https://www.hotcars.com Complete reviews on cars, SUV's & pickup trucks. Thu, 24 Aug 2023 12:49:17 GMT en-US hourly 60 While many manufacturers have jumped on the fast moving SUV trend, rare are those that have had the time to build a sense of legacy around their long-standing, flagship SUV models. With over 50 years of history, Range Rover is one of the few benchmark vehicles that has set the tone for what an SUV should be. Add to that a few bonus points for being a royalty and celebrity favorite, enhancing the car’s prestigious image.

]]> Thu, 24 Aug 2023 12:49:17 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/review-the-2023-range-rover-lwb-sv-serenity/ The general thought around the Porsche Boxster for a long time was along the lines of what Kristen Wiig's character in Girl Most Likely says when she rear ends a guy. He yells at her saying "It's a Porsche." She responds with slight condescension, "Sir, that's a Boxster."

]]> Tue, 18 Jul 2023 11:44:13 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/review-2023-porsche-boxster-t/ For over a decade, Ford ruled the off-roading roost with the hardcore F-150 Raptor. But then, in 2020, Ram announced the TRX package for the 1500-class pickup truck and immediately stole the crown with a supercharged Hellcat V8 pumping out 702 horsepower. Ford obviously needed to respond, but first the company released a Raptor package for the new Bronco, which added standard 37-inch tires and a smaller version of the F-150 Raptor's twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V-6, to make the world's most hardcore off-roading SUV.

]]> Thu, 29 Jun 2023 16:47:12 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/ford-f150-raptor-r-off-road-better-than-ram-trx/ AMG has a long history of producing powerful sedans, and historically the S-Class has always been king. In 2023, Mercedes-AMG has a new flavor of the classic S 63, one that gets its power not just from turbocharging but from hybrid power, and even a little help from Formula One.

]]> Tue, 27 Jun 2023 22:05:16 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2023-mercedes-amg-s-63-e-performance-review/ SUVs are the most talked about vehicles in the automotive industry as of lately, and for good reasons. Hybrid and electric vehicle technology now allows the convenience and space of the larger vehicles, with the efficiency and performance of smaller vehicles. Now most automakers offer various SUV options, and Maserati is no different. In addition to the Maserati Levante we reviewed in 2022, the Italian automaker is now adding the all-new Maserati Grecale to their lineup. Maserati offers the Grecale in four trim levels: GT, Modena, Trofeo, and an all-electric Folgore. While the Trofeo is the obvious choice for buyers seeking a true performance SUV, the GT and Modena will most likely be the more popular models. We skipped the entry-level GT and test drove the 2023 Maserati Grecale Modena, the trim level we believe strikes a balance of performance and realistic MSRP (relatively speaking). The question is, can the Maserati Grecale Modena compete with the likes of the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, the BMW X3, and the Porsche Macan? The answer is both yes and no.

]]> Mon, 12 Jun 2023 12:35:15 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2023-maserati-grecale-modena/ The Lexus LFA is arguably the best car ever made. It has a cult following, is insanely rare, and featured ground-breaking firsts. The Lexus LC 500 is the evolution of that wall poster. It started turning heads in 2018 but has remained relatively unchanged. Last year Lexus updated the wheels, suspension, and stability control and this year they bring suspension enhancements as well as a new Cloudburst Gray paint for 2023. But is that enough?

]]> Mon, 08 May 2023 19:00:14 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/review-the-2023-lexus-lc-500h/ When it comes to electric cars, Tesla managed to own this market and take it by surprise. With their Model X, they were able to also redefine the SUVs in a world where EV is slowly becoming king. In a different field, German cars like Mercedes-Benz forever own the luxury cars market. Since the early days of automotive, Mercedes was successful in producing top quality vehicles in all shapes, forms, and price ranges. Today, we see SUVs like the EQS450 making a real dent in the all-electric SUV market. This vehicle does not only dominate Tesla in terms of quality and luxury, but it also makes for a rather strong case in terms of price range, starting roughly at around the Tesla Model X. The only problem is, the 2023 Mercedes EQS450 4Matic doesn't match the Model X in terms of performance. So, the question is, which is the better choice, and should you choose luxury over performance?

]]> Thu, 13 Apr 2023 17:00:13 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2023-mercedes-benz-eqs450-x4-review/ Are sedans dead? Have we rolled over into a new era of either coupés (as said by Jeremy Clarkson) or SUVs? Thankfully, brands like Lexus are still making the case for the tycoon saloon, especially with the 2023 Lexus LS500 AWD F Sport.

]]> Tue, 11 Apr 2023 16:00:15 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/the-2023-lexus-ls500-is-here-to-save-the-luxury-sedan/ Believe it or not, three years have already passed since the Porsche Taycan first came out. Since the Taycan’s launch, many manufacturers have also released their own electric cars, making EVs a must have in almost every marque’s line-up. Where Porsche’s Taycan made a difference has to do with the car’s engaging performance, contrary to the idea that EVs are not as fun to drive as petrol cars. Its recognizable design also helped make it one of the most desirable EVs ever since it first came out. So, the Taycan looks like a Porsche and drives like a Porsche, but as our knowledge and understanding of EVs evolved over the past few years, is the Porsche Taycan still as convincing today as it was when it first came out three years ago? Are real driving emotions truly felt? Can we really manage the Taycan’s range once we look past the good looks and performance? We took Porsche’s Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo for a drive, to find out more about this all-electric, high performance station wagon.

]]> Mon, 03 Apr 2023 19:00:15 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2022-porsche-taycan-turbo-cross-turismo-ev-benchmark/ Back in 2021, the UK-based EV conversion specialists Everrati made waves in the United States by announcing a new project aiming to electrify the iconic Ford GT40. Lost among the resulting outcry, many diehard Blue Oval fans clearly forgot that the GT40, itself, was originally something of a project car based on the Lola Mk6 GT from none other than the UK.

]]> Wed, 29 Mar 2023 18:00:15 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/everrati-porsche-964-ev-conversion-america/ The evolution of automotive technology allows us to decrease engine displacement, while increasing performance and capabilities. The terms "there is no replacement for displacement" is no longer true, thanks to forced-induction and hybrid technology. This is not to say larger displacement will yield less performance if coupled with forced-induction; however, the evolution of our car industry allowed us to return high performance while keeping displacement low to increase efficiency. The result is the 2023 Toyota Tundra. This is one of America's favorite pickup trucks, and it's now able to deliver high horsepower, high torque, and tow a great deal, all through a twin-turbo V6 engine with the help of a hybrid motor. The truck segment is saturated with great pickups, but we truly believe the Tundra is among the top of that list. We got our hands on a 2023 Toyota Tundra Capstone, the highest trim-level money can buy for this model. Here is how one of America's best-selling trucks does this day and age.

]]> Sun, 26 Mar 2023 16:00:15 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2023-toyota-tundra-capstone-i-force-max-review/ In spite of the popularity and reliability of the SUV market, everybody can appreciate an affordable luxury sedan. When it comes to realistically-priced four-door sedans that fall under the luxurious category, BMW, Mercedes, and Audi have been the go-to names. It's safe to say all three of these German automakers have gone through their ups and downs, often alternating between the top three positions in this segment. While BMW and Mercedes have gone through tremendous changes, Audi remained relatively consistent. This is true for design and the overall image of the European luxury brand. We've recently reviewed the Audi A3, and it delivered as an entry-level luxury sedan. We also reviewed the S3, which redefined the idea of "fun-to-drive." We stepped up from the A3, and got into the driver seat of the 2022 Audi A4 S Line 45 TFSI Quattro to see if it's worth the money, or if you're better off going with a BMW 330i or a Mercedes C-Class.

