The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Adds Hybrid Power (Courtesy of the Big T)
Driven Car Reviews
The Mazda CX-50 crossover has always been a stylish fun-to-drive way to get the chores done. Now it’s more efficient with a first-ever hybrid powertrain. And the gas/electric setup is from Toyota so there’s reassurance that it’s been done right. Does it keep the band’s frisky fun dynamics? Tom Voelk checks out a top-trim Premium Plus edition with standard AWD to find out.
info_outline
2025 Kia Carnival HEV is a Turbocharged Hybrid Hauler
Driven Car Reviews
The Kia Carnival MPV has always been a competitive family hauler. For 2025 it adds a hybrid powertrain good for 33 MPG. And it’s turbocharged! All Carnivals, even the V6-powered version, get a mid-cycle refresh with a stronger grille, Star Map headlamps and new tech. The HEV powertrain’s 54kW electric motor adds more than efficiency, it helps to smooth out the ride quality and improve handling. And the look doesn't scream minivan. Tom Voelk travels to San Diego, CA to drive the Carnival Hybrid and finds it to be the ultimate family machine, as long as you don’t need all-wheel drive.
info_outline
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Design Deep Dive
Driven Car Reviews
The 3-row 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe is getting big buzz. Radically different from the last generation, it's as square as the outgoing model was rounded. For design enthusiasts, here's a look at the press launch styling presentation. Kevin Kang, head of design for Hyundai North America shares details of how the Santa Fe was developed. It’s just like being at an automotive event. Some think Santa Fe looks like a Range Rover Defender, others the late great Ford Flex. At the event, we drove loaded AWD Calligraphy model with a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. A more fuel-efficient hybrid is...
info_outline
2025 MINI Cooper S is Big Fun in a Small Package
Driven Car Reviews
Only one automaker that uses the size of its cars as a brand name. That would be MINI. While the 2025 Cooper gets a bumper-to bumper redo, it largely keeps the classic look alive, with the bulldog look moving from lovable pet next door to Westminster Kennel Club groomed. Tom Voelk checks out a turbocharged Cooper S in Iconic trim. It’s a premium small car that’s great for slicing up crowded urban streets.
info_outline
Acura ZDX Type S Amps Up The Brand
Driven Car Reviews
Acura has finally gone all-electric. The ZDX revives a classic nameplate but adds a modern EV jolt, starting with General Motor’s Ultium platform. Is it a wedding that works? Tom Voelk checks out a top-trim Type S that adds power, adaptive air suspension and bigger brakes (but takes away a bit of range). It even gets Super Cruise… kind of.
info_outline
2025 Q6 e-tron quattro Ups Audi’s EV Game
Driven Car Reviews
Audi has more fully electric vehicles that most people realize. The all new Q6 e-tron is the fourth in the brand’s line up and is built on the Premium Platform Electric architecture (or PPE) so it goes far, charges fast and drives well. It’s the best electric SUV the four rings folks have built to date. Tom Voelk travels to Healdsburg, CA to drive the Q6 e-tron quattro Prestige trim with Chris May, executive director of the Audi Club of North America who knows a thing or two about the brand. Tom attended an Audi press event for this review. Travel, lodging and food were provided....
info_outline
The Right Tires Can Save Lives. Here’s How They’re Tested.
Driven Car Reviews
No one WANTS to buy tires, but as long as you need to, do it right. Discount Tire bought the old Cooper Tires testing facility in Pearsall, Texas and analyses everything from budget rubber to high performance tires. Here’s a look behind the scenes on how your Michelins, Pirellis, Goodyears and dozens of other brands get evaluated, and how all of that information comes together on DT’s Treadwell website so buyers can make the right decision. It’s amazing the difference the right tires can make. Discount Tires sponsored this event, covering food and lodging. Tom does not make a...
info_outline
2025 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek is Dressed to Fashion Conditions
Driven Car Reviews
Rogue is Nissan’s best-selling vehicle and for 2025 it gains the Rock Creek trim level first found on Pathfinder. A tougher looking grille, tubular roof rack, red accents scattered everywhere and all-terrain tires give off a tough SUV vibe even though there’s no extra ground clearance or underbody protection. But the look will appeal to buyers that want the North Face visual even if the closest they get to the great outdoors is the outlet mall. Tom Voelk checks out a lightly equipped version priced at $38,890. Also, a variable compression engine?
info_outline
Driven! The new 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Sport and Trailhunter
Driven Car Reviews
The all-new (and yes, it’s ALL new) 6th generation 2025 Toyota 4Runner was a long time coming (gen five started production in late 2009). The new 4Runner swaps V6 power for a turbocharged i-FORCE 4-cylinder or the i-FORCE MAX Turbo Hybrid for extra oomph. Larger, more comfortable and easier to drive now, it should be more popular than ever, even with the price hike. Tom Voelk checks out 2 of the 9 trim levels (yeah, 9)- the basic TRD Sport 4WD and top o' the heap Trailhunter.
info_outline
2025 Nissan Murano Platinum Bumps Up Against Luxury Competitors
Driven Car Reviews
The 4th generation Nissan Murano has been a long time coming. Last redone in 2014, the 2025 version gets fresh Ariya-inspired design, new engine tech and, drumroll please, a 9-speed transmission. That’s right, no more CVT. It’s strong competition for Chevy Blazer, Honda Passport and Mazda CX70, but could distract Acura RDX, Lexus LX and Lincoln Aviator shoppers. Tom Voelk checks out a fully loaded Platinum AWD model on a snowy day.
info_outlineLike 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.