Driven Car Reviews

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2026 Chevy Traverse Z71- Big Space. Big Tech. 4-Cylinder Engine? Feb 05, 2026

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The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse competes in crowded 3-row family SUV segment. It goes up against heavy hitters like Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Toyota Grand Highlander, Hyundai Palisade, and the upcoming second generation Kia Telluride. Traverse delivers huge space, solid comfort, good tech, and the option of GM's excellent Super Cruise. There is that turbo 4-cylinder sound though.

In this review, I cover the off-road flavored Z71 that lands at $57K as tested. Here are positives, drawbacks, real-world comfort, cargo room, tow ratings, and whether the turbo-four delivers enough grunt (and grace) for a big family hauler.

Hyundai Crater Feb 02, 2026

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Honda Prelude is Back With a Retro Name and a Forward Attitude Jan 29, 2026

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After missing in action for over two decades, Honda Prelude returns as a performance 2+2 with a hybrid powertrain. Scheduled to hit showrooms in late 2025, the 2026 Prelude gets Civic Type R's dual-axis strut front suspension, four-piston Brembo aluminum front calipers, and an adaptive suspension. Linear Shift Control simulates cog swaps plus there's a new S+ Shift mode. Tom Voelk previews Honda's grand touring-oriented sport hybrid.

2026 Cadillac Escalade IQ is All-Electric Luxury Done The American Way Jan 26, 2026

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There's nothing quite like the 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQ. Fully electric, it slays range anxiety with an EPA-rated range of 460 miles and can take on 100 miles of travel in just 10 minutes. Efficient? No. The IQ achieves its mission the good old fashioned American way- throw a lot of resources at it (the pack is rated at 205kWh for starters). It's large, it's heavy and it's polarizing. But darned if it isn't impressive. Tom Voelk checks out a Premium Sport trim dipped in Deep Space Metallic paint and Harbor Blue cabin. At 155 grand as tested it's a pricey machine, but easily half the price of a Celestiq for the glass half full crowd.

First Look! The All-New 2027 Second Generation Kia Telluride! Jan 22, 2026

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Hard to believe it's been some six years since the Kia Telluride hit the scene. Apparently internally, it's been known as the "Selluride" since it's such a hot commodity, dealers can't keep them in stock, even though production has been increased every year since it's launch. It's been a huge win for Kia and has helped to reset the brand's image. So gen two is very important.

2026 6th Generation Toyota RAV4 Goes All Hybrid All the Time Jan 19, 2026

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The new 2026 Toyota RAV4 leaves the ICE powertrain behind to go fully hybrid, both traditional HEV and plug-in hybrid with up to 52 miles of all-electric range. Plus there's a new performance version, the GR Sport with RAV4's most potent powertrain ever. Tom Voelk travels to Phoenix, AZ to drive three different flavors of the 6th generation RAV4, the Limited HEV, the off-road oriented Woodland with PHEV power, and PHEV-only GR Sport.

Would I Do it Again? 6 Months With a Used Porsche Taycan 4S. Jan 15, 2026

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Automotive writers drive a lot of vehicles. I was so smitten with the Porsche Taycan, I saved up my pennies and bought a 4S (what I consider the sweet spot). Buying used meant it was affordable, as Porsche go. CPO Taycans can be over 50% off. So, how's that high performance EV thing working out? Here's what's happened over the last 6 months.

All New 2026 Nissan Leaf is Improved in Every Way Jan 12, 2026

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The Nissan Leaf was an EV pioneer but it's been long in the tooth for years. The all-new third generation is improved in every way with up to 303 miles of range, faster charging speed and a liquid cooled battery pack. Plus NACS! It's affordable, starting at under $30,000. Tom Voelk and Autoblog's Cole Attisha check out a loaded Platinum + trim with features found only on premium vehicles just a few years ago. It's not overly fast, but it is a quiet comfortable cruiser with new found style.

Best Vehicles of 2025! The Driven Top 11 List! Jan 02, 2026

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Automotive writer Tom Voelk drove over 100 vehicles in 2025. What are his favorites? These 11, a wide mix of cars, trucks, and SUVs with ICE, hybrid and EV powertrains. Here's Tom's year in review as he goes over what he enjoyed the most. Many of these are finalists for the North American Utility, Car and Truck of the Year Award. And many are affordable with nearly half available under $40,000 well equipped. Though a few crest well over $100K.

2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV SS is Roomy Rapid Transit Nov 07, 2025

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Some sporty vehicles are more show than go. The 2025 Chevy Blazer EV SS earns its performance letters. With dual motor AWD, it delivers up to 615 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. That should get the kids to school. And the enhanced suspension keeps it under control without a punishing ride. Tom Voelk travels to North Carolina and the Ten Tenths Motor Club in the shadow of Charlotte Motor Speedway to check out the SS on road and track. And welcome Tedward to the drive!

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