Driven Car Reviews

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2025 Acura ADX A-Spec AWD is Big News in a Small Package Apr 02, 2025

Show notes

People want refinement, style, comfort, utility and pride of ownership out of a car. Acura offers up the all-new ADX compact crossover. Starting at $36,350 with shipping, it undercuts Audi Q3, BMW X1, Lexus UX, Mercedes GLA and Volvo XC40 on price but delivers on features. It's the entry level SUV that Acura has needed for a while. Tom Voelk travels to the San Diego, CA region to test out an ADX A-Spec Advance AWD in Urban Grey paint to see if the "Integra of crossovers" has a winning formula.

Tom attended an Acura sponsored event to review the ADX. Opinions remain his own.

2025 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV is the Best One Yet Jan 17, 2025

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Chevy's Equinox is one of the most popular crossovers in class. For 2025 it gets a major overhaul with a new rugged approach to design. Simply put, it's a sizable improvement over the outgoing generation. Tom Voelk checks out a lightly optioned all-wheel drive ACTIV version with it's General Grabber all-terrain tires and finds it doesn't take a lot of extras to make it a solid competitor. And yes it has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Life With Hyundai IONIQ 5 N Jan 13, 2025

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Hyundai's IONIQ 5 N is brilliant on the race track. Does that mean a punishing and high-strung dynamic during everyday driving? Maybe not. Tom Voelk snags one for a week to see if the range, charge speed and utility are ready for family hauling when not chewing up a raceway. This is after all, on Tom's short list of cars to buy.

The Best Vehicles of 2024 Jan 09, 2025

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Here's my Top 11 List for 2024 folks, the cars, trucks and SUVs that I feel offer value, design, utility and innovation. It's hard to narrow down, competition is fierce. But here ya go. Happy New Year! It's going to be interesting…

2024 Lincoln Nautilus is More Than Just a Huge Screen Nov 01, 2024

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Lincoln's Nautilus is new for 2024 and the big news is a huge screen. 4 feet wide, it dominates the interior. Does it work or is it just a gimmick? Tom Voelk checks out a loaded AWD Reserve III trim with the turbocharged 4-cylinder engine ($1,500 buys the more powerful hybrid powertrain). The display is impressive but hardly the only thing to like about this 5-seat SUV.

2024 Hyundai Kona Electric Gets More Room and Style Oct 30, 2024

Show notes

Like the first-generation Hyundai Kona, gen two is available with gas and all-electric powertrains. Bigger, roomier, more refined and quicker to charge now, Kona Electric should be more appealing to more buyers. Make sure you buy the right model though since the SE's battery and motor are different. Tom checks out a loaded $42,440 Limited model at an event in Monterey, CA. He figures the sweet spot is the SEL that retails for some four grand less.

Tom attended a Hyundai event for this review and spent limited time with the Kona Electric. He opinions remain his own.

2024 BMW i5 eDrive40 is Ultimate Stealthy Refinement Oct 29, 2024

Show notes

Premium vehicles are all about sophistication. It's a good argument for the BMW i5, a fully electric 5 Series. Packed with tech, refinement and a dollop of Ultimate Driving Machine dynamics, electrification might be the best way to experience the 5 Series (though ICE and PHEV version are available). People admiring the design may be oblivious it's missing a gas powertrain. It's just that subtle. And no trips to the gas station. Tom Voelk checks out a rear-wheel drive eDrive40 model.

2024 Hyundai Elantra N is Big Affordable Fun Oct 28, 2024

Show notes

Want enthusiast grade driving dynamics at a reasonable price? Hyundai offers bang-for-the-buck with the Elantra N. Upgraded for 2024, there are some real changes that make it a better car, things like improved brakes and forged aluminum alloy wheels. And at just under $35,000 it's fully loaded with grippy sport seats, adjustable suspension and Bose sound. And yes, there's a 6-speed manual. Tom Voelk checks it out on an autocross course at WeatherTech Laguna Seca.

Tom attended a Hyundai sponsored even for the review. Opinions are his own. Accuracy is important.

2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N is a Tire Shredding Machine Oct 26, 2024

Show notes

Hyundai's IONIQ 5 N is equipped with N Drift Optimizer. In the hands of N Brand Vice President JooN Park, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 tires are shown no mercy. Watch as he obliterates the rear rubber in short order. For now, full driving impressions of the IONIQ 5 N are under embargo, but I'll be sharing my experience at Weather Tech Laguna Seca soon. A hint? It's a must see. Subscribe and click notifications so you don't miss it.

2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Limited AWD is Sleek and Sixy Oct 23, 2024

Show notes

Hyundai's all-electric Ioniq 6 has racked up dozens of awards and accolades. It's fast, rides well, charges quickly and wears daring Streamliner design sheetmetal. If you're looking for a curvy EV with the most squares, this is your sedan (and you don't see many 4-doors these days).. Tom Voelk snags one from Hyundai for a week for a full shakedown and finds it be one of the most enjoyable electric sedans on the market.

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