]]> Sat, 18 Mar 2023 17:00:15 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2022-audi-a4-s-line-45-tfsi-quattro-review/ When the Genesis name first entered the car world, it was merely the moniker of the flagship model of Hyundai’s mainstream lineup. Sure, it was different from the typical Azera or Sonata sedan, offering rear-wheel-drive and luxurious amenities, but other than that, what did the brand stand for? Was it just a luxurious Hyundai with a weird winged badge? Well, with the introduction of the GV70, we now know that Genesis is a well-rounded luxury brand that hits hard on value, driving engagement and luxury. The 2023 Genesis GV70 might be the most compelling luxury crossover on sale right now.

]]> Tue, 14 Mar 2023 17:00:14 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2023-genesis-gv70-review/ Electric cars have dominated the automotive industry. After Tesla changed the automotive world, automakers have been hustling to release hybrid and EV cars, while many of them are completely letting go of internal combustion engines. Kia has been staying up to date with the industry, offering many hybrid and EV options. The Kia Niro is one of their hot cars at the moment, which comes in a Hybrid, Plug-In Hybrid, and EV variations. We wanted to see if the 2023 Kia Niro EV Wave is as good as their EV6 we recently reviewed, or is it just another electric car trying to make it. With a high starting MSRP of nearly $40,000, and almost $45,000 for the Wave trim, this crossover SUV had to deliver with flying colors. We recently tested both the Chevrolet Bolt EV and the Bolt EUV, which come with a much cheaper price tag. So the Niro EV simply has to blow our minds to justify the additional dollars.

]]> Sun, 12 Mar 2023 17:00:14 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2023-kia-niro-ev-wave-review/ When we reviewed the 2022 Lexus NX 350 F Sport, it earned high marks for handling, power, and fresh styling. We didn’t love the mileage (don’t expect more than 28 miles per gallon), but Lexus has a solution for that. The 2023 Lexus NX 350h combines high-end amenities with improved fuel economy in a compact SUV that looks like an ideal commuter.

]]> Wed, 08 Mar 2023 19:00:14 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2023-lexus-nx-350h-review/ When you think of reliability, longevity, and reputation, two mid-size family sedans usually come to mind: the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord. Both of these have proved time and time again through best-selling numbers, credibility reviews, and years of problem-free ownership. While Toyota and Honda have been consistently dominating this market and its reputation, automakers like Kia and Hyundai have been packing their cars with as many features and design cues as possible to catch up. The Kia K5 and the Hyundai Sonata are two examples that are quite impressive and deserve to be competitive in this segment. The question is, can the Camry still edge these two platforms, and possibly the Accord, to retain its title? We got behind the wheel of a 2023 Toyota Camry SE Hybrid Nightshade Edition to see if it can.

]]> Mon, 06 Mar 2023 17:00:13 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2023-toyota-camry-se-hybrid-nightshade-review/ Though the concept of driving an SUV on a track might have seemed outlandish only a decade ago, Lamborghini's latest Performante doubles down on the already potent Urus platform with a more aggressive and wider body, more power, and a pivot to steel springs in place of the original super SUV's smooth air suspension system. The combination prompted Lambo to introduce the Urus Performante to the world on track at Vallelunga, in Italy, with a bit of circuit driving and a stint doing some rally drifting in the dirt.

]]> Tue, 28 Feb 2023 00:33:23 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/lamborghini-urus-performante-review-hardcore-suv/ For parents, the car-buying process can seem like an impossible task — and it’s even harder if you’re a car enthusiast. Whatever you buy needs to be safe like an armored truck, spacious like a work van, and comfortable like a luxury sedan. That narrows the candidate pool to full-size SUVs. If you ask the car to drive well, too, that’s an awfully tall order. If anyone is up to the challenge, it’s the handling gurus over at Mazda. Like a lot of the brand’s vehicles, the 2023 Mazda CX-9 flies under the radar.

]]> Sun, 26 Feb 2023 17:00:14 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2023-mazda-cx-9-signature-awd-review/ Even though the Acura ILX in retrospect wasn’t ever all that bad, it still wasn’t exactly the most loved vehicle. Thus, when Acura surprised a bunch of tipsy show goers during Pebble Beach 2021 with a cryptic teaser of a new Acura Integra, shown via a drone-powered light show in the night sky, the internet went abuzz with speculation. Fast-forward a little over a year and a half, the Integra is finally here, as Acura’s cheapest, smallest, and most nostalgia-inducing model. Based on the Honda Civic, the 2023 Acura Integra aims to be a compelling entry-level, luxury car with a touch of sport and an available manual transmission.

]]> Sun, 19 Feb 2023 15:20:13 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2023-acura-integra-review/ Whoa. Just whoa. From the features to the capabilities to the price tag, everything about this truck is big. GMC wowed us last year with the GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate as an ultra-lux construction-site workhorse and they raise the bar with this 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X.

]]> Thu, 16 Feb 2023 14:30:14 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2023-gmc-sierra-1500-at4x-review-rock-crawlin-jaw-droppin-seat-massagin/ I have been lusting after the Ferrari 296 GTB supercar ever since it debuted on the 24th of June 2021. When a 2022 Ferrari 296 GTB made a brief visit to my local Vancouver Ferrari dealership clad in mouth watering Rosso Imola livery, I was head over heals in love. In order to fulfill my desire to experience this magnificent machine, I had to make the journey south to California and the city of Los Angeles. Ferrari very kindly offered me four days and a 500-mile limit to explore the many wonders of the new Ferrari 296.

]]> Tue, 14 Feb 2023 18:04:13 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/ferrari-296-gtb-review/ With their power of bringing in precious revenue, rare are manufacturers that do not offer SUVs in their line-up. And even rarer are sports car manufacturers that have not entered the race to create the latest, fastest and most powerful performance SUV. Over the past few years, this sports SUV frenzy has only intensified and from performance figures to pricing, it has become harder for manufacturers to offer a model that stands out from the competition, leaving customers with all too similar SUV choices.

]]> Tue, 14 Feb 2023 17:00:14 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2022-jaguar-f-pace-svr-japan-review/ Hyundai has been generating a lot of buzz lately with hot-rodded cars like the Veloster N and Elantra N — and rightly so. Along with Kia, Hyundai has flipped the script on Korea’s antiquated reputation for unreliable cars. There’s more to the brand than its enticing N cars, though. The 2023 Hyundai Elantra Limited is taking aim at a more attainable segment: entry-level sedans.

]]> Fri, 10 Feb 2023 18:00:14 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2023-hyundai-elantra-limited-review/ You can call it a BMW Z4, a Toyota GR Supra, or whatever you feel, the 2023 Toyota GR Supra Manual is one of the funnest sports cars you can drive today, especially for under $60,000. Since 2019, the fifth generation Supra has been making news, with nearly no negative hits other than it's a collaboration with BMW. However, if the German collaboration is able to produce something this dedicated to car enthusiasts, then we need more of it. Since Toyota announced the return of the Supra, fans around the world took to social media and automotive media outlets to complain about the lack of a manual transmission. Toyota heard the cries for the third pedal loud and clear. We got behind the wheel of the 2023 Toyota GR Supra 3.0 Premium with the manual transmission to see if it can be even more fun than the automatic.

