Driven Car Reviews

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Ford Mach-E GT is the Fastest Mustang Mortals Can Buy. No V8. No Apologies. Jun 26, 2026

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The Mustang Mach-E is the quickest Mustang money can buy (unless you have the funds for a GTD). Unleashing 480 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque (or 700 lb-ft with the $995 Performance Upgrade), GT's standard dual-motor AWD snaps off 0-60 runs in 3.3 seconds. This electric SUV/hatchback/Mustang adjacent machine accelerates most with the best. It goes around a corner impressively too.

In this full review, I check out the 2025 Mach-E GT (2026's are pretty much the same) in classic Pacific Northwest rain.

The Automaker That Takes Design Very Seriously? Kia. Surprised? Here's Why... Jun 25, 2026

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Think great automotive design is only for high-end luxury and performance vehicles? Not necessary. Starting 20 years ago after stealing Peter Schreyer from the Volkswagen Group, Kia has quietly built an impressive portfolio of original award-winning automotive design. Tom Voelk travels to Milan, Italy for Design Week 2026 to show how the company is serious about staying true to its concept car designs. Kia's Global Head of Design, Karim Habib (formerly of BMW, Infiniti and Mercedes Benz) offers interesting insight, stuff you may not have thought about when it comes to the way your car looks. Plus, a close look at the Vision Meta Turismo concept.

Tom was attended a Hyundai/Kia event to produce this story. All editorial content is his own opinion.

A New Car for Under $24,000? Check Out the 2026 Nissan Sentra. Jun 23, 2026

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Can't afford luxury transportation? The new 9th generation Nissan Sentra offers the luxury of transportation, starting at $23,845 (yup, with destination). That's something of a unicorn in today's new-car market.

Tom Voelk checks out a fully loaded SR at just under $32K, but know that all Sentras come with the same engine, transmission, and suspension. For buyers that need the peace of mind a new car with a warranty brings, Sentra might be the answer. Of course, there are others to cross shop- Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Kia K4, Mazda3, Toyota Corolla and Volkswagen Jetta. Pro tip, a loaded SL is the sweet spot at $29,235.

The Good (And Bad?) of Living With a Used Porsche Taycan 4S For 9 Months Jun 03, 2026

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By popular demand, here's my 9-month ownership update on my Certified Pre-Owned Porsche Taycan 4S. After three quarters of a year of daily driving, road trips, software updates, recalls, accessories, and real-world EV living, I'm sharing what it's actually like to own a used Taycan. This can be applied to many EVs.

I spent over three months searching for the right car because while a used Taycan is a bargain compared to new, it's still serious money. This is the most expensive car I've ever bought and I wanted to know if it would live up to Porsche expectations long-term.

2027 Hyundai IONIQ 3 Brings Fun, Practicality and the Art of Steel… to the Rest of the World Jun 03, 2026

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The new 2027 Hyundai IONIQ 3 has a lot going for it. It's affordable (starting at €30,000), roomier than a car this size has any right to be, and debuts Hyundai's new Art of Steel design language. But Americans will look longingly at it from across the pond since it's (for now at least) not coming the Land of the Free. Though parts of it, like the new design approach and the Android Automotive-based Pleos Connect infotainment system will show up on our shores. Tom Voelk travels to Milan, Italy for Design Week to check out what we in the U.S. can't have.

Tom attended a Hyundai sponsored event to produce this video. Opinions remain his own.

2027 Hyundai IONIQ 3 Brings Fun, Practicality and the Art of Steel… to the Rest of the World Jun 03, 2026

Show notes

Tom attended a Hyundai sponsored event to produce this video. Opinions remain his own.

2026 Jeep Cherokee Is Back... as a Hybrid May 29, 2026

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Built on Stellantis' new STLA Large platform, the all-new Cherokee is now hybrid-only. My how it's grown! It's aiming squarely at heavy hitters like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Honda CR-V Hybrid, Hyundai Tucson, and Kia Sportage. With standard all-wheel drive, significantly improved fuel economy, and a smooth hybrid system, it's clearly targeting mainstream buyers—not just off-road enthusiasts. And it's very roomy.

2026 Jeep Cherokee Is Back... as a Hybrid May 29, 2026

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The 2026 Trailseeker is the Perfect Subaru For High Gas Prices May 25, 2026

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The new Subaru Trailseeker has Outback practicality, EV efficiency, and enough off-road credibility to handle the forest service roads you and your dog will point it at.

In this full review, I break it all down- performance, range, charging, interior tech, and how it compares to its twin—the Toyota bZ Woodland. Yes, they share a lot. But Trailseeker might be the smarter buy.

With standard AWD (hey, it's a Subaru), 375 horsepower and a starting price under $46,000 (about the same price as an Outback), this is the quickest Subaru you can buy right now. But is it the best one for everyday drivers?

If you're considering an EV but still want Subaru practicality (and room for the dog), this might be the one to watch.

The Hyundai IONIQ 6 N Turns it Up to 11 Feb 05, 2026

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Hyundai has made it official- the IONIQ 6 N is coming to the North American market in late spring / early summer of 2026. Is it one better than the legendary 5N? There's certainly reason to believe that. 6N gets upgraded performance electronics and a new suspension for a lower center of gravity. Plus it's more aerodynamic. Tom Voelk travels to Hyundai Design North America in Irvine, CA to talk to Hyundai's Michael Evanoff to discover what's different when it comes to the high-performance IONIQ 6N.

Hyundai provided travel to California for this video.

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