Driven Car Reviews

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2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid is Gas/Electric Power for the Faithful Nov 03, 2025

Show notes

Subaru owners are a loyal bunch but to get a hybrid powertrain, the faithful had to move to a different brand. The 2025 Forester Hybrid rights that wrong. Yes, it had some help from part owner Toyota, but there's a lot of Subaru under the hood. The Boxer engine remains. So does Symmetrical all-wheel drive (because even more than love, it's what makes a Subaru a Subaru). How's the power and efficiency? Is it still a decent off roader? Tom Voelk looks at those things plus a whole lot more as he checks out a loaded top-trim Touring trim.

Jeep Cherokee is Back With Hybrid Power for 2026 Oct 31, 2025

Show notes

It's been a few years since Cherokee cast a shadow in Jeep showrooms. Coming in late 2025, the 6th generation rights that wrong. Powered by a turbocharged 4-cylinder hybrid making 210 horsepower, it should average 37 miles on a gallon of gas. Bigger and roomier (30% more cargo room for starters) it gets a square-jawed design for those that loved the original look. Tom Voelk previews the 2026 Cherokee that looks to take on RAV4, CR-V, Tucson, and Sportage.

The Ford Maverick Lobo is Party up Front, Business in Back Oct 27, 2025

Show notes

If the mullet is business in front party in the back, the new 2025 Ford Maverick Lobo reverses that. It's a sportier version of Ford compact trucklette. The 4 ½ foot bed will help to get the chores done. For a good time on twisty roads Lobo gets a specially tuned suspension, dual clutch torque vectoring rear differential and specific Lobo drive mode for tight autocross courses. Tom Voelk checks out a well-equipped model that MSRPs for some $43K. Yeah, Maverick isn't the bargain it once was.

2025 Polestar 3 is the SUV the Young Brand Needs Oct 24, 2025

Show notes

Fast, nimble and sleek, Polestar 3 is a much-needed addition to the 2 that's been Polestar's only real offering since 2020. Pricing starts at $68,900 for a rear-drive model with 350 miles of E.P.A.-rated range. Tom Voelk checks out a top spec dual-motor AWD Long Range version with the Plus and Performance Packs, retailing for $91,800 before any government tax incentives or Polestar spiffs (keep an eye out for generous enticements from Polestar). Thinking of an Acura ZDX, Audi Q6 e-tron, BMW iX, Cadillac Lyriq, Genesis GV60, Lexus RZ, Mercedes EQE or Porsche Macan EV? Put the 3 on your test drive list. Just make sure you're comfortable with the interface.

2026 Honda Passport TrailSport is the Real Deal Oct 20, 2025

Show notes

There are dozens of SUVs to choose from. Some coddle the family at the expense of off-road performance. Others can tackle Moab but punish drivers on the pavement heading there. The new 4th generation Honda Passport TrailSport is the sweet spot, offering traction on tough trails and comfort in the concrete canyons (you know, where most miles are driven). It's not an extreme boulder crawler but in many ways it's the goldilocks SUV. Tom Voelk and Martin Campbell take it on and off road and find it might be the perfect vehicle for family adventures.

2025 Toyota Crown Signia Limited Bumps Up Against Lexus Oct 16, 2025

Show notes

Cars are transportation, right? Getting from point A to B. They're also status symbols, pop culture icons, sculpture, engineering, plus environmental and political touchstones (as Elon is finding out). Crown Signia replaces Venza in Toyota's SUV portfolio, in the same way the Crown sedan nudged Avalon aside a few years back. Crown has been the Big T's premium machine going back to the 1950's, just absent from US roads since the 60's.

The AFEELA is a Sony. And a Honda. With Some Help From Amazon. Oct 14, 2025

Show notes

Apple may have abandoned plans for an electric vehicle but Sony is forging ahead. Reservations for the Sony Honda Mobility AFEELA should begin in 2025 with deliveries expected in 2026. Powered by Amazon AWS cloud technology, AFEELA is stuffed with tech, both ADAS and entertainment. Options include music and movie streaming plus remote PlayStation gaming from your home PS5 (hey, it's a Sony). Tom Voelk gets a preview as it rolls through Seattle on a west coast tour. And learn where the AFEELA name comes from! This is a pre-production prototype, many things may change on production vehicle.

The Tesla Supercharger Network is Opening to All EVs. Here's How it Works. Oct 09, 2025

Show notes

For years, the Supercharger network was a singular reason to buy a Tesla over other brands of electric vehicles. With loads of locations and a reputation for reliability, it's been the charging provider to beat. Now Musk and Company are opening it up to other manufacturers like Ford, GM, Hyundai, and Kia. Tom Voelk loads the Tesla app into his phone and takes the new Volvo EX30 to a Supercharger station to check out the experience. Adapters are needed (unless you're at a Magic Dock terminal). Tom uses a Lectron NACS to CCS Vortex Electric Vehicle Adapter that's rated to 500 Amps / 1,000V. He also explores the Level 2 Tesla Destination Chargers found at hotels and restaurants using the Lectron Tesla to J1772 EV Charging Adapter. FYI, you'll need both to cover your bases.

Tom originally purchased these adapters for personal use. Afterwards, Lectron reached out and provided sample units for testing.

The 2025 Volvo EX30 Twin Motor is Fast, Furious and Minimalistic Oct 09, 2025

Show notes

Looking for a compact machine to rule the city? Volvo's EX30 is the perfect tool. The brand might be known for safety, but the all-electric EX30 with Twin Motor power is a pocket rocket, the fastest accelerating Volvo ever. Built on Geely's Sustainable Experience Architecture (or SEA) it's E.P.A. rated at 253 miles as tested. Tom Voelk checks out a loaded Ultra Twin Motor model and finds a fun runabout that could use a few hard controls. Get used to saying "Hey Google". A lot.

15 Vehicles. 15 Auto Writers. Which Car Wins 2025 NWAPA Drive Revolution? Oct 09, 2025

Show notes

Take 15 vehicles, 15 automotive writers and two days of testing and you have Drive Revolution. Put on by the Northwest Automotive Press Association (or NWAPA), it's a competition to find the best ICE, HEV and BEV vehicles. NWAPA members also vote on best value and choose the NWAPA Drive Revolution Vehicle of the Year.

Here's the list of competitors-

2025 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack

2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT

2026 Genesis GV60

2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 Calligraphy Design

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy

2025 Jeep Wagoneer S Limited

2025 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD

2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX-Prestige AWD

2025 Lucid Air Pure

2025 Mazda MX-5 Club

2025 Polestar 3 Dual Motor

2025 Toyota GR Corolla Premium Plus

2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Nightshade

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line 4MOTION

2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz 1st Edition

Special thanks to the manufacturers that took the time to bring their vehicles and representatives to Ilani Casino Resort in Ridgefield, WA. Special thanks to the staff of DriveShop and Page one for logistics and organization. A shout out to John Vincent, Nik Miles, J.R. Chocco, Bengt Halvorson and Kristen Brown for their support.

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