]]> Thu, 09 Feb 2023 17:00:14 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2023-toyota-gr-supra-30-premium-manual-review/ From the N-line racing program, to vehicles packed with standard features, to spinning off the entire fantastic Genesis brand, Hyundai has fans; and for good reason.

]]> Sun, 05 Feb 2023 17:00:13 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/review-2023-hyundai-santa-fe/ We live in an automotive world dominated by SUVs, hybrids, and EVs. With every other person on the road driving an SUV, automakers are competing with everything they got to get the edge. With competition like the Hyundai Santa Fe, the Honda Pilot, Subaru Outback, and Hyundai Palisade, the Kia Telluride certainly has its work cut out for it. However, we truly believe this is one of the best, if not the best, mid-size SUV on the market today. Whether you're looking for style, safety, functionality, or simply the complete package, the 2023 Kia Telluride may be one of the best choices for you. We tested the second-to-last trim level from the top, the Telluride SX-Prestige X-Line, and it's something special.

]]> Sat, 04 Feb 2023 18:00:14 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2023-kia-telluride-sx-prestige-x-line-review/ Cadillac is a brand that evolved from starring in AARP commercials to becoming the ride of choice in every 2000s rap video and MTV Cribs episode. Since their resurgence, Cadillac has been taking aim at the Germans and ending up back toward the top of buyers' shopping lists for good reason.

]]> Fri, 03 Feb 2023 18:00:14 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/full-review-the-2023-cadillac-xt4/ There are notable moments in automotive history that put smiles on millions of Americans' faces. For JDM fans, the introduction of the Honda Civic Type R in the states in 2017 was certainly one of them. While Toyota caused a bang when they announced the fifth generation Supra, which we reviewed and loved in 2022, it simply wasn't the same due to their BMW collaboration. The Civic Type R, however, is everything a JDM fan would want. It's a Japanese compact sports car with a turbocharger, and most importantly, it carries the iconic Type R badge that Americans couldn't get for decades. Fast-forward to this modern day, and Honda is already releasing its updated Type R in the United States. We had the chance to take the 2023 Honda Civic Type R for a week-long spin, and we think this is the best front-wheel drive ever produced.

]]> Sat, 28 Jan 2023 17:00:14 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2023-honda-civic-type-r-review/ In the world of large SUVs that can haul the entire family of seven or eight, tow a trailer or a boat behind it, and have some decent off-road capabilities, Toyota is always a player there. With the Toyota Land Cruiser leaving the scene after being a truly special SUV, its fans are only left with two Japanese options: the Lexus LX 600, and the Toyota Sequoia. Earlier in 2022, we reviewed the last V8 Toyota Sequoia ever, and it brought a lot of memories from first-gen Sequoia I owned, and my second-gen Tundra. The problem was that the Sequoia wasn't changing. This is no longer the case, and the 2023 Toyota Sequoia finally gets its first ever complete re-haul, including a new design, powertrain, and experience. Is this the best Sequoia ever? Is it truly a good replacement for the Toyota Land Cruiser? Is the Sequoia a better value than the Lexus LX 600? These are questions we can only answer when we spend some time behind its wheel, so we did, and we found out all of these answers.

]]> Mon, 23 Jan 2023 18:00:14 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2023-toyota-sequoia-platinum-review/ The Hyundai Veloster may have started Hyundai’s newfound sports-oriented party, but it left early when Hyundai decided that the entire model line wasn’t worth producing. It first started out small, just discontinuing the base and turbo trims of the quirky three-door, leaving the Veloster N hot hatch to serve as its lone sport hot hatch, at least in the US and Canada where we don’t get the i30N or i20N. Then, it introduced the Kona N and Elantra N and killed off the Veloster N in one fell swoop. But is the Elantra N the real deal? Is it, along with the Kona N, enough to fill the three-door hot hatch hole in our hearts? After a week with Elantra N, I think the answer is yes.

]]> Sat, 21 Jan 2023 18:00:14 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2023-hyundai-elantra-n-review/ Some cars need no introduction, and among the top of that list is the Mazda Miata. There are two groups that have strong feelings about the MX-5. One group absolutely loves it, and the other group can't stand it. The group that loves it feel so because of the Miata's lightweight chassis, playful driving characteristics, and the loads of fun you can have behind its wheel. The group that hates it feel so because it won't accelerate as fast as some of the two seaters out there, like the Toyota Supra for instance.

]]> Sat, 14 Jan 2023 19:00:14 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2022-mazda-mx-5-miata-grand-touring-review/ Lexus makes the IS for people like you and me. Unlike a BMW 3-Series, Lexus intends this Japanese toy to be a sports car that skews daily driver rather than track-attacker. Enthusiasts will remember the fan-favorite IS F from 2008-2014 with quad exhaust tips, wide-body design, and a hood bulge that screamed "I'm hiding something." Then the IS F disappeared and we all cried.

]]> Fri, 06 Jan 2023 18:00:14 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2023-lexus-is-500-f-sport-review/ When Toyota dropped off this GR86, I took about three glances at the shifter before realizing that the car arrived with an automatic transmission. As a holdout from an era of engaging drivers' cars, at least in my mind, the GR86 (as well as its Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ siblings) only came equipped with manual transmissions. Who knew!

]]> Wed, 04 Jan 2023 00:18:33 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/making-the-case-toyota-gr86-automatic/ Toyota introduced the sharply-styled fifth generation RAV4 in 2019 disrupting a mix of boring looking, rounded, grocery-getter crossovers. Clearly there is alot to love about the RAV4. It was a big hit, In fact, it became the best-selling vehicle (not just SUV) in the world.

]]> Mon, 02 Jan 2023 17:00:14 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/review-the-toyota-rav4-prime/ In today's automotive world, true car enthusiasts are simply struggling. Yes, we can get our acceleration from electric cars, better than any internal combustion engine, but we want raw driving experience. When Toyota released its Supra, which we recently reviewed, we were simply exhilarated. The only problem is, the Supra lacked some rawness to it. It is one of the best performers on the market today, but it's just too refined, unlike the all-new Nissan Z, which brings a more engaging experience. If there is one thing we know about Toyota, it's that they always offer something for everyone. This couldn't be more true with the introduction of the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla. We got our hands on the Circuit Edition for a week, and it's safe to say giving it up with a struggle. Here's why the GR (Gazoo Racing) Corolla is the hottest hatch in the world today.

]]> Wed, 28 Dec 2022 17:00:14 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/toyota-gr-corolla-circuit-edition-review/ Smoking or non-smoking? AM or FM? Manual or Automatic? Those were the choices people had to contend with just a few decades back. Now if you want a vehicle you have to ask: sedan, truck, SUV? Sub-compact, compact, cross over, full-size? Now, powertrains are just as confusing. Gas, Hybrid, Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), EV?

