon Metallic that MSRPs for $38,095 with destination ..read more

I get to drive a lot of vehicles, some 80 in 2022. These 11 are the ones that I think are worth looking at, the cars and trucks that are a great combination of value, features, design and capability. The ground rules- each one needs to be less than $100K or so reasonably optioned (that means no GMC Hummer EV or Porsche Taycans, which are terrific in what they do). I choose from a wide variety of categories that people actually buy, so not everything is a performance car. Check it out and see if you agree ..read more

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 ..read more

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.   ..read more

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 ..read more

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).   ..read more

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is available with two engines. The Sport model unlocks the more powerful 2.5-liter boxer powertrain that’s found in the more expensive Limited and Wilderness versions. $2,800 more expensive than the Premium model, Sport adds kit that people want, making it the smart choice. Tom Voelk lays down his case on why this is the Crosstrek to buy.     ..read more

Cadillac’s XT4 has been around since 2018 and is one of the premium brand’s most popular vehicles. For 2024 it gets new front and rear facias and a massive 33-inch screen borrowed from its all-electric sister Lyriq. It all helps elevate the entry level crossover to a more Cadillac-like vibe. And the Google-based interface is quick and responsive. It’s a big improvement. But, is it enough to draw people from Audi, BMW, Lexus and Lincoln? Tom Voelk checks out a well-equipped AWD Sport model to find out.   ..read more