Driven Car Reviews

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2025 Q6 e-tron quattro Ups Audi's EV Game May 17, 2025

Show notes

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.

The Right Tires Can Save Lives. Here's How They're Tested. May 15, 2025

Show notes

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).

2025 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek is Dressed to Fashion Conditions May 14, 2025

Show notes

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?

Driven! The new 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Sport and Trailhunter May 13, 2025

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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.

2025 Nissan Murano Platinum Bumps Up Against Luxury Competitors May 12, 2025

Show notes

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.

I Bought a High-Performance EV. The Deals Are Incredible. May 06, 2025

Show notes

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?

2025 Chevy Trax is Affordable Transportation Done Right May 05, 2025

Show notes

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.

Genesis Unveils the Magma Racing GMR-001 Hypercar! Apr 27, 2025

Show notes

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.

The Genesis X Gran Equator Concept Should Be Built Right Now Apr 27, 2025

Show notes

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.

Tour the 2025 New York International Auto Show Apr 27, 2025

Show notes

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.

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