]]> Sun, 25 Dec 2022 18:01:11 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/volvo-xc90-recharges-our-excitement-on-the-ev-transition-full-review/ Back in the early-2000s, Mercedes-Benz owned 40% of the McLaren Group. Not many Americans might know that fact, however, if they only started watching Formula 1 after the popularity of Netflix's dramatic documentary series Drive to Survive. So when a joint project known as the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren arrived in the early-2000s, this combination German-British supercar sporting a supercharged V8 and rear-wheel drive in muscle car style probably caught the US market entirely by surprise.

]]> Fri, 23 Dec 2022 21:32:41 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/mercedes-benz-slr-mclaren-legendary-unicorn/ Luxury cars offer a completely different driving experience, and when you consider daily-driving, you start appreciating the advantages these higher-end cars provide. Things like safety features, smooth suspension, and quality material around the cabin can completely change the way you approach your drive to work. When it comes to luxury sedans, BMW, Mercedes, and Audi tend to dominate the conversations. There is no doubt all three automakers produce nothing but the finest, and our Mercedes E450 and S500 reviews are witnesses, and the same can be true about our BMW X1 review. We decided to see how luxurious is Audi's smallest, most affordable option: the Audi A3. Since we recently reviewed the Audi S3, we had to find out how the non-performance version would perform during our test. Here's what we think of the 2022 Audi A3 40 TFSI Quattro.

]]> Wed, 21 Dec 2022 17:00:13 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/audi-a3-40-tfsi-quattro-review-stylish-entry-level-luxury-sedan/ Forget everything you thought you knew about the Cadillac Escalade; this SUV is an absolute monster. The 2023 Cadillac Escalade V-Series is a game-changer for General Motors. In fact, it makes for quite the challenge to just about any SUV on planet earth. The V-Series does everything right, from complete luxury to vicious performance, and everything in between. All of these promises come at a huge price, however, both in terms of MSRP and fuel consumption. The question is, is the 2023 Cadillac Escalde-V good enough to justify a $150,000+ price tag? We drove it for a week to find out.

]]> Tue, 13 Dec 2022 18:01:17 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/cadillac-escalade-v-series-review/ If someone said, build your perfect SUV, you'd throw in things like: three rows of seats, large displays, strong engine, massaging/heated/ventilated/leather seats, powerful sound system, and maybe the ability to park it using the key fob. You'd also want it to be reasonably priced. Say around $50,000 fully loaded. Well, the 2023 Hyundai Palisade is exactly what you dreamed up.

]]> Tue, 13 Dec 2022 17:00:13 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/hyundai-palisade-review/ Long live the Toyota Tacoma, a bulletproof truck with everything you need and nothing you don't. The Tacoma proved ages ago that consumers still value simplicity and utility, though even diehard Toyota fans probably don't realize that the Tacoma still comes with a manual transmission option.

]]> Fri, 09 Dec 2022 21:33:42 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2022-toyota-tacoma-trd-pro-manual-review-manual-transmission/ Even as brands shift to higher-dollar crossover-heavy lineups, the old adage held by a few, behind-the-times folks who say “never buy the cheapest version of a luxury product, you’ll just be disappointed.” To them, a budget luxury car was something made by the manufacturer with contempt, developed in haste, a tiny, cheap vehicle. It would have never included any of the features that one would get in a so-called real example from a luxury brand. I’m not sure if that was ever true, but one thing’s for certain, the all-new 2023 BMW X1 is a real-deal, full-fat, whole BMW, complete with all the trimmings that you’d find in the lineup’s bigger, more expensive cars. It’s a good luxury vehicle, that just so happens to be the smallest and cheapest BMW one can buy.

]]> Thu, 01 Dec 2022 17:00:15 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2023-bmw-x1-review/ There are only a few sedans that can offer pure excitement behind the wheel. Some are well-rounded, like the Kia Stinger GT2, and others are outrageously expensive, like the Maserati Quattroporte Trofeo. Cadillac isn't usually a name you would associate with excitement. In the end, the luxury GM brand is a lot of things, but it's not thrilling. Well, unless you have the letter "V" in its model, then all of that is out of the window. Cadillac has managed to produce some of the most fun cars with their V-Series models, and we got our hands on one of them. This 2023 Cadillac CT4 V-Series Blackwing is one of the most exciting sedans on the market today, and best of all, it is relatively affordable.

]]> Wed, 30 Nov 2022 18:00:14 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2023-cadillac-ct4-v-series-blackwing-rwd-review/ Congrats, you have made it. You landed that sweet corporate gig and now it’s time for an upgrade in your garage. To showcase that you have done well for yourself, you need a ride that has a bit of luxury, and also a bit of a sporting edge – after all, this is HotCars – so, a bright red, turbocharged 2023 Audi S3, the brand’s smallest sporty luxury sedan, seems as though it would do the job quite nicely.

]]> Mon, 21 Nov 2022 17:00:13 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2023-audi-s3-review/ Every car person likes different aspects of a vehicle. While some may look for innovative design, others may seek comfort and luxury. There is one thing all car people can agree to, however, and that is performance. There has never been a case of a true car enthusiast that doesn't enjoy some acceleration. For the past 12 months, I've reviewed countless cars. Some were dedicated sports cars, some were luxury performance cars, and some were neither here, nor there. For this list, I've gathered my favorite five sports cars that I've reviewed in the past 12 months. This list only focuses on 2022 sports cars. So, stay tuned for our top sports cars of 2023 coming soon.

]]> Wed, 16 Nov 2022 18:00:13 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/favorite-performance-cars/ Is the Mazda CX-5 dead? It's Mazda's best-selling vehicle thanks to enthusiast-pleasing driving dynamics, just-enough-style, and value like standard i-Activ AWD across all trims. But Mazda has left it relatively unchanged since 2017, and it's showing.

]]> Wed, 16 Nov 2022 17:00:13 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2023-mazda-cx-5-review-its-great-to-drive-but-is-that-enough-anymore/ The Honda e is already two years old since its first release to the public in 2020. Though the initial excitement has slowed down for Honda’s fun and quirky EV, it still remains one of the more intriguing EVs on the market that offers something different from its competition. With dimensions equivalent to its petrol sibling the Honda Fit, Honda did not go the traditional SUV or sedan route that other manufacturers took. Instead, they took the compact car approach, making the e a dynamic and convenient car perfectly fit for the urban lifestyle. The e is full of surprises thanks to its state-of-the-art tech, its cosy interior and its simple yet memorable facia. Inside out, the e wants to upgrade the quality of your everyday life, yet somehow, it isn’t a car that you tend to see very often on the roads. But one thing’s for sure, the e is an EV that truly stands out from its competition as it offers something new in an industry where latest models have a tendancy to feel a little déjà vu, especially with the rise in the 2022 electric cars.

]]> Mon, 14 Nov 2022 21:00:16 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/review-honda-e/ When you review cars for a living, you come across a variety of different types, makes, and models. As car enthusiasts, we really love ourselves a fast car. However, not many can hate on a well-built luxury car. I've driven and reviewed a good number of 2022 luxury cars this year. Each one of these luxury cars bring a completely different experience. Some managed to combine performance with luxury, others gave us unmatched comfort, and a few were simply outrageous. Here are my top five favorite luxury cars that I reviewed in the last 12 months.

