Driven Car Reviews

New York Times contributor and Emmy Award-winning automotive journalist Tom Voelk looks at all things cars.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Adds Hybrid Power (Courtesy of the Big T) 05/22/2025

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Adds Hybrid Power (Courtesy of the Big T) 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. /episode/index/show/drivencarreviews/id/34196250

2025 Kia Carnival HEV is a Turbocharged Hybrid Hauler 05/21/2025

2025 Kia Carnival HEV is a Turbocharged Hybrid Hauler 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. /episode/index/show/drivencarreviews/id/34196300

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Design Deep Dive 05/20/2025

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Design Deep Dive 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 now available. Check out competitors Kia Sorento, Mazda CX90, Toyota Highlander, and Subaru Ascent. Tom Voelk attended a Hyundai press event for this review. Opinions remain his own. /episode/index/show/drivencarreviews/id/34196465

2025 MINI Cooper S is Big Fun in a Small Package 05/19/2025

2025 MINI Cooper S is Big Fun in a Small Package 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. /episode/index/show/drivencarreviews/id/34741680

Acura ZDX Type S Amps Up The Brand 05/18/2025

Acura ZDX Type S Amps Up The Brand 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. /episode/index/show/drivencarreviews/id/34741780

2025 Q6 e-tron quattro Ups Audi’s EV Game 05/17/2025

2025 Q6 e-tron quattro Ups Audi’s EV Game 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. But accurate information is what’s most important. /episode/index/show/drivencarreviews/id/34743095

The Right Tires Can Save Lives. Here’s How They’re Tested. 05/15/2025

The Right Tires Can Save Lives. Here’s How They’re Tested. 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 commission if you use https://www.discounttire.com, but it is a very good research tool (even if you don’t buy your tires from them). /episode/index/show/drivencarreviews/id/34743740

2025 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek is Dressed to Fashion Conditions 05/14/2025

2025 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek is Dressed to Fashion Conditions 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? /episode/index/show/drivencarreviews/id/35830480

Driven! The new 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Sport and Trailhunter 05/13/2025

Driven! The new 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Sport and Trailhunter 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. /episode/index/show/drivencarreviews/id/35830585

2025 Nissan Murano Platinum Bumps Up Against Luxury Competitors 05/12/2025

2025 Nissan Murano Platinum Bumps Up Against Luxury Competitors 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. /episode/index/show/drivencarreviews/id/35831455

I Bought a High-Performance EV. The Deals Are Incredible. 05/06/2025

I Bought a High-Performance EV. The Deals Are Incredible. Yes, I’ve FINALLY bought an EV. How does a guy that drives a different vehicle every week decide on a personal car? Very slowly. And carefully. I break down what I was looking for and why I got what I got. The plan is to cover this car more in the future. But know this- there are some amazing values out there and, if you’re patient, it’s possible to score over 50% off the original MSRP or more on low mileage cars after just a couple years. Plus there’s a fire sale on Tesla vehicles. Wonder why? /episode/index/show/drivencarreviews/id/35832770

2025 Chevy Trax is Affordable Transportation Done Right 05/05/2025

2025 Chevy Trax is Affordable Transportation Done Right You might not need inexpensive transportation, but friends and family might. I spent a week in the Chevy Trax. Fully loaded? Under $28K. GM executed about perfect here. It’s not overly fast (hey it’s a budget priced car) but it’s refined, roomy and looks great inside and out. Most people think it’s a $40K car. /episode/index/show/drivencarreviews/id/36329200

Genesis Unveils the Magma Racing GMR-001 Hypercar! 04/27/2025

Genesis Unveils the Magma Racing GMR-001 Hypercar! On the eve of the New York International Auto Show, Genesis took the wraps off its new Genesis Magma Racing GMR-001 Hypercar at Genesis House. Since you can't be there, I shot the introduction video and unveiling. It will be laying the groundwork for the team’s 2026 WEC debut, and then the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Designed at Genesis Design Europe under Chief Creative Officer Luc Donckerwolke, the powertrain and chassis are being developed in partnership with ORECA Motorsport. No words here, just video. /episode/index/show/drivencarreviews/id/36329250

The Genesis X Gran Equator Concept Should Be Built Right Now 04/27/2025

The Genesis X Gran Equator Concept Should Be Built Right Now On the eve of the New York International Auto Show, Genesis unveiled the X Gran Equator concept at Genesis House. No words here, just video. But it speaks for itself. Genesis did not talk about power trains, but looking at the front it’s likely electric. Long of hood with a split tailgate, it’s clearly aimed at the one percent. And check out the interior with loads of leather pouch storage and not a touch screen to be had. Enjoy this video of the unveiling! And hope that it gets built. /episode/index/show/drivencarreviews/id/36329225

Tour the 2025 New York International Auto Show 04/27/2025

Tour the 2025 New York International Auto Show Can’t come to the 2025 New York International Auto Show? Tom Voelk has all the reveals and highlights so you can check it out from your couch. At 125 years old, the NYIAS is the oldest auto show in the US. You could spend a day checking out everything, or watch as Tom packs it into 20 minutes of highlights. Concepts. SUVs. Electric Vehicles. Exotics. Plus the newest of the new. /episode/index/show/drivencarreviews/id/36328565