]]> Sun, 13 Nov 2022 17:00:13 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/favorite-luxury-cars-i-reviewed/ We are living in an automotive world where SUVs, hybrids, and EVs are most popular. Lexus has recognized that a while ago, slowly moving a large portion of their lineup to hybrid SUVs. We recently reviewed the 2022 Lexus NX 350, which felt like a small SUV, especially compared to the RX 450h that falls more under standard size SUVs. With 2023 models slowly hitting the roads, we had to get into Lexus' smallest SUV offering, the 2023 UX 250 h. This SUV feels like a combination of CUV and hatchback. The question is, does the UX drive more like an SUV, a hatchback, or is it stuck in a middle world where it's neither here nor there? Here's what we think of the 2023 Lexus UX 250h F Sport Premium.

]]> Fri, 11 Nov 2022 17:00:13 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2023-lexus-ux-250h-f-sport-premium-review/ When Volkswagen debuted its ID.4 electric crossover in 2021, there was one key complaint: performance. Following a string of updates in the past two years, the revised ID.4 now offers an optional dual motor variant that provides the sort of punchy performance and more usable range that buyers have come to expect from EVs. The big question is whether this bump in performance is enough to usurp some of the current bests in the segment, like the Kia EV6 or Hyundai Ioniq 5.

]]> Thu, 10 Nov 2022 18:00:13 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2023-volkswagen-id4-dual-motor-awd-review/ It’s no secret that the people at Jeep have had an eye on the premium SUV market for a while now. Call it market expansion or call it vanity, but the people at the top seem to crave a slice of the luxury-off-road pie that belongs to brands Land Rover, Lexus, and Mercedes. They certainly have the ability to chase that goal thanks to revenue from an endless demand for Wranglers and resources from Stellantis, the parent company that also owns Dodge, Ram, Chrysler, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, and Maserati.

]]> Sat, 05 Nov 2022 17:00:13 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2022-jeep-grand-cherokee-summit-reserve-4xe-review/ The idea of an SUV model not changing much for 13 years would be the source of criticism for just about any car. It takes a truly iconic vehicle to justify lack of evolution in automotive. The Toyota 4Runner is exactly that. This is a platform that barely changes over the years, but somehow, it keeps getting better while remaining relatively the same. For 2023, Toyota is celebrating the 4Runner's 40th anniversary, and allowing customers to celebrate with them with this 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition. This very unique 4Runner isn't all that different from the model we tested last year, but it will certainly be a collectible item soon.

]]> Sat, 05 Nov 2022 16:00:13 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2023-toyota-4runner-40th-anniversary-special-edition-review/ Beautiful? Ugly? Where do you stand? When BMW first showed the iX xDrive 50, it was revealed and reviled. Enthusiast forums lit up with people hating on the shape, the size, and of course those kidney grills large enough to warrant a visit to your doctor.

]]> Fri, 04 Nov 2022 17:00:12 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/heads-up-elon-the-2023-bmw-ix-m60-review/ If I told you to picture something that’s fire-engine red, all-wheel-drive, and does zero to 60 in 3.5 seconds, you’d probably imagine a Lamborghini launching from the Sant'Agata Bolognese factory like a fire-breathing dragon from its lair. I doubt you’d picture a crossover SUV that draws smiles and approving nods at your local organic grocery co-op, but that’s exactly what showed up in my driveway in the form of a 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT Performance Edition.

]]> Sat, 29 Oct 2022 17:00:13 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2022-ford-mustang-mach-e-gt-performance-edition-review-a-family-friendly-sports-car/ As the age of monstrously powerful internal-combustion engines comes to a close, a few companies continue holding onto the dying era with glee. Chevrolet, for one, just unleashed the world's most powerful naturally aspirated V8 in the Corvette Z06. And Lamborghini still sells both the Huracan and Aventador with screaming V10 and V12 engines, respectively.

]]> Fri, 21 Oct 2022 20:38:14 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/lamborghini-huracan-tecnica-track-toy-supercar/ Name a more iconic car than the Porsche 911. You can't. From the poster in your childhood (and maybe adult) bedroom, to starring in numerous movies (Bad Boys!), to breaking necks every time one drives by, it's the epitome of style and sport.

]]> Thu, 20 Oct 2022 16:30:14 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/the-best-porsche-ever-review-a-bone-stock-2022-porsche-911-carrera-gts/ A couple of months after Kawasaki loaned me a Ninja 400 ABS for my first motorcycle review, the choice of what to ride next loomed large. The Ninja provided a perfect intro to riding, but I definitely wanted to feel a bit more power and the chance to experience a new riding position. Enter Kawasaki's Z650RS, which marries retro styling with modern performance in an entry-level bike that slots well into a competitive market.

]]> Mon, 17 Oct 2022 20:33:15 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/kawasaki-z650rs-review-retro-modern/ For three straight years, BMW had won the grueling Paris Dakar, and when the starter’s flag dropped on the world’s toughest motorcycle rally in 1986, all eyes were on Gaston Rahier and his R 80 G/S. But Honda had been quietly developing a new desert slayer of its own. Piloted by three-time Dakar winner Cyril Neveu, the Honda NXR 780 dominated the desert stages and completed the 9,300-mile rally in first place. The desert had a new king, and the NXR would reign over the Dakar for the next three years. It would also be the template for a new production model that debuted in 1988, the Honda XRV650–better known as the Africa Twin.

]]> Fri, 14 Oct 2022 17:00:12 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2022-honda-africa-twin-adventure-sports-es-dct-review/ Kia has been going 100 mph, producing truly cutting-edge vehicles. Since the major company rebrand, the Korean automaker has placed itself as a true competitor to the Japanese legends in Toyota and Honda. We heard about the all-new 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid, and the design was enough to pique our attention. Among numerous impressive vehicles in their lineup, the Sportage is yet another proof that Kia is not the same as it once was.

]]> Fri, 07 Oct 2022 16:01:11 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2023-kia-sportage-hybrid-sx-prestige-awd-review/ Harley-Davidson has long been the king of North American motorcycle touring; the only question has been how close the competition is to emulating that success. The sea of baggers is becoming crowded, though, with legitimate contenders from Indian, Honda, and even BMW raising anchors and hoisting the Jolly Roger. In an effort to maintain dominance, Harley-Davidson turned to an unexpected place to make the Road Glide lineup more competitive: the race track.

]]> Thu, 06 Oct 2022 17:00:13 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2022-harley-davidson-road-glide-st-review/ Everyone has a story or a memory about the Ford Bronco. Sure there is OJ running from the cops down the 405 changing live news and courtroom dramas forever. Maybe you remember Arnold in Terminator 2 or Keanu in Speed both driving one. But usually there was someone in high school, at work, or down the street, who had a Bronco. They were the coolest person in a 100-mile radius.

]]> Sat, 01 Oct 2022 18:00:13 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/the-2022-ford-bronco-is-great-full-review/ We live in the world of EVs and Hybrids. Like it or not, this is the direction the automotive industry is heading. Thanks to forced-induction, now you can have a ton of performance, while maintaining acceptable fuel economy with the help of hybrid motors. Cars as large as the Cadillac Escalade during our last review was able to achieve up to 27 mpg. As car enthusiasts, however, we are having a hard time letting go of V8 engines. These large displacement engines have always represented performance and raw torque. The question is, can these remaining few V8s put up a good fight against engines like the Toyota Tundra's twin-turbo V6 hybrid? We test the 2023 Lexus GX 460 Black Line to see if its eight-cylinder engine can still make an argument, or if it's simply the time to evolve.

]]> Fri, 30 Sep 2022 16:00:13 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2023-lexus-gx-460-black-line-review/ In a surprising turn of events, the sport compact market appears to be absolutely thriving in a way that almost makes it feel as though the year is 2002 rather than 2022. There’s a new Civic Si, a new Golf GTI, a new Subaru WRX, but there’s another player in the game that we shouldn’t be quick to discount. Volkswagen has updated its venerable Jetta GLI, and VW might just be on to something with its latest “GTI with a trunk,” claiming it to be the most dynamically rewarding GLI ever made.

]]> Thu, 29 Sep 2022 18:00:13 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2022-volkswagen-jetta-gli-review-a-surprise-leader-in-the-sport-compact-segment/ Harley-Davidson made a big splash in 2021 with the Sportser S, a motorcycle fit for a comic book superhero. The American motorcycle manufacturer is now expanding its sport lineup with the 2022 Harley-Davidson Nightster, a more accessible entry point into the world of sporty, water-cooled Harley-Davidsons. At a starting price of $13,499, the Nightster should appeal to new and experienced riders. It’s supposed to scratch familiar itches and bring something new to the table at the same time. So, what is this motorcycle; a successor to the beginner-friendly Sportster, a challenger to the edgy Indian Scout Rogue Sixty, or a premium alternative to the budget-minded Honda Rebel 1100? I snagged one of the motor company’s test bikes for a week to find out.

]]> Tue, 27 Sep 2022 18:00:12 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2022-harley-davidson-nightster-review/ Audacious engineers have endeavored to build blowers into motorcycle engines from the moment forced induction became a thing. BMW and Brough Superior were among the pioneers of supercharging motorcycle engines, and a BMW Type 255 Kompressor won the Isle of Man TT in 1936. After WWII, the killjoys at FIM banned forced induction from road racing, effectively ending manufacturer development. Until the late ‘70s, when Kawasaki, whose H2 series of insane two-strokes had cemented a reputation for building outrageous machines, decided its flagship Z1000 needed an extra boost. The Kawasaki Z1R-TC, released in 1978, was the first semi-production turbocharged motorcycle. Modified by independent specialists, Turbo Cycle, the new Z-turbo sold through Kawasaki’s dealer network.

]]> Sat, 24 Sep 2022 21:00:12 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2022-kawasaki-ninja-h2-sx-review/ Everyone expected the new Bronco Raptor to absolutely crush all off-roading competition. But even if Ford exceeded those expectations and rendered the Wrangler all but obsolete, probably the most important question for potential Bronco Raptor owners to ask themselves was whether an SUV hopped up on big power gains and 37-inch tires might possibly drive well on-road, rather than off.

]]> Fri, 23 Sep 2022 20:32:56 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/ford-bronco-raptor-drives-on-road/ When I was a kid, I came home from camp and my parents asked me to get something from the garage. When I opened the door, a brand new 1997 Ford Expedition greeted me. It was huge, like Costco on wheels. Maybe because it barely fit into the garage, or because it replaced our two-door sedan which fit with plenty of room to spare, but either way, the Expedition instantly made a mark. My mom claims she picked it because there was finally enough space between her and my brother who sat in the passenger seat. I couldn't believe anyone needed a vehicle that big. It was shocking.

]]> Fri, 23 Sep 2022 16:00:13 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/the-surprising-2022-ford-expedition-full-review/ “Crossover” is such a loose term these days. Every automaker wants to get on the cash cow bandwagon, so they’ve put blocky noses and big shocks on their hatchback shapes, and pumped up the price a little bit. Now, plenty of automotive enthusiasts rail against them, citing compromised proportions and dynamics from a raised footprint. It isn’t wrong, but at the same time have you paid attention to some of the things automakers call “crossovers?” They’re hatchbacks with a tiny bit of cladding to fool customers into thinking they can traverse more than a well-kept hiking trail.

]]> Wed, 21 Sep 2022 17:00:10 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2022-hyundai-kona-n-review/ Welcome to my first motorcycle review after I recently earned my M1 license at California's Motorcycle Safety Program. Obviously, my expertise in the world of motorcycles now needs to expand but for the moment, I hope my experiences can help other new riders learn a bit more about what they can expect while honing their riding skills.

]]> Fri, 16 Sep 2022 20:31:57 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/kawasaki-ninja-400-abs-review/ Since the beginning of automotive-dom, there’s been an idea that every new lux competitor must ape what the German three are doing. Cadillac has wasted nearly two decades crafting their unique, but not very good, floaty front-wheel-drive land barges, into bona fide BMW bettering sports sedans that remain largely "unpurchased." Sure, the CTS and ATS might have been critical darlings, but did actual buyers care? (no.)

]]> Thu, 15 Sep 2022 17:00:12 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2022-acura-mdx-type-s-advance-review/ The Plymouth Road Runner is without a doubt one of the most legendary American muscle cars. Built between 1968 and 1980, the Plymouth Road Runner offered younger muscle car enthusiasts an affordable yet powerful option for them to get their hands on. In the late 1960s, muscle cars started to become out of reach for many buyers as their prices increased. American muscle cars were now available with far better features, but Plymouth decided to launch a base trim muscle car version, inspired by the Plymouth Belvedere GTX. The Plymouth Road Runner received a 383 V8 that could produce 335hp, while the optional 426 Hemi pumped out a massive 425hp.

]]> Thu, 15 Sep 2022 03:30:12 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/plymouth-road-runner-green-goblin/ The 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor is here. Or, more specifically, press loaners of the Bronco Raptor are here, since customers who put down pre-orders may still need to wait a long time to get their trucks. Ford built the so-called "Braptor" to take Jeep's Wrangler down a peg and reign as the undisputed king of hardcore factory off-roaders—but when the Blue Oval might be able to actually build enough Raptors to meet demand remains a serious question.

]]> Wed, 14 Sep 2022 20:49:58 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/driven-ford-bronco-raptor-hits-trail-hard/ There’s something about a stripped-down, no-nonsene bike that motorcyclists can’t get enough of. The infatuation extends beyond the hottest cafe racers we’ve found to minimalist cruisers that cut fenders short, drop seats low, and toss anything that’s not essential to the riding experience overboard in the name of the bobber aesthetic. Harley-Davidson has long been happy to oblige. To maintain its grip on the bobber market, though, the iconic manufacturer will have to trade punches with serious contenders like the Indian Chief Bobber, Triumph Bonneville Bobber, and Indian Scout Bobber. So, is Milwaukee still the epicenter of the bobber world, or has that honor moved on to Spirit Lake, Iowa, or Hinckley, United Kingdom? To see how the latest chopped-up cruiser performs, I grabbed the keys to a $15,349 (plus $450 for the Fastback Blue paint) 2022 Harley-Davidson Street Bob 114 and logged a few hundred miles of my own.

]]> Wed, 14 Sep 2022 18:00:12 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2022-harley-davidson-street-bob-114-review-this-is-pure-uncut-motorcycling/ The heavyweight touring motorcycle segment offers tremendous options. The Harley-Davidson Road Glide has been a staple in this category. We recently tested the 2022 BMW R18 Transcontinental, and we called it a true contender to Harley's biggest bikes. On the Indian Motorcycle side, the offerings have been nothing but impressive. We got the opportunity to test the 2022 Indian Pursuit Limited for an extended period of time. If you are a fan of large touring bikes, not only should you read this, you should probably go and buy one. The Indian Pursuit is one of the top bikes of its categories with no ifs, ands, or buts.