2025 Acura ADX A-Spec AWD is Big News in a Small Package 04/02/2025

2025 Acura ADX A-Spec AWD is Big News in a Small Package People want refinement, style, comfort, utility and pride of ownership out of a car. Acura offers up the all-new ADX compact crossover. Starting at $36,350 with shipping, it undercuts Audi Q3, BMW X1, Lexus UX, Mercedes GLA and Volvo XC40 on price but delivers on features. It’s the entry level SUV that Acura has needed for a while. Tom Voelk travels to the San Diego, CA region to test out an ADX A-Spec Advance AWD in Urban Grey paint to see if the “Integra of crossovers” has a winning formula. Tom attended an Acura sponsored event to review the ADX. Opinions remain his own. /episode/index/show/drivencarreviews/id/36329025

2025 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV is the Best One Yet 01/17/2025

2025 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV is the Best One Yet Chevy’s Equinox is one of the most popular crossovers in class. For 2025 it gets a major overhaul with a new rugged approach to design. Simply put, it’s a sizable improvement over the outgoing generation. Tom Voelk checks out a lightly optioned all-wheel drive ACTIV version with it’s General Grabber all-terrain tires and finds it doesn’t take a lot of extras to make it a solid competitor. And yes it has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto /episode/index/show/drivencarreviews/id/34783965

Life With Hyundai IONIQ 5 N 01/13/2025

Life With Hyundai IONIQ 5 N Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 N is brilliant on the race track. Does that mean a punishing and high-strung dynamic during everyday driving? Maybe not. Tom Voelk snags one for a week to see if the range, charge speed and utility are ready for family hauling when not chewing up a raceway. This is after all, on Tom’s short list of cars to buy. /episode/index/show/drivencarreviews/id/34783935

The Best Vehicles of 2024 01/09/2025

The Best Vehicles of 2024 Here’s my Top 11 List for 2024 folks, the cars, trucks and SUVs that I feel offer value, design, utility and innovation. It’s hard to narrow down, competition is fierce. But here ya go. Happy New Year! It’s going to be interesting… /episode/index/show/drivencarreviews/id/34783885

2024 Lincoln Nautilus is More Than Just a Huge Screen 11/01/2024

2024 Lincoln Nautilus is More Than Just a Huge Screen Lincoln’s Nautilus is new for 2024 and the big news is a huge screen. 4 feet wide, it dominates the interior. Does it work or is it just a gimmick? Tom Voelk checks out a loaded AWD Reserve III trim with the turbocharged 4-cylinder engine ($1,500 buys the more powerful hybrid powertrain). The display is impressive but hardly the only thing to like about this 5-seat SUV. /episode/index/show/drivencarreviews/id/33257157

2024 Hyundai Kona Electric Gets More Room and Style 10/30/2024

2024 Hyundai Kona Electric Gets More Room and Style 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. /episode/index/show/drivencarreviews/id/32351587

2024 BMW i5 eDrive40 is Ultimate Stealthy Refinement 10/29/2024

2024 BMW i5 eDrive40 is Ultimate Stealthy Refinement 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. /episode/index/show/drivencarreviews/id/31953752

2024 Hyundai Elantra N is Big Affordable Fun 10/28/2024

2024 Hyundai Elantra N is Big Affordable Fun 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. /episode/index/show/drivencarreviews/id/31953677

2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N is a Tire Shredding Machine 10/26/2024

2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N is a Tire Shredding Machine 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. /episode/index/show/drivencarreviews/id/31056873

2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Limited AWD is Sleek and Sixy 10/23/2024

2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Limited AWD is Sleek and Sixy Hyundai’s all-electric Ioniq 6 has racked up dozens of awards and accolades. It’s fast, rides well, charges quickly and wears daring Streamliner design sheetmetal. If you’re looking for a curvy EV with the most squares, this is your sedan (and you don't see many 4-doors these days).. 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. /episode/index/show/drivencarreviews/id/31523422

2024 Ford Ranger XLT 4x4 is Right-Sized Capability 10/21/2024

2024 Ford Ranger XLT 4x4 is Right-Sized Capability 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. /episode/index/show/drivencarreviews/id/31525912

2024 Mazda3 Carbon Turbo AWD Sedan is Stealthy 4-Door Fun 10/20/2024

2024 Mazda3 Carbon Turbo AWD Sedan is Stealthy 4-Door Fun 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). /episode/index/show/drivencarreviews/id/33257122

2025 Kia Carnival MPV Hybrid is an Efficiency MVP 10/20/2024

2025 Kia Carnival MPV Hybrid is an Efficiency MVP 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. /episode/index/show/drivencarreviews/id/33256832

2025 Kia K4 is a Better Forte (Especially With Turbo Power) 10/19/2024

2025 Kia K4 is a Better Forte (Especially With Turbo Power) 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. /episode/index/show/drivencarreviews/id/33257047

Chevrolet Silverado EV RST Goes The Distance 10/15/2024

Chevrolet Silverado EV RST Goes The Distance 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. /episode/index/show/drivencarreviews/id/31526002

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