]]> Tue, 13 Sep 2022 16:00:12 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2022-indian-pursuit-limited-with-premium-package-review/ Despite the performance and popularity of sport-touring motorcycles like the BMW R 1250 RS, Suzuki GSX-1000GT, and Yamaha FJR1300ES, long stretches of American highways and back roads remain dominated by domestic cruisers from Harley-Davidson and Indian. Until recently, cross-shopping sport-touring bikes and cruisers was a matter of apples and oranges. Harley-Davidson aims to change that with the Low Rider ST, a bagger with a modern fairing and enough suspension travel to rip when super slab gives way to twisty mountain roads. To find out where this $21,749 bike lands on the spectrum between sport and touring, I grabbed the keys for two weeks and gave Milwaukee’s finest a thorough shakedown.

]]> Tue, 13 Sep 2022 16:00:12 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2022-harley-davidson-low-rider-st-review-the-motor-company-gives-the-people-what-they-want/ A little over a year after driving the latest base G80 BMW M3, I’ve finally had a go in its two-door sibling, the hardtop 2022 G82 BMW M4. They share the same engine, drivetrain, and platform, though the coupe fetches a tad more coin than the sedan and the dimensions are only mildly different—so why bother trying out the 4?

]]> Sat, 10 Sep 2022 17:00:12 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2022-bmw-m4-six-speed-manual-review/ Ever since Mercedes-Benz said its Goodbyes to the V6 naturally-aspirated engine and welcomed the turbocharged inline-six hybrid one, good things started happening. The new engine is now under the hoods of many Mercedes models, and somehow, it has completely different characters in each platform. Realistically, the Mercedes GLE 450 falls short in some areas, but it brings a lot to the table in terms of luxury, comfort, and value. We got behind the wheel of this 2022 Mercedes GLE 450 4Matic and took a long, long trip to see if it can maintain a smile on our faces, or if it's just another mid-size SUV.

]]> Sat, 10 Sep 2022 16:00:12 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2022-mercedes-benz-gle450-4matic-review/ Maverick is back. No, we are not talking about Mr. Cruise in his sequal/reboot summer blockbuster, which was awesome, by the way! We are talking about the 2022 Ford Maverick. The first standard full-hybrid pickup in the good ole' USA. But wait! Aren't pickup trucks in America supposed to be gas-guzzling, V8 power machines with the ability to tow a house and cubbies for your chewing tobacco?

]]> Fri, 09 Sep 2022 17:48:43 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2022-ford-maverick-review/ In 1924, long before the words dirtbike and motocross joined the English lexicon, an intrepid group of off-road pioneers organized what they billed as a ‘hare-scramble’ over the rolling hills of Surrey in England. One of the first official off-road motorcycle races would herald the new sport of scrambling and, with it, a new type of motorcycle. Across the UK and much of Europe, a motorcycle, modified or built for off-roading, became known as a scrambler.

]]> Thu, 08 Sep 2022 18:00:12 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2022-bmw-r-ninet-scrambler-review-style-over-substance/ If you haven't looked at the Sorento in a while, you may not recognize it. Longer, lighter, and stronger than the previous gen, it's wrapped in more value than Amazon prime! It's no surprise Kia has been hard at work in the past few years turning out fan favorites like the perfect family hauler Telluride and "how is this so good" Stinger GT.

]]> Mon, 05 Sep 2022 16:00:13 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2022-kia-sorento-review/ With the evolution of the SUV, we are now witnessing some of the most remarkable technological advancements in the auto industry. The fact that every major supercar brand offers an SUV now, including Ferrari, which is on the verge of revealing its own version of the SUV, we are indeed going to see a radical shift in the way we look at these vehicles. Aston Martin has the insane DBX707, which is also the self-proclaimed fastest SUV in the world. Porsche has the Cayenne Turbo and Lamborghini has the Urus – and let’s not forget the American-made Jeep Trackhawk as well. It seems that the SUV craze is only just beginning.

]]> Fri, 02 Sep 2022 17:00:12 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2022-maserati-levante-trofeo-review/ No, your eyes are not deceiving you, this handsome compact SUV with the iconic VW badge on it is not the new Tiguan, but, instead, an all-new model from Volkswagen called Taos.

]]> Wed, 31 Aug 2022 17:00:12 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2022-volkswagen-taos-review/ Italian luxury car manufacturer, Maserati, needs no introduction. With a heritage spanning more than 100 years, Maserati has a rich history of producing some of the finest cars and displaying incredible performance to leave a lasting impression in the world of motorsport. While a lot of that history included some major upsets, the Trident brand has withstood the ill fates of time. Today, Maserati is a part of Stellantis, and it seems like a good fit for the storied Italian car manufacturer.

]]> Wed, 31 Aug 2022 16:00:12 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2022-maserati-ghibli-trofeo-review/ The headline figures for the all-new 2022 Volkswagen Golf R will certainly turn a few heads. This humble hatchback does the 0-60 sprint in four seconds, and dispatches with the quarter-mile in just 12 seconds. A top speed governor limits you to a mere 155 MPH. Oh, and Volkswagen claims it’s the best handling Golf they’ve ever made.

]]> Sun, 28 Aug 2022 16:00:13 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2022-volkswagen-golf-r-review-the-ultimate-one-car-solution/ There used to be a time when only select automakers offered luxury vehicles. Throughout the years, technology continued advancing, and car manufacturers found ways to improve insulation, suspension, and the quality of materials, all while keeping the cost down. The result is numerous luxury vehicle offerings from most OEMs. Mercedes-Benz has been there from the start, offering the highest quality materials and the most luxury with no regards to cost. Well, some things just never change. We took delivery of the 2022 Mercedes E450 4Matic Cabriolet to see why this loner had an $88,650 price tag, and explain how Mercedes just knows what it's doing.

]]> Sat, 27 Aug 2022 17:00:13 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2022-mercedes-e450-4matic-cabriolet-review/ A unique cross-promotional event at Gunsite Academy in Arizona this summer put on by Glock, Nosler, Shoot United, and Yamaha Motorsports brought together a combination of journalists from the firearms, outdoor adventure, and automotive industries. As much fun as I had during the John Wick-style firearms training, my real job at Gunsite involved testing out every model in the Yamaha UTV lineup, highlighted by the high-performance YXZ side-by-side.

]]> Sat, 27 Aug 2022 01:05:06 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/yamaha-yxz-review-sequential-paddle-shifters/ In the United States, EV startups seem to be everywhere, but very few have funding substantial enough to allow for anything more than renders. So when a fresh-faced startup founded in 2017 announces that it's entering the U.S. market with a lineup of electric cars and a 2 billion dollar investment in a North Carolina manufacturing facility, there's no surprise that it attracts a great deal of attention. This automaker, seemingly shrouded in covertness to many consumers up until now, is VinFast.

]]> Thu, 25 Aug 2022 22:00:13 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2023-vinfast-vf8-review-vietnams-bold-entrance-into-the-us-market/ Every automaker has its signature halo car. For Lexus, it’s the LC 500. Mercedes’ is the AMG GT Black Series. Depending on who you ask, Land Rover’s is either the Defender 90 or the Range Rover. But for BMW, it’s something that’s a bit more modest, both in price and everyday commonality: the 3 Series.

]]> Wed, 24 Aug 2022 23:00:13 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2022-bmw-m340i-review-understated-value-filled-performance/ This past week at Monterey, almost exactly a year after I first filmed a ride with Lucid Air designer Derek Jenkins, I finally got the chance to hop behind the wheel of the EV with the world's best range rating. But first, Lucid invited me to the iconic hills of Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca for hot laps with Ben Collins, better known to much of the world as The Stig on the original Top Gear.

]]> Wed, 24 Aug 2022 20:39:08 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/lucid-air-grand-touring-review-the-stig-hot-laps-laguna-seca/ All new for 2023, the HR-V is Honda’s smallest compact crossover, that slots in below the popular CR-V, and is one of the least expensive ways to experience a new Honda product.

]]> Mon, 22 Aug 2022 22:00:13 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2023-honda-hr-v-review/ The SUV segment is perhaps the most competitive segment in the automotive industry. With a lot of manufacturers going the SUV route, it now takes a lot to stand out from the crowd. Whether you’re looking for luxury, looks, or capabilities, you now have 10 options for each instead of one or two. The real trick, however, is to build a well-rounded SUV that is as capable as it is good-looking, and most importantly, it must have the right price tag when it’s going up against numerous other SUVs. Honda believes in their Passport TrailSport and would put it up against any other SUV. We had to find out for ourselves, and here is what we learned about the 2022 Honda Passport TrailSport during our week of driving it.

]]> Fri, 19 Aug 2022 14:00:13 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/things-we-learned-after-driving-the-2022-honda-passport-trailsport-for-a-week/ What happened to pickup trucks? They used to have two doors, be affordable, and meant for hauling hay, watercraft, or passing down to your child as their first car. These days the pickup truck category has a wide swath of options. You can get a 700 hp Ram 1500 TRX, a fully-electric Ford F-150 Lightning, or an $80,000+ GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate.

]]> Tue, 16 Aug 2022 23:00:13 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2022-gmc-sierra-denali-ultimate-review/ Toyota and Lexus have been supporting each other for a long time. Afterall, they are the same company. When Toyota offers a platform, Lexus offers a luxurious version of said model, even sharing the chassis and powertrain across both Japanese brands. The Lexus LX 600 was the luxurious version of Toyota’s iconic Land Cruiser. The two worked together in harmony, offering everything you need in the Land Cruiser, and more than you need in the LX 600. Times have changed, however, and the end of the Land Cruiser marked an end of an era. This means the LX 600 is the only way to go if you want a Land Cruiser, or something that resembles it. If this isn’t pressure, we don’t know what is. With a few trim levels for the LX 600, we chose to test the most equipped version: the 2022 Lexus LX 600 Ultra Luxury. If you thought you knew luxury, wait until you see this.

]]> Sun, 14 Aug 2022 22:00:13 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2022-lexus-lx-600-ultra-luxury-review/ Faster-than-ever sports cars and supercars often tend to be the be-all end-all solution to a fun and thrilling driving experience in the current market. However, there are a few specific cars out there targeting niche audiences for those looking for something more unconventional. Meet the 2020 Caterham Super Seven 1600 from Caterham’s iconic Seven line-up. Though it may come as just another Seven, do not be fooled by its iconic looks as each Seven model responds to particular driver profiles.

]]> Fri, 12 Aug 2022 22:00:13 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2020-caterham-super-seven-1600-review/ GMC has updated their popular, entry-level Terrain SUV for the 2022 model year. This volume-seller from General Motors’ truck and SUV brand has a lot of tough competition, especially as consumers continue to move away from sedans, and flock towards mid-size crossovers and compact SUVs, like this one.

]]> Thu, 11 Aug 2022 23:00:13 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2022-gmc-terrain-at4-review-new-buyer-crossover/ There are certain vehicles that don’t get excuses or passes from auto journalists. When we reviewed the 2022 Kia Telluride, we claimed that it lacked some performance, but we still called it one of the best values in the SUV segment - we gave it a pass. When Cadillac delivered the 2022 Escalade Premium Luxury, I knew it was one of those vehicles that don’t get a pass. In addition to its high price tag, the Cadillac Escalade brings a legacy that leaves no room for compromise. Auto journalists will be looking for the smallest imperfections to complain about. So, I took delivery of this giant beast to experience how the Escalade has evolved over the years, if it can still be one of the most lavish SUVs on the market, if it can still be Hollywood’s favorite transporter, and most importantly, if the Escalade with the Diesel engine is as good as the V8.

]]> Thu, 11 Aug 2022 15:38:35 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2022-cadillac-escalade-premium-luxury-review/ Last summer at an event in Minnesota, Polaris first teased an all-electric version of the Ranger UTV. The previous two days had offered select media a chance to drive the company's full lineup of Sportsman quads, Ranger and General carts, and high-performance RZRs in various guises. But where each existing model received a largely expected round of upgrades and accessories, the all-new Ranger XP Kinetic demonstration probably represented the largest leap forward for the UTV industry in years.

]]> Thu, 04 Aug 2022 20:31:42 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/electrification-polaris-ranger-kinetic/ The BMW K 1600 range can trace its roots back to the four-cylinder K 100 series of the 1980s, affectionately known as the ‘Flying Brick.' Famed for their opposed twins, the Bavarian firm wanted a smooth, powerful, liquid-cooled power plant to compete with Honda’s GL1000 Gold Wing, and a horizontally-mounted four-cylinder concept became the basis for their new model. The series took on a new trajectory in 1989 with the release of the fully faired K 1100 LT. With matching luggage and pillion comforts, there was no mistaking its purpose as a two-up tourer. The luxuriously appointed K 1200 LT, which debuted in 1997, would be among the most popular heavyweight tourers until production ended in 2008.

]]> Tue, 02 Aug 2022 23:00:13 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2022-bmw-k-1600-gt-review-the-nimblest-of-heavyweights/ The first time many of us remember seeing a Toyota pickup truck was Marty McFly's awesome SR5 in "Back To The Future." Shiny. Black. Beautiful. Even the rendering of a modern version created a lot of buzz. Ever since then, the American-made mid-size Tacoma (evolution of the SR5) has been the poster child for the rebel with a heart.

]]> Mon, 01 Aug 2022 23:00:13 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2022-toyota-tacoma-sr5-trail-edition-review-your-new-favorite-truck/ Kia has been on fire lately. After decades of having the reputation of being the affordable Korean manufacturer, Kia completely changes the narratives with one vehicle after another that can truly compete with cars way above their segments. Kia offers a lot of models, and whether you’re looking for a hatch, a sedan, an EV, or an SUV, they have it. Today, we will be focusing on the 2022 Kia Forte GT; not their smallest sedan, but their compact one. The Kia Forte GT is a direct competitor to the Honda Civic Si, which is a huge statement. The question is, does the Forte GT stand a chance against the legendary Si?

]]> Sat, 30 Jul 2022 22:00:13 GMT https://www.hotcars.com/2022-kia-forte-gt-review-a-great-daily-with-a-better-price